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Lotus 49 cockpit rig

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by skydivepaul, Feb 13, 2019.

  1. dododge

    dododge Active Member Gold Contributor

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    Oh, definitely no argument about realism/accuracy. My goal was to maximize the sensations I could get from just transducers, even if they were exaggerated like a theme ride. That was actually the second revision where I redesigned the base and spring layout to purposely make it even more unstable, plus you can see that there's flex in the structure which I could have braced into submission but didn't.

    Adding the weight of a driver dampened most of the crazy oscillations from the start of the video (the first version would even start walking across the carpet if you hit the right frequency :)), but there was still a lot of tilt once you started shifting your weight around to fight the steering wheel and Geko chair (also turned to max), and in a VR headset you could certainly feel that stuff happening.

    I had plans for making it an even wilder ride by independently spring-mounting the seat and pedals and then attaching the transducers more directly, but before I got there my desire for a better heave effect pushed me to a commercial 4DOF and the shaky rig went back to a pile of parts.
    • Like Like x 1
  2. dododge

    dododge Active Member Gold Contributor

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    My setup was an example of the very high side of things, probably $1500+ just for the transducer setup (yeah, yeah, I know that's enough to DIY an actual motion rig). Buttkicker LFEs are $200-$300 each, the high-power amps they require are $250-$300 each (per two transducers), then there's the software, sound card, and parts to build cables since the amps I used only allowed for Speakon connectors.

    In the past year I've seen even more extreme setups with something like 6-8 LFEs or Concerts (the 2Ω equivalent).

    There's also 1000W transducers available from Earthquake that are capable of a longer throw or something like that, but I don't recall if I've seen any driving rigs using them.
  3. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    Had a few hours on the rig today and got the cockpit more or less sorted. Nearly ready for some paint, perspex screen and decals.

    I guess the rig weighs around 40kg but i will get it on the scales once its complete and start looking for some kit to get it moving.

    I am thinking a 2 dof system on a platform so i can put the rig on and off for transporting

    20190224_171822.jpg 20190224_171830.jpg 20190224_171835.jpg
    • Like Like x 2
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
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    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
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    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
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    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    I am looking forward to seeing your rig with the finishing touches, which can only enhance the craftsmanship that has gone into it.
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
  5. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    Not had chance to do any work on the sim for over 6 weeks, work, holidays etc.
    Got a few hours in it tonight, got the pedals in, sub woofer and speakers plus the roll bar. Nearly there now !!

    20190422_181845.jpg 20190423_204651.jpg 20190423_204631.jpg
    • Like Like x 2
  6. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    Cockpit screen made and fitted. Gauges wired up, ready for painting and livery

    20190428_162209.jpg 20190428_121316.jpg 20190428_162354.jpg 20190428_121303.jpg 20190428_162610.jpg
    • Like Like x 3
  7. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    Nearly there now, decided against paint as the ali looks so good. Got the stickers on , just a few numbers to fit.
    I have a tv stand so will be setting the xbox up as a test this week with the surround sound and amp. Using forza 7 with the open wheel classic cars.
    Once happy will look at the motion and a pc set up

    20190506_103339.jpg 20190506_103348.jpg 20190506_103409.jpg
    • Like Like x 5
  8. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    Finally got it up and running. Using forza 7 for starters, the sim works great and the surround sound system with subwoofer shakes the car over the bumps.
    Going to enjoy it for a little while then think about adding the motion.

    20190514_084835.jpg 20190514_084847.jpg 20190514_100126.jpg 20190513_201828.jpg 20190514_084825.jpg
    • Like Like x 5
  9. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    italia
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    painstaking work, very precise, very complimentate
    • Like Like x 1
  10. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    After much deliberation i am considering
    selling my lotus 49 cockpit rig to make way for my new full motion project.

    Any ideas on what price point to set?
    I have seen a similar cockpit available for around £3k but these are grp moulded, no wheel or pedals and no dashboard. I have also seen a full blown replica with exhausts etc and fully loaded for £50k

    Just testing the water so any feedback appreciated
  11. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
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    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,620Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Hard to say, but likely you would need to test the waters further afield than here, which is predominately DIY, if you are looking for top dollar.
    • Like Like x 1
  12. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    Yes tricky where to put the price point on it. No rush as i really would want to keep it anyway. Just need some space for my other project(s)
  13. ferslash

    ferslash Active Member

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    First chat all, grate build how thik is hoy aluminium?
  14. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    The aluminium panels are 1mm thickness
  15. ferslash

    ferslash Active Member

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    until now i realized i got a typo on my last post. i am sorry, again, grate sim...

    and... just for cience :D:D:D how did you attached the aluminium to the wood... are those rivets?

    best regards
  16. skydivepaul

    skydivepaul Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    Motion platform
    Hi, the ali is attached with lots of small pan head scews. I wanted to use rivets but they didn't work well into the wood frame.. cheers paul
    • Like Like x 1