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6 DOF from scratch

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by Pierre Lalancette, Dec 18, 2016.

  1. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    943
    Occupation:
    3D teacher
    Location:
    Quebec, Canada
    Balance:
    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    Edited May the 4 2017: May the Force be with you.
    Edited December the 9th to the 15th 2017: One year update

    I have not yet finished my 6 DOF (far from it), but I thought to add in the first post all the thing I bought so far for it, and how much it cost, while I have the information. I decided to trow in the HTC Vive, the 3D printer and the computer I use to run all this. They are indirect part of the build. It's been a year now. When I started, I knew nothing.

    A computer. Okay, we all have a computer. But is it strong enought to run VR. My laptop was not. Here I was, a Vive in my hand with no computer to run it. I had to build one in a local shop and go with it. It didn't need to be that strong, but hey, it's my thing. I don't smoke, don't do drugs, I don't even drink... I do computer! Video card: Nvidia 1060.

    $1985.35 CAD

    IMG_1751.JPG

    My HTC Vive (helmet, 2 controllers, 2 bases). Because today, a simulator without it, would be a big waste of good fun.
    Total:
    $1,332.78 CAD
    vive.jpg

    Controllers:
    I was lucky enough to find those in a pawn shop. Now, if I could do the same with a driving wheel and some pedals.

    $120.00 CAD

    IMG_1750.JPG

    The software you will need to drive the motors with the games' forces.
    Simtool:
    €59.00 EUR
    $85.68 CAD


    Because, any build now would be hard without it, my 3D Printer:
    HICTOP Auto Leveling Desktop 3D Printer Prusa I3 DIY Kit Self-assembly 10.6" x 7.9" x 7.7" Printing Size
    1.75mm Black PLA 3D Printer Filament - 1kg Spool (2.2 lbs) - Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.03mm
    1.75mm White PLA 3D Printer Filament - 1kg Spool (2.2 lbs) - Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.03mm
    WEONE Silver Metal GT2 Timing Belt Tensioner Torsion Spring For 3D Printer RepRa 6mm Width Belt Pack of 10
    514.28 + 12.59 = 526.87 CAD

    IMG_1594.JPG

    I'll be using 3 arduino's. So far, I had already one and it is sufficient for testing. They are about 30 Canadian Dollars (CAD) each.

    arduino-uno.png

    I'll be using 3 Sabertooth x 60. So far, I have one. This is what it cost:

    Sabertooth Dual 60A 6V-30V Regenerative Motor Driver
    Product Code: RB-Dim-44 1 CAD $253.32 Shipped $253.32 CAD

    sabertooth.jpg

    I was using power Dell server at first: DO NOT USED THOSE!!!!!!!!! They trip way too easily. You're likely to get into troubles. Use DEL power supply instead. Yes, they are more expensive, but they can take the beating!

    Next, the power. Dell server power supply. I know, the order and the real thing are not the same, but they are the same.

    This listing (201747244470) has been removed, or this item is not available. You will have to look for something equivalent. Sorry.

    Dell Poweredge 2650 Server 502W Redundant Power Supply DDS-500CB TH-00H694/J1540
    Item# 201747244470 $15.00 CAD 6 $90.00 CAD
    Shipping and handling $70.00 CAD
    Insurance - not offered ----
    Tax $8.00 CAD
    Total $168.00 CAD
    Payment $168.00 CAD
    This charge will appear on your credit card statement as "PAYPAL *ANK SERVERS"


    power.JPG power2.JPG

    USE THESE INSTEAD: LED PSU! For me, they were 24v / 12.5 Amp. I used 3 of them in parallele and all is good so far. They cost me 70$ CAD each at a local supplier.

    led_psu.JPG

    Le plat de resistance, the 500mm 1605 ball screws:

    This listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing.

