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One Motor or Two

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by terry wells, Apr 7, 2014.

  1. terry wells

    terry wells Active Member

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    Would It be possible to use two motors for Pitch and two motors for Roll? I would think that this may take some of the work load off just using one motor and then you may be able to use smaller motors.
    Terry W.
  2. Barry

    Barry Active Member

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    In theory yes. However, if they aren't perfectly matched you'll burn them out in no time.
    Is the idea to save money by getting smaller motors? or to double the power of the movement?
  3. terry wells

    terry wells Active Member

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    Both, however the power for movement is first.
  4. bsft

    bsft

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    We have a member whom has built a seat mover sim with 2 motors per axis, 4 wipers and 2 jrks and it is still a balanced platform but looks to work well.
    Cannot remember whom ATM.
    @terry wells , motor choice is going to depend on the frame design you have in mind.
  5. yobuddy

    yobuddy Well-Known Member Staff Member Moderator SimAxe Beta Tester SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

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    2 - 12v motors in series could be used as a 24v motor and so on.
    yobuddy
  6. eaorobbie

    eaorobbie Well-Known Member SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

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    This can work but with the size you thinking , 240v is about the only option, don't skimp on motor power if you plan to have heaps of weight on it.
    Also the right type of gearbox can come into play too.

    Remembering back quiet a while ago, a bit of a garage build, two wipers both running on 12v from one driver, joined by chain and cogs to a centre cog which in turn drove a car steering box allowed the user to use 12v and lift a sim around, the only draw back for him was the speed of the motors (wipers) we too slow and eventually chewed the teeth of the gearing in the wipers.
    • Informative Informative x 1
  7. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    If you were to connect two of even the exact same motors together in a series connection there is no guarantee that they will operate at the same speed so you may need a way to adjust one or both motors to sync them otherwise they could work against each other effecting performance and reducing motor life.
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  8. eaorobbie

    eaorobbie Well-Known Member SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

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    @BlazinH totally agree this not an option people should consider, seen it done once and never seen it attempted again for years.
    He did have to fiddle with the motors to get them going at the same speeds or when one slowed because of chain acted like a brake on the other, bad news, but for his very slow flight sim and the date it was done , wasn't bad.
  9. terry wells

    terry wells Active Member

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    what I did was reverse the wires (+ -) to the second motor so as when I moved the first motor cw, the second motor moved ccw. This seemed to work, both were going the same speed and distance, however a pot may help to control the speed if needed.
  10. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    If you try syncing two motors a properly tuned PID control on each one should help keep them consistent with each other. But if you’re a programmer it would be better to also test both motors in code during operation to see if they are keeping up with each other and make required adjustments if necessary.
  11. ferslash

    ferslash Active Member

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    Enviado desde mi GT-I9070 usando Tapatalk 2

    I remmember that guy . but he never answered questions about his sim. on the other hand some expert guys around had told us that you have to perfectly sync the motors ... but it wouldn't be the first time that someone try something craicy that works in this forum... I guess in may not scientific opinion . that if you use two motors by axis but controlled each motor separated each motor with its pot... There should not be a problem.....

    But all this will increase your cost... In that case maybe it would be better buying big new good motors...
    (but i totally respect your point... Better stronger and cheaper !!!)

    Best regards
    Fer
  12. auryza

    auryza Active Member

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    Hello ,
    I have that kind of build . With two motors on axis and i have no problem with them :) . Simulator have power enough to work with 120 - 150 kg on it. There is some youtube video attached .




    And some photos.

    Attached Files:

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  13. RacingMat

    RacingMat Well-Known Member Gold Contributor

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    @auryza: very well done! :cool:

    I see that you don't use a toothed belt for your pot: don't you fear any sliding?
  14. auryza

    auryza Active Member

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    Yes you are right i using only fishing cable . :) But is not problem sliding is not noticeable . It still working well and easy adjustable .
  15. RacingMat

    RacingMat Well-Known Member Gold Contributor

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  16. auryza

    auryza Active Member

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    :cheers
  17. ferslash

    ferslash Active Member

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    Dear Auryza:

    Your configuration is interesting... i did'nt understood how you countrol your motors?

    - each motor is countroled independetly?
    or
    - the two motors gets the same information from the countrol card and are connected to a single pot?


    best regards
  18. auryza

    auryza Active Member

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    Two motors one pot and one motor driver channel . At this moment i'm using a sabertooth 2x25 A and k8055 control board (x-sim software),. but i have and arduino with 2x60A chinese motor driver .I tried already with Simtools software . And motors running well .
    By the way wiper motors have common ground , so there is a little bit tricky to separate them . But if you know something about electronic you'll figure out how to separate .
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  19. Tino

    Tino Member

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  20. terry wells

    terry wells Active Member

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    Question, If I use wiper motors, is their a better one to use (car/truck) and what (year/model) of vehicle? I have heard that you don't really want one with a floating ground (case ground). Is that right?
    Terry W.