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Alternative controller with SFX-100 project?

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Roger Graham, Jan 28, 2020.

  1. Roger Graham

    Roger Graham New Member Gold Contributor

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    Hi all,
    I am very new to all this, and just trying to understand the various approaches. I hope this isn't a very dumb question:

    Is it possible to use (say) Thanos' AMC1280SUB controller instead of the controller suggested by the SFX-100 project? The AMC1280SUB seems to be a very neat solution, and the additional cost isn't a major factor given the cost of all the other components.

    I gather that the suggested SFX-100 controller has only 4 channels, whereas the AMC1280SUB has six. If I build a 3-post 3DOF simulator, then could I use the additional channels for RTL and/or surge and/or seatbelt tensioner?

    Regards,
    Roger
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Yes Thanos has new firmware that supports the AASD-15A servos and traction loss would be a good addition.
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  3. Roger Graham

    Roger Graham New Member Gold Contributor

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    Thanks noorbeast. Does the PC controller software "care" which controller is being used?

    Presumably only one instance of the PC controller software can talk to the AMC1280USB at any one time? Therefore, the decision as to which PC controller software to use depends on which one can also control RTL and/or surge and/or belt-tensioning as well as the basic 3DOF stuff, should I go that route later on?

    If there's some posts here that go into all this, please just point me in that direction. I did some searching for "AMC1280USB SFX-100" but drew a blank.

    (My parents live at Gravelly Beach north of Launceston. The family visited Binalong Bay last year, what a glorious place!)
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    I went through Gravelly Beach yesterday, taking my son and his partner on a bit of a north Tassie tour, as they were visiting from Melbourne!

    SimTools does not care what controller(s) are used, some members use more than one type of controller, the SimTools manual is here: https://simtools.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SimToolsUserManual-v2.4.pdf

    Use the 'Google Custom Search' box near the top right of the Recent page, you will find all the SFX-100 based projects, including those using the Thanos controller.
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    Last edited: Jan 28, 2020
  5. Roger Graham

    Roger Graham New Member Gold Contributor

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    Awesome, thanks.

    (And... small world!)
  6. BrassEm

    BrassEm G-Seat + SFX100 Builder

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, AC motor, 4DOF
    I am using the AASD-15A controller (7 axis) by Thanos and by following his instructions my SFX-100 worked first time. (SFX-100 plus true surge. 5 axis.)
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    Last edited: Jan 28, 2020
  7. Roger Graham

    Roger Graham New Member Gold Contributor

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    Thanks for the update!

    How many axes are you using, for what purposes? E.g. are you controlling a sim-racing cockpit with RTL and surge etc?
  8. BrassEm

    BrassEm G-Seat + SFX100 Builder

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    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, AC motor, 4DOF
    Flight Simming with true surge. I could not design the rig for RTL as well (for six axis) at build time, although the g-seat does accommodate some (not major) sway. I have an Oculus CV1 with standard fixed sensors off rig and found it doesn't effect visuals noticeably. With heavy vibrations you are going to get (and do get) headshake anyways.
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  9. Thanos

    Thanos Building the Future one AC Servo at a time... or 6

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    My Motion Simulator:
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