Since the idea of Gladiator to its appearance in the form of finished product took two years.
We did not make Gladiator development a secret and share information about the creation of this joystick with virtual pilots community. We are very pleased that our development has caused quite a lot of interest on your part. In this topic we will briefly explain what in the end we have got and what a Gladiator. The format "question and answer" most suited for the occasion. So, let's begin.
Question: Why was chosen design in the style of aircraft of World War II?
Answer: There are several reasons. Firstly, the WKB team prefers simulators with piston engines aircraft's (warbirds) and early jets. WWII - a part of our history that should not be forgotten. Second, the market is not saturated with joysticks with this design. There is only Saitek Aviator and there is fierce competition (in "jets/"spaceships" joystick design). But developing this model, we tried to put a functional joystick, sufficient not only for the simulation of WWII. Fortunately, the capabilities of our controllers permit.
Question: What is the mechanism of loading (gimbal) located inside the joystick Gladiator?
Answer: WKB was one of the main developers of Defender Cobra M5 joystick. For 5 years of production and operation of this joystick, we studied the strengths and weaknesses of its design. We made a number of improvements and improved design of the loading mechanism (gimbal).
Replaced plastic material. Now loading mechanism (gimbal) is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic, which is sturdier. On the gimbal axes are made grooves for the lubrication of this axes. Grease is not squeezed out of the holes and running uniformly over its entire surface. We used a thick damping grease, which makes the course knob "viscous". We also improved the mold for casting, trying to fit as much as possible the details of each other. It was finalized finalized twist (rudder) mechanism. Gladiator twist is reinforced and has a stiffer spring. This video demonstrates the difference between the behavior of the Gladiator loading mechanism (gimbal) from its predecessor - Defender Cobra M5.
Question: Why the central position of Gladiator handle Gladiator has an area of ​​very soft run with virtually no resistance. This is backlash?
Answer: No, we did it on purpose. Analysis of virtual pilots preferences showed that many prefer sticks with a very soft behavior at the center. The strong "step" (of other joysticks), which holds the handle in the center prevents accurate aiming. To deflect the grip a very small angle it is necessary to make an effort to overcome this "step". In one way this makes feel the center "step" on joystick axis, but on other way prevents precise control in approximately central position. What is important is balance. And we have tried to implement it. To give priority to the soft behavior handle in the middle, rather than clear and hard to return to the center. Appointment damper grease - remove the "emptiness" of the movement handle in a near-central zone. We understand pilots like of such behavior, whose plane hangs "on the handle." And for the pilots with little experience this can cause problems. In this case, we recommend to increase the pitch and roll axes dead zone using WIZZO utility. In the (default) factory settings, it has a very small value. Again, we did it on purpose to give the fullest possible axes control zone roll and pitch.
Question: Why in joystick factory (default) settings is a fairly large value of the dead zone put the on twist axis (rudder)?
Answer: This is done to parry "parasitic" twist deviations when the pilot operates only on the roll \ pitch axes. You can change "twist" deadzone by using WIZZO program.
Question: Why the joystick grip in the center position is rotated by a small angle counterclockwise.
Answer: This is related to ergonomics. It is much easier to keep the grip when she has a little twist counterclockwise. In many real-world aircraft the grip set just so, with a little twist.
Question: Is it possible to connected control additional devices to Gladiator?
Answer: Yes.
In the panel in front of Gladiator is located two connectors. In "Pedals" connector can be connected the rudder pedals VKB T-Rudder and WKB-Mk18-Mk21 pedals. "SYS" connector is for connecting control devices that still in development - throttle and additional multifunction panel.
Q: What options are available to upgrade Gladiator?
Answer: Gladiator laid enough rich features upgrade. You can replace the joystick gimbal with all metal (CAM) centering mechanism, making your joystick a Gladiator Pro.
Gladiator PRO all metal centering mechanism (gimbal) has a detachable rod for grip. With a adapter you can install the grip of Defender Cobra M5 or Trustmaster Warthog (Cougar) joysticks. WKB is also developing a new multi-function grip for lovers of modern combat aircraft or space simulators. Gladiator controller allows you to connect additional axes and buttons. Controller PCB is marked with the appropriate space for additional sealing connectors.
Q: What controller is installed in the Gladiator joystick? Answer: Gladiator (controller) is based on platform of our own development - NJoy32.
It is a powerful 32-bit ARM-controller. The controller operates at the USB-protocol. The main principle of the controller - software and driver independence. This means that for normal operation of the device does not need install third-party drivers and software. The controller has the ability to upgrade firmware via USB. In Gladiator KG12 grip is set another microcontroller. It collects information of twist axis (rudder) and button pressing on grip and sends it to the main controller via a digital protocol using a three-wire interface.
Question: What sensors are used? A: Roll and pitch axis use separate non-contact magnetic sensors MaRS (Magneto Resistive Sensor).
The concept of "one sensor for each axis" helps to eliminate parasitic influence of one axis to the other in case of wear joystick boot mechanism. Total operating MaRS sensors showed his best side. High accuracy, linearity and stability - a "calling card" of MaRS probes. MaRS sensor is also mounted on joystick twist axis (rudder).
