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Question Should I buy Sabertooth motor controller?

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by TEA SDSU, Mar 1, 2020.

?

Which is the better motor controller? (See post attached below)

  1. Stay with current controller (Roboclaw 2x30a)

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. Upgrade to the standard for SMC3 (Sabertooth 2x30a)

    1 vote(s)
    100.0%
  1. TEA SDSU

    TEA SDSU New Member

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    Hey guys,

    Quick question. I've been trying to get a custom version of SMC3 working with some motor controllers I have on hand (Roboclaw 2x30a). But it's been no luck, and not much help. Is it worth spending the $200+ to replace the two motor controllers with Sabertooth 2x30a, for compatabilities sake?

    Here are some stats about my planned rig:
    3-DOF (Surge, Sway, Heave)
    4 Linear Actuators-vertical (PA-04-HS, 12v, 12.5A, 8" stroke, 100lbf)
    Designing for VR racing, hopefully :(

    The roboclaw is a smart motor controller. So it felt like this would be easier to do, in the beginning. But, I'm a mechanical engineer student who's new to this realm--and this is my graduation project. So, please let me know if theres something blatantly obvious I'm missing. Wouldn't be the first time.

    -Noah
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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  3. TEA SDSU

    TEA SDSU New Member

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  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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  5. TEA SDSU

    TEA SDSU New Member

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  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Thought that may be the case in terms of actuator specs, so you probably want to consider that before other related issues.
  7. TEA SDSU

    TEA SDSU New Member

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    You're right. I really was worried about how slow these motors seemed during testing.

    Thinking of changing the design to a 2-DOF rig using a couple 12v wiper motors, as a cheap alternative. Any tips come to mind?
    I've always liked the simplicity of this design: https://www.xsimulator.net/2dof-mot...otor-playseat/#12V-power-supply-and-DC-motors
  8. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    If you are using wiper motors then they normally need ground isolation: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/wiper-motor-mandatory-ground-isolation.25/

    And as wiper motors are not particularly powerful it pays to allow as much design leverage as possible, so use SimCalc to get your head around design Vs physics trade-offs: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...e-linear-speed-and-forces-of-your-design.270/

    There is more useful information in the FAQ design section that you may find helpful: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...e-linear-speed-and-forces-of-your-design.270/