1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules
Shared accounts will be removed Plugin Downloads Zero spam policy Forum Rules

Showroom Budget Steel 6dof w/ MM (Now Sabertooth 2X60), Arduino, Chinese 12v Motors

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by CLEOPHUS, Sep 3, 2016.

Page 1 of 5
  1. CLEOPHUS

    CLEOPHUS Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Balance:
    229Coins
    Ratings:
    +69 / 0 / -0
    Hi Everyone,

    I thought I would post my build. The idea was to create a budget 12v machine made from steel, using Monster Motos, Arduinos, and 12 Motors from China. I've never welded in my life, but I thought I could do this.

    Unfortunately, I don't have pretty schematics or plans - but I have used what I have learned from here to develop my own idea. Many thanks to others that have posted here and have influenced me. ( @SilentChill - largely borrowing from his design, @Pit for the MM diagrams, and everyone the keeps the FAQ up to date. )

    Here are the items I have purchased:

    12
    Monster Moto driver
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/191674295987
    $71 USD

    12
    Northbridge Coolers
    EBAY
    $60 USD

    6
    Arduino Uno R3
    MicroCenter
    $36 USD

    6
    M5 Set Screws (connect 2nd motor shaft to the flex coupler)
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/141837930169
    $4 USD

    6
    Flexible Couplers - 5mm to 6.35mm (Connect set screw to Hall Sensor)
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/331204345803
    $21 USD

    1
    Aurasound Bass shaker
    http://amzn.to/2bLltNi
    $50 USD

    1
    Lepy Bass Shaker Amplifier (68w)
    http://amzn.to/2c2csfx
    $25 USD

    1
    6 Port USB Hub
    http://amzn.to/2bXJknK
    $8 USD

    6
    12V - 350 Watt Dual Shaft motors. 50:1, 72RPM. 20mm keyed shaft with 5mm center hole
    https://dakemotor.en.alibaba.com/pr...2V24V_250W_worm_small_gear_reducer_motor.html
    $600 USD

    6
    HP 1000w server power supplies
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/111656748093
    $132 USD

    6
    1/2 Threaded Rods (24 inches long)
    https://www.zoro.com/value-brand-threaded-rod-carbon-steel-12-20x2-ft-u203600502400/i/G3453764
    $18 USD

    12
    1/2 Female Rod Ends
    https://www.zoro.com/qa1-female-stud-rod-end-rh-12-20-cfr8s/i/G5201393
    $70 USD

    1
    Lightweight Fiberglass Racing Seat
    https://thmotorsports.com/nrg-innovations/nrg-seats-frp-bucket/frp310/i-287094.aspx
    $190 USD

    3
    Rectangle Metal Tubing for Base - 2" x 4" x 1/4" - 84" long
    http://www.speedmetals.com/
    $96 USD

    6
    Square Metal Tubing for Top - 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 1/8" - 84" long
    http://www.speedmetals.com/
    $60 USD

    6
    Hall Sensors (180 Degree BI TECHNOLOGIES 6127V1A360L.5FS)
    https://www.arrow.com/en/products/6127v1a360l.5fs/bi-technologies
    $73 USD

    6
    20mm Ridgid Steel keyed Couplings
    https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/...ling-wkeyway-mrc20kw4h90-black-oxide-20mm-5pk
    $95 USD

    2
    1-inch Angle steel for motor mounts
    http://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Hillman-Group-6-ft-x-1-in-Hot-RolLED-Weldable-Steel-Solid-Angle/3059249
    $27 USD

    1
    1.5 inch Steel Flat Bar 1/4 inch thick X 4ft long (For lever arms)
    http://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Hillman...-RolLED-Weldable-Steel-Metal-Flat-Bar/3059235

    1
    1.5 Inch Angle Steel for Rod End Mount
    http://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Hillman...Hot-RolLED-Weldable-Steel-Solid-Angle/3059245
    $13 USD

    I decided to weld the unit together first and test fit to see how it felt.

    Base: (2" x 4" x 1/4" rectangle steel with wood furniture legs I had laying around for height)
    IMG_20160725_074418.jpg

    Top: 1 1/4" square tube (Sorry for the mess)
    IMG_20160802_074056.jpg

    Dry Fit:
    IMG_20160808_225421.jpg IMG_20160808_225436.jpg IMG_20160808_225447.jpg IMG_20160809_074404.jpg IMG_20160809_074418.jpg

    I'm currently working on wiring up the electronics and will post more progress soon. I will gladly post some specific dimensions if needed.

