I have been a VKB Gladiators user (in HOSAS configuration) for a little over 2 years and a half now (I love them and are still operating flawlessly) and I've been waiting for the throttle since then. Now that it is finally available, I will be ordering one in the near future as well as a SEM-V and a FSM-GA. I think you guys did a great job in creating this throttle and I particularly love the modularity aspect of your components, great for cockpit builder. 🙂
@christianmaheu *I've a unique setup for a trainer: GNX-THQ engine quadrant, GNX-SEM flaps/gear panel, and GNX-FSM-GA on an angle frame.* Just have to ascertain the levers for Flaps (which are supposed to resemble a flap section at single length), Throttle (double length), Governor and Mixture (both single length).
After running hundreds of hours on my Logitech Extreme 3D Pro I decided my first upgrade should be a STECS Standard so I don't have to keep both hands on my flight stick. Only a few hours in on this throttle but wow... absolutely incredible. Can't believe I flew this long with the tiny lever throttle on my flight stick lol! This throttle feels like you pulled it out of a fighter jet and mailed it to me. Can't wait to get a Gladiator SCE next!
Love this. I'm dialing in the detents for the F-15E on DCS and I think I got it just right. In hindsight I probably should have gotten the STECS Standard even though I already had an NXT EVO with an attached GNX-SEM, but I opted to buy the STECS Mini Plus instead so I had to buy the buttons extension, detents, and the magazine holder separately.
@or10nsharkfin *The STEM™ Module is available as a separate panel.* Suggest installing said module on the right, as it is an excellent panel for other functions such as environmental and generator switches.
I have 4 detents on my frame but it seems like I can only set up 3 in the software. Is there a way I can add that 4th in the software that I'm missing?
Im currently using a VKB Omnithrottle setup, and im very happy with it. Whem im going to buy a seperate throttle in the future, the STECS is definitely on the top of my list, on a level with the Orion 2. Theres two things that could make the throttle really perfect for me: 1. Analogue stick for the index finger, like on American planes or the Orion 2 throttle. The dream is to have 'both' thumb and index analogue stick, would put this stick unquestionable into its own league. Might be difficult to do, but would basically guarantee a sale for me. 2. The attachable modules to the STECs are not bad, but not as universally useful as Id like. I would love to have something like a numpad on the front attachable module (to simulate the entry-pads on Viper/Hornet cockpit for example).
@termitreter6545 *Or the RIO Keypad in earlier blocks o' the Grumman G-303 (USDoD: YF/F-14A).* I've selected the RIO Keypad as base for a UFCP in the Pilot station, and an up-front Detail Data Display / Control Display Unit in the Flight-Officer station, of a notional continuation o' the Northrop Grumman Tomcat, e.g. YF-14E-180-GR SerNo 633 (BuNo 165014).
No, but you could do it yourself if you really need it: open the folder where VKBDevCfg is, you'll find a file called zconfig.ini - open it up and under the [USER] section add this line: PimpMySTECS=1 then save it and run again VKBDevcfg.
Glad to hear you have the patience to get through it. Join our Discord serve discord.gg/UJAdpdHpYm for any questions; you could find the manual in there too (not more than 200 pages :)).
+vkbsim *The ST>ECSᵀᴹ might be an even more accurate option than the VIRPILⓇ MongoosT-50CM3Ⓡ as a fallback, in case Throttletek will not install multiways in the grips of a GF-14.* The puzzle shall be a Flaps "throttle" and a Wing Sweep "throttle" to replicate the actual Pilot station in the Grumman G-303 and G-391 (USDoD: F-14A and F-14B respectively).
that's exactly what I was wondering, would be nice in the description they highlighted what changed and/or what might be wrong in the old version. Especially since the old version is still up . . . .
How do I install the Auxiliary Throttle Extension Module to the stecs standard version? They arrived today and I have no idea how to do it. Cannot seem to find any informaiton on it.