    Alternative:
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ball-Screw-1605-L500mm-Lead-Rod-Machined-Shaft-Coupling-BF12-BK12-End-Support/221969458155?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=2&asc=49566&meid=4650458010944ea6a8babb7f0c2c6ec4&pid=100012&rk=4&rkt=4&mehot=ag&sd=311721599218&_trksid=p2047675.c100012.m1985

    CNC Antibacklash Ball Screw SFU1605 500mm + BK/BF12 Bearing Block Shaft Couplers
    Item# 311721599218 $45.02 USD 6 $270.12 USD
    Shipping and handling $1.49 USD
    Insurance - not offered ----
    Total $271.61 USD
    Payment $271.61 USD
    This charge will appear on your credit card statement as "PAYPAL *HONGKONGYEE"
    From amount $375.02 CAD
    To amount $271.61 USD
    Exchange rate: 1 CAD = 0.724258 USD

    I added a new one after I disassemble one of my ball screw for $38.30 CAD.

    1 DHL Duties, Taxes and Fees for your delivery.
    Total CAD 33.08 (added to bill)

    ballscrews.jpg

    Now, Carbon tubing for the structure of 6 500mm actuators. 24 10-8mm (500mm) and 4 25-23mm (1M):

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/6-p...e-3k-500MM-Long-with-100-full/2042241060.html
    Properties: Color [​IMG] 3K Glossy Surface
    (zongwei xu)
    $ 32.50 4 pieces $ 130.00 Confirmation Received
    AliExpress Standard Shipping

    Estimated Delivery Time:32-56 Days

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pc...l-3k-Carbon-Fiber-tube-Tubing/2042890536.html
    Properties: Color: [​IMG] 3K Glossy Twill
    (zongwei xu)
    $ 21.00 4 pieces $ 84.00 Confirmation Received
    AliExpress Premium Shipping

    Estimated Delivery Time:11-17 Days

    .product-fees td { padding-right: 25px; text-align: left; }
    Product AmountShipping CostTotal Amount
    US $ 214.00
    US $ 36.58
    US $ 240.58 $ 331.24 CAD

    2pcs Roll Wrapped Carbon Fiber Tube 3K 30mm*28mm*500mm Quadcopter RC Airplane
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2pc...500mm-Quadcopter-RC-Airplane/32706954127.html
    $24.29 CAD

    1pcs 28MM OD X 25MM ID X 500MM Carbon fiber tube/tubing/tail tube/wing tube Quadcopter arm Hexrcopter 28*25
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pc...e-tubing-tail-tube-wing-tube/32226262604.html
    18.89 (UDS) about $26.31 CAD

    IMG_1434.JPG

    Another big chunk, the motors:

    I was unable to set the link here. Replace Amazon Site by you know what...
    "Amazon Site"/AmpFlow-E30-150-Brushed-Electric-Motor/dp/B009YJOD56

    IMG_1546.JPG

    Description Unit price Qty Amount
    E30-150
    Item# E30-150 $79.00 USD 6 $474.00 USD
    Subtotal $474.00 USD
    Shipping and handling $97.99 USD
    Total $571.99 USD
    Payment $571.99 USD
    Charge will appear on your credit card statement as "PAYPAL *POWERHOUSE"

    From amount $796.90 CAD
    To amount $571.99 USD
    Exchange rate: 1 CAD = 0.717776 USD

    motor.jpg

    Some couplers to attache those motors to the ball screws:

    https://www.ebay.com/p/BF-10mm-X-12-7mm-CNC-Flexible-Plum-Coupling-Shaft-Coupler-D30-L42/1831414629

