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2 DOF Seat Mover - GIB

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by GIB SimRacing, Feb 21, 2015.

  1. GIB SimRacing

    GIB SimRacing Active Member

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    Ok, so I have done a bit of research and I think I am getting close to starting the project of building a 2 DOF motion sim.

    After reading a few threads here I decided to go with the 2 DOF seat mover using the following:

    2x 12V worm drive motors.
    https://www.motiondynamics.com.au/worm-drive-motor-12v-24v-200w-180-rpm-20nm-torque.html

    2x Pololu JRK's 12v12

    2x DPS 600pb's server power supplies

    2x 10k potentiometers (any recommendations?)


    This type of system seems to be quite popular so I figured it must work pretty good:D

    I am also looking at running SimTools via LAN and a second PC or Laptop. From what I understand it doesn't need a very powerfull PC to run the SimTools GameEngine.
    My gaming PC is already running 4 monitors and a few USB peripherals so if possible I don't want to load it up even more.


    Now, my current setup was never designed for motion so there will be a lot of modifying. In fact, I'm not 100% sure how to go about that just yet. Might end up building a whole new frame yet...:rolleyes:
    So my thought at this stage is to build everything needed for moving the seat as a stand-alone frame so to speak and then figure out if I should mod my current frame to suit or build something from scratch.
    Time will tell.

    I also want to thank and blame the members of this community for providing so much help and info, which ultimately made me decide I need to build a motion sim...:p

    Cheers,

    Christian
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  2. Daguru

    Daguru Rally drivers do it in the Dirt

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    welcome and good luck :thumbs
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  3. GIB SimRacing

    GIB SimRacing Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Thank you Daguru. There is lots to figure out yet. But I'm sure it will be awesome.:grin
  4. bsft

    bsft

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    @GIB SimRacing , theres probably a zillion variations for 2 DOF seat mover, most popular is the shoulder mount motors at rear.
    2013-08-13 13.02.57.jpg
    Or the desk racer design
    2014-03-21 16.43.58.jpg
    have a dig through the threads and see what takes your fancy
    Pots for JRK are 5kohm recommended, preferably single turn 360 deg pots, so they dont break if you go past or the motors go haywire and spin over during set up
    pot.jpg
    These are 2 links
    one for basic 360 deg turn
    http://au.rs-online.com/web/p/potentiometers/4602076/
    one for wire wound 360 deg turn
    http://au.rs-online.com/web/p/potentiometers/1642661/
    Ive used both, 2nd link is higher quality pots, but I use 1st link pots on hire sims with no problems
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  5. GIB SimRacing

    GIB SimRacing Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Thanks for the info @bsft .
    I would prefer something along the line of that desk race scenario. I like how compact it is.

    But, with the motors I'm looking at, I'm not sure if they would drive this sort of setup OK or if I would need to shoulder mount the whole thing.
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    @bsft uses the 25:1 Motion Dynamic motors on his Desk Racers. I had to go to 60:1 on my configurable DX Racer variation in full frame mode with Clubsport wheel and pedals, as 25:1 could not hold their weight without a person in the sim for counterbalance. Shoulder mount is more efficient, desk racer style is more compact, but both can work depending on your own preferences and design specifics.

    It could help to also post so pictures of your existing rig, so we all know what it is you are planning to modify.
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2015
  7. GIB SimRacing

    GIB SimRacing Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    I might just have to get the motors and start working things out. I will not move the whole frame or any peripherals. Just the seat.

    On another note:
    Here is a DIY sequential shifter I built a while back.


    The reason I made this shifter was because I wanted a very mechanical feel to my gear changes. I used the stock G25 shifter before and while it was working without any issues, it always felt a bit like a toy.
    So, something more "chunky" was needed.:)

    gearstick top.jpg gearstick internal.jpg

    This is an all aluminium build except for the nuts and bolts.
    The golden coloured bolt at the top is a high tensile bolt.
    At the bottom of the gear lever, between the 2 alu blocks, there are 2 spring loaded steel balls to provide a bit of resistance and a bit of a "clunk" when changing gears. Works really well.

    It might look a bit complicated and I'm sure the same result can be achieved a lot easier but, this wasn't too hard and a lot of fun to build.

