Viper TQS Mission Pack Review
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- I was given the Viper TQS Mission Pack by Thrustmaster for a review and I'm going over all the aspects of this new Throttle system that is supposed to be a 1:1 replica of the real Viper Throttle!
Honest review is mostly positive but I do go into detail on every aspect that has caught my attention. Let me know in the comments what you think.
If you are interested in purchasing through AMAZON, then here is an AFFILIATED LINK:
amzn.to/3ZQMAKh
Link to the Viper TQS Mission Pack:
www.thrustmast...
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/ ralfidude
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Hey guys, just as an FYI:
I wanted to experiment a little bit with this review and not make it a scripted review with voice overs. Thus I used a lav mic. First time doing so. Unfortunately, that also meant that I ran into some audio issues here and there. I apologize for the quality in some spots regarding that matter and I promise that next time I use this format that I will sort out that audio variance. I really wanted to go for a more honest, non scripted reivew where I get to just talk to you guys.
Let me know, did you like this format better than the more scripted voiced over parts? Or should I stick to how I normally do things instead?
I really liked this format better, and even with the audio issues, I prefer this mic
I liked this format. Also, I didn't notice any issues with the audio.
Occasional pops are audible (probably from moving the cable), otherwise very nice sound. 👍🏻
You can always combine, ya know?! 😉🍻
Its all good
no disrespect to your fancier mics but the audio quality is absolutely fine to my ears
The extra "paddle switch" below the throttle is the backout switch from the Block 40's. It was there to dim all lights for NVG use. Not found on Block 30 or 50's iirc.
we have them on our block 30's too, it acts as a shift switch, and also changes pages on the bdu
I been using that switch to recenter my track ir works nice
yet again a certified hood classic from ralfi, thank you.
Afterburner can be done with custom curves in DCS. You can make a custom curve for every module that hits afterburner exactly on 80% of the axis, with linear sections before and after.
100%. I 3D printed a push-through detent for my ordinary Warthog throttle and did just this.
I have the Virpile throttle so i don't have that issue at all 😂
@@terraoftime Yeah, on CM3 I can set the detent to have whatever value I want, and add a deadzone around it together with virtual buttons. Awesome feature. VKB and Winwing also have it, TM as always stayed behind.
The paddle switch under the grip is the Blackout switch. It exists in some blocks of the real F-16
What does that one actually do irl?
@@creepy_3031it shuts off all lights for "oh shit I'm being looked at" situations, so your panel lights aren't making you a green glow in the sky. It might shit off other things too (radar and exterior lights maybe) but in general that's what blackout switches are for in the military, some of our truck mounted shelters have a switch on the door to turn lights off automatically when the door is opened to keep you from giving away your position.
isnt it on the top in the real one?
@@fon-tijn Not according to this. See the dotted lines representing "under"
falcon4.wikidot.com/local--files/avionics:hotas/throttle.jpg
@@Leedledlee Exactly. The F-15 also has a blackout switch on the left throttle grip.
I love that Thrustmaster included that extra 3 position knob-looking thing like on their TM Hornet grip @ 2:19
This is a great option for me in VR. I setup mouse left click to the depress, mouse right click to the same depress + modifier, and VR zoom or spyglass zoom for the forward/aft directions. Super convenient and valuable addition.
Agree. Same thing with the zoom wheel. That feature may lead me to buy this instead of Winwing.
Now I'm just hoping you'll do a Zero-to-Hero for the F-16 like you did for the A-10C. It's awesome having people do start-to-finish videos for the planes, though I know it's got to be a monumental task of learning, filming and editing. It's appreciated!
I hope so as well. He has the best tutorials.
Thanks for the review. I fail to see how at this price one can justify it when we have the Winwing counterpart where for the same price you also get the complete HOTAS with 100% metal F16 joystick. I own it and love it.
Can you link me to the Winwing price you quoted please?
@@Pete_Harris CZcams often blocks links, use google to search for "Winwingsim" and their page will come up. Choose from which region you are and click on store link you should find the combination F16 throttle and F16 joystick for about $499 USD plus shipping.
