Fellow Mudspikers (and especially @Troll),
I’ll keep this relatively short and sweet, but I want to provide a quick review of the VPForce Rhino FFB base. Bottom line up front, the Rhino base is a powerful, DirectX FFB capable base, compatible with existing Thrustmaster, Virpil, WinWing and VKB grips, and is the best off-the-shelf FFB base you can buy, in my opinion.
I already had a Brunner CLS-E but was unsatisfied with the level of force it was able to provide for extended durations. Additionally, I (at the time) was looking for native DirectX FFB capability. Brunner has since added that, although I have not been able to get it to work correctly without a third-party, Arduino based modification. However, I always felt that the stick was a bit too weak, especially while using a 10" extension. I have time in a variety of aircraft, and the Brunner did not provide the level of immersion and suspension of reality that I desired.
I got on the Rhino base waiting list last August and my number came up for order about three weeks ago. I ordered the pre-built, ready to go base, with a VKB adapter included. It’s big, slightly bigger than the Brunner base, and I had to raise the base on a small stand from the floor to get it the right height. It is too big to mount on an arm extending from under my seat (not that you can’t, it just didn’t work in my case). I’m currently using a VKB MCG Pro on their long, bent extension.
Simply put, the Rhino is great. The firmware update popped up when I plugged it in, I downloaded the configuration software and was off to the races. DirectX capability works without a hitch in DCS and Il-2 GB. There are lots of configuration options that can overlap with the in game effects, and the base has a physical dial to control the force strength on the fly, along with an emergency shut off switch.
The base is extremely powerful. It has more than enough force to maintain a Thrustmaster Warthog or Hornet grip on an extension trimmed at maximum deflection. Stall buffet, aerodynamic forces and control loading feel appropriate and realistic (and you can dial them in on the fly based on platform if need be).
The base as a very large range of motion, which might be one of its negatives. With a 10" extension and the MCG Pro on top, it has almost too much throw within my simpit. The software features programable force limiting for each axis, but with the 10" extension, moderate force “breaks” through the limit, forcing the stick into a recovery mode (very similar to the CLS-E when it hits a temperature limit). I believe VPForce offers physical range limiting hardware, but I haven’t explored this yet. The base is also pretty big and needs to be mounted to something (in my opinion). It sits a few inches farther forward of my seat than I would prefer.
I’ve only had the base up and running about a week now and am still getting used to it, but I don’t think I’ll be able to go back to the Brunner. I had a stock Microsoft Sidewinder FFB 2 and I eventually modded it into a home built base with an extension, so along with the CLS-E, I’ve had some experience with different FFB options. The Rhino is the best of the bunch and worth the price for a serious simulator enthusiast. If the only platforms you fly are modern FBW jets, it might not be worth it, but if you’re in to helicopters, warbirds and early jets up the F-14, I think FFB is a must have and second only to VR. The purchase process was straightforward and email communication with the designer was easy.
@Troll, I think you’re going to be happy with those motors and the VPForce software. Looking forward to seeing your eventual creation!
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