In 2004 WKB became one of the first to use MARS sensors in pedals and joysticks. Currently, we are the first to use high-precision non-contact sensor for the twist (rudder) in our first mass joystick. Rudder axis just is important for aircraft operation as well was pitch and roll axes! In addition to high-precision, non-contact twist (rudder) design greatly extends the life of the joystick.
Q: What is WIZZO?
Answer: WIZZO - is a utility designed to configure the joystick controller.
WIZZO has a simple and intuitive interface and currently implements the following functionality: calibration of the joystick axes, setting "dead zones", the reverse axes. The utility has the ability to load and save profiles of axes and joystick buttons. Also, using this tool, you can enter the joystick in firmware update mode. WIZZO program is not necessary for the operation of the joystick. She only writes data to controller memory. Suffice it once to write the data and then never run the program WIZZO. Due saved settings in its own non-volatile memory, the Gladiator will work the same on different computers and operating systems and does not require re-configuration and calibration.
The answer: a Weapon Systems Officer ( "WSO", in English is pronounced "wizzo"). As called the weapons operator in airplanes and helicopters. And also it's a great name for joystick configuration utility :-)
Question: Is it possible configure Gladiator via VKB Device Config program? Answer: Yes, you can.
A most complete joystick customization joystick is done with this program. But VKB Device Config utility requires knowledge for working with her. We recommend the use of this utility only for advanced users who are familiar with other products WKB. Profiles configured in VKB Device Config program can be used in WIZZO. In the near future we will prepare profiles that implement different functions for buttons and joystick axes. It will be enough to select the appropriate profile and upload it to the controller Gladiator. We started to develop the tool WIZZO PRO, which later will replaced VKB Device Config.
Q: Do I need calibrate the joystick in the Windows Control Panel? Answer: Absolutely not!
Text in the balloon "For what?"
This joystick has its own calibration and produces ready-calibrated data to the operating system.
BTW - Here a Gladiator profile (done with VKB Device Config software) that allow joystick 15 physical buttons - not counting the pinkie button used as "shift" - and HAT execute 50 functions.
I'm really interested in the new VKB line up. I'm waiting until later this year to see what the Gunfighter price will be, and depending on that I might keep using a short stick and therefore go for Gladiator Pro (if reviews are good enough for it) or Gunfighter and start using a full length stick in my modular VR based (HTC Vive) cockpit.
Pretty unfortunate for the European guys Still, there is definitely the option of ordering through US Amazon and if you're a Prime member, then shipping is very cheap, at least it is for those of us in AUS (we're used to having no local distributors for products!)
- Can integrated T-Rudder or a MaRS based 3 axis rudder pedal in their base, though the RJ45 Rudder connector. For now is not know if this option has practical use.
- Has bootloader mode - what mean possibility to upgrade firmware, but notice that this upgrade need be provide by RavCore, VKB versions is not compatible (different VID/PID), so for now is not know if this option will have practical use, if the brand has interest in offer this - probably not, as will mean costs.
OEM Javelin version is offered at a lower value, around 67 dollars, what is more consistent with OEM version who lost contacless MaRS sensor in twist rudder, replaced for low cost potentiometer and have restrict firmware options.
OEM AIRROW have a less option in their config software, no bootloader mode, no option for integrate T-Rudder although maintain the connectors in base, and their price in Europe is practically the same of VKB Gladiator in Amazon.com.
Around simulations forums are suspicions that OEM versions came with different internals from Gladiator or are counterfeit copies.
OEM are produced by same factory who made Gladiator for VKB (and Cobra M5 for Defender), based on agreement of share development (explained in other topics there), so the products are identical, with same mechanical, e.g. the gimbal with damper grease - and electronics parts (MaRS), minus:
- Potentiometer in twist ruder instead contactless MaRS (X,Y axis use MaRS). - Restrict firmware options, basically calibration/deadzone, no new buttons profile is possible. - Pads under joystick base is in rubber, in Gladiator is silicone. - OEM versions QC control is done by factory Chinese personal. For Gladiator done by VKB.
Notice that RavCore advertisement say "HALL sensor" technology, but the sensors are MaRS, more advanced. Happen that for Chinese MaRS is meaningless, and advertising as "HALL" they are taking advantage of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. HALL "hype". :mrgreen:
If decide purchase is important take in mind, although OEM versions are the same joystick - with above exceptions - they are OEM products, not VKB product. So is pointless go complain about OEM versions in VKB forum.
Comparing this OEM versions with the market, in similar price range/features the nearest options are Thrustmaster T.1600M and Defender Cobra M5 (low availability) - who use generic electronics in his V3 version - make this OEM versions, price/features/ergonomics and even look, better option... if that famous QC control had no "collateral effects".
Do you know exactly what changes were made to this gimbals from the MKIII?
Obviously extended the set screws for springs to allow them to be doubled and the Warthog cam suggests they are using the same cams and hence basic design but I notice the gold round things opposite the cams/srprings and I'm wondering what those are. Damping mechanisms maybe?
The gimbal design is the same of Black Mamba/Gladiator PRO, but the axis bearings and their case is more sturdy.
A combination of extension (20cm) + 2 springs per axis + Warthog grip (~1kg) result in damage on bearing in one Black Mamba, so they re-draw the gimbal more strong.
The "gold" parts is really a mystery, but can be a kind of damper like in Gladiator (standard).