@@Pete_Harris The winwing throttle with the f-16 grip is $329.90 US plus shipping. Do also note that winwing's throttle also has the optional f-15, f-18, and blackshark collective attachments. So you can just swap the grip on the winwing hotas system in the same way you would swap the sticks on many of the joystick solutions today. Honestly WW is probibly the best value for the money right now. Though I personally dispise their software. I mean its really shady NGL. But the hardware is good.
Yea, I bought the Winwing Super Taurus F-18 throttle and Super Libra F-18 stick a couple years ago. Almost 3 years ago at this point I think. I've probably put a cumulative total of somewhere between 2000-4000 on the two across various flight sims. They're built like a tank. Both still work just as well as the day I bought them and it's easy to adjust and correct/fine-tune center so you don't get any center wobble on the stick. (Meaning I haven't needed to increase the center dead zone at all.)
I can't recommend Winwing's stuff enough. 100% worth the price.
@@KennyTheB Just got their Orion 2 joystick and it is fantastic. And I do have a pretty high bar. also have a vkb gunfighter mk3 which I use for a variety of sims. But I got tired of having to unscrew the base from 1 mount and reattached the base to a different set of mounts. So I now run my vkb stick for wwii aircraft and my winwing exclusively for the hornet.
I will not say winwing is the best on the market, but they are by far the best value as far as sticks go. however their throttle has no equil so far. I mean their throttle is the only modular system on the market.
I also have their super Taurus, MIP vr version, takeoff and combat panels. And on the side every vkb grip, a thrustmaster warthog adapted for vkb, Saitek x-55 (big mistake), ch pedals, vkb gladiator mk2, ch fighterstick, Saitek combat pedals (big mistake), vkb t rudder pedals, thrustmastwr tpr pedals (big mistake), and now Redbird pedals which costs as much as the tpr pedals but with a more realistic feel. I have also used Virpil products which a buddy of mine is a big fan of. Winwing cannot be beat in the throttle market and their stick is on part with the vkb gladiator stick in terms of value with winwing being the more premium value stick with vkb being the best value budget stick.
The AB detent seems like a good excuse for a 3d printer, Ralfi. I won't be surprised to see community made printable AB detent clips in the future for this throttle
I'd make a rollover detent. I filed down the detent on my warthog because I didn't like the lift-over detent.
interesting seeing the actual lifting of the throttle lever to go into afterburner; never knew that was how it was done in the viper. I wonder how real viper pilots deal with that movement like for flying airshows
I'm a Viper freak. But in terms of sheer functionality, comparing this TQS to the Winwing Orion 2, the TQS looks like it costs more and does less.
Great review, though, Ralfi. Thanks, and I enjoyed the unscripted commentary. 👍
The TQS is also more plastic'y
I pre-ordered mine last month. Very excited to try it out soon! Thanks for the great review, Ralfidude.
That weird paddle switch would be great for VR gloves to track when the hand is off the throttle, I could see that being a use for it if the air force bothered to put their name on it
Honestly I'm glad that you've changed your review style, I absolutely love it. The lav mic problem doesn't really matter, it's your first time. A REALLY good first time, very well done!
One thing to point out regarding the throttle lever, is that button 19 is actuated by the position of the throttle itself. Once it passes the position where you have to lift the throttle to go into afterburner the button is activated. Removing the rail so you don't have to lift the throttle makes no difference as soon as the throttle passes that position the button is activated. As this is still within the axis range, it means that you you have no choice whether the button is pressed when throttling up to max.
Raf you can adjust where the afterburner kicks in by fiddling with the axis in DCS, just set the axis as a slider and adjust the saturation until the virtual burner kicks in at the same time as you pass the detent with your hardware throttle. Nowhere near as slick as the BMS system, but doable if you're like me and get annoyed by them not matching.
Had the Warthog for 7 years now upgraded to the Viper. I just about solely fly the F-16 mostly Falcon BMS and occasionally DCS. Either way this purchase was a no brainer. Will have a review of my own soon...not all of us received it for free.
Why didn't you get the Winwing?