    Unfortunately I did not take any photos during the build of this project. But any questions, just ask.:)
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  8. bsft

    bsft

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    Yes, trying to work out the "clunk" effect for mine as well.
    I had thoughts of using a dual contact micro switch, so when I change up gears, one of the contacts fire a relay that fires a solenoid against the box of the shifter, giving it a "thump".
    Back to making desk racer seat movers, if thats the way you are thinking, use 60:1 boxes on the motors. Then you have the extra power needed for larger drivers. Like up to 140kg Id guess. I can do 120kg on mine, but thats the limit really. I will eventually re-gearbox my dual racers in time, but the seat is a squeeze for anyone over 120kg anyway.
    2014-10-25 12.42.09.jpg
    Cheers, David.
  9. bsft

    bsft

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    @GIB SimRacing , I use those motors now, just look for equivalent on ebay or something, but as said, take into account how heavy a driver may be. As suggested, maybe look at higher torque gearboxes and run a 50-60mm CTC lever.
  10. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    I agree with @bsft, while more expensive going 60:1 gives a bit more leeway in a desk racer style sim. No 15 from the Motion Dynamics list would do nicely. My levers are drilled for 40, 50 and 60mm CTC options.

    [​IMG]
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  11. GIB SimRacing

    GIB SimRacing Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Thanks for your input, guys. Much appreciated.
    I will start hunting for parts.
  12. GIB SimRacing

    GIB SimRacing Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Started ordering parts today.

    Got 2x DPS-600-PB's on the way as well as 2 of those potentiometers bsft recommended (RS- stock# 164-2661).
    Probably will order the JRK's either at the end of this week or next week.
    Still waiting on some pricing for the motors.

    Things are happening.:D
    • Like Like x 1
  13. Archie

    Archie Eternal tinkerer

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    Awesome! Looking forward to your progress @GIB SimRacing !

    My rig is full platform, but only because that is the idea I originally had. 95% of the Sim are Shoulder mount shakers.
    Given my time again I will likely build a shoulder mount, not because I regret my build, not at all, but simply because IMHO a full frame is a lot more work!!

    I run 25:1 motors and use the physics of leverage (ie wheelbarrow) to fling me around and it works really well, however I would go the 60:1 next time so the sim stays static when powered off. It puts less stress on your couplers and pots. If I forget to centre myself on my sim as I power it off, it falls backward pulling the pots right around (no issue for Multiturn pots) but it is a minor annoyance.
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  14. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    While you are waiting on bits you may find it helpful to post a sketch of what you plan to build. It may save you some time and angst later.
  15. GIB SimRacing

    GIB SimRacing Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Depending on the cost of the motors, I will either go desk racer style or shoulder mounted. I am looking at 60:1 at the moment. Once I know the cost I will draw up a design, though.
    I have to say that the build part doesn't worry me as much as getting the software side going.

    Either way, I will make sure I share as much info as I can.
  16. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    60:1 is wise if you are still debating the style of the sim with yourself, but generally it pays to pin a design down before going too far with ordering stuff.

    There is good documentation and advice here for getting the software side done. Just ask about anything you are not sure of before you do it, like which wire goes were...before turning the power on ;)
  17. Archie

    Archie Eternal tinkerer

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    @GIB SimRacing - for what it's worth mate, the software side was really giving me the willies, but I was simply over thinking it. Once you start to tinker and you see the values coming in from Simtools etc, it all fits into place.

    I found setting up my Pots to be the hardest for me, it just did not seem to make sense how it worked. Again, I was over thinking it by trying to find the centre point of my rig. It's actually really simple. You jusr decide where you would like Centre to be, learn the Max and the Min and the software decides the centre.

    I'm a bit OCD with this stuff, I like things exact.. but sometimes you have to trust the software.

    Myself, @bsft and @noorbeast will all be perfectly happy to pitch in. I'm an upstart compared to those two informational giants! :)
    • Like Like x 2
  18. AceOfSpies

    AceOfSpies Living the Dream!

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    @GIB SimRacing - getting a good mechanical design is really all you have to concern yourself with. Using JRKs is almost plug & play, and any difficulties you do have with Simtools will be quickly sorted by the members. But it is important to have a good, well balanced machine. Just ask, and you shall receive.

    Mike :thumbs
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  19. GIB SimRacing

    GIB SimRacing Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Thanks @AceOfSpies !
    At this stage, I am waiting until I have a uni joint before I pull me current sim apart. Once I have that, I will then take the seat of the current sim and have it on top of the uni joint to find out possible range of motion and where to actually pivot from. This will the determine my final design. The reason for doing this is to physically see what happens when things can move and so that I can adapt and modify my current frame in the best possible way. I just like to have things in front of me rather than trying to think about every possible outcome.:) Having said that,, I do have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to build. I just want to check a few things first.

    .....I just can't bring myself to just hack into my current sim and take it all apart.:eek:............yet.
  20. bsft

    bsft

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    on my former foot motor sim, I just used to lean forward before I shut it down.
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