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i like recommendations for linear actuators?

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by hannibal, Feb 13, 2019.

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  1. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    there is soo much info in this site.
    i should make a mini 6dof steward..
    but im just trying to get my head into this DIY.
    after some suggestions from PMs for ridiculous prices (someone gave me a quote for 6 linear actuator with drivers for about 4000$ ????
    so i like to know what you DIYers out there are doing to achieve your builds..

    after reading some else's 6Dof post, i saw that @noorbeast suggested to go linear actuators..

    my goal is just cheap and effective- low power consumption.. but there are so many linear actuators offerings

    so are linear actuator the way to go? what is the ideal stroke length??
    if they are what are recommended linear actuators to buy online or ebay?

    a few i saw..
    https://www.ebay.com/p/Linear-Actua...ations-Inc/2090033529?iid=272470897737&chn=ps

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Linear-Act...=item4177110f0d:g:4PUAAOSwzatbNoL9:rk:15:pf:0

    or is it more bang for the buck to also DIY the linear actuator?
    hannibal, Feb 13, 2019
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
    noorbeast, Feb 13, 2019
    #2
  3. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    thank you @noorbeast.
    you are very supportive.
    there is so much info in this site i dont know where to begin.
    i should build a mini steward.
    i dont mind to put the time and work.
    but the direction to go seems endless!
    for now, research! as you suggested!

    by any chance to u have a block diagram of a linear actuated steward platform or a link too?
    i guess i like to try to compose a list of major parts, and research out the core components that require DIY time?
    hannibal, Feb 14, 2019
    #3
  4. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    im already getting flash backs of the scent of cutting oil...
    hannibal, Feb 14, 2019
    #4
  5. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    A model is not a bad starting point: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/build-a-working-model-to-test-your-design-ideas.216/

    I am not sure what you mean by a 'block diagram', but suggest you start your research in the FAQ 6DOF section: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/build-a-working-model-to-test-your-design-ideas.216/

    Then use the Custom Google Search field toward the top right of the Recent Posts page to find then review all 6DOF projects: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/find-new/posts?recent=1
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
    noorbeast, Feb 14, 2019
    #5
  6. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    thats it.. wow... mind is blown. thank you for quick replies. starting a model soon. i hope you have your own setup to enjoy!
    hannibal, Feb 14, 2019
    #6
  7. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    noorbeast, Feb 14, 2019
    #7
  8. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    hannibal, Feb 14, 2019
    #8
  9. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    noorbeast, Feb 14, 2019
    #9
  10. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    wow.. that is genius.... :o:
    hannibal, Feb 14, 2019
    #10
  11. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    hey @noorbeast
    do you know where or how much one of the self containe motor / actuator goes for and can be found or bought?

    hannibal, Feb 15, 2019
    #11
  12. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    i am looking at the website DoF Reality
    I am debating on building my own or purchasing..
    im just wondering.. for 3Dof @ 2500$.. seems like it works it way back to cost factor in terms of time and money spent going DIY..
    hannibal, Feb 15, 2019
    #12
  13. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    A DOFreality rig is 2DSOF + traction loss, which is a different design than a traditional 3DOF that includes a heave axis. Which do you really want?

    A DOFreality rig is DC powered and motors like theses are suited to that sort of design: https://www.ebay.com/itm/GEAR-MOTOR...L-FEED-SIMULATOR-75-80RPM-50-1-/371596157992?

    It is possible to build a DC powered traditional 3DOF design, my own compact sim with adjustable heave knee is a creative example: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/dx-compact-simulator.5866/

    Yes it does come down to cost and desired outcome when choosing between commercial and DIY motion simulation.
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
    noorbeast, Feb 15, 2019
    #13
  14. Thanos

    Thanos Building the Future one AC Servo at a time... or 6

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    These are sold as is with whole platform and Dorna drives and vegafu controller locked to their demo motion software for 1 or two games. Just be aware...
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    Thanos, Feb 15, 2019
    #14
  15. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    i am appreciating everyones responses.

    thank you @noorbeast and @Thanos !

    after getting quotes, for dofreality P6 @ 5500$.. i might just have to go DIY.

    i was looking at your build with the worm gear drives @noorbeast .. seems like more bang for buck.

    im tethering between making a 6Dof or 4Dof...

    i wish i can weld.. i can assemble wood structures like a champ.. but welding is another world for me.

    i did spend 3-4 years a few years back building a whole helicopter setup.. it was grueling process which i kinda cringe rethinking about it.

    i just have to continue to research on parts. .

    that is the kicker for me, is designing around the wrong parts..

    there are so many options for motors, actuators.. i have added your motor suggestion on my list!
    hannibal, Feb 15, 2019
    #15
  16. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    @noorbeast i think your build is racing oriented..
    i am more of a flight sim guy... if i am going for a build like yours, how does your setup perform with flight sims?

    i was just looking at your heave test video.. i cant believe your setup is plugged in to two sets of surge strips in the same outlet..
    also.. i noticed you have kinetic isolators on your build in that video!
    hannibal, Feb 15, 2019
    #16
  17. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    This is a flight example:

    noorbeast, Feb 15, 2019
    #17
  18. hannibal

    hannibal Active Member

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    had a thought about acquiring cheap heavy duty actuators.. but i assume that the actuator response will be slower for cheap actuators, but maybe utilize the body, screw etc, and swap servos?

    https://www.firgelliauto.com/produc...MIhOzx6afD4AIVglqGCh2RkQapEAkYAiABEgLkovD_BwE

    then there is this actuator
    https://www.progressiveautomations....MIhOzx6afD4AIVglqGCh2RkQapEAkYBiABEgL_F_D_BwE

    with a stroke of 40" moving at 0.27" a second.. im not sure what is an ideal response time for an actuator in the motion platform environment...

    thoughts anyone?
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2019
    hannibal, Feb 17, 2019
    #18
  19. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately from my experiments, what you will find is that these cheap actuators are not ball screw, so their efficiency is around 50%, also most have a plastic nut which usually will self destruct under the extra speed/inertia. You want something around the 150mm/sec speed. I although have not tested these exact models.
    • Agree Agree x 1
    SeatTime, Feb 17, 2019
    #19
  20. adgun

    adgun Active Member

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    they have a 25% duty cicle is to low
    adgun, Feb 17, 2019
    #20
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