@@phreak761 I would have gotten the Winwing I would have been upset that I did not wait wait to get this one. I really do not like the ant elev additional buttons. Also the landing gear handle is a nice touch.
This thing is actually tempting me into building a gaming computer after a hiatus of over a decade.
I had and loved the old FLCS/TQS combo many moons ago.
It would be really nice to see this in action, gameplay on the screen and another cam showing the TQS
This is one of those “if I had the disposable income” items. I definitely really vibe with the replica pieces no matter the aircraft.
Plastic gear lever at that price point is crazy.
The man with the shirt sleeve is back.
Sound is fine, candid review is preferable to scripted stuff.
Looks really cool! I really like the "clone" aspect of it and it looks like a really ergonomic and practical throttle. I'm just getting into DCS right now, and with the few hours I have logged in the game I can comfortably say that i'm in love! I really enjoy the attention to detail and the "realism" of it. I've been a fan of simulators since I was young, and have a craving for the next sortie! However I feel as though my experience is being hampered by my lack of experience (which will obviously change with time) and sub par equipment. I will be getting the Warthog hotas here soon, and I can't wait to get everything configured and finally fly with the proper keybinds!
Really enjoyed the video. Lots of good information. I will definitely consider this throttle down the road.
I am very happy with my WinWing F-16 throttle.
You are right it is a lot of money but not everywhere. I just purchased this throttle for like 600 dollars. I live in Turkey and If you want to buy anything above 150 euros from foreign countries (I mean virpil,vkb or winwing) our government doubles the price of the product you purchased. So basically a virpil throttle becomes 700ish euros to buy. Now we have a local thrustmaster dealer here. We can get it almost same amount money you pay and 2 year warranty for any kind of issues. Thanks for the review. Cheers
The lever on the bottom of the throttle is the HOBO (or black-out) switch, it's used for dimming all the lighting in the cockpit I believe.
I'm glad to see another video from you. Hopefully you'll release more soon, and can't wait for when you come up with something for the Frogfoot again ❤
The nav mode dial is there because it makes for a great DCS button modifier. For the CM3, the mode dial is amazing as it is in use for every module I fly -- including the F-16. For the A-10C and AH-64D, the modifier is great for allowing a bunch of keys to become input for the CDU/KU. Inputting coordinates doesn't feel like a chore when I can enter it the data like that. Because the F-16 throttle is so unique, I have a hard time imagining anyone is using it for anything other than the F-16. The avionics on the F-16 doesn't take in data in a way where that makes sense, but using it can make another controller, or other buttons on it do a lot more.
While DCS does not have that magic "AB" setup, it is easy to do with the throttle axis switched to slider and a bit of a curve which "moves" the AB point up or down as you wish. I do this with VKB Stecs, where I have one detent block for most AB planes and I set it for F/A-18C 1:1, but use curve for F-15C (one way) and MiG-29 (other way, that one has very long AB section). It works fine and the curve is fluent and a bit of non-linearity on throttle is not a real problem.
Hands-on Blackout (HOBO) Paddle Switch
The HOBO paddle switch, located on the throttle, activates/deactivates the blackout function when the NVIS switch is in ARM.
That's what that button is for as others have said, it exists on most modern vipers.
I'm going to treat myself to this with after my bonus. I want to get back into sims, and I always wanted to fly an F-16 since I was a kid. I would watch Iron Eagle every chance any time it came on.
I wish it wasn't a huge pain to calibrate AB in DCS. You can do it with curves, but it does take some trial and error.
You are correct about being turned off by the price point. Very much so. Even still, however, that throttle system is gorgeous, and I want it.
Can't pay for it, but I want it!
A big plus for me is the guarantee. When you buy from China it is hell lot of money when you send to China for repairing
What i learnt from this video: Ralfi definitely gets manicures.
Great review, Ralfi! If I could find the time and energy to actually go back into sims again instead of watching YT videos of ralfi dudes doing it, I would buy this in a heartbeat ;-)
Dobra recenzja Ralf ;)
i love it too!. i am using the button under the bottom of the throttle for modifier.
