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

Are YOU a NEW MEMBER? Introduce HERE!

Discussion in 'New users start here - FAQ' started by fermevc, Jun 20, 2009.

  1. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Welcome @Diebyme.

    Most rigs can be used for most types of simulation, but all have their pros, cons and compromises.

    There are lots of member projects to check out and learn from: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    You will find plenty of helpful information in the FAQs to get you started, in particular check out the SimTools, fundamentals of motion and the design sections: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

    You can also search for specific types of projects/information using the Google Custom Search function on the Recent page: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/find-new/posts?recent=1

    If something sounds odd then look it up in the glossary: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/glossary-of-acronyms-and-names.66/

    When you are ready please start your own project thread here, ask any questions you have there and detail your project progress: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    Good luck with your project.
  2. ricthot

    ricthot I'm gonna get there!

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2013
    Messages:
    3
    Occupation:
    IT Business Solution Architect
    Location:
    Montreal, QC, Canada
    Balance:
    16Coins
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Hey guys!
    Fred here (aka ricthot... don't ask! ;)).

    I've been drawn to the simulation world for so long that I prefer not thinking about when it started exactly, it makes me feel too old ... vague memories of FA18 Interceptor on my Amiga 500 comes to mind as I'm typing this :thumbs.

    I have mostly been into military flying simulation on and off and still remember the first time I saw a motion platform used with MS Flight Simulator at a local game convention... I was in awe!
    Fast track to today... I started sim raing a few months ago, mostly on Assetto Cora and F1 2020 / F1 2021 and can't get enough of it.

    I'm in a place in my life now where I have more time for myself, and in a better financial position to start thinking about a project I never imagined would be accessible... Building a sim racing rig with motion capabilities.

    I'm not looking for a super sophisticated setup. I literally watched hundred of videos, and read countless topics here on the forum so have a pretty good idea of where I want to go. I'd like it to be as silent as possible, not take too much space and pretty much just give some additional feedback as I'm racing virtually.

    I don't know if I can qualify this as a project yet, as I'm still at the reading stage and trying to collect as much data as I can, but I'm pretty motivated to move forward. If you notice my avatar... this is what I see right now when thinking about this motion hobby... a long winding road hopefully going somewhere.

    So what did I achieve so far? Well, as sasid above, beside watching hours of videos and reading hundreds of posts, (oh, and finally posting something here on the forum), I have dug out the old box of electronics from the storage room, plugged in the Arduino, a couple servos and a potentiometer, and started gettin my brain back in geeky stuff :nerd. My progress so far? LOL, not much... I have successfully ran a pre-made sketch that moves a servo back and forth 180 degress... ok I know I know, a monkey could do that, but the idea was to get back into the right mindset and make sure I could still connect 6 wires to an Arduino!!!
    Next, I wrote my own mind boggling 20 lines long sketch that control the servo using a potentiometer... wooohooo, that is as close as I got to a motion platofrm so far... twisting that pot back and forth, fast, slow, slow-fast, fast fast, slooooow, and imagining it being a full fledge motion rig.

    Baby steps!!! The whole point is that before diving in that deep rabbit hole that seems to be the motion platform hobby, I will build a POC that can run on the corner of my desk. The 3D printer is currently printing a few bits, servo holders, miniature sim racing seat, and the next step of the journey will be to TRY to make this work with an actual game.

    I have what to do next, I'll keep on reading. I guess I'm at the point where I must choose a software and try to get that miniature seat moving.

    Anyhow, sorry for the long intro post, thanks for reading!

    Cheers!

    Fred, from Quebec, Canada.
  3. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Welcome @ricthot.

