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Question Not enough power for my 2dof

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by CaptnKebec, Apr 26, 2025 at 21:54.

  1. CaptnKebec

    CaptnKebec New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Hi all,
    I'm a beginner in the motion platform, so I may ask simple or stupid questions!
    I have made a wooden platform on a central pivot with to winch motors in corners for motions.
    I configured SMC3 and X-Plane plug-in in Simtools.
    The platform is moving as expected but I can't put any weight on it. So when I sit in the back, between the to motors, it can't lift me. I thought that 2000 pounds winch motors could lift my easily!
    Is it a motor controller issue or just configuration?
    Here's the content of my SMC3 util file:
    SMC3_Version=100
    Motor1_Kp=500
    Motor1_Ki=0
    Motor1_Kd=0
    Motor1_Ks=1
    Motor1_PWMmin=0
    Motor1_PWMmax=30
    Motor1_PWMrev=0
    Motor1_Limit=255
    Motor1_Clip=255
    Motor1_Deadzone=0
    Motor2_Kp=500
    Motor2_Ki=0
    Motor2_Kd=0
    Motor2_Ks=1
    Motor2_PWMmin=0
    Motor2_PWMmax=30
    Motor2_PWMrev=0
    Motor2_Limit=255
    Motor2_Clip=255
    Motor2_Deadzone=0
    Motor3_Kp=0
    Motor3_Ki=0
    Motor3_Kd=0
    Motor3_Ks=1
    Motor3_PWMmin=0
    Motor3_PWMmax=0
    Motor3_PWMrev=0
    Motor3_Limit=23
    Motor3_Clip=100
    Motor3_Deadzone=0
    PID_Divider=1
    Motor1and2PWMFreqkHz=25
    Motor3PWMFreqkHz=31

    Check the platform photos enclosed to see where are the motors, the pivot and were I sit.

    Any help is appreciated.

    Thanks

    Attached Files:

    CaptnKebec, Apr 26, 2025 at 21:54
    #1
  2. CaptnKebec

    CaptnKebec New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Forgot to mention witch controller i use, look at the picture enclosed

    Attached Files:

    CaptnKebec, Apr 26, 2025 at 21:57
    #2
  3. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    If this is the layout, with a pivot in the middle, chair at the back and motor somewhere in between, then the rig is not properly balanced: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...-of-gravity-to-balance-a-motion-simulator.55/

    And if your rig were balance properly I would expect the greatest inherent design position for the motors would be around the feet.

    It would also help to post pictures of SMC3 running the Sine test, that would be far more informative than just the settings.

    [​IMG]
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Apr 27, 2025 at 04:19
    #3
  4. Attyla.pl

    Attyla.pl Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    I agree with noorbeats, you have a misaligned pivot, check according to the link provided by noorbeast where the pivot point should be and modify the platform.
    The second mistake is the setting of the parameter “Motor1_PWMmax=30” this paramter regulates the maximum “force” with which the motor has to rotate. The highest possible value is 255 , if you set 30 then you have 255/30 which means the motor has about 10% of its full power set at least 150-180 I use 255 to have full power :).
    Reduce the parameter “Motor1_Kp=500” it regulates how fast the motor strives to make a move, to start with set about 250-300 then you will see if you want more.
    And tell us what motors you used, what is their speed and maximum current drawn and supply voltage.
    • Like Like x 1
    Attyla.pl, Apr 27, 2025 at 10:08
    #4
  5. Jango

    Jango Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor
    hi everyone, in this setup, would it help to place the motors in the front? rather than the back where the full body weight is?
    Jango, Apr 28, 2025 at 05:45
    #5
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    That would be my suggestion, after properly balancing the rig, as it would maximise the inherent design leverage.

    But we also have the benefit of great tools like SimCalc, that let members experiment with and help get their head around the tradeoffs in design Vs physics: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...e-linear-speed-and-forces-of-your-design.270/
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Apr 28, 2025 at 07:48
    #6
  7. CaptnKebec

    CaptnKebec New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Thanks all for the tips. The platform will have a lot of stuff, a seat on rails to be able to fly or drive the sim. I will have a full Cessna 172 panel on right side and a racing setup on the left. So for balancing the platform, maybe, I should build the rest of the sim and then balance the platform to optimize the weight since I don't know the final weight off all the stuff. Is that better than trying to balance on an empty platform?
    CaptnKebec, May 1, 2025 at 01:13
    #7
  8. CaptnKebec

    CaptnKebec New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    There's not many specs on the site: MotoMaster Steel Winch, 2000-lb | Canadian Tire
    It's 1HP 12AH, don't know the speed. I tried the settings you suggests and it worked, it's now moving correctly with me seated! But it makes a lot of noise! I have also those motors:
    upload_2025-4-30_19-42-35.png
    I don't know if they would have enough power and if they would be less noisy.
    CaptnKebec, May 1, 2025 at 01:43
    #8
  9. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Yes a rig should be balanced with yourself and all peripherals onboard in their designated mounts.

    Given what you plan I suspect 60W motors would be inadequate. My guess would be at least 200+W DC motors is more likely what may be required, or alternatively powerful AASD15A servos and associated controller: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/amc-aasd15a-servo-controller.351/

    As I previously mentioned we do have tools like SimCalc, that let members experiment with and help get their head around the tradeoffs in design Vs physics: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...e-linear-speed-and-forces-of-your-design.270/
    noorbeast, May 1, 2025 at 03:45
    #9
  10. Attyla.pl

    Attyla.pl Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    I will write more strongly than noorbeast, 60W motors with your planned load WILL NOT BE sufficient.
    Pity your work , you need a 200-250W motor to make the whole thing make sense.
    Attyla.pl, May 1, 2025 at 13:56
    #10