I had the TM Cougar a long time ago, and I really loved the ergonomics and comfort of the grip.
I bought the Winwing F-16 grip + Orion 2 button box (for a lot less than the TM version). It's great and I like it a lot... except for it's Antena Elevation and Manual Range knobs which feel flimsy and inacurate. I'll try to DIY replacement pots and metal knobs true to the original ones.
the mode selector got replaced by the "M" button on the EHSI the older models with an HSI still have that panel as far as i know the update is pretty recent so not many have the EHSI
I primarily fly the viper, but I also have a sim pit build in progress meaning it isn't easy to just swap out throttles and I really don't want to give up the versatility of a dual throttle...
I don't know if it's just because I'm tired or what but the "whoopsie" and then the Frogfoot landing gear retracted, I laughed entirely too hard. Lmao.
All jokes aside, I've watched so many reviews on this thing and I definitely will be purchasing it eventually. I'll start by upgrading from my X56 stick though. Lol.
There is one moduel in dcs that lets you adjust the A/B detent in the software and thats the mirage F-1, im honestly suprised no other ones do though
MAN i remember when i bought my warthog throttle and stick NEW for under $500. Think it was like $490 or something like that which felt like a lot to younger me
I have your wallpaper as a t-shirt.
_Live slow, die whenever._ The song of my people.
Ralfi I was watching Growling Sidewinder lately because he's been posting videos almost daily. His channel is blowing up. He started flying the Hog, but he sucks at it so I came back to watch some of your videos. I noticed you aren't posting as often. It would be really cool if you and GS would do a collaboration. I'd love to see you taking a lead role on some A-10 missions with him perhaps. If not, can you post some more A-10 videos of your own? I really like watching them. Good day!
Winwings F-16 throttle on the Orion2 base is 200 usd less. Obviusly, we will have to see what the price is, once the WW US store opens.
Would have been nice if they had a replica stick as well. not one that mounts to the warthog but the same electronic force stick the f-16 uses like the old saitek had
Main use for removing the detent is when playing different games where the extra stop doesn't make sense and can potentially get in the way, such as E:D or Star Citizen. I'm surprised it doesn't reverse, though, like it does on the A-10 replica (it goes in both ways, one side has the detent, the other doesn't).
Great Video! When is the next SU-25 frogfoot dcs video comming?
If it was 100$ cheaper I'd be already having it on my table. I know it is not a big difference. Its merely psychological :D
If price was not an option and after using both, which would you get? Do you think the Hog is better for all purpose flying or do you think you enjoyed the viper more?
When he said ring finger I had a flashback to when he was using the stutterer software: finger-ringer!
Bind the paddle switch to the ejection seat flare. No IR missiles will be able to shoot you down.
what screws does the viper TQS require to work with the Thrustmaster desk clamp. I have both and don't even know where to look without a screw type to mount them
For the clamp, you can mount a Logitech X56 throttle with a very small amount of filing (>0.25in) Ive had mine on it for over 2 years with zero issue
The intersting idea around the removable part for the AF can't work, based on eveythingw e see, since thatyou won't have so much travel after that point to adjsut whatever you want to adjust! but good idea though
I hate the price. However I still bought it.
Also on a side note. The switch on the bottom of the throttle is a black out switch. So real switch but not needed in DCS. So map it as you see fit.
The pricepoint is what kills the deal for me, even though I'd love to have this. 500USD plus Norwegian taxes and tolls? Yeah, we're pushing above 600USD, not including freight. I checked some of the retailers up here, and...yeah. 6700NOK, or about 620USD. Plus freight, which tosses another 20-30 USD on top of it.
As much as I would love to have a replacement for the EXTREMELY old F-16TQS+FCS combo that's sitting on my shelf (very old set from the late 80's early 90's, pretty much a precursor to the Cougar so completely useless in this day and age given that it's a Gameport-based system), 650USD is just far too much when comparing it to other options out there.
TM really do need to learn that while the Thrustmaster-name was damn hot back in the 80's, 90's and early 2000, there's far more options these days.