VKB, I like that you changed the detent pronunciation at points now, but you also put in the wrong description (calibration) for this video. 😉In better news, I received my new STECS & MkIV today. 😁
It would've taken too long to get a new voice over, so we just got it for the new parts. Promise the detent will be deetent again at the next update :))) Thanks for the heads up, we changed the description. And, of course, enjoy your new babies!
A question that may interest other ppl too: is the 5-position rotary dial on the stecs base usable also outside the on-the-fly programming scenario, when the grey button for example is not held down?
I'd say yes. There's no reason why it wouldn't be. I would also bet that the grey button can be assigned to something else. Same for the LEDs. VKB will have to confirm this.
User serviceability is one of the most important things on the list when it comes to designing our products. We never ask for a product to be sent back for repairs, as everything could be done at home, with a bit of DIY and common sense.
I'm curious; is there a technical reason for why this system only supports 3 detents? It looks like the detent frames can easily fit more than 3, so is it a software limitation? I'm asking because many civilian aircraft-modern airliners and bizjets in particular-have 4 detents (idle, climb thrust, flex/maximum continuous thrust, and go-around thrust). I suppose one could use the fully forward throttle position as a 4th "detent", but it would be much more satisfying to have a proper, tactile detent. Hopefully this is something that could be addressed with a software update in the future?
99% of users would not need more than 1-2 detents per frame. For the others we have something: open the zconfig.ini file, which is in the same folder with VKBDevCfg and under [USER] section add this line: PimpMySTECS=1. Run VKBDevCfg again and fill that frame with detents :))
@@VKBSim I don't actually have a STECS yet, but I'm considering getting one. Would that setting allow me to use more than 3 detents? If so, that's exactly what I'm looking for.
@@VKBSim Just got my STECS and I'm setting up my detents. I think I'm going to use this to take advantage of detent sets and reuse the same frame for multiple curves. Say I wanted to use the 6th set. There isn't a number/color for that on the white selector dial. Do I need to use the "MakeActive" button in the VKB Config tool?
@cmdrbigity6914 *The ST>ECS™ is capable of however many detents are appropriate; suggest a large L for Idle, a V (alternative: a W) for MIL, and a large V for MAX.*
iv just got mine, i really dont like the grip resistaance. if i dont set uit pretty high then the throttles move on their own , this makes them effectively useless . they REALLY need a counterweight
Depends on the STECS model; some come with 1 of each, others with 4 of 5. Please check the product description here, the number of detents and frames included is mentioned under each product: www.vkbcontrollers.com/
Very useful information in this video, and so far I'm loving my STECS! But I do have a question: why is the L detent that is used in the Idle position here set up with the L(A) detent type? I'd have assumed that "A" means "Afterburner", and had expected that the L(I) type would be used instead (for "Idle"). But then I found that I needed to use L(A) on my STECS, just as the video shows, to get the desired idle detent behavior. Are the two "L" detent type names just reversed or otherwise misleading?
@@VKBSim *Concur on the "stops" in track.* I've longlisted your ST>ECS® Mini, plus a STEM™ (as port and starboard panels) in case Throttletek Manufacturing LLC won't install multiways (e.g. a five-way mini-castle in the CAGE, and a five-way mini-stadium in the SEAM) in the grips o' their GF-14 Engine and Wing Quadrant. The large L at Idle, the W at MIL, and the large V at MAX probably makes the most sense for a carrier fighter.
This looks very interesting. Would it be possible to have more than 1 custom reponse curve for a given frame in future updates of the software? I fly IL2 Sturmovik in VR and I'd like to use detents to have tactile indications for the different engine regimes (max continuous, emergency power, full throttle) for each plane. The problem is that there are dozens of planes and each engine regime correspond to different throttle positions for many planes (though there is some overlap between some planes). For example, max continuous corresponds to 68% throttle for a BF-109 F4, but it's 54% throttle for a Spitfire IX. It would be wonderful to use one frame with two detents with a custom response curve for each plane. If I understand correctly, in the current set up, a maximum of 4 custom response curves (one for each color frame besides the black frame) is possible, which is just too few to be practical. Additional question: is it possible to buy/obtain additional detents?
