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RedRider’s DIY GSeat Attempt

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by RedRider, Sep 18, 2020.

  1. RedRider

    RedRider New Member

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    Hi guys,

    I've always been a big simulator fan; primarily flight sims but more recently racing sims as well. My two favorite sims at the moment are IL-2 Great Battles and iRacing. I use Valve Index as a VR headset for both, as well as a Buttkicker Gamer2 for tactile. I started off small 5 years ago with an Obutto Revolution for a frame, but it wasn't sturdy enough for direct drive FFB and I knew I'd be looking at platform motion at some point in the future, so early this year I went with a Simlab P1X, which seems more than sturdy enough.

    Here's my rig in racing mode:
    IMG_0243.jpg

    And here it is in flying mode:
    IMG_0242.jpg

    In flying mode I have to remove the racing seat cushion because there isn't enough room for the stick extension. This isn't a problem because I'll be fabricating new seat cushions anyways to go with the GSeat paddles.

    My current goals include both platform motion (either 3DOF or 6DOF) and a GSeat.

    Reasons for the GSeat are that from my reading (and from my experiance in commercial aviation sims), platform motion cues aren't very useful past the motion limits of the platform. Even with 6 DOF, you're limited to what motion cues you can feel. Sensation of G-forces is lacking, even with a full stewart platform. Also, GSeats seem to be a good bang for the buck. So my plan is to go GSeat first, and then motion platform if I feel it's not enough.

    Current commercial GSeats seem to be limited to the Simexperiance GS-5. I don't mind the price, but the fact that it uses proprietary software is a big turn off for me, since I really want to use the GSeat in flight sims such as IL2. So that's not a good option. Thus, I'm building my own.

    I have built a frame for my racing seat out of 40x20 aluminum extrusion. I'm currently in the testing phase with my motors. So far I have purchased and assembled the following:

    1x 12V DC power supply: 115V AC-12 VDC
    1x Buck Converter: Get 12v down to 5-6.8V
    1x Teensy 3.2 (already owned): Motor controller
    4x DS3218 20KG RC Servos

    The motors work, although I'll need to beef up the wiring once I actually place load on them. I'm just waiting on my DIY license for Simtools and I'll start testing to see what I can do with that software given the API that 1C has recently provided for IL2. Even if I find they don't provide acceleration data, that can be derived on my own and sent accordingly.

    Pictures of progress to follow once I get game/servo communication. Cheers!
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2020
  2. cfischer

    cfischer Active Member Gold Contributor

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    • Like Like x 1
  3. RedRider

    RedRider New Member

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    Yes the RC servos were just for testing, if they work I was going to use a minimum of 2 per quadrant/panel. I have no problem upgrading if that’s what’s required, I just wanted to get the basics down first before dropping significantly more money on something I don’t fully understand yet.
    • Like Like x 1
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
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    Ratings:
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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Any update on your G-Seat project?
  5. RedRider

    RedRider New Member

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    Just waiting for the DIY license so I can test the servos with game data. Once I know what can be done, I’ll design the rigging. It has to do with how many flaps I’ll use. I’m not planning on a traditional setup a la GS-5, but that plan may change if I find out differently from the software capabilities.
  6. 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
    The demo version of SimTools bundles the fully functional Live For Speed plugin, specifically for testing purposes.

    To qualify for a free license:

    • You must be building a true DIY motion simulator. (Not built from a kit or purchased from a simulator seller, a model simulator does not qualify.)
    • Have a unique build thread or Showcase in DIY Simulator Projects. (The thread should show some effort, which means it should show progress to the rig testing phase.)
    • Have been a member of the community for at least 30 days.