    I admire your dive into the deep end of trying to write basic motion code, but may I suggest you build on the shoulder of giants, and as you are messing with servos try @eaorobbie's existing Arduino code, which can be expanded to cover more axis, if necessary, plus can power a model if you want to try motion rig designs out: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/build-a-working-model-to-test-your-design-ideas.216/

    You will find plenty of helpful information in the FAQs to get you started, in particular check out the SimTools, fundamentals of motion and the design sections: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

    You can also search for specific types of projects/information using the Google Custom Search function on the Recent page: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/find-new/posts?recent=1

    If something sounds odd then look it up in the glossary: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/glossary-of-acronyms-and-names.66/

    When you are ready please start your own project thread here, ask any questions you have there and detail your project progress: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    Good luck with your project.
    • Useful Useful x 1
  4. Wolle

    Wolle New Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2022
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Germany
    Balance:
    18Coins
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Hi guys,

    Wolle from Germany here. I'm in the process of converting one of my old dirtbikes for indoor "riding".

    So far, most of the basic things work in games like throttle, brake (just 1 so far), clutch, shifting, horn, lights, signals etc (added stuff from electric scooters). It has a bass shaker, a dash, and a soundbar inside the exhaust for the right feeling. Now it's time to add some motion, which will probably keep me busy for a long time.

    Obviously, motorcycle sims will always be arcadish due to physical restrictions without real movement, but it's already fun to ride so who cares, right?

    Looking forward to do some indoor wheelies.
    • Like Like x 2
  5. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Welcome @Wolle.

    Bike sims are somewhat of a rarity, for the reason you note, it is challenging to create accurate motion cues. But the FAQs have some handy information and even some bike specific entries that may be of interest:

    https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/diy-motorbike-controls.237/

    https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/what-kind-of-simulator-for-me.214/

    https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/superbike-motion-simulator.112/

    There are othert bike projects and you can also search for specific types of projects/information using the Google Custom Search function on the Recent page: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/find-new/posts?recent=1

    If something sounds odd then look it up in the glossary: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/glossary-of-acronyms-and-names.66/

    When you are ready please start your own project thread here, ask any questions you have there and detail your project progress: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    Good luck with your project.
  6. McMake

    McMake New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2022
    Messages:
    2
    Occupation:
    Test Engineer
    Location:
    Boston, MA, USA
    Balance:
    31Coins
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Hello everyone. Long time lurker. Figured it was time to dive in a bit deeper. Got my feet with with some basic shakeit/rumble motors for racing and now I was given, what I hope, are some decent parts to build a DD wheel so that will be my next stop. Thanks for all the information that I have already gone through and I look forward to deeper learning and in depth discussions.
  7. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Welcome @McMake.

    I look forward to following your build.

    Check out the FAQs, in particular the Peripherals section: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

    If something sounds odd then look it up in the glossary: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/glossary-of-acronyms-and-names.66/

    When you are ready please start your own project thread here, ask any questions you have there and detail your project progress: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    Good luck with your project.
  8. NickD

    NickD New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
    Messages:
    11
    Balance:
    93Coins
    Ratings:
    +13 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    6DOF
    Hello everyone, first off what a great website for people to share their projects and ideas. I've looked at quite a few projects and read through some other forums to get an idea of the things that are successful and things that are not. I plan on making a 6 DOF and will take some inspiration from CLEOPHUS and SILENTCHILL but I would really like to have a much smaller footprint than theirs (perhaps like a DOF Reality H6/P6) but we'll see. Currently making a spreadsheet of the materials I need to keep track as well as get a sense of the cost. Right now the hardest decision I'm trying to make is the type of worm gear drive and motor I want to use that has that good mix of speed and power.
  9. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Welcome @NickD.

    Any 6DOF is an ambitious first project. So doing some research before getting in any deeper is time well spent.

    Bounce your plans and shopping list off members before jumping down what can be an expensive rabbit hole, if you get it wrong.

    Use the Enhanced Google Search on the Recent page to find the latest member 6DOF projects, as there have been many refinements to how members build 6DOF rigs.