Yes, we're providing extra detents and frames through our stores. About several custom curves: if you plan to keep the same frame with detents all the time, you could just create several templates for it, each with a different curve and assign it under a different frame color. This way, when you switch planes, you could only switch to a different frame, which is the same as the previous, but with the right custom curve. Hope that makes sense :)
@@VKBSim Thanks for your reply. This is indeed what I figured, however this would allow for only 4 custom response curve. IL2 (and many other flight sims) allows for flying dozens of planes, many of them have their own engine regime specific response curve. Ideally, the throttle would allow for creating a comparable number of response curves for example by adding a 12-, 10- or 8-way selector besides the 5-way selector so that each frame allows for 12, 10 or 8 custom response curves. The current throttle looks incredible, but allowing for such a functionality would in my opinion align its proposition better with the range of flyable planes that current flight sims offer.
@@Boslandschap1 You can have unlimited number of curves by creating profiles. Fill up a profile with 4 curves, save it, then create another with a different set and so on. Profiles guide: ua-cam.com/video/kAjKflogDlI/v-deo.html
@@VKBSim Thansk for your answer and thinking along. Having to load different profiles in game wouldn't be my first choice, but at least this solution would allow for having a larger number of profiles. I suppose that solution could work, so good to know.
@@Boslandschap1There's also another way: open the file called zconfig.ini, which should be found in the same folder with vkbdevcfg. Under the [USER] section add this command line: PimpMySTECS=1, then save it. Run vkbdevcfg and check your Detents tab :)
Not true. You don't have to do anything at all once you receive the parcel, other than plugging it to USB and start playing. It comes properly configured and even calibrated. It's your choice if you want to go further and program it, so it could fit better your flight. But yeah, keep complaining about having options at hand, that's the spirit.
@@VKBSim 😁вы зря злитесь, это я на свою старость злюсь. Мы это все своими руками мастерили, придумывали програмки... И таких девайсов у нас не было. Это я завидую 😉
I have been a VKB Gladiators user (in HOSAS configuration) for a little over 2 years and a half now (I love them and are still operating flawlessly) and I've been waiting for the throttle since then. Now that it is finally available, I will be ordering one in the near future as well as a SEM-V and a FSM-GA. I think you guys did a great job in creating this throttle and I particularly love the modularity aspect of your components, great for cockpit builder. 🙂
Appreciate your kind words, really!
@christianmaheu *I've a unique setup for a trainer: GNX-THQ engine quadrant, GNX-SEM flaps/gear panel, and GNX-FSM-GA on an angle frame.* Just have to ascertain the levers for Flaps (which are supposed to resemble a flap section at single length), Throttle (double length), Governor and Mixture (both single length).
After running hundreds of hours on my Logitech Extreme 3D Pro I decided my first upgrade should be a STECS Standard so I don't have to keep both hands on my flight stick. Only a few hours in on this throttle but wow... absolutely incredible. Can't believe I flew this long with the tiny lever throttle on my flight stick lol! This throttle feels like you pulled it out of a fighter jet and mailed it to me. Can't wait to get a Gladiator SCE next!
So glad to hear it :) Have fun with it!
Love this. I'm dialing in the detents for the F-15E on DCS and I think I got it just right. In hindsight I probably should have gotten the STECS Standard even though I already had an NXT EVO with an attached GNX-SEM, but I opted to buy the STECS Mini Plus instead so I had to buy the buttons extension, detents, and the magazine holder separately.
@or10nsharkfin *The STEM™ Module is available as a separate panel.* Suggest installing said module on the right, as it is an excellent panel for other functions such as environmental and generator switches.
guuuys I have to say your products are absolutely genius, seriusly, congratulations
Is a solution planned for left-handers so that I can use the throttle with my right hand?
