DIY Force Feedback Base

Assembly
Guide.

Your Monster Rhino arrives approximately 95% preassembled. This guide covers the remaining mechanical assembly, electrical connections, belt setup and calibration.

Step 01 Get Started Read before you start

Before You Start.

This is the assembly guide for the Monster Rhino Kitbase.

The project is based on the work of valued community member @TheAmazinGreat. It is furthermore based on the original DIY Rhino project by @protomaker964.

95% preassembled

Final Assembly.

Complete the steps in order. Keep all supplied screws and cable ties within reach.

Access the housing

Remove the marked covers.

Remove the bottom plate, the front cover with the intake fan, and both belt covers. Every part that must be removed is marked with a sticker. For transport, the covers are secured with only two or three screws; put all parts and screws aside safely.

Detach the emergency stop. Press in the white latch on its lower section and pull the lower section down.

Install the electronics

Mount the mainboard.

Locate the mainboard bracket beneath the front cover and remove the four preinstalled mounting screws. Position the mainboard on the bracket and secure it with those four screws.

Check the orientation. Align the board so the power-wire connectors point to the right, matching the orientation shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1 Mainboard orientation and electrical wiring reference. Tap or click to enlarge.

Motor orientation and wiring

Install the motors and connect the mainboard.

  1. Prepare the motor cables first. Attach and crimp the supplied cables before placing the motors in the housing. The connectors cannot be reached after installation.
  2. Install both motors with the supplied M6 motor-mount screws. Match the orientation shown in Fig. 2 so the cables do not contact the outer walls when belt tension is adjusted.
  3. Connect the electronics according to Fig. 1. The two fan plugs and the two potentiometer plugs are interchangeable.
  4. Route every cable clear of both fans and all moving parts. Once wiring is complete, ensure the emergency stop is released.
Fig. 2 Correct motor orientation. Match both cable positions.

Test before closing

Verify, tidy and close the housing.

Power the base only after checking the wiring. Confirm that the electronics work and test both fans in the VPForce software's Debug tab. Disconnect power again before closing the case.

  • Secure the wiring with the supplied cable ties.
  • Keep every cable clear of the front intake fan.
  • Install the vertical reinforcers shown in Fig. 3.
  • Refit both covers and tighten all remaining case screws.
Fig. 3 Do not omit the vertical reinforcers.

Drive pulleys

Fit the 15T metal pulleys.

Slide a supplied 15T pulley onto each motor shaft. Align each grub screw with a flattened face of the shaft, then tighten it. Apply a suitable threadlocker to prevent the screws loosening and the pulley slipping.

Do not push the pulley too far down. Leave enough adjustment range to align both belts. If the fit is tight, use only a plastic or rubber mallet and work gently.
Fig. 4 Seat the grub screw on a flattened face of the shaft.
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Mechanical setup

Belts & Calibration.

Center first, tension carefully, then let the software compensate for the final offset.

  1. 01
    Check the starting value.

    Power on the base and open the RAW readings in the VPForce software. Both should be approximately 2000.

  2. 02
    Install the first belt.

    Hold the grip connector centered while fitting the belt. Keep the software dot centered and the reading close to 2000. If needed, move the belt by one tooth.

  3. 03
    Set the tension.

    The belt should be firm, but never as tight as a guitar string. Do not overtighten.

  4. 04
    Repeat for the second axis.

    Install and tension the second belt using the same method.

  5. 05
    Run calibration.

    Perform the calibration described on page 16 of the VPForce manual. An exact initial RAW value of 2000 is not required; calibration compensates for the offset.

  6. 06
    Tune the effects.

    Add spring force, damper, inertia and other effects to preference. Refer to the VPForce manual for detailed guidance.

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Ready for the rig

Final Checks.

Select the grip.

Choose the correct grip in the VPForce Configurator. VPForce offers adapters for VKB grips (separate BlackBox required) and Winwing grips.

Check low-throw limiters.

The Monster Rhino Kitbase comes preinstalled with ±20° throw limiters and is compatible with the original Rhino throw limiters. If required, these can be customised using the Onshape file provided by VPForce and 3D-printed locally. With extremely low limiters, ensure the front grip cable does not rub. If necessary, raise the limiter a few millimetres using washers.

Mount and fly.

Securely mount the base to your rig, complete one final movement and cable-clearance check, and enjoy the flight.

Quick access

Reference Images.

Open any image for a full-size view while you work.