    More to come soon.

    UPDATE:

    Here are the videos posted later in the thread.



    • Like Like x 15
    • Winner Winner x 1
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2020
    CLEOPHUS, Sep 3, 2016
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,532
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    145,016Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,774 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Very neat work indeed :thumbs

    Just a quick question, why are the levers mounted to the inside as it looks like there is a fair angle on the rod ends?
    noorbeast, Sep 3, 2016
    #2
  3. CLEOPHUS

    CLEOPHUS Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Balance:
    229Coins
    Ratings:
    +69 / 0 / -0
    I'm not committed to them being mounted inside, but I will say that the angle does seem more dramatic in the photos. Also, the motors have not been calibrated so some of the levers are in a position they will never experience while working.
    CLEOPHUS, Sep 3, 2016
    #3
  4. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
    Messages:
    2,574
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Brisbane Australia
    Balance:
    28,370Coins
    Ratings:
    +2,844 / 38 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    AC motor, Motion platform
    Nicely built:thumbs. From the photos I have some concerns, but maybe see how it pans out.
    SeatTime, Sep 3, 2016
    #4
  5. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2014
    Messages:
    2,619
    Occupation:
    Railway Maintenance
    Location:
    Morecambe, Lancashire, England
    Balance:
    20,399Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,480 / 34 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    Glad I inspired someone else :D

    Just a couple of observations, however I maybe wrong :p

    I think you may have problems with the front 2 levers hitting the foot pedal frame. Probably need to move the frame a good 100mm inwards either side. Tried to show what I mean in pic below

    Screenshot_2016-09-04-20-46-13.jpg

    Also you may need to get the arms a bit further out from the levers else they might bind in the lower position of the axis and end up bending the arms.

    I learnt the hard way just trying to help :D

    look forward to seeing the build progress
    • Useful Useful x 3
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
    SilentChill, Sep 5, 2016
    #5
  6. CLEOPHUS

    CLEOPHUS Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Balance:
    229Coins
    Ratings:
    +69 / 0 / -0
    Craig - I fear you're right, but still holding out hope. I'm just finishing what seems like miles and miles of wiring. It takes a tidy build to a complete mess quickly. I'm learning from my mistakes. Last night I couldn't figure out why 3 of my motors wouldn't operate properly with SMC Utils. I realized that all 3 were mounted in the same way/direction. Reversed polarity on them and they are operational now.

    Also, I have mounted the northbridge coolers on the Moto's and only 1 of 12 caught fire! Progress! haha

    After I swap that one out - I will post some updated pics.

    Cliff
    • Like Like x 3
    CLEOPHUS, Sep 5, 2016
    #6
  7. CLEOPHUS

    CLEOPHUS Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Balance:
    229Coins
    Ratings:
    +69 / 0 / -0
    During testing - I caught 4 more Monster Motos on fire due to PWM set too high. Unfortunately, I wont make much more progress until I have replacements.


    IMG_20160911_182757.jpg


    Bolted in the seat and added some wood.

    IMG_20160911_110312.jpg
    • Like Like x 6
    CLEOPHUS, Sep 12, 2016
    #7
  8. Pit

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

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2013
    Messages:
    3,013
    Location:
    Switzerland
    Balance:
    30,415Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,088 / 31 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    looks very promising, almost done, hold it on mate! :)
    Pit, Sep 12, 2016
    #8
  9. Pit

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

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2013
    Messages:
    3,013
    Location:
    Switzerland
    Balance:
    30,415Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,088 / 31 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    one more thing: with the seat in the middle you will cover the electronics, so if something is going wrong with your MMs etc., then do you have to disassemble the seat?
    Pit, Sep 12, 2016
    #9
  10. RacingMat

    RacingMat Well-Known Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2013
    Messages:
    2,234
    Location:
    Marseille - FRANCE
    Balance:
    20,890Coins
    Ratings:
    +2,083 / 21 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    congrats for the work being done so far!

    i'm concerned about rigidity of these brackets:
    .jpg

    It's great to have an "Evolution saw", the cuts are near to perfect :)
    It helps very much to weld more easily !