I have 4 detents on my frame but it seems like I can only set up 3 in the software. Is there a way I can add that 4th in the software that I'm missing?
Im currently using a VKB Omnithrottle setup, and im very happy with it. Whem im going to buy a seperate throttle in the future, the STECS is definitely on the top of my list, on a level with the Orion 2.
Theres two things that could make the throttle really perfect for me:
1. Analogue stick for the index finger, like on American planes or the Orion 2 throttle. The dream is to have 'both' thumb and index analogue stick, would put this stick unquestionable into its own league. Might be difficult to do, but would basically guarantee a sale for me.
2. The attachable modules to the STECs are not bad, but not as universally useful as Id like. I would love to have something like a numpad on the front attachable module (to simulate the entry-pads on Viper/Hornet cockpit for example).
@termitreter6545 *Or the RIO Keypad in earlier blocks o' the Grumman G-303 (USDoD: YF/F-14A).* I've selected the RIO Keypad as base for a UFCP in the Pilot station, and an up-front Detail Data Display / Control Display Unit in the Flight-Officer station, of a notional continuation o' the Northrop Grumman Tomcat, e.g. YF-14E-180-GR SerNo 633 (BuNo 165014).
Can you update the next firmware release so we can add detents to the black frame?
No, but you could do it yourself if you really need it: open the folder where VKBDevCfg is, you'll find a file called zconfig.ini - open it up and under the [USER] section add this line:
PimpMySTECS=1
then save it and run again VKBDevcfg.
more of these videos this software is outstanding but complex. Let's get full use from it.
Glad to hear you have the patience to get through it. Join our Discord serve discord.gg/UJAdpdHpYm for any questions; you could find the manual in there too (not more than 200 pages :)).
+vkbsim *The ST>ECSᵀᴹ might be an even more accurate option than the VIRPILⓇ MongoosT-50CM3Ⓡ as a fallback, in case Throttletek will not install multiways in the grips of a GF-14.* The puzzle shall be a Flaps "throttle" and a Wing Sweep "throttle" to replicate the actual Pilot station in the Grumman G-303 and G-391 (USDoD: F-14A and F-14B respectively).
You really made sure to get all the restricted symbols and trademarks in didn’t you
Sorry but How do you assign buttons to axis? I am trying to follow your presentation but I don't see the box with all the (virtual?) buttons.
Too long to explain here, please join our Discord server discord.gg/UJAdpdHpYm
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
What changed since the prior version of this video?
I noticed the pronunciation of detent is different during certain parts of the video. So that might be your clue
that's exactly what I was wondering, would be nice in the description they highlighted what changed and/or what might be wrong in the old version. Especially since the old version is still up . . . .
This video covers the use of the 1>.
How do I install the Auxiliary Throttle Extension Module to the stecs standard version? They arrived today and I have no idea how to do it. Cannot seem to find any informaiton on it.
You could see all the possible combinations here: ua-cam.com/video/iZmzI6UU2PQ/v-deo.html
VKB, I like that you changed the detent pronunciation at points now, but you also put in the wrong description (calibration) for this video. 😉In better news, I received my new STECS & MkIV today. 😁
It would've taken too long to get a new voice over, so we just got it for the new parts. Promise the detent will be deetent again at the next update :)))
Thanks for the heads up, we changed the description. And, of course, enjoy your new babies!
Dentins pronunciation gave me ebola.
Looks like a great option. Not available in my region yet though.
is there any physical difference between the coloured detent frames? or is it just to make swapping easy?
No difference at all other than the color for easier identification.
Thanks for the video - I like the throttles light, any tips on avoiding throttle creep, when they flop fwd/back?
A question that may interest other ppl too: is the 5-position rotary dial on the stecs base usable also outside the on-the-fly programming scenario, when the grey button for example is not held down?
