The right hardware is a game changer!

[Brass Wing Hawk]

Over the years I have used a few different, cheap flight controllers. Most recently, a Logitech G940. It has FFB so I was reluctant to replace it. But, after hours of struggles with Supper Carrier LSO. I upgraded to a Thrustmaster Warthog. Now the LSO and I get along much better. After fighting with my vertical decent rate in the UH-1, I managed to budget enough to get a collective from Virpil. Now I can land the Huey as gentle as a feather. Finally, "George" has been much happier with me since I got my Virpil pedals. Quality hardware and DCS mods can get expensive, but no more than other worth wild hobbies. Virpil takes about 2 month to receive in most cases, but I find their controls to be of good quality and worth the wait. If they would create a quality FFB base at an affordable price I would dare to dream.

If your considering flight controllers and if you can fit it in your budget, choose accuracy and metal construction.

[Maki Nishikino]

I paid $150 for the VKB Gladiator NXT Premium and $100 for the VKB Gladiator MKII.

[XIII]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Maki Nishikino:

I paid $150 for the VKB Gladiator NXT Premium and $100 for the VKB Gladiator MKII.

You got lucky then, in US its like 180 bucks before taxes.

[startrekmike]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von The Ferret:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Slithy:

I learned this the hard way. My TM:Warthog only lasted maybe 5 months before it started giving me problems with that trash construction. Switched to Virpil and it has survived 5 (I think 6?) years now with no issues.

The only reason I bought a new Virpil grip and base (waiting for backorder to be filled) recently was not out of necessity but out of desire for the new models. The T-50CM3 is a nice upgrade from my CM2 and they made some improvements from the Alpha to the Alpha Prime that I'm all in for.

The Warthog construction is far better now than what it used to be, I was turned off from buying one from old reviews till the set (stick and throttle) went on sale cheap and was able to pick both up brand new for £250. I've put over 400 hours into mine over DCS/IL 2/MSFS and it's not once had problems with accuracy/stiction etc.
Maybe I'm just lucky but i wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to some one if they can't afford a virpil set up etc and can get it at a reasonable price.

My most noticeable upgrade was a set of MFG crosswinds V3 with the hydraulic damper, they made such a big difference.

The construction of the Warthog hasn't really changed since its initial release.

To be fair. I had mine for quite a while before it started giving me problems. I put a lot of hours on it and while it bugged me that it failed, I still wouldn't go as far as to call it a bad setup.

The big issue with the Warthog that has always been there and always will be is the internal mechanism of the stick. It is still based around a plastic "ball and cup" gimble that really, really should have been made out of metal since so much stress is put on it. This was likely a cost saving measure and one that really does hurt the average longevity of the setup.

Another issue is a internal gasket that dampens the stick at its range limits. This is poorly secured and will come loose. Since all the internals are greased up, it isn't exactly a minor job to secure the gasket again (if it hasn't been damaged).

To be fair. I think a lot of the negative commentary about the Warthog is just your usual internet fueled hyperbole but there are some pretty significant issues with the design (that haven't changed since release) that do significantly increase the risk of failure. These are issues that could have been avoided and are likely due to misplaced design priorities. Had they gone with a (more practical and still more than durable enough) plastic grip and made the gimble mechanism metal instead of plastic, it would likely be one of the more durable sticks out there. Sadly. They knew that people would (foolishly) equate a metal stick grip with "quality" (even though a metal grip doesn't mean much of anything).

If I could offer one bit of advice as a former Warthog user. Start planning for a replacement. You may not ever need to replace it but when it breaks, it will be sudden and you won't see it coming.

[Maki Nishikino]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von XIII:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Maki Nishikino:

I paid $150 for the VKB Gladiator NXT Premium and $100 for the VKB Gladiator MKII.

You got lucky then, in US its like 180 bucks before taxes.

I am in the US. I noticed they bumped the price up.

[Troll Norris]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Maki Nishikino:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von XIII:

You got lucky then, in US its like 180 bucks before taxes.

I am in the US. I noticed they bumped the price up.

Thing is: USD and Euro loses its value. Our local currency (CZK) is stronger and stronger every day in comparsion with USD and EUR.