    Description Unit price Qty Amount
    BF 10mm x 12.7mm CNC Flexible Plum Coupling Shaft Coupler D30 L42
    Item# 121001743936 $9.31 USD 6 $55.86 USD
    Shipping and handling $0.00 USD
    Insurance - not offered ----
    Total $55.86 USD
    Payment $55.86 USD
    This charge will appear on your credit card statement as "PAYPAL *LINXIAOYONG"
    From amount $77.83 CAD
    To amount $55.86 USD
    Exchange rate: 1 Canadian Dollar = 0.717776 U.S. Dollars

    coupler.jpg

    10Pcs/Lot GT2 20 Teeth Timing Pulley Alumium Bore 8/6.35mm Teeth width 11mm for10mm GT2 Timing Belt and 3D Printer Stepper Motor
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/GT2...11mm-for-GT2-timing-belt-and/32734625032.html
    $16.90 CAD
    1 Piece 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP420 DuoPak 1.25 fl oz #V03-A
    Not available anymore. Alternative:
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Piece-3M...233848?hash=item2a9482e978:g:W3gAAMXQpPhTknxp
    $34.86 CAD
    IMG_1623.JPG

    10pcs/lot Reprap DIY Timing Belt Fixed Clip High Strength Nylon Tooth Pitch 2mm Fixing Clamp 9x40mm
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10p...Tooth-Pitch-2mm-Fixing-Clamp/32662405335.html
    $7.90 CAD

    OxGord 4 Gauge 500 Amp Extra Long 25 Feet Heavy Duty Super Power Booster Starter Commercial Grade Jumper Cables for Emergency Use Auto Battery Starting Industrial Jumping - 2015 Non Tangle Newest Technology with Travel Car Carry Case Bag
    $38.95 CAD
    IMG_1580.JPG

    High quality 10Meters GT2 Timing belt 2GT 9MM Width 9mm rubber GT2 9MM open belt for 3D Printer Free shipping
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fre...ide-9mm-rubber-2GT-open-belt/32725880710.html
    $20.43 CAD

    5pcs 2GT 20 tooth Idle pulley 20 teeth 20tooth timing Gear Bore 5mm for GT2 belt width 10MM with wheel
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5pc...20tooth-timing-Gear-Bore-5mm/32583477241.html
    2 x 9.76 = 19.52 (USD) about $27.20 CAD
    IMG_1597.JPG

    10pcs CNC Openbuilds Plastic wheel POM with Bearings W type double V type W groove V groove passive wheel pulley for V-slot
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10p...e-extrusion-Holder-work-with/32620078515.html
    2 x 11.38 = 22.76 (USD) about $31.70 CAD

    Hot-sale BINMER 120 x 120 x 25mm 4 Pin Computer Fan Colorful Quad 4-LED Light Neon Clear 120mm PC Computer Case Cooling Fan Mod
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot...uter-Fan-Colorful-Quad-4-LED/32704158261.html
    20 x 2.07 = 41.40 + 6.95 (shipping) = 48.35 (USD) about $67.36 CAD
    IMG_1642.JPG

    10pcs M6*30 A2 Stainless Steel Screws Hexagon Cap Head Socket Allen Key Bolt

    $5.27 CAD
    40mm Long M6x35mm Stainless Steel Hex Head Socket Cap Screws 20pcs
    $10.65 CAD
    uxcell® 50 Pcs Zinc Plated Carbon Steel Rivet Nut Flat Head Insert Nutsert M6x15
    $8.62 CAD
    IMG_1651.JPG

    VISHAY 536-1-1-103 Rotary Potentiometer, Wirewound, 10 kohm, 2 W, ± 5%, 536 Series, 10 Turns, Linear

    10 x 16.26 = $162.60 CAD
    IMG_1702.JPG

    The actuators end bushing are under quote and should be around three hundred dollars for 5 pieces. I got one as a sample. Will have to order them soon if I want this to be done:

    https://www.igus.com/wpck/3644/drylin_r_fjum_02?C=US&L=en

    bushing.jpg

    A friend that has all the numeric machinery to do metal work design me a better actuator from my wood prototype. I costed me 350 CAD for the aluminum parts, and 400 CAD for the work, which add $750 CAD.

