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Tutorial SMC3 Arduino 3DOF Motor Driver and Windows Utilities

Discussion in 'SimTools compatible interfaces' started by RufusDufus, Dec 1, 2013.

  1. CalSim

    CalSim building things

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    @Pit this one

    http://www.ebay.es/itm/141228414082?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
  2. RufusDufus

    RufusDufus Well-Known Member

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    A new version of the arduino SMC3.ino has been released (v0.7)

    This new version adds an additional analog input that can be connected to a POT which is used to scale the motion output (like a volume control :grin) I have been using it for months now and had no problems so finally got around to uploading it.

    It also adds a minor feature to reduce the power to the motors if there has been no comms from the computer for about 30 seconds.
    • I would suggest if you use it save your motor settings first with SMC3Utils - shouldn't be necessary but just in case.​
    • Check the MODE is the one you are using in the top of the .ino file.​
    • Enable either non-linear or linear scaling by uncommenting the appropriate line at the top of the .ino file - just go by comments at top of code. (My preference in the non-linear scaling)​
    • The POT input used in AN5.​
    • The scaling currently only applies to Motor 1 & 2​
    • I wouldn't use the software with scaling enabled if the POT is not connected as it will probably pick up noise and give strange results.​
    • With the pot at 0% you effectively stop all motion and center the Sim - good for getting in/out of the rig.​

    The non linear scaling is designed to try and reduce the overall motion but maintain the "smaller" movements as best possible - ie road noise and stuff, but scale back on the huge side to side motion you get in higher power cars.​
    scaling.jpg
    NOTE: If you don't need the POT scaling there is no need to change from the previous v0.63
    • Winner Winner x 5
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2014
  3. Blame73

    Blame73 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks!!
    That's what I was exactly looking for since I built a compact desk racer rig with arms close to the center so that smaller movements are required.
    The pot at 0% for getting in/out of the rig is perfect!
    Will test it tonight
  4. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    wow, studying...

    Cool, nice feature :)
    No more shutting down the motors needed when I will have a cup of coffee :).
    Important to know for all users here which do mot need this but are going to complain eventually after the update.

    Thank you a lot for your work!
  5. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    You will get the same result by limiting the axis, only just to your information.
  6. Blame73

    Blame73 Well-Known Member

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    Yes, that's what I'm doing now. But this way if I want more or less 'power' from one game to another I just turn the pot.

    Useful also not to throw your little nephew away while riding the rollercoaster :grin
  7. ericRacer

    ericRacer You get old because you stop playing ! Gold Contributor

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    Yes !
    This is exactly what was missing in Simtools. Thank you for these improvements.
    Much appreciated! :thumbs
    :cheers
  8. terry wells

    terry wells Active Member

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    This sounds like what I may need for my platform, Questions: Where do you connect the pot for this upgrade?, What size should it be?, Is this pot in addition to the ones that are connect to the motors? and last but not least, Where can I find a electrical wiring diagram of this? Thanks in advance
    Terry
  9. Blame73

    Blame73 Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    connect it to 5v, ground (as the other pots) and AN5 (analogic input5), near the other two pots
  10. RufusDufus

    RufusDufus Well-Known Member

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    Correct, the motion scaling POT is an extra POT that you need to add... Typically with a knob and mounted on your dash or somewhere easy to access so you can change it when you need to - like a volume knob for the motion.

    The POT value is not critical, anything from 2K to 20K should be fine.
  11. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    Great work @RufusDufus the best arduino firmware just got better :D excellent addition
  12. dedas

    dedas Active Member

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    great improvement of the software @RufusDufus, limiting the motion with a single knob is a great idea:thumbs
  13. dedas

    dedas Active Member

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    I've changed the circuit for the 2 IBT_2's and the Arduino, after blowing several arduino's. I think because it's some sort of groundloop i disconnected the GND wires from the IBT_2's to the Arduino, tested it and it works without a problem.
    Maybe this will resolve some problems builders have.
    • Like Like x 1
  14. Blame73

    Blame73 Well-Known Member

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    This is my diagram, hope it can help, the new pot is the one on the leftside, with the cyan wire

    Ard_MM_Pots_bb.png
  15. RufusDufus

    RufusDufus Well-Known Member

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    If it works without a GND wire between the H-Bridges and the Arduino then I would say you definitely have a wiring/earthing issue somewhere. You need GND connection between the two (the digital GND - not the motor power GND).
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
  16. terry wells

    terry wells Active Member

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    If using update SMC3 V0.7 and the IBT -2s, is this the way the pot should be connected?

    Attached Files:

    • Like Like x 2
  17. Ralph Manuel

    Ralph Manuel Member

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    is SMC3 compatible with ArduinoMega2560?
  18. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    yes
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  19. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    The mega has from all a little bit more in comparison with the uno. As far i know about the Arduino Uno and the Arduino mega2560 is that shield boards for the Uno can be fitted onto.
    • Informative Informative x 2
  20. dedas

    dedas Active Member

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    I'm using the new 0.7 firmware with the motion scaler option, and made a small change in the firmware to use A3 instead of A5 (because it isn't connected on my Arduino pro mini clone):D
    Works great, now i can change the motion by simply turning the pot so my little nephew can ride Dirt3 without getting thrown out of the seat :grin:thumbs.
    It's just getting better al the time!
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