Hey...by any chance, do you know how to switch on RWR bottoms and landing gear handle's lights? I tried to program it in T.A.R.G.E.T firmware but the TQS just doesn't show up on the menu....
The review feels like I'm watching Doug DeMuro
Looks like the "friction" axis could accept a 3D printed extender easily enough
With a little bit of ingenuity and a 3D printer I bet you could very easily make color coded or even labeled custom detents for different modules.
Please do a comparison with the WinWing F-16 on the Orion 2. I've heard from many its MUCH better made (lots more metal instead of the cheap Thrustmaster plastic toy material) with more features and much better deal and doesn't have any of those annoying things the Thrustmaster has (ie that stupid lever that has no purpose you mention in the middle of the video)....AND you can swap throttle handles for other planes...ie swap with F-15 or F-18..... FYI, this Thrustmaster model is not a replica....it's close but not nearly classified as a replica
Those many don’t own both, mover said they both have their strengths and weaknesses tho
"I've heard from many its MUCH better made (lots more metal instead of the cheap Thrustmaster plastic toy material)"
FWIW the Warthog stick is made of metal, yet I'd argue that the VKB Gladiator EVO, that's almost all plastic, is MUCH better made.
Metal != quality, and plastic != cheap/toy.
@@jubuttib you do know there’s cheap metal and there’s expensive plastic
@@RW-zn8vy I do, but too often I see this sentiment that if it's not metal, it's cheap crap and a toy. You can make quality products with both, and crap as well. =)
It's actually been kinda interesting seeing the VKB STECS launch. Some people seem to have disregarded it straight out of hand because it's not "all metal", while some others who have been using for example Virpil's metal throttles in the past feel like the VKB is a significant upgrade.
I’d be 100% more impressed if the TARGET software that is supposed to support this system actually supported it to be honest Ralfi
To be honest, I never use TARGET software. It works as plug and play for anything I want. I just do my controls through the in game controls. No problems what so ever.
@@ralfidude yeah, me too but Thrustmaster bang on about TARGET software, I was kind of hoping to have the rest of the panel lights working, but still. Thanks for the video anyway.
Can you please do F18 or F14 for dummis? Would love to see that
Can you please give me a link for the Flying Clamp ? I can't find one on the TM website..maybe not looking hard enough but so far I can't find it. Great review by the way...just working on funding for it now....danged expensive in the UK but I sure would like one
If this came with the Warthog stick, which is exactly the same as the Viper, for around the $600 mark then I could see this being an attractive option for people.
Personally I replaced the Warthog stick base with the VKB WrdBRD and use the TM Warthog and Hornet sticks depending on what I fly. My beloved Warthog throttle died randomly so I ordered the WinWing Orion set, using the throttle only. The Orion stick and base have never been out of the box for over a year now.
Thanks Ralphi, how does the gear switch feel when using it? Looking at the placement of the throttle in mil or afterburner makes me think it would be a sod to use.
If you're looking for a replica, personally I would get the throttle, and ignore the panel. You'll save a chunk of cash with just the throttle itself, and can build your own replica of the left console instead. That's really the only part of this I'm disappointed with. The buttons and switches might be pretty useful, but as you demonstrated with that knob that doesn't exist in the DCS Falcon, they're not in the correct locations.
Otherwise, the throttle handle itself would make a great addition to building a cockpit.
Someone should send one to AvE for a tabletop breakdown and build quality check
Forgot to mention that the Winwing F-16 throttle is only $330
is that a quality product? i'm always suspicious of chinese knockoff crap.
@@oldfrendWinwing gear is generally much better quality than Thrustmaster! I have a Taurus and Orion throttle and I'm very happy with both of them!
Winwing makes pretty good quality products, I myself have the f-16 throttle and it’s amazing.
Pricewise and the fact that you can easily change the throttle grip for like an f18/15 is a gamechanger. I don’t think you can change anything on the thrustmaster.
Looks like a complete ripoff just because of „air force“ labeling 😅
That knob would have been better used as the light control switch
What size screws did you use to mount it to the mount?
The switch that you refer to under the throttle at time stamp 10:26 could be used to recenter the display.
