Question 2DOF Racecar Simulator using Arduino and Linear Actuators

Hi there,

So I'm a mechanical engineering student and for my senior design project, my group is making a racecar simulator. We are using potentiometers for steering, gas and clutch and a load cell for the brake. These are sent to an Arduino Leonardo which is configured to appear to the computer as a game controller. We are also using the Asseto Corsa game for the simulation. So far, that side of the project works fine.

Then, the plan is to have SimTools read the data from Asseto Corsa and send the information to an Arduino Uno. The Uno controls two linear actuators (Firgelli Auto Deluxe Rod Actuator 6" variety) which are built in to rotate the simulator in the pitch and roll directions. The idea is that the pitch simulates the longitudinal acceleration (surge) and the roll simulates the lateral acceleration (sway). This is the side of the project that is giving us trouble. We need some help getting SimTools to communicate with the Uno and then coding the Uno to get it to perform properly. I should also mention that we plan to use a gyro for feedback on the position of the actuators.

The project is due next week so time is of the essence. Any help will be most appreciated.

a week is not much time for completing a project !

i suggest you use the smc3 arduino code that has already been written

We are planning on doing that. However, we're not entirely sure how to edit that code to make it work for our setup. For example, we only have two motors instead of three. Also, our motor controllers have a DIR pin, PWM pin and GND pin; as opposed to SMC3 which seems to have another DIR pin instead of ground.

Additionally, what feedback does SMC3 use? Our actuators do not have internal feedback. We are using a gyro for that.

Also super confused as to how to tune the PID system in the code.

AND, perhaps most importantly, we're not clear on how we're supposed to set up SimTools to send the information that we want to the right place.

program an arduino with the smc3 code and get learning

wow people on here are so helpful

I'm really glad I posted in this forum.

I don't know a ton about PID tuning but there is a guide on here in the how to section of the forums. As far as programming the arduino and editing code it would be best to watch a few youtube videos on simple programming and editing arduino code. It will take some time but will be worth the time to learn as it will apply to other hobbies and projects. I've been following these forums religiously for the last 6 years and I still learn something everytime I log onto the site. There are a ton of different aspects in this hobby...there is engineering, electronic programming, computer science, pid tuning, profile tuning and lots of trial and error. Just do as much reading and research as you can and the answers will come to you. Hope this helps. Good luck with your project.

What about this code:

https://www.xsimulator.net/community/marketplace/arduino-code-4dof-and-1-pin-direction-hbridge.68/

It seems much simpler and easier to edit...

you dont need to edit the smc3 code - its a fully working project and will interface with simtools

it works with different types of h bridge

Smc3 is the easiest solution for code here on this site. It uses feedback from potentiometers. I dont believe gyro is a viable solution for this application as simtools deals with motor position, not tracked g Forces. Read through the post linked by @noorbeast regarding smc3. Most people here cannot or are not willing to learn how to use new code. Most have tried or are using smc3 so your chances of solid support are better. But ill be honest you will get more out of this site if you approach it by reading first then asking questions.

I have read through that post. I have tried SMC3. It does not work for me. I do not have potentiometers. Unlike other people, I AM willing to learn how to use new code, but I just need someone to help me. PLEASE PLEASE stop telling me to use SMC3. It's getting very frustrating.

Here are some pictures as requested.

Car frame can rotate about pitch and roll axes. It has shaft connected to bearings. This is meant to simulate surge and sway.

Motor driver is made by Cytron. Can control one motor. Has 1 DIR pin, PWM pin and GND pin. IMPORTANT: motor has no potentiometer/feedback. Feedback is given by gyroscope which measures angle of rotation of the car about each axis.

Pedals: gas and clutch contain potentiometers. Brake has load cell. Steering wheel also has potentiometer.

If motors are too slow, well then they're too slow. Project is due next week. No time to change that.

Honestly, my biggest problem right now is that SimTools does not seem to speak to the Arduino. I need to know how to configure SimTools and the specific code in Arduino that will read the data. The rest I'm confident I can take care of.

Than

Thank you Noorbeast I think this info going to help me aswell cause I need to change to pots ...my absolute encoder aren't meant for this setup ... I'm considering your hall sensor setup but cause I have linear actuator I'll need to modify the back casing of my gearboxes and try find clean feed back from that

Dude the potentiometers are to read the position of your Motors not the frame that's where you're running into a problem you're not trying to get feedback from your frame you trying to get feedback from your Motors so the code knows when to stop and start your Motors

I would advise you to consider these comments and you'll get results quicker. Members here have been doing this for years, with all different types of hardware and know what they're talking about. Good luck with your project.