    IMG_1577.JPG IMG_1680.JPG

    I have explain in great details why I bought that seat:
    6 DOF from scratch
    $413.99 CAD

    IMG_1558.JPG

    For the base, I was lucky. My brother had 4 x 4 stud and provide them to me. The floor was a left over and all I needed was a plywood sheet $36 CAD.

    IMG_1735.JPG

    I still don't know how I will attache those Actuator the the base, but those 'Spicers' will be part of the jonction.

    http://www.driveshaftparts.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=216&search=U-Joint - Outside Snap Rings SPICER 1310 Series, Greasable

    Description - Unit - price - Qty - Amount

    UPS Standard
    Item# shipping
    $32.85 USD
    1
    $32.85 USD

    U-Joint - Outside Snap Rings SPICER 1310 Series, Greasable
    Item# 5-153XS
    $6.60 USD
    6
    $39.60 USD

    Total
    $72.45 USD

    From amount
    $94.95 CAD + $38 (duty tax) = $132.95 CAD

    To amount
    $72.45 USD

    Exchange rate: 1 CAD = 0.763052 USD

    IMG_1724.JPG

    Miscellaneous:
    Do no under estimate the amount of money you may put into test, screws, parts, and mostly errors that will cost you time and money. I kept all my bills, and when I add them up:

    $587.40 CAD

    IMG_1752.JPG

    This is it so far. For those who keeps the count : $ 8519.45 CAD.

    But for now, back to post 1:
    ______________________________________________________________________

    Hello everyone.

    I am starting my own thread about building a 6DOF Simulator like I was recommended to do so.

    I'm am calling it "6 DOF from scratch" because I know about nothing on how to build such a thing. I am open to any kind of design, advices, solutions that may help me get that thing done.

    My motivation is "Elite Dangerous". I love simulated environments. This is why I own a HTC VIVE. I want to feel the movement now. I have a friend who wants to help that is good in mechanics. He wants a car simulator.

    Even though I read as much as I can on the forum, I already made my first mistake by buying stepper motor for testing:
    12V 0.4A 36oz-in Unipolar Stepper Motor
    Now, it look like brushless DC motor are taking over. Oh, well. Better not get discouraged by first of many mistakes. Like I wrote somewhere else, it is not the worst mistake of all, as they are nice little motors that will help me understand the connections with the drivers/plugins/softwares needed to make a simulator move. I will probably recycle them for other little projects later.

    I possess a harduino and a rasberrypi. I have knowledge in electronics and programmation. I am the worst handyman. What could go wrong?

    I want to go for the linear actuator design. I read a lot about the ACTUATOR TWISTING PROBLEM. Can someone develop a bit about this, or pointing some thread that talks about this in detail. I know I am still far away from that part, but I am really intrigued by this. I guess it has to do with rapid direction changes that put too much stress on the actuator structure. I want to understand the causes and the possible solutions to avoid that problem as much as I can.

    Thank you all for your time. Let's see how far this will go.
    • Like Like x 4
    • Informative Informative x 2
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2019
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,461
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,596Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    • Informative Informative x 2
  3. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    943
    Occupation:
    3D teacher
    Location:
    Quebec, Canada
    Balance:
    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    It seems to be a tradition to take pictures when we receive parts we ordered. I guess it is a nice way to share the pure excitement we always have when we open those little boxes, like a kid the morning of Christmas.
    IMG_1379.JPG
    My little stepper motors and some ULN2803A to control them. I've never used those. I saw them on a youtube video and they look like a nice choice. Some little proto boards. Its been so long since I have done pure electronics.
    IMG_1380.JPG
    Motor.
    IMG_1381.JPG
    I started cleaning up my workbench. It looked more like a storage place. After some clean up, I started demolition. I had this old music amplifier with burned part. It was time for it to be taken apart. With about 6 type of screw, it reminded me how electronics was design at the time. Most of it will end up in the trash, but it is a nice case, a big heat sink and some serious capacitor. Also, when you get warnings about 8 amp, you know that the power supply can drive most of your electronics project. At the right, it is the board of a internet switcher, that you can see the nice case under the bench. Far left, some wires of a computer power supply. It could come handy one day.
    IMG_1382.JPG
    • Like Like x 1
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2016
  4. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    943
    Occupation:
    3D teacher
    Location:
    Quebec, Canada
    Balance:
    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    I already read Silent Chill 36 pages. I'm up to read Seat Time project. Christmas vacation will help, if I don't play too much Elite Dangerous.
    • Like Like x 2
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2016
  5. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,461
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,596Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    @SeatTime's build thread is worth every moment of your time, so too is @wannabeaflyer2's DIY actuator thread, if you are interested in building your own: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/calculating-basic-linear-speed-and-forces.89/