Which headtracker is so bad it needs a separate recenter button? 🤣
Just map your NVGs, cockpit lights or even zoom in there.
Is this nicer that the WinWing? I don't know, but there for sure are a whole lot more useful buttons and switches on the WinWIng base.
Is this $200 nicer than the WinWing? Hell no.
Why do reviewers never do destructive testing?
"Looks Good"
"Feels nice"
"What if I slam it into AB a few times? And while we're at it, keep our thumb against the hat switch while doing so"
"Let's see what happens when you knock it off your desk!"
so do you not use an AB detent with the warthog throttle? or does it work differently? i'm new to HOTASs and in the market for a decent one for both flight and space sims.
i imagine slamming it forward for full mil power without a second thought tickles all those maverick genes we all have; i'd hate to have to feather it towards the end so i don't accidentally light the fires.
do you (or anyone reading) have a throttle you'd recommend for $200 or less?
the warthog doesnt have an afterburner, so I dont think the hotas has a detent
check out the twcs throttle, or for something a bit more expensive, vkb stecs or winwing
I hope it doesn't have awful connectivity issues like the Warthog hotas has now.... 😕
Or in the future.
I can't imagine this product catching on.
Your afterburner adjustability idea will be done by 3D printer community for sure.
At this price Thustmaster is probably trolling us! Here, in Europe you can buy Winwing's F16 throttle with almost half the money!!!
The way I see it Thurstmaster offers a better grip and Winwing a better "gearbox" with more axis, dial encoders and switches to play with.
At 500+ Euros/dollars this product is DOA !!!
pls can we have the next episode of the su-25t zero to hero
i believe a the winwing F16 hotas is a better solution , better materials and price
Hey @ralfidude I'm really curious if ever could get your hands on the WinWing F-16EX HOTAS system and especially the Throttle. If yes, do you have any words on a comparison with the Thrustmaster system? Price are two different worlds but what about quality? I have the WinWing system and I really can't find anything wrong with this extremely stable and versatile piece of equipment. Cheers Milan
0:25 Thanks for watching... Until next time lol
If only a had the money to buy this,
Second year collage student by the way, I actually want to buy this so bad as a viper main in dcs but…
There is nothing we can do.
Would you recommend this over the win wing orion2?
Did you accept this as a gift?
For the price, I have no idea why anyone would get this over the winwing. The switches on the throttle are inferior in nearly every way. This thing should be $299 at the most!
Oh baby...I just gotta ask one question about the Viper TQS...
Does it "have one"? 😛
If I now wasn’t broke, I would buy this thing right now…
Cool throttle, too expensive and too late for me, VKB filled the hole that i needed for throttle and stick at a good price.
nice video ralfi
Ahh so he is alive.
I expected it to be more expensive tbh
well. for the price i would say noo, winwings f16 stick on the orion is far better value then alltho being more complicated needing assembly and software setup etc. still if one is smart enough to fly simulations of an f16 one is probobly smart enough to do those things. the plastic designs thrustmaster does is fine, but not for the price they ask of their products. the only product i think is actually worth the premium is their pendular rudder pedals. i expect this throttle panel combo to drop in price maybe even shlashed in half or comboed with the warthog/f16 stick for a better value. but i think the build quality and price doesent get close to winwings f16 even if the button panel isnt fully viperthemed on the orion 2. neighter is the thrustmaster one seeing as its compact and buttons arent located where they are in the real plane so it doesent really matter.
all that being said, i appriciate the honesty about the price and some of the build quality, and i understand that you dont want to compare other brands in a review for a big brand.
It is disappointing after Winwing expecting Thrustmaster to do better
Not "OKishh"😅 you can buy a Winwing HOTAS Setup with that money (Throtle/Stick/Base)
recommending this without bringing up the Orion 2 is bordering on sellout territory. There is absolutely no reason to get this over the Orion throttle especially now that they sell directly in the US.
Apparently from what I’ve heard the quality is much better in the tqs which makes sense but it’s still over priced. Also winwing has even worse customer service than tm and just scams people if they don’t receive their item or it comes broken.