Ffb opinion

[robbiec]

I have a Baur BRD-N v.№4 (the big 9kg job) which I love but I'm seeing more and more Force Feedback stuff which intrigues me. I could go and buy a prebuilt kit but then I'd be adding a grip and from the pricing I'm seeing I'd probably be north of €1,000 so my question is.. Do you think it would be possible to retrofit a 'ffb kit' to a stork?

[Flying_Colander]

The Stork is a solid and terrific piece of kit. Converting it FFB depends on your shop skills or mateship with someone who is handy with metal craft. I think the biggest issue is making a new case to install the pulley gears. The motors ride on the outside of the case. What is the width of the scissor mechanism of the Stork? The width of the gears is about 25-30mm.

 

The price of 1000€+ is off by three or four hundred euro. You can get a ready made joystick for 8 or 9 which is still breathtaking, sure.

The biggest expenses for self assembly kits is the electronics and laser cutting. You also have to be prepared for lots of fiddling. If you aren't handy, I wouldn't recommend it. If you are, want to be or need a project, you can repurpose much of the Stork.

 

Check out the FFBeast Discord channel. While a boutique channel, its members are knowledgeable and helpful.

https://discord.com/channels/1043156600468287539/1285345232719708255

 

If you are coming from a Stork/long throw joysticks, you'll need to pay attention to the motors you source. You'll need 30mm magnets to give you enough torque. The affordable go-to motors we use are from hoverboards.

 

Hope that helps,

 

Flying Colander

[robbiec]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. I've put my name on the list for the Rhino

[robbiec]

I left the Stork alone and went with a Rhino Monster. 

 

Prices:

Basic grip (Virpil Warbrd) + an extension = €120

Rhino Monster Base = €540

Vpforce Motors and Motherboard = lets say €625 shipped 

You'll need a psu (Mean Well 350/24) = €50 from Amazon via China

You'll need wiring, connectors, crimps = €40

 

So total cost = €1365 (or €2500 if I add in my half day) by the time you're done, configured and sitting in your cockpit. Considering it's the bit that you'll be interacting with most, it's reasonable value. Better than VR? No. Better than a Simshaker with Jetseat, at times but not for value. Easier to fly with? Landings, yes, take off, not so sure, flying? Possibly but the software does not simulate the 109 slats and it feels very different to the Stork. I must learn how to fly the Stuka, pretty sure the Rhino and it are made for each other. 

 

S! 

[Flying_Colander]

Enjoy, Robbiec.