Author Topic: VKB Rotary encoder on NXT joystick?  (Read 121 times)

Online Randy1

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VKB Rotary encoder on NXT joystick?
« on: December 11, 2025, 09:44:22 AM »
Anybody find a good use for the rotary encoder?

Offline xanax

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Re: VKB Rotary encoder on NXT joystick?
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2025, 07:58:11 PM »
Anybody find a good use for the rotary encoder?

For a time I used it for zooming maps. I upgraded to the Gunfighter and the STECS and thus, using a different encoder-in fact I found a couple of spare buttons in a better spot to use instead. A matter of taste. Don't let the complexity of the VKB software scare you off as it does amazing stuff. Plenty of YouTube vids out there to guide you. Their Discord channel will also help you immensely if you need it..... You won't. I've tried it all and they along with Virpil are tops.
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Online Randy1

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Re: VKB Rotary encoder on NXT joystick?
« Reply #2 on: Yesterday at 03:28:19 PM »
For a time I used it for zooming maps. I upgraded to the Gunfighter and the STECS and thus, using a different encoder-in fact I found a couple of spare buttons in a better spot to use instead. A matter of taste. Don't let the complexity of the VKB software scare you off as it does amazing stuff. Plenty of YouTube vids out there to guide you. Their Discord channel will also help you immensely if you need it..... You won't. I've tried it all and they along with Virpil are tops.

I got a windows Warning when I tried to install the config software so I backed off installing it but will try again.

Offline Bizman

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Re: VKB Rotary encoder on NXT joystick?
« Reply #3 on: Today at 01:02:30 AM »
I got a windows Warning when I tried to install the config software so I backed off installing it but will try again.
The small blue screen telling that Windows can't authenticate the program that's being installed? If that happens when you've just clicked the "install" button of a software and if you believe said software comes from a legit source (downloaded from the manufacturer's website instead of "Harry Hacker's fool proof apps for <apply name of your device>", you can most often continue "at your own risk".

FWIW I've got those warnings even when trying to install Microsoft's very own software! That may be due to a hiccup in their evaluation server or simply a poorly hidden attempt to try to force people using their Store only.

Offline AKIron

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Re: VKB Rotary encoder on NXT joystick?
« Reply #4 on: Today at 08:11:19 AM »
In case you don't know an encoder is a two direction momentary switch. A click when rotating in either direction is a switch press and release. Instead of limiting its use to something with a range like a zoom it could be used as something like getting gear up or down. Assuming the gear or other function has two separate triggerable states like up/dn, in/out. Assign one rotational click as gear up and the other direction down. You wouldn't want to assign it to something that toggles, like pressing "g" to get the gear up with the next press of the same key to get it down. That takes too much concentration to rotate it only one click. With each rotational direction supplying a different function, up or down, then it doesn't matter if you rotate it one click or 5.
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Offline AKIron

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Re: VKB Rotary encoder on NXT joystick?
« Reply #5 on: Today at 08:15:58 AM »
If you have flaps with multiple positions an encoder could be useful for that. Say the flap lever has 4 positions. You want full flaps fast, just smack the encoder wheel at least 4 clicks (more won't matter) and down come the flaps. Be more careful with the clicks if you want only one notch in either direction.

There can be considerations like how quickly will the flaps or other function respond. It may have a built in delay like 1 second between allowing a change in input. If so, Joystick Gremlin can come to your rescue.
« Last Edit: Today at 08:17:45 AM by AKIron »
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Online Randy1

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Re: VKB Rotary encoder on NXT joystick?
« Reply #6 on: Today at 09:50:15 AM »
Thank you AKIron.  That really helped.  This is indeed my first encoder wheel.

Bizman, that was my thought as well.  Best to be cautious first to make sure you have not jumped into something bad.  It is straight from VKB.  Thank you.