I'd say yes. There's no reason why it wouldn't be. I would also bet that the grey button can be assigned to something else. Same for the LEDs. VKB will have to confirm this.
@Jajus is right, those buttons and the selector could get assigned in game.
@@VKBSim how about the LED? Are they all accessible and usable through the API?
@@Jahus Of course, they could programmed to other functions.
Amazing, @@VKBSim, thank you
Hello how to make the thumb ministick in a POV?
how user servicable is the STECS and Gunfighter Mk IV MCE Ultimate?
User serviceability is one of the most important things on the list when it comes to designing our products. We never ask for a product to be sent back for repairs, as everything could be done at home, with a bit of DIY and common sense.
How come Set 1 is empty and has no wizard?
yeah wondering this too? Got a stecs mini and only black set and 4 detents.
I'm curious; is there a technical reason for why this system only supports 3 detents? It looks like the detent frames can easily fit more than 3, so is it a software limitation?
I'm asking because many civilian aircraft-modern airliners and bizjets in particular-have 4 detents (idle, climb thrust, flex/maximum continuous thrust, and go-around thrust). I suppose one could use the fully forward throttle position as a 4th "detent", but it would be much more satisfying to have a proper, tactile detent. Hopefully this is something that could be addressed with a software update in the future?
99% of users would not need more than 1-2 detents per frame. For the others we have something: open the zconfig.ini file, which is in the same folder with VKBDevCfg and under [USER] section add this line: PimpMySTECS=1. Run VKBDevCfg again and fill that frame with detents :))
@@VKBSim I don't actually have a STECS yet, but I'm considering getting one. Would that setting allow me to use more than 3 detents? If so, that's exactly what I'm looking for.
@@Seekay_ How about 4 detents and 10 frames? imgur.com/a/AYSJBb2 :)
@@VKBSim Just got my STECS and I'm setting up my detents. I think I'm going to use this to take advantage of detent sets and reuse the same frame for multiple curves. Say I wanted to use the 6th set. There isn't a number/color for that on the white selector dial. Do I need to use the "MakeActive" button in the VKB Config tool?
Are the levers/grips reversable to use the throttle with the opposite hand??
They are not.
@@VKBSim bummer. I like how you offer the Gladiator with both hand options.
Awesome
What would I want to use on say, F-15E for DCS? I'd want idle, full power, and MIL power? Oh and probably off too.
@cmdrbigity6914 *The ST>ECS™ is capable of however many detents are appropriate; suggest a large L for Idle, a V (alternative: a W) for MIL, and a large V for MAX.*
@@BCSchmerkerFWIW, I went with just an AB detent, to preserve as much throw as possible. I have a seperate hotas button(s) set for idle
Would this work for an Airbus (3 detents)?
You can set up 3 detents, so yes, it would.
Hopefully version with the electronic detents isn't far away?
It's two weeks further out again, now that you asked!
(Or maybe this is just a Reddit joke that hasn't spread outside... =))
iv just got mine, i really dont like the grip resistaance. if i dont set uit pretty high then the throttles move on their own , this makes them effectively useless . they REALLY need a counterweight
Of course, we'll include a cinder block in the next version.
lol have a look at crankshaft counterweight for ideas, overall i really like the unit, i LOVE the modularity and the detent system @@VKBSim
Detents come in pairs or only 5, one of each type?
Depends on the STECS model; some come with 1 of each, others with 4 of 5. Please check the product description here, the number of detents and frames included is mentioned under each product: www.vkbcontrollers.com/
So it is flashing, what do I do?
Very useful information in this video, and so far I'm loving my STECS! But I do have a question: why is the L detent that is used in the Idle position here set up with the L(A) detent type? I'd have assumed that "A" means "Afterburner", and had expected that the L(I) type would be used instead (for "Idle"). But then I found that I needed to use L(A) on my STECS, just as the video shows, to get the desired idle detent behavior. Are the two "L" detent type names just reversed or otherwise misleading?
