If you open the bottom plate of the STECS you can remove the piece that makes the "flaps lever" a three way switch and turn it into an axis - you need to do some work in the DevCfg too. VKB has instructional videos for this.
Got my STECS 8 month ago and luv it. Concerning the grip base and access to the three adjustable dampening screws... As soon as I opened the package I would make a template of the base plate with cardboard and mark the best location to drill access holes in the baseplate by punching holes in the right spots and use the template to mark the hole positions then drill them. 5 min job.
I've always been very happy with VKB. Their prices aren't bats**t crazy, it holds up very well in my experience, and they have a pretty awesome level of customization, and I've found their customer service to be very responsive and helpful. I've got a pretty healthy collection of their stuff. My next purchases will probably be an STECS throttle and the WWII GNX rig. At some point I will probably upgrade to a GFIV, but my GF1 is still kicking along just fine. The only downside is that finding grips for it is basically impossible now. But as I have the MCG Pro and the KG12, I have all I really need anyway. I do have twin EVO sticks, with left and right Space Combat Pro grips like the one you have here. One is set up vertically, and the other is in the omni throttle config. I found grip installation to be pretty simple. The only thing that you can really goof up is if you go gorilla on it and don't put the wire in correctly or strip out the plastic as you mentioned. About the only real complaint I can come up with is having to remove the base to tweak the damping. On the other hand, it's not something I'm likely to putz with once I have it where I want it. As for that mystery plate you mentioned, it's for locking out the X-axis if you intend to use the stick as a single axis throttle.
Can't speak for the throttle but I do love my VKB Gladiator Evo left sidestick. Combining it with the Honeycomb Bravo on my right, its the perfect setup for really any GA or airliner in MSFS.
The VKB software for programming buttons and hotas hats is really awesome, but pretty complicated. Ive had mine for about 3 yrs now, and really like it. I have a few extra options programmed in such as short press vs long press buttons to open up a range of alternative commands. This way you can get 128 virtual button functions on a single joystick. I have the LED indicator showing a different colour depending on which mode Ive selected.
I haven't used any of the virpil stuff, or the other high tier. I have owned a Saitek(og long before logi bought them) x45, some pre-usb stuff before that, and a t16000 + twcs. From everything I've seen on the other options, vkb seems to be the best bang:buck ratio. Not cheap, not priced like it should be made of solid gold, but you get what you pay for.
After some time, decided to jump back into Elite:Dangerous because of changes Frontier Developments made. Unfortunately, the X52 Pro stick didn't work anymore becaise it had been sitting idle. With some research, found out the throttle will work with VKB sticks. Bought a Gladiator EVO. Have been using for it a day, I am NOT disappointed. I now have more buttons than I know what to do with.
Great video show the set up and stuff of the hardware.....but you jump straight from calibration to flight demo......the hard part is getting MSFS to work properly with the STECS and the Gladiator. that is the issue i am having myself and it sure would have been nice if you had show that or at least given us some tips.
I think I might change my mind. I was saving up for the new Turtle Beech Flight Deck. When I saw this video, I was thinking to myself, this setup is going to be at least double to cost. I was pleasantly surprised at the price of this setup! I'd like to see a side-by-side comparison!
I have the Gladiator and a problem developed with windows stopping recognizing it and so quits randomly and then I crash and burn in game. It does this on different USB hubs, cables and computers.
@@Ryan-re1rs Yeah mine does that too. So I replaced the cable and still it does it. At this point I can no longer recommend VKB especially since the VKB rep on their support forum got nasty with me and blamed it on everything but the stick.
the only thing that i truly dislike about my stecs throttle is the wheel on the bottom right of the throttle. you cannot swap it out, and its very uncomfortable to touch design wise.
If you open the bottom plate of the STECS you can remove the piece that makes the "flaps lever" a three way switch and turn it into an axis - you need to do some work in the DevCfg too. VKB has instructional videos for this.
Got my STECS 8 month ago and luv it.
Concerning the grip base and access to the three adjustable dampening screws... As soon as I opened the package I would make a template of the base plate with cardboard and mark the best location to drill access holes in the baseplate by punching holes in the right spots and use the template to mark the hole positions then drill them. 5 min job.
The VKB Gunfighter Ultimate Twist is THE top tier stick bar none.