    Your first welding are bulky... probably too cold (not enough current) or too fast
    http://www.wcwelding.com/arc-welding-tips.html
    f2a9b98d4f70cea43440618fff13bcee.jpg

    try to cut some welding you made and have a look on penetration :) that's a good exercice
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Informative Informative x 2
    RacingMat, Sep 12, 2016
    #10
  11. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2014
    Messages:
    2,619
    Occupation:
    Railway Maintenance
    Location:
    Morecambe, Lancashire, England
    Balance:
    20,399Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,480 / 34 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    I can pretty much guarantee 99% nothing to do with PWM settings it's poor MM clones.
    SilentChill, Sep 12, 2016
    #11
  12. CLEOPHUS

    CLEOPHUS Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Balance:
    229Coins
    Ratings:
    +69 / 0 / -0
    As I said - It was my first time welding, but they did improve as I went. I did cut a bunch of my practice welds to see penetration and they seemed plenty deep. I considered eliminating the brackets all together and just running the rod ens through the frame, but I couldn't easily find rod ends that were long enough.

    If I could recommend anything to someone looking to build with steel - the 10" Evolution saw is amazing. I cut 1/4" steel 2x4's for the base just as fast as I would cut a wood 2x4 with my dewalt saw. Out performs my dewalt saw I spent 3x more $ on.

    Cliff
    • Agree Agree x 1
    CLEOPHUS, Sep 12, 2016
    #12
  13. CLEOPHUS

    CLEOPHUS Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Balance:
    229Coins
    Ratings:
    +69 / 0 / -0
    Craig - Did you keep using the Chinese MM from ebay or did you order the DX.com or actual sparkfun versions for your sim?
    CLEOPHUS, Sep 14, 2016
    #13
  14. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2014
    Messages:
    2,619
    Occupation:
    Railway Maintenance
    Location:
    Morecambe, Lancashire, England
    Balance:
    20,399Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,480 / 34 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    I have bought from Ebay, AliExpress and from Amazon. All hit and miss
    • Creative Creative x 1
    SilentChill, Sep 14, 2016
    #14
  15. CLEOPHUS

    CLEOPHUS Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Balance:
    229Coins
    Ratings:
    +69 / 0 / -0
    So - some news. You were exactly right Craig. Check it out:

    IMG_20161027_225327.jpg

    IMG_20161027_225337.jpg

    After bending several threaded rods, I came to the realization that you were right and made the modifications. Much better now (still need to replace a rod or two)

    Reversed the levers for stability, added struts, etc. Should do full testing this weekend.

    Cliff
    • Like Like x 8
    • Winner Winner x 1
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2017
    CLEOPHUS, Oct 28, 2016
    #15
  16. bruce stephen

    bruce stephen Hammer doesnt fix it, must be electrical

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2015
    Messages:
    1,286
    Occupation:
    general contractor
    Location:
    michigan
    Balance:
    9,110Coins
    Ratings:
    +1,238 / 9 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    looks good cant wait to see a video. your almost there. if your rods keep bending you can slip some tubing over them.
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Useful Useful x 1
    bruce stephen, Oct 28, 2016
    #16
  17. CLEOPHUS

    CLEOPHUS Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Balance:
    229Coins
    Ratings:
    +69 / 0 / -0
    They were bending because they were hitting the metal before I modified it. Anytime there was yaw or sway involved - bad noises resulted.
    • Funny Funny x 1
    CLEOPHUS, Oct 28, 2016
    #17
  18. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2014
    Messages:
    2,619
    Occupation:
    Railway Maintenance
    Location:
    Morecambe, Lancashire, England
    Balance:
    20,399Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,480 / 34 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    Glad I'm of some use to someone :p

    Cool to see a video once you have it going properly
    • Like Like x 2
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
    SilentChill, Oct 28, 2016
    #18
  19. RacingMat

    RacingMat Well-Known Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2013
    Messages:
    2,234
    Location:
    Marseille - FRANCE
    Balance:
    20,890Coins
    Ratings:
    +2,083 / 21 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    nicely done and your painting is great! I like the finish :)

    can't wait to see the video :popcorn
    RacingMat, Nov 2, 2016
    #19
  20. Archie

    Archie Eternal tinkerer

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2014
    Messages:
    1,081
    Location:
    Wollongong, NSW, AU
    Balance:
    3,796Coins
    Ratings:
    +1,379 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Untitled 2.png
    • Funny Funny x 7
    • Like Like x 1
    Archie, Nov 3, 2016
    #20
Page 1 of 5