    But all of the 6DOF projects are also worth a review, a bit of research is well worth it for such a complex and potentially expensive project.
    • Agree Agree x 2
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2016
  6. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    943
    Occupation:
    3D teacher
    Location:
    Quebec, Canada
    Balance:
    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    I'm up to page 14 of SeatTime build. The think that what surprised me the most, beside he's doing everything out of carbon, is this comment from Speedy.

    Really? A simple computer power supply to drive motors. Even with a car battery or an array of capacitor for back up current, I find this hard to believe. One thing I am sure, I know nothing about DC Motor.

    Let's keep on reading...
  7. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    943
    Occupation:
    3D teacher
    Location:
    Quebec, Canada
    Balance:
    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    About my stepper motors:

    LOL. Definitively, I am good at choosing the worst option. Since I've done nothing yet with those motors, let's see what Roboshop may offer me for an exchange. If exchange is possible, this bring the question: "What do I exchange them for?". Other motors? I already have little toys motors laying around. Maybe some "Arduino"? I'm starting to be afraid to take decisions.
  8. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    943
    Occupation:
    3D teacher
    Location:
    Quebec, Canada
    Balance:
    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    Just finished to read SeatTime build. I wan't to copy some info from his thread to make sure I don't forget them.
    Ball screws are around 90% efficient, worm screws around 65% , tried belts -noisy under load. Direct drive ball screws is a win for me.
  9. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2014
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    Occupation:
    Railway Maintenance
    Location:
    Morecambe, Lancashire, England
    Balance:
    20,395Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,480 / 34 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF

    I would invest in some Sabertooth 2x32's or 2x60's ;) Good luck with your build lots of learning to be had, I knew nothing really before I came here and I have been on one continuous long learning journey, loved every minute of it.
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
  10. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
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    943
    Occupation:
    3D teacher
    Location:
    Quebec, Canada
    Balance:
    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    Really? I was thinking more some Chinese MM's.

    Kidding of course. Wow! About 250$ CAD, even before the taxes. And that would only be the first one out of three (if I don't burn any). This is what I call an investment into the futur. But I hate to "buy cheap, buy twice". I am sure this would be a nice incitative for roboshop to exchange the motors. We will see what they say.
  11. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
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    3D teacher
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    Quebec, Canada
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    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    Houston, we have movements.

    IMG_1384.JPG

    I am so close of a finished 6DOF simulator with me on it.
    Okay, maybe not that close. But hey! I am controlling 2 dc motors with my Arduino and a ULN2803A. Powered with the 5v of a computer power supply.

    I used the wiring schema from this page:
    http://newmediaartist.org/index.php/chapter-12/211-maxuinoarduino-motor-drive-with-transistor

    And this tutorial for the Arduino control program:


    Next step, using simTools to control those motors.

    Good news, Roboshop will exchange my stepper motors for a sabbertooth, with no shipping charge. Wait, this is bad new for my wallet... Oh, well.
    • Funny Funny x 3
    • Like Like x 1
  12. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

    Joined:
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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    Should we really be calling you "Peter Pan" ???