    You will also find plenty of helpful information in the FAQs: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

    If something sounds odd then look it up in the glossary: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/glossary-of-acronyms-and-names.66/

    When you are ready please start your own project thread here: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    Good luck with your project.
  10. NickD

    NickD New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
    Messages:
    11
    Balance:
    93Coins
    Ratings:
    +13 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    6DOF
    Will do and thanks for the friendly welcome!
  11. TheLaughingCow

    TheLaughingCow New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
    Messages:
    3
    Balance:
    - 8Coins
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Hi from London UK,

    im building a budget 3 dof motion platform using repurposed machinery, I've been collecting parts for the last few months, I have already assembled most of the mechanical drive train for the first two axis' .

    i haven't seen a design quite like mine attempted.. I am using 24v geared motors from an electric wheel chair, directly driven, with rotary encoders on the end of the shafts and a feedback loop within an arduino, I have basic movement commands working...I stumbled on this site and simtools, whilst researching telemetry outputs from games, as this is the only field I haven't worked in previously,

    I hope to get a new thread up for my build in the upcoming weeks.
    • Like Like x 1
  12. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
  13. TheLaughingCow

    TheLaughingCow New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
    Messages:
    3
    Balance:
    - 8Coins
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino
  14. Culik

    Culik New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2022
    Messages:
    1
    Occupation:
    Mechanical Engineer
    Location:
    São Paulo, SP, Brazil
    Balance:
    - 6Coins
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, 4DOF
    Hello everybody.

    I've been flirting with the idea of having a Motion Sim as early as 2015, but never did anything. I mean, not until today. I've been tinkering around and I'm considering an ambitious 4DOF for my first design. This is my very first step into it and I'm excited for the adventure such project will have!

    You can all me Culik as it is both my profile and last name. Now, a little background of myself
    I'm a brazilian mechanical engineer who took a liking on programming and electronics whilst on college. I was an atypical guy from the very beggining when comparing to my classmates and ended working with healthcare equipments as a consequence. I currently do maitenance work with medical imaging equipments ranging from smaller radiography readers to CT Scanners and MRI.

    As I'm still a busy guy myself, any posts, updates, etc, will take place on weekends which will also give plenty of time for me to study and avoid unnecessary costs and stress.

    Thanks!
    • Like Like x 1
  15. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Welcome @Culik.

    As a mechanical engineer you have a great background for stepping into the world of DIY motion simulation!

    There are lots of member projects to check out and draw inspiration from: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    You will find plenty of helpful information in the FAQs to get you started, in particular check out the fundamentals of motion and the design sections: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

    You can also search for specific types of projects/information using the Google Custom Search function on the Recent page: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/find-new/posts?recent=1

    If something sounds odd then look it up in the glossary: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/glossary-of-acronyms-and-names.66/

    When you are ready please start your own project thread here, ask any questions you have there and detail your project progress: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    Good luck with your 4DOF project.
  16. 29ford

    29ford New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2022
    Messages:
    19
    Balance:
    108Coins
    Ratings:
    +10 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF
    Hey all.

    Just started on the motion sim project after watchingDMAX videos on YouTube I currently have a static rig with the thrustmaster tmx Pro wheel and pedals and a home made h pattern shifter. I've also ordered some wheelchair motors arduino and some ibt 2 motors to start the ball rolling looking forward to getting some more tips and info on here. Cheers
    • Like Like x 1
  17. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Welcome @29ford.

    That is a great introduction and there are also lots of member projects to check out and learn from: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    You will find plenty of helpful information in the FAQs to get you started, in particular check out the SimTools, fundamentals of motion and the design sections: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

    You can also search for specific types of projects/information using the Google Custom Search function on the Recent page: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/find-new/posts?recent=1

    If something sounds odd then look it up in the glossary: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/glossary-of-acronyms-and-names.66/

    When you are ready please start your own project thread here, ask any questions you have there and detail your project progress: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    Good luck with your project.
    • Like Like x 1
  18. Gustau

    Gustau New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2020
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Barcelona
    Balance:
    213Coins
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform
    Hi, not new member but first post after trying to do my first thread too. I'm from Barcelona
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2022
  19. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Welcome @Gustau, I and other members will look forward to following your thread and project.
    • Like Like x 1
  20. Gustau

    Gustau New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2020
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Barcelona
    Balance:
    213Coins
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform
    Thank you, great community, anxious to test simtools with my new rig
    • Like Like x 1
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2022