9. RhinoOrion - WinWing Orion Pedals FFB Conversion¶

9.1 Overview¶

The RhinoOrion is a conversion kit that adds VPforce FFB capability to WinWing Orion rudder pedals using the 86BLF03 motor. Based on Mike T’s design, this kit provides enhanced force feedback using a pre-assembled aluminum frame with integrated belt tensioner for precise adjustment.

Key Features:

• Solder-free assembly using pre-crimped wiring
• Compatible with WinWing Orion rudder pedals
• Uses 86BLF03 motor from VPforce DIY kit lineup (high torque)
• Pre-assembled aluminum frame with adjustable motor mount
• Built-in belt tensioner for precise tension adjustment
• Requires dual USB connection (original Orion for brakes, VPforce board for rudder axis)
• Height addition: ~50mm with feet, ~20mm without feet

9.2 Kit Contents and Requirements¶

Included:

• Pre-assembled aluminum frame with adjustable motor mount
• PETG-printed mechanical components (motor mount, enclosure, lid, 60T pulley, belt tensioner, plugs)
• Hardware (M3-M6 screws, nuts, washers, 15T timing pulley, 60T timing pulley, timing belt)
• Pre-crimped power wiring and USB extension cable

Required Components (not included):

• WinWing Orion rudder pedals
• VPforce DIY FFB kit: 86BLF03 x1 + USB (order from VPforce: 229€ + VAT)
• Power supply unit
• USB type A to B cable

Pricing:

• Kit: 159€
• VPforce motor kit: 229€ + VAT
• Total project cost: ~388€ + VAT (excluding PSU and cables)

9.3 Technical Specifications¶

Mechanical Design:

• Motor configuration: Frame-mounted 86BLF03 with adjustable motor mount
• Pre-assembled aluminum frame: Simplified installation with precise motor positioning
• Belt drive transmission: 15T motor pulley to 60T swing arm pulley
• Integrated belt tensioner: Allows fine-tuning of belt tension without repositioning components

Electrical Configuration:

• VPforce USB board: Rudder axis control
• Original Orion board: Brake axis control (dual USB operation)
• Custom enclosure: Houses VPforce board, power connections, and USB interface
• Pre-crimped wiring (solder-free assembly)
• External DC power supply

Height Specifications:

• With black feet: ~50mm added from floor to Orion bottom edge
• Without feet: ~20mm added height

9.4 Assembly Process Overview¶

The RhinoOrion conversion uses a pre-assembled aluminum frame with adjustable motor mount and belt tensioner, enabling precise force feedback tuning. Full assembly instructions with detailed photos available in original documentation.

Assembly Stages:

1. Orion Preparation: Remove spring, cam piece (two M5 screws), and spring holding arms (requires bottom plate removal)
2. Swing Arm Modification: Mount 60T pulley to swing arm using two M5×35mm screws, plug resulting holes with kit plugs
3. Frame Mounting: Attach Orion to aluminum frame using four M5×20mm screws
4. Enclosure Assembly: Install DC power connector, VPforce board with M3×8mm screws, connect power block
5. Motor Installation: Attach 86BLF03 motor to motor mount with M6 screws, add 15T pulley (height-adjustable)
6. Motor Mount Installation: Attach motor mount to aluminum frame using four M5×16mm screws with 5.3×20mm washers (leave loose initially)
7. Software Configuration: Set up VPforce configurator with unique Device Ident and Product ID
8. Belt Installation: Tension belt using built-in tensioner mechanism, adjust 15T pulley height to match 60T pulley
9. Final Assembly: Tighten motor mount screws, install lid, perform calibration

Critical Assembly Notes:

• Bottom plate removal required to access spring holding arm mounts (board cables can remain connected)
• 60T pulley replaces original cam piece on swing arm
• Belt tensioner provides fine-tuning capability - tighten with sensitivity to avoid motor damage or slipping
• Motor connections point to rear (different from other kits)
• Motor mount uses 5.3×20mm large washers with M5×16mm screws
• Motor labeled “Y” may require Swap checkbox activation or firmware reflash
• Leave motor mount screws loose until belt is installed and tensioned
• TelemFFB identifies pedals by single X-axis configuration (disable Y-axis in configurator)

9.5 Software Setup Summary¶

Initial Configuration:

1. Connect VPforce board via USB (disconnect other VPforce devices)
2. Access firmware update via Edge or Chrome browser
3. Download and run VPforce FFB Configurator

4. Configure three critical settings:

   • USB Device Ident: “RhinoOrion” (or unique name)
   • USB Product ID: 2054 (or unique ID)
   • Disable Y-axis (required for TelemFFB pedal detection)

5. Set Master Gain: 100%, Spring Gain: 100% for belt installation

6. Manual calibration values: min: 0, max: 4096 (centers motor axis)
7. Motor labeled “Y”: Activate Swap checkbox or contact Walmis for firmware reflash
8. Perform auto-calibration after belt installation
9. Fine-tune gains, spring, and effects per user preference

TelemFFB Integration:

• Configure VPforce-TelemFFB application
• Multi-device setup: Configure Launch Options with RhinoOrion ID for simultaneous joystick/pedal operation
• Auto-Launch and headless mode for seamless game integration
• Simulator compatibility: DCS World, IL-2 Great Battles, MSFS, X-Plane

Configuration Resources:

• Hiob’s starting configuration (VPforce Discord)

9.6 Performance Demonstration¶

Demo Videos:

• Spring force varying with speed (RhinoMFG with 57 motors)
• Pre-stall buffet effects (RhinoMFG with 57 motors)
• Virpil ACE FFB demonstration

9.7 Additional Resources¶

Assembly Documentation:

• Detailed Assembly Guide (step-by-step instructions with photos)

General FAQ:

• FAQ - RhinoOrion DIY Kit
• FAQ - General DIY Kits (PSU requirements, shipping, payment, warranty)

Community Support:

• VPForce Discord: Real-time assembly guidance, troubleshooting, and configuration sharing
• Multi-device configuration support (running RhinoOrion with Rhino joystick/collective)
• User settings database and community configurations

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Project Credits:
Original design by Mike T | Kit assembly and documentation by Kaltokri | VPforce motor electronics by Walmis