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Building a 6DOF stewart platform. Advice needed, please.

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by iMakeRobots, Jun 26, 2015.

  1. iMakeRobots

    iMakeRobots New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    vancouver, canada
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    My Motion Simulator:
    Arduino, 6DOF
    I've built a few stewart platforms in the past:

    marginallyclever.com/shop/stewart-platforms/rotary-stewart-platform-v2

    instagram.com/p/2o2tVbofLk/?taken-by=imakerobots

    Recently I got an offer from an automation company to comp me some linear actuators if I could promo their gear. Naturally I thought of making a bigger version. My goal is a machine 18"×18"×18" that I can cover with a fabric to look like a foot stool (and blends in with my living room). I don't need to support a TV, so (I'm guessing) a 150kg/300lb weight limit is enough. I only weigh 76kg.

    I believe I've got the software and the electrical worked out. I could really use some help with the engineering, please. I don't have the smarts to move forward and I'm relying on your expertise and experience.

    The list of parts I have to choose from: progressiveautomations.com/linear-actuators

    They don't have are universal joints to connect the actuator to the top and bottom of the platform. Someone suggested making a ujoint from two of their existing clevis brackets. In a perfect world I get those off the shelf and only have to machine the two plates. Do you know of a ujoint that would work?

    I'm using a RUMBA 6 axis 3d printer controller, but if that's not enough amps I can use breakout drivers and an Arduino MEGA. I've written some control software of my own

    github.com/MarginallyClever/rotarystewartplatform2

    but now that I've found this site I'll probably switch and just use this stuff.

    As with many of my other projects I plan to open source/open hardware the entire thing, including build instructions and bill of materials/shopping list, and give credit to anyone who contributes. Please help if you can, and thank you for reading!
  2. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    I think firstly you sould have a search around the forums as all the information is here somewhere.

    @SeatTime maybe able to help you with ujoints as he is in the process of building a actuator 6DOF.

    SimTools is an awesome free bit of software that I have had no issues with and you get all the support you need from these forums.
  3. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    AC motor, Motion platform
    Hi @iMakeRobots , as @SilentChill said I am currently building a 6DOF with DIY actuators (as commercial actuators suitable for a 6DOF are very expensive $$:eek:.) , my ujoints were sourced locally in Australia, so unfortunately that will not help you, but you can have a look at my build thread to get an idea of what you need.
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
  5. EmadA

    EmadA New Member

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    Gday @noorbeast , Trying to read the 6DOF build thread by @SeatTime but cant seem to find it, I keep getting thread not found, I was midway through it last week and came back to read up again today and it seems to have disappeared, anyone know how I can access it? Cheers.
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
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    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
  7. EmadA

    EmadA New Member

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    Thanks for the reply @noorbeast , I just got given the new link from @SeatTime . thank you both for the reply.
    • Like Like x 1
  8. bruce stephen

    bruce stephen Hammer doesnt fix it, must be electrical

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    general contractor
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    @EmadA also check out @wannabeaflyer2 actuator/6dof thread its pretty detailed and can be found here:
    https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/diy-linear-actuator-design.8221/

    or if you want to try out optical encoders instead of traditional potentiometers for position tracking/feedback check out this thread by @Hoddem it has a ton of useful info regarding the use of Kangaroo and sabertooth with encoders
    https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/hoddems-diy-linear-actuator.10324/

    I also have a 3d printable actuator design and it can be found here https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2789060
    my 6dof build thread is here but the actuators are new and only at the end of my thread. the build is not complete
    https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...w-arduino-and-mm-smc3.8479/page-8#post-149821
    • Informative Informative x 1
  9. EmadA

    EmadA New Member

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    Thank you @bruce stephen for the links, lots of interesting projects, definitely going to give me some good ideas for my rig. Cheers.