The way the detents are labeled is just generic. You can build your own setup, there's no restriction.
@@VKBSim *Concur on the "stops" in track.* I've longlisted your ST>ECS® Mini, plus a STEM™ (as port and starboard panels) in case Throttletek Manufacturing LLC won't install multiways (e.g. a five-way mini-castle in the CAGE, and a five-way mini-stadium in the SEAM) in the grips o' their GF-14 Engine and Wing Quadrant. The large L at Idle, the W at MIL, and the large V at MAX probably makes the most sense for a carrier fighter.
This looks very interesting. Would it be possible to have more than 1 custom reponse curve for a given frame in future updates of the software?
I fly IL2 Sturmovik in VR and I'd like to use detents to have tactile indications for the different engine regimes (max continuous, emergency power, full throttle) for each plane. The problem is that there are dozens of planes and each engine regime correspond to different throttle positions for many planes (though there is some overlap between some planes). For example, max continuous corresponds to 68% throttle for a BF-109 F4, but it's 54% throttle for a Spitfire IX. It would be wonderful to use one frame with two detents with a custom response curve for each plane. If I understand correctly, in the current set up, a maximum of 4 custom response curves (one for each color frame besides the black frame) is possible, which is just too few to be practical.
Additional question: is it possible to buy/obtain additional detents?
Yes, we're providing extra detents and frames through our stores.
About several custom curves: if you plan to keep the same frame with detents all the time, you could just create several templates for it, each with a different curve and assign it under a different frame color. This way, when you switch planes, you could only switch to a different frame, which is the same as the previous, but with the right custom curve. Hope that makes sense :)
@@VKBSim Thanks for your reply. This is indeed what I figured, however this would allow for only 4 custom response curve. IL2 (and many other flight sims) allows for flying dozens of planes, many of them have their own engine regime specific response curve. Ideally, the throttle would allow for creating a comparable number of response curves for example by adding a 12-, 10- or 8-way selector besides the 5-way selector so that each frame allows for 12, 10 or 8 custom response curves.
The current throttle looks incredible, but allowing for such a functionality would in my opinion align its proposition better with the range of flyable planes that current flight sims offer.
@@Boslandschap1 You can have unlimited number of curves by creating profiles. Fill up a profile with 4 curves, save it, then create another with a different set and so on.
Profiles guide: ua-cam.com/video/kAjKflogDlI/v-deo.html
@@VKBSim Thansk for your answer and thinking along. Having to load different profiles in game wouldn't be my first choice, but at least this solution would allow for having a larger number of profiles. I suppose that solution could work, so good to know.
@@Boslandschap1There's also another way: open the file called zconfig.ini, which should be found in the same folder with vkbdevcfg. Under the [USER] section add this command line: PimpMySTECS=1, then save it. Run vkbdevcfg and check your Detents tab :)
de-tent. not deadent
Can you do another revision where you pronounce it "dee_taunt" like you're supposed to, pls? 😀
That'd be coming immediately after the dee-toon version! :)))
Why can't you ever explain how to set up reverse thrust on this thing!
You mean this? ua-cam.com/video/n6O2-VNZLik/v-deo.html
@@VKBSim I could not find this in any search so I really appreciate the link :-)
тут пока ТрекИр настроишь нужно два института закончить, а они еще и для дроселя настроек нагородили, что уже летать не захочешь (((
Not true. You don't have to do anything at all once you receive the parcel, other than plugging it to USB and start playing. It comes properly configured and even calibrated.
It's your choice if you want to go further and program it, so it could fit better your flight. But yeah, keep complaining about having options at hand, that's the spirit.
@@VKBSim 😁вы зря злитесь, это я на свою старость злюсь. Мы это все своими руками мастерили, придумывали програмки... И таких девайсов у нас не было. Это я завидую 😉