[XIII]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Maki Nishikino:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von XIII:

You got lucky then, in US its like 180 bucks before taxes.

I am in the US. I noticed they bumped the price up.

Yeh, depends also when you bought it. Price got up when shipping prices exploded.

[Maki Nishikino]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von XIII:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Maki Nishikino:

I am in the US. I noticed they bumped the price up.

Yeh, depends also when you bought it. Price got up when shipping prices exploded.

From the VKB NA website.

[The Ferret]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von startrekmike:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von The Ferret:

The Warthog construction is far better now than what it used to be, I was turned off from buying one from old reviews till the set (stick and throttle) went on sale cheap and was able to pick both up brand new for £250. I've put over 400 hours into mine over DCS/IL 2/MSFS and it's not once had problems with accuracy/stiction etc.
Maybe I'm just lucky but i wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to some one if they can't afford a virpil set up etc and can get it at a reasonable price.

My most noticeable upgrade was a set of MFG crosswinds V3 with the hydraulic damper, they made such a big difference.

The construction of the Warthog hasn't really changed since its initial release.

To be fair. I had mine for quite a while before it started giving me problems. I put a lot of hours on it and while it bugged me that it failed, I still wouldn't go as far as to call it a bad setup.

The big issue with the Warthog that has always been there and always will be is the internal mechanism of the stick. It is still based around a plastic "ball and cup" gimble that really, really should have been made out of metal since so much stress is put on it. This was likely a cost saving measure and one that really does hurt the average longevity of the setup.

Another issue is a internal gasket that dampens the stick at its range limits. This is poorly secured and will come loose. Since all the internals are greased up, it isn't exactly a minor job to secure the gasket again (if it hasn't been damaged).

To be fair. I think a lot of the negative commentary about the Warthog is just your usual internet fueled hyperbole but there are some pretty significant issues with the design (that haven't changed since release) that do significantly increase the risk of failure. These are issues that could have been avoided and are likely due to misplaced design priorities. Had they gone with a (more practical and still more than durable enough) plastic grip and made the gimble mechanism metal instead of plastic, it would likely be one of the more durable sticks out there. Sadly. They knew that people would (foolishly) equate a metal stick grip with "quality" (even though a metal grip doesn't mean much of anything).

If I could offer one bit of advice as a former Warthog user. Start planning for a replacement. You may not ever need to replace it but when it breaks, it will be sudden and you won't see it coming.

Thanks for the heads up .
I will be replacing it with a virpil base when it eventually breaks. I'm also using an anti brake bracket around the collar plus a 7 inch extension so i don't know if that's helping towards it's longevity or perhaps they have better Quality control now. I've had mine about just over 2 years now.
After reading some of the horror stories online i was expecting to return it within a few months. Also knowing the flaws before hand probably helped in making sure not to stress it in the wrong ways.

When it eventually dies, I'll be making a post about it.

[Brass Wing Hawk]

I did extend the G940 for a while. That did make it more like a 1:1 but weakened it. The pedals have a 12% dead zone on the right pedal. Possibly debris blocking the slots in the laser shutter wheel. Thats what i call it anyway. However, no matter what I do to the 940 it will never be capable of delivering the same level of accuracy as Virpil or even Warthog. So, I'm turning it into an instrument panel, or I may give it to a potenrial gunner/wing man to get them started.

I cant find a place to purchase the Rhino. I need a good season to recover from the pedals but I could almost justify 800$. I have bought Three pieces from Virpil and the only issue I have so far is that everything takes about 2 months to receive, and the real war mongers of the world aren't making that any easier. I wish they would just solve their issues in DCS! I'm gonna keep my eyes open for a Rhino. If i find one before Virpil makes one, and I have the money I will probably try it.

[Gracey Face]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Brass Wing Hawk:

I did extend the G940 for a while. That did make it more like a 1:1 but weakened it. The pedals have a 12% dead zone on the right pedal. Possibly debris blocking the slots in the laser shutter wheel. Thats what i call it anyway. However, no matter what I do to the 940 it will never be capable of delivering the same level of accuracy as Virpil or even Warthog. So, I'm turning it into an instrument panel, or I may give it to a potenrial gunner/wing man to get them started.

