1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules

30" Linear Actuator ($100) - Will this work for a 6DOF rig?

Discussion in 'Motor actuators and drivers' started by insomagent, Oct 10, 2017.

  1. insomagent

    insomagent New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    Oklahoma City, USA
    Balance:
    124Coins
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    I was blown away by the 6DOF rigs I saw on this site.

    I searched around for linear actuators on ebay, and came across this.
    (ebay , com) /itm/Heavy-Duty-330lb-Stroke-Electric-Linear-Actuator-Motor-DC12V-150KG-Max-Lift/112415134937?hash=item1a2c76d4d9%3Ag%3ADy4AAOSw9OFZIkFL&var=

    Would something like this be sufficient? What are the things to keep in mind when planning out these rigs? Where should one start? I've been scouring the forums and it seems like there isn't one single "starting point" or a single one size fits all rig.

    I've also thought of getting wiper motors from a scrapyard, which would run about $25 each. I don't know about that though.

    I want to build a smaller prototype (with RC servos) of a 6dof device, but I want to think about the real world specs before I start prototyping.

    (ps. apologies for the bad link, once my account is upgraded I will update it)
  2. RandomCoder

    RandomCoder Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    185
    Occupation:
    Control Engineer
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    1,674Coins
    Ratings:
    +142 / 0 / -0
    Sorry to break the bad news but these are far too slow for use on motion simulators. Typically you need a minimum of 150mm/s. Other factors to consider when purchasing linear actuators of the shelf is the rated duty cycle. This is why a lot of people here are building DIY linear actuators as commercial grade ones are very expensive.
    Here's a useful link to read up further....
    https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/speed-needed-for-good-motion.218/
    Search the forum, the several users that already use linear actuators and several others that are currently building new rigs.
    Welcome to the community ;)
    • Informative Informative x 1
  3. insomagent

    insomagent New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    Oklahoma City, USA
    Balance:
    124Coins
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    Thanks @RandomCoder ! I was hesitant but I'm glad I asked before buying.
  4. RandomCoder

    RandomCoder Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    185
    Occupation:
    Control Engineer
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    1,674Coins
    Ratings:
    +142 / 0 / -0
    To build a 6DOF Stewart Platform is a costly project and not for the faint hearted. Not only do you require six actuators, they also have to be fast and powerful enough to share the load of the platform, driver and all equipment. Then there is multiples of everything else, drivers, power supplies, cabling etc. It also takes considerable time to build and a reasonable amount of space to use.
    I think lots of people here start off small and gradually build up to bigger and better simulators. I'm yet to get started but plan to build a 3 or 4DOF using DIY linear actuators. Which I'm hoping could be later expanded to use in a 6DOF if I ever take it that far.
    There is a really good 6DOF using worm gear motors on the forum here somewhere, I forget who built it but will have a search and post below if I find it. It is more compact than most Stewart platforms and I guess cheaper than building custom actuators.

    Good luck on your quest!
  5. RandomCoder

    RandomCoder Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    185
    Occupation:
    Control Engineer
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    1,674Coins
    Ratings:
    +142 / 0 / -0
  6. Zed

    Zed VR Simming w/Reverb Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2017
    Messages:
    1,044
    Location:
    USA
    Balance:
    5,828Coins
    Ratings:
    +1,042 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK
  7. insomagent

    insomagent New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    Oklahoma City, USA
    Balance:
    124Coins
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
  8. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,460
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,596Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    You need very powerful DC or AC wormdrive motors for a 6DOF if not using actuators, have a look here as a start, though there are more 6DOF builds in the member project section as well: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/list-of-6dof-projects.179/
    • Informative Informative x 1
  9. RandomCoder

    RandomCoder Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    185
    Occupation:
    Control Engineer
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    1,674Coins
    Ratings:
    +142 / 0 / -0
    This forum is always unveiling new surprises. I didn't know this list existed, it's a great resource and far easier than using the search.
    But why is it that when searching for "6DOF" this FAQ is not top of the list of results? :mad:
    • Like Like x 1
  10. RandomCoder

    RandomCoder Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    185
    Occupation:
    Control Engineer
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    1,674Coins
    Ratings:
    +142 / 0 / -0