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Potentiometer calibration

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by drzmat, May 13, 2020.

  1. drzmat

    drzmat Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2020
    Messages:
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    Balance:
    184Coins
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    +10 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF
    Hi, i will soon be ready to test my electronics for my 2DOF setup running smc3 code.

    Is there an easy way to find my potentiometer center position before installing my ctc lever?

    Can it be done in smc3utils?

    I have hall effects potentiometers.

    Thanks in advance!
  2. cgodwin

    cgodwin Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2015
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    225
    Occupation:
    Engineer
    Location:
    Eugene, Oregon
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    2,478Coins
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK, Joyrider
    I wired mine up and read the voltage off the potentiometer to get it into the center position before attaching the lever. My linkage is setup in a way where it is quite easy to adjust it mechanically without messing with anything in software.
    • Informative Informative x 1
  3. MarkusB

    MarkusB Well-Known Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2015
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    552
    Location:
    Germany
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    4,212Coins
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform
    I always do it this way:
    • Make sure that the motor can rotate freely 360°. (In my case I have to disconnect the motor lever from the rod that goes to the seat base.)
    • Start SMC3 Utility and let the motor find the center position of the pot. After this, the motor lever will probably not be centered, but point into a different direction.
    • Disconnect the pot from the motor and slowly turn the pot a little bit by hand, so that the motor starts moving. When the motor lever has reached its center position, turn the pot into the opposite direction, so that the motor movement stops.
    • Connect the pot to the motor again.
    • Informative Informative x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  4. drzmat

    drzmat Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2020
    Messages:
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    Balance:
    184Coins
    Ratings:
    +10 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF
    Hey big thanks for your help guys! Exactly what i wanted to know!