RMK V2 Control Box & Derek Speare's GT1-FVS Comparison

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mr Latte
  • 106 comments
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I think your boxes are fantastic, but why not use momentary toggle switches? Would give us 6 more functions to play with...

Thanks, I AM using momentary toggle switches -you probably think of two-way (Up/Down) toggle switches. Actualy rotating encoder does that job here (left/right infinite rotation). The other problem is that the electronic board I'm using is limited to total 20 imputs... So I can't add aditional imputs at the moment. Of course there are different boards on thre market but much more pricey....
 
Remi I like those...

Do the lights go on/off or always on?
I'm assuming the extra lead is for the power to illuminate them?
 
Hi -lights always on and one usb cable. I'ts just my laptop power supply under the box (for the right angle during photo session) but looks confusing... damn!
 
LOL @ this whole thread.

These fancy button boxes made out of metal are for a very limited customer base. Most people would rather pay $100 for equal or more functionality. I've got the DSD button box in this thread and it's plastic enclosure has given me zero problems at all. I think the metal box is useless and increases the price without increasing quality.

But I think the Black Max II would have been a great comparison for this review. I understand why you reviewed the one you have, just saying that it's a bit closer in price.

HPIM1322.jpg

$120 with more buttons, more encoders, and better looking (IMO of course) with the carbon vinyl.


Oh and you should really like the Pro Sequential Shifter. I've got the standard handle (not bent style) and it is amazing.
 
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I've posted this before in another thread but the thread is no longer around, so here's a partial repost.

After owning a DSD Track Boss, to make an analogy between the two, if the Track Boss is a Honda, then this is a BMW. This is of course not from a performance perspective, after all, as long as the buttons work efficiently, a button box's job is done. However, the RMK box has a teutonic feel about it thanks to the quality metal casing and workmanship. I love those rotary encoders and would highly recommend getting boxes that have them. I think they will be more prevalent in future boxes.

Here's a video with some button pressing. Yes, mount needs stiffening but it's very handy that the RMK box comes with mounting holes which fits Ram mounts perfectly.



And yes, Barbarella is doing just fine. (For those who didn't read the original post, Barbarella is what I named my RMK box, 'cos she's gorgeous and retro futuristic in my opinion. ;) )

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LOL @ this whole thread.

These fancy button boxes made out of metal are for a very limited customer base. Most people would rather pay $100 for equal or more functionality. I've got the DSD button box in this thread and it's plastic enclosure has given me zero problems at all. I think the metal box is useless and increases the price without increasing quality.

Your wrong to think that it's anything to do with a plastic box is a problem, it's not really but it has factors you could class as a "CON" because a metal box adds solidity giving a higher sense of robustness, feel and quality. Everyone that I showed both boxes all commented on how cheap and light the plastic box felt in comparison. Is it fit for the purpose, yes by all means but the quality, feel and finish of the RMK is beautiful.

But I think the Black Max II would have been a great comparison for this review. I understand why you reviewed the one you have, just saying that it's a bit closer in price.

Nice box also, great amount of functions. I mentioned at the beginning the comparison was done because I had purchased both the models covered. The report covered the fact that their are other alternatives and with "rotary encoders". The price difference was also taken into account during the final comments. Derek Speare is apparently for charging upto approx $300 for his "Metal Track Boss model" so a very hefty premium and quite a lot of money for a control box.

HPIM1322.jpg


$120 with more buttons, more encoders, and better looking (IMO of course) with the carbon vinyl.

Ahh carbon vinyl, is it just me or is every cheap car accessory becoming available covered in "carbon look". Yes Mr Speare has alternatives but I think the "carbon" thing is getting a little overdone lately. Everyone to their own preference really.

Oh and you should really like the Pro Sequential Shifter. I've got the standard handle (not bent style) and it is amazing.

Yes it is a quality product well made and satisfying to use.
 
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I don't think ANY of the metal boxes are worth it, not even DSD's. Like I said, they have a very limited customer base.

If RMK switched to a plastic box but maintained all of the other components they could reduce the price significantly and be much more competitive in what is already a very niche market. This could be done without sacrificing any functionality or quality.
 
I don't think ANY of the metal boxes are worth it, not even DSD's. Like I said, they have a very limited customer base.