I've always been very happy with VKB. Their prices aren't bats**t crazy, it holds up very well in my experience, and they have a pretty awesome level of customization, and I've found their customer service to be very responsive and helpful. I've got a pretty healthy collection of their stuff. My next purchases will probably be an STECS throttle and the WWII GNX rig. At some point I will probably upgrade to a GFIV, but my GF1 is still kicking along just fine. The only downside is that finding grips for it is basically impossible now. But as I have the MCG Pro and the KG12, I have all I really need anyway. I do have twin EVO sticks, with left and right Space Combat Pro grips like the one you have here. One is set up vertically, and the other is in the omni throttle config. I found grip installation to be pretty simple. The only thing that you can really goof up is if you go gorilla on it and don't put the wire in correctly or strip out the plastic as you mentioned. About the only real complaint I can come up with is having to remove the base to tweak the damping. On the other hand, it's not something I'm likely to putz with once I have it where I want it.
As for that mystery plate you mentioned, it's for locking out the X-axis if you intend to use the stick as a single axis throttle.
Forgive me if it’s a dumb question. But does the base come with the stick?
Can't speak for the throttle but I do love my VKB Gladiator Evo left sidestick. Combining it with the Honeycomb Bravo on my right, its the perfect setup for really any GA or airliner in MSFS.
The VKB software for programming buttons and hotas hats is really awesome, but pretty complicated. Ive had mine for about 3 yrs now, and really like it. I have a few extra options programmed in such as short press vs long press buttons to open up a range of alternative commands. This way you can get 128 virtual button functions on a single joystick. I have the LED indicator showing a different colour depending on which mode Ive selected.
18:45 Thank you so much for this review. I am not able to screw plastic without ruining it so I will have to find some other stick.
There is a Trim hat on the stick, just for that purpose. Worth a try. Thanks for the vid.
I haven't used any of the virpil stuff, or the other high tier. I have owned a Saitek(og long before logi bought them) x45, some pre-usb stuff before that, and a t16000 + twcs. From everything I've seen on the other options, vkb seems to be the best bang:buck ratio. Not cheap, not priced like it should be made of solid gold, but you get what you pay for.
thats a 5 stars review, thanks im buying the stick
Very nice and complete video!
If you already own all this stuff, like me, the video starts at 30:47.
I’m happy with the throttle. The config wasn’t immediately clear, but I got through.
After some time, decided to jump back into Elite:Dangerous because of changes Frontier Developments made. Unfortunately, the X52 Pro stick didn't work anymore becaise it had been sitting idle. With some research, found out the throttle will work with VKB sticks. Bought a Gladiator EVO. Have been using for it a day, I am NOT disappointed. I now have more buttons than I know what to do with.
Great video show the set up and stuff of the hardware.....but you jump straight from calibration to flight demo......the hard part is getting MSFS to work properly with the STECS and the Gladiator. that is the issue i am having myself and it sure would have been nice if you had show that or at least given us some tips.
You should do a set up video for msfs 24 i cant get it to work. Detents for reverse thrust cant seem to figure out how to set up for turbo props😊
i was gonna get a VKB set up but i opted into the THrustmaster Hotas. I did How ever buy the VKB rudder pedals...
I didn’t see, did a follow up video ever get done? Shipping seems pretty steep, any options for US purchase?
Does anyone know if there is a dust boot that would fit onto the joystick?
I think I might change my mind. I was saving up for the new Turtle Beech Flight Deck. When I saw this video, I was thinking to myself, this setup is going to be at least double to cost. I was pleasantly surprised at the price of this setup! I'd like to see a side-by-side comparison!
Any chance that you can explain which button on the VKBs does what in game? I want to extend my current setup to match yours when I start MSFS24.
use the finger lifts fo4r flares and chaf
There's an idea!
Why not put the trim on the encoder? It acts way more precisely and you get a nice audible feedback.
I love my VKB STECS throttle, but it is absolutely NOT A10 friendly. Solid throttle for the money though and I love the interchangeable switches.
It definitely feels really good!! I'm looking forward to diving deeper
I have the Gladiator and a problem developed with windows stopping recognizing it and so quits randomly and then I crash and burn in game. It does this on different USB hubs, cables and computers.
I wonder if it's just a bad cable. Lately, mine seems to disconnect if it's wiggled.
@@Ryan-re1rs Yeah mine does that too. So I replaced the cable and still it does it. At this point I can no longer recommend VKB especially since the VKB rep on their support forum got nasty with me and blamed it on everything but the stick.
the only thing that i truly dislike about my stecs throttle is the wheel on the bottom right of the throttle. you cannot swap it out, and its very uncomfortable to touch design wise.
Is any of this xbox compatible?
Did you manage to adjust the trim? Probably my biggest concern
I have the trim on the encoder right next to it. Works like a charm and gives a nice feedback.
SPAD? What's that about?
😂
What's with the shite vidro resolution ?
Ha! That’s your complaint? First world problems brother…..first world problems.
@bro7269 Hurts my eyes. Even North Koreans get Samsung phones 😂😂😂