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1 DOF Motion simulator

Discussion in 'New users start here - FAQ' started by Thomas Harvey, Aug 15, 2014.

  1. Thomas Harvey

    Thomas Harvey New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor
    Hi Everyone,
    I am thinking of making a motion simulator but am overwhelmed by the amount of information I have found on the internet.
    I want to build a 1 dof machine that reads te lateral g force of a game and effects the pitch of the platform.
    I am thinking of 2x dc motors, 1 for each side of the platform. I get the idea that I will need to connect these to a dc ac converter and then pass it through a relay card and then on from there to the PC via USB.
    the pc will have some sort of motion software to control the motors.
    My questions are how do I choose the relay card ? how do I wire it up? Do I need it to be an intelligent system, (I only want the motor to move to a position based on the lateral force output).

    Any help and direction would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Thomas
  2. bsft

    bsft

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    one 12v12 JRK and a feedback pot on the motor is the simpler and easier option for any DOF.
  3. Thomas Harvey

    Thomas Harvey New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor
    Thanks for your reply
    Do I need a feedback pot? I only want the motor to move a set of predetermined steps based on the lateral force output.
    I have a andruino uno board and a H-bridge.
  4. value1

    value1 Nerd SimAxe Beta Tester SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK, Joyrider
    Yes, you need a closed loop/feedback, i.e. potentiometer. Otherwise the position will be out of sync in no time.
    Check this post and this of @eaorobbie where he explains how to connect the software with the hardware and motors.
    The general principle is the same for arduino and jrk.
    • Informative Informative x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  5. Thomas Harvey

    Thomas Harvey New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor
    Thanks for taking the time to reply, this is what I need.
  6. ferslash

    ferslash Active Member

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    my two cents... if you feel you can invest some time, and complicate your self a little bit with electronical stuff... you need two motors, two pots, one arduino uno and a motor driver card to connect it to the arduino and the motors. (there are some of the shelve motor driver options)

    i you want a quick simple, and grate solution, then you two jrk12v12 cards, sold by the pololu company, two pots and two motors, each jrk card will costo you around 99 usdlls. but they works just grate and are so so simple to use and instal...

    ** consider that this options we are talking here, are to construct a two degrees of freedom simulator (wich is kind of the simplest, you mentioned only one degree of freedom, but maybe it is not such a good idea, but... if you insist, in only one degre of freedom, then you only need one motor, and one jrk)

    ** also consider that the simple way of constructing your first sim is using dc 12v motors, some of us even use car wiper motors... if you want to use ac motors then you will have to spend a lot of money and deal with a different set of electronics (but of course it can be done)

    ** lastly... this forum is full of grate guys willing to give you a grate advice, some of them have been constructing sims for ages and had try a lot of ideas ans designs... it is a good idea to ask them so you can avoid common mistakes.

    best regards from mexico

    fer
    • Like Like x 3
    • Informative Informative x 1
  7. Thomas Harvey

    Thomas Harvey New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor
    Thanks for your replies everyone. Really helpful
    After this I am going to go for the 2dof motion. Can you recommend specific brands of the motor driver card please?
    Thanks,
    Tom
  8. bsft

    bsft

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    http://www.pololu.com/product/1393 , one per motor, 7 wires, one usb, NO CODE TO WRITE.
    Will run 14v at 30 amps continuous all day with heat sink and fan cooling.
    In fact, some of us spike them at 40 amps no problem.
  9. shanothegreat

    shanothegreat Member Gold Contributor

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK, SimforceGT
    I'm with bsft here, stick to the jrk, with a good balance on the platform and a spring to counteract backlash you will be on a winner.
  10. bsft

    bsft

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    a LIGHT duty spring to create a LIGHT load against the motors IF NEEDED.
  11. Thomas Harvey

    Thomas Harvey New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor
    I have bought some parts just so i can test a small setup. as below.
    I have looked at most of the tutorials on line on how to wire all this up but dont seem to be getting anywhere. everytime i plug the funduino board into my laptop, the laptop switches off completely.
    Here are the parts and how I wired them together. Any help or guidance please.

    Thanks,
    Tom
    wiring-1.jpg
  12. eaorobbie

    eaorobbie Well-Known Member SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK, SimforceGT, 6DOF
  13. Thomas Harvey

    Thomas Harvey New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor
    Yes a model first of all and then step it all up when i understand it all a bit more.