If RMK switched to a plastic box but maintained all of the other components they could reduce the price significantly and be much more competitive in what is already a very niche market. This could be done without sacrificing any functionality or quality.

i know its a matter of opinion, but the quality would definitely be lessened if it were plastic. the functionality would stay the same of course, but powdercoated metal v. spray-painted plastic? methinks the choice would be simple if money was no object.

its definitely easier and cheaper to produce plastic boxes, but whats easier and cheaper in this world is rarely of better quality.

i dont think that RMK is trying to compete directly with DSD, as the products are different, but doing the same thing.

those that buy RMKs boxes are those looking for quality, as well as aesthetics, moreso than JUST functionality.

those that buy DSD boxes are looking for functionality, basic aesthetics, and low prices.

unfortunately, low prices usually means more sales. theres more toyotas with plastic dashboards than astons,bentleys, or ferraris with their wood inlays or (real) carbon fibre. doesn't mean that toyotas are of better quality. (In my opinion)


Edit: "if you build it, they will come" (or rather, buy it)

in any case, when you look at how much money you can save by making your own button box, none of them seem "worth it". its up to the individual customers wants, needs, and wallets.
 
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Sup folks!

Just got my V1 mounted to my rig and just wanted to share the pictures of this fine addition to my rig. Must say I am very impressed with the quality and finish of the product. 100% satisfied with my purchase, and Remi had great service/fast delivery!
Pls notice the alligned "nuts" on the switches which I asked Remi to do after reading this review.

/Michael


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Pls notice the alligned "nuts" on the switches which I asked Remi to do after reading this review.

/Michael

I noticed those aligned nuts right away, before I read what you wrote. I was right in my assumption, it looks SO much cleaner! :dopey:

Congrats on the purchase, a fine addition to your cockpit! Well colour-co-ordinated as well! :)

P.s. I like that wire covering on the shifter mount! :)
 
Very nice. Did you make the mount for the button box or is that from Playseat?


I had the g27 gear mount from playseat, then made the rest myself.

Youll need:

A peace of wood
Metal bracket(s) for the control box
Wire mesh
Some screws and bolts.
A few hours... :-)
 
Beautiful mod to a playseat, excellent very classy looking setup and the V2 matches in so well with it.

See this thread has been getting decent amount of views and shows their is a growing market for these things but I expected more criticism/judgement of my final comments. Nobody yet it seems having bought the V2 on these forums seems to disagree with points I made, strange?

Maybe in the future some others can give their own opinion to Remi's stylish finish and quality compared to some other plastic boxed models.
 
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SMART Upgrade for RMK's Button Boxes (SHIFT mode) and more!

*
Up to 38 imputs! on my single button box with the SHIFT lever as a standard from now on.
(does require additional free software ie. svmapper http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=53091)

*
New type of pushbutton - feels just like a spacebar on the computer keyboard
Great for single/double/tripple strokes! with no need look at the button box at all and no risk switching surrounding controls by accident.
It's big, easy to press, with good click and LED (in V2) Not ment to work as a starter switch, but as main all-purpose dial. This will be your favourite (little, but essential add-on)

*
New rim guarded pushbutton for key functions (ie. pit limiter) also separating SHIFT lever in the lower row.

*
All new boxes can work as left/right side boxes. The usb cable can be plugged from either side (just unscrew four side screws, gently lift the top cover, rotate and close back) This also allows my boxes to work in pairs -as a racing control dash (for those who need ultimate control centre).
 
Here's my modded RMK. Using a Leo Bodnar BBI-32 board mainly because I have no idea how the BU0836 matrix works! :(

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Altogether 42 buttons (31 out of 32 buttons used on the controller)

10 x push buttons
2 x ELMA E37 dual concentric encoders with pushbutton http://goo.gl/U4EIP
1 x CTS288V rotary encoder with push button http://goo.gl/uU820
1 x 12 position switch http://goo.gl/Nwgw2 - nice feature of using the BBI-32
2 x 2 position toggle switches
1 x 3 wire external connector (for sequential shifters)
1 x 2 wire external connector (for handbrake)

Goes with the Colin McRae edition shifter plate here :)
 
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