    Good news for the Sabertooth its worth the money ;)
  13. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
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    3D teacher
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    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    Pierre, Peet, Peter, whatever you like.
    That multimeter date from 1991. I was working with a girl, repairing Sonatest ultra sound testing device (from England). We all bought those multimeters and she wrote that name to know which one was mine. The name stuck to the multimeter, but never to me.
    • Like Like x 1
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2016
  14. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    943
    Occupation:
    3D teacher
    Location:
    Quebec, Canada
    Balance:
    7,683Coins
    Ratings:
    +883 / 6 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    I have learn a lot of things this week:

    My electronic is rusty. Fortunately, I have found this little web app (chrome only, 15 ca$) that helps you build circuits that you may simulate after. What I like the most about it is that it shows the curent flow into the circuit. For me, this is a big plus in understanding how things work.

    http://everycircuit.com/

    Waiting to exchange my motor for a Sabertooth motor controller, I try to learn how to control them with the Arduino and small toy dc motors. Motors can be controlled in both direction using simple h-bridge configuration circuitry. But, 3904 and 3906 transistors are bad choice to build them, as the suck out the voltage to be able to provide the current. I should be using Zetex ZTX1049A/ZTX968. I learn all of this in this great site.

    http://www.robotroom.com/BipolarHBridge.html

    This site also point out to a nice electronic board designer app, free:

    http://www.robotroom.com/CopperConnection/Download.aspx

    Also, I had this great illumination this week. My brother works at designing micro controlled system for farm and plants. He must know everything about DC motors (D'oh). I talked to him, he showed me stepper motors. I said no. He showed me DC motor controllers (500 ca$, ouch!). I talk about the saberTooth. He talked about 10 turns/10khoms potentiometer. All those great informations. But the thing he was the most emotional about was that every DC motor controller should have a rechargeable battery connected to them, to provide the extra amps needed in big surge. For him, a DC system should never go without them.
    • Like Like x 2
  15. Tim McGuire

    Tim McGuire "Forever a work in progress"

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Hi there!

    Another great circuit simulator is LTSpice, which is used often in industry, it's 100% free and incorporates many high-end functionalities.

    Also, a good free PCB design software is Kicad, which is 100% free and open source, and comparable to many $1000+ EDA software suites.

    You might also look into using MOSFET transistors to control your motors, rather than bipolar transistors, as they will get much less hot.
    • Informative Informative x 1
  16. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    I tried LTSpice, and it look really good. A bit plain and technical. I prefer everyCircuit because of all the flashy stuff and animation. Research on everyCircuit for other design is a breeze and I already have a MOSFET H-bridge design to look at.

    Kicad looks really good, but I could not find easily a example to compare. It looks more complete and a bit more complicated. I will look at it for sure, even though I don't expect to do a board anytime soon.

    Edit: Just found the time to dive into Kicad and find the examples folder (d'oh). Much more complexe and complicated. Way beyond my actual board manufacturing needs ( which for now are NONE). I keep it for sure, just in case.
    • Like Like x 1
    Last edited: Dec 25, 2016
  17. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    I am still doing research on everything in the field of DC Motors and I am slowly bringing my brother into the field of simulators. He showed me this power supply for driving motors, and I would like to know the opinion of all the experts about it. Good? Bad? Neutral?

    http://www.alliedelec.com/m/d/de23055502fd21ebcb405d09d02dfa61.pdf
  18. paulg100

    paulg100 Active Member

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    mean well make industrial quality PSU's, better than the cheap Chinese knockoffs.
    i swaped to a small 24v one for driving my AMC1280 after having problems getting stable 24v from the chinese ebay copies, but cant you just buy used PC server PSU's like everyone else? much cheaper
  19. Pierre Lalancette

    Pierre Lalancette Sir Lalancelot Gold Contributor

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    Of course I can. This is why I posted here. To get feed back, because my first attempt to buy anything for a simulator turns out ridiculously bad. PC server PSU`s, I will be looking for those.
  20. Nick Moxley

    Nick Moxley Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    the Dell 2650 PowerEdge units are nice and beefy for a decent price.