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Question Rear Traction Loss and casters

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by HI_iam_new, Sep 8, 2022.

  1. HI_iam_new

    HI_iam_new 0dof

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    Hello,

    I'm in the process of designing a rear traction loss platform and have decided to use casters to facilitate the motion. I've found various examples of traction loss platforms, and noticed that they use either swivel or rigid casters.

    For example, here is a video of @SilentChill's platform with swivel casters.


    And here is a video of @Halloween2go's platform with rigid casters.

    *okay, those rigid casters are actually skateboard wheels, but they're similar in function.*

    I would like to know which type of caster is best used for a rear traction loss platform: swivel or rigid?
    Given that the platform is rotating around a pivot, I am concerned about rigid casters scrubbing against the surface. On the other hand, I can picture swivel casters being initially resistant to motion as they have to swivel into the correct orientation before moving smoothly.

    Is there justification for the superiority of a certain caster type? Or are my concerns unfounded, and difference between these two are negligible? I hope there is someone out there that has tried both types and can share their observations. :)
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2022
  2. Halloween2go

    Halloween2go Active Member Gold Contributor

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    Hey buddy.. the urathane skate board wheels i use seem to be fine with me.. i drive the rig hard. and no issues. i just posted a NEW thread on a new compact 3dof build i am making.. just going over the construction of the traction loss with skateboard wheels.. check it out if you have time DMAX
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  3. HI_iam_new

    HI_iam_new 0dof

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    Great video, thanks for sharing. I'm thrilled to see you develop a compact traction loss frame, since that is a major criteria in my project. I look forward to your next episode!

    You don't notice any scrubbing of the skateboard wheels? I assumed that it would happen because they're rotating around a pivot. On the other hand, I can also consider that their distance to the pivot is so far away, the arc of travel is basically a straight line.
  4. Halloween2go

    Halloween2go Active Member Gold Contributor

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    Hi and this is a good question.. the urethane wheels are quiet and on sealed bearings. there is a little scrubbing but I do not notice at all when driving. you could attach a string to the front pivot point and find the exact angle to toe the wheels inward, and i may look into that if my new project has unusual results. But as far as i can realistically tell, the motor moves the mid frame just fine and It's just fantastic having traction loss.. DMAX
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  5. maximizador

    maximizador New Member

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    Hello, I use bearings mounted on one of the parts and that move on a steel plate, that was enough
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  6. maximizador

    maximizador New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    the simulator rests on two bearings at the rear

    Attached Files:

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  7. maximizador

    maximizador New Member

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    In the image you can see on both sides the two bearings where the structure and the windshield wiper motor are supported with a potentiometer that I took from an old game steering wheel to measure the position

    Attached Files:

  8. maximizador

    maximizador New Member

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    at the front rotates on a central bolt
    the whole set is on a lower platform

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  9. maximizador

    maximizador New Member

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    here you can see how it looks

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  10. HI_iam_new

    HI_iam_new 0dof

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    Thanks for the pictures and video. The bearings look like a very good idea that minimizes friction. I'm hearing some noise, which I'm guessing are from the motors for the seat mover. Do the traction loss bearings make any noise as the upper platform slides across them?
  11. maximizador

    maximizador New Member

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    yes, they make some noise due to the sliding of metal on metal, but it is insignificant, the source of noise is not the contact of the bearing with the sliding plate, the structure when it shakes and vibrates due to the movements is the one that produces noise, the feet on the pedals, the steering wheel with force feedback, the motors that move everything, those are the sources of noise, I would say that the least important noise is that of the bearings
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  12. HI_iam_new

    HI_iam_new 0dof

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    Thank you for putting that into perspective for me. It sounds like a very promising setup with very low friction.
  13. DJJohnson

    DJJohnson New Member

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    That is so nice how you placed the motor and rod connections in the back of your sim. Your going to thanking yourself down the road when you need to fix it.

    I on the other-hand those chose to bury mine deep back behind the electronics boards and seat. Absolute nightmare to work on!

    Good Job!
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  14. Halloween2go

    Halloween2go Active Member Gold Contributor

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    Ok.. so I did an episode 1,2,3,4 on my page.. now here is Episode 5.. the UPPER frame and Seat. I will post up some photos and build stuff when I get a chance but for now here is my latest build 3dof COMPACT *for me* full motion frame.. Arduino, IBT-2, crab pot motors, Hall effect pots. and links in YT description.. Take a look if you guys have a chance.. DMAX