Virpil Helo Controls

Phantom88

Phantom88

Charter Member
https://forum.virpil.com/index.php?/topic/2772-introducing-the-vpc-helicopter-controls-lineup/



Hello VIRPILs!
It is with great excitement that we can officially announce a project that we’ve been working on behind the scenes for quite some time - our brand new lineup of helicopter focused controls!

We’ve leaked many images from the VIRPIL Controls HQ demonstrating our intention to satisfy all the helicopter fans in the VIRPIL community but now it’s time to show officially what we’ve got in store for everyone!
VPC Rotor TCS & Rotor TCS Plus Base
The VPC Rotor TCS and Rotor TCS Plus Bases will be at the heart of our new collective controllers.

Both bases feature internals with the same all-metal construction as expected from VIRPIL Controls devices. Adjustment is provided with an adjustable clutch via screws accessible without dismantling the controller. The clutch mechanism allows the collective lever to be held in place when released.
The Rotor TCS Base is a single axis base, featuring an metal arm which can attach your desired collective grip. The Rotor TCS Plus adds an additional axis with rotary engine speed grip input, as well as an additional push button and toggle switch to limit the rotation range.
VPC SharKa-50 Grip & Hawk-60 Grip
With the VPC helicopter control lineup, we will continue to offer the option of interchangeable grips as found on our flightstick bases. The lineup will include 2 collective grips; the VPC SharKa-50 and VPC Hawk-60 Collective Grips.
While not exact replicas, our collective grips are inspired by real controls and aim to put the feel of a real collective into your hands!


Due to the unique and complex nature of helicopter specific controls, we are looking for additional testers who can put flight time on the controllers and provide feedback on our prototype units. For our initial round of testing we are especially interested in those who have real life helicopter piloting experience. If you feel you would be suitable, please contact our support team via support@virpil.com. Please note that we will unfortunately be unable to grant every request as the number of test kits is limited.

At this time we will not be confirming pricing or release date, but stay tuned for further updates. Our next announcements will take a deeper dive into each part of the upcoming VPC helicopter controls lineup with more information. We hope everyone is just as excited as we are!
Regards,
VIRPIL Controls Team




 
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Posted Thursday at 10:13 AM
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Hello VIRPILs!
Today we would like to talk more about our upcoming VPC Rotor TCS and Rotor TCS Plus Collective Bases!

As previously announced, there will be two variants of our collective base. Both bases will feature high quality, all metal construction and a clutch mechanism to hold the lever position when released.
The clutch can be adjusted via the screw port holes located at the top and bottom side of the bases and can be achieved without dismantling the base, allowing on-the-fly tuning.
Further adjustment will be provided via interchangeable cam plates to adjust the range of motion provided by the base.
Axis response will be provided via our VPC Digital Contactless Sensors, ensuring accurate and precise positioning across the entire axis range.
Where the bases differ is on the VPC Rotor TCS Plus Base - the Plus variant includes an additional twist throttle axis on the stem, as well as an additional push button input and switch perfect for the most demanding helicopter pilots. These inputs will be used to control the operation of the twist grip - the rotation range can be restricted with the toggle. The grip will also include tactile detents within the range.

Mounting the VPC Rotor TCS Bases poses an interesting challenge due to the unique nature of these controls. We are still in the process of reviewing solutions to offer versatile and accessible mounting options for all VIRPILs. Current production prototypes are using a metal bracket which can be attached to existing simpits or hard mounted to a desk chair.

Connectivity is provided via our detachable USB and AUX outputs as found on our MongoosT-50 range of devices and will support device daisy-chaining.
Stay tuned for more news on our helicopter controls lineup!
Regards,
VIRPIL Controls Team



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We know many of you are eagerly anticipating the launch of the VPC Collective Controls lineup so today the VIRPIL HQ has shared a sneak peek at the upcoming controllers…
Our design team has been flying at our factory with the VPC Rotor TCS and Rotor TCS Plus Base combined with the VPC SharKa-50 Grip. The controllers are attached to our VPC Collective Chair Mount Kit offering a convenient mounting setup to a range of desk chair setups!
We hope you’re as excited as we are! Watch this space for more news soon.
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Former rotorhead and slightly moist yes! Looking over things now as I apparently "bricked" my TM Warthog throttle (getting fixed hopefully).
 
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