I cant find a place to purchase the Rhino. I need a good season to recover from the pedals but I could almost justify 800$. I have bought Three pieces from Virpil and the only issue I have so far is that everything takes about 2 months to receive, and the real war mongers of the world aren't making that any easier. I wish they would just solve their issues in DCS! I'm gonna keep my eyes open for a Rhino. If i find one before Virpil makes one, and I have the money I will probably try it.

There is a fan made firmware update that you can get on the Eagle Dynamics forums (I can't remember the name of it). I personally have never used a 940 with stock firmware so I don't know what it is like to confirm but my 940 has no deadzones on any axis, excepting a small force deadzone around the stick that can be modded out and there's no jitter or overcorrection or reversion problems on the throttle (fixing which was the primary intent of the firmware update I beleive).

The only problem with my pedals is that there's a very noticeable "center" that requires more force to push through so makes slight movements a little rough but I don't personally mind that (I actually prefer it, but I know some don't like that).

Have you tried that firmware update? I am curious if the difference between our hardware is just random manufacturing differences or if the firmware is a silver bullet.

Also you don't keep your eyes open for a rhino. It's a custom kit that a guy hand makes and sells to you (I beleive you can also ask him to fully assemble it). You're not liable to just find one second hand or anything like that.

[Brass Wing Hawk]

I have not tried the firmware. As far as the pedals go, they do return to center but they are supper weak. I have also wondered if I over tightened the tension adjustment, thus stripping something. I ave not actually taken the pedals apart so I dont really now how its built.

How does one contact the Rhino guy?

About the warmonger comment... That was meant for foolish world leaders, not those that are proudly well trained in the art of protecting their country. My hat is off to anyone who has done that, regardless of their flag!

[Gracey Face]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Brass Wing Hawk:

I have not tried the firmware. As far as the pedals go, they do return to center but they are supper weak. I have also wondered if I over tightened the tension adjustment, thus stripping something. I ave not actually taken the pedals apart so I dont really now how its built.

How does one contact the Rhino guy?

The rhino guy, he has a youtube channel ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNhRD2Bsb8o )

And a discord and DCS forum thread where you can get in touch with him and order (which are in the description in the above video). There's a significant wait time though I believe.

As for the pedals being weak, mine aren't but they aren't exactly strong either. I have never adjusted them myself, they were basically good enough "out of the box" and I never felt a need to adjust them.

[MobstrLobstr]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TREKER™:

Sadly Warthog metal construction is only on the outside. Gimbal is plastic. I switched stick to Virpil and can't say how happy I'm now :)

I just got the Warthog stick to go with my TWCS throttle. My extension set allows 70mm-190mm, using 150mm in my flight chair setup. I'm very happy with the upgrade.
Stock spring at 150mm is smooth over the center detent and gimbal will recenter, except from full forward stick.
Gimbal center detent is annoying at the OEM length setup.

Does the plastic gimbal wear out? What can I expect over time?

[startrekmike]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von MobstrLobstr:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TREKER™:

Sadly Warthog metal construction is only on the outside. Gimbal is plastic. I switched stick to Virpil and can't say how happy I'm now :)

I just got the Warthog stick to go with my TWCS throttle. My extension set allows 70mm-190mm, using 150mm in my flight chair setup. I'm very happy with the upgrade.
Stock spring at 150mm is smooth over the center detent and gimbal will recenter, except from full forward stick.
Gimbal center detent is annoying at the OEM length setup.

Does the plastic gimbal wear out? What can I expect over time?

Having an extension with the standard spring will significantly increase the wear and tear on the plastic internal mechanism. Even aftermarket (stronger) springs are not going to totally remove the elevated risk of breakage.

[DragonWhite4Gulf]

I have a Warthog setup with the TM pedals. I love the metal construction it feels like the gunner controls in my tank. I am more impressed with it as the stick spring gets more broken in. Brand the stiff axis can cause you to jerk the stick.
TrackIR one of the best investments ever. I think I would have a hard time playing the game without head tracking it makes you spoiled lol. If you want a closer to V.R feel Samsung G9 49" monitor. It works amazing with TrackIR.