Compact 2 DOF using Actuators for Prepar3D Flight Simming

Hi Guys! Long time, first time, coming in live from Southern California!

I read a lot of great posts on this website and looking to jump in and build a motion Flight Simulator sim. I got my Thrustmaster Joystick, Rudder Pedals and Throttle and having some good fun on Prepar3D general aviation airplanes. But something is missing

Reading the forums, many smart guys have had good experiences with the 24V 75RPM wheelchair motors. What are your thoughts on motorized Actuators? I have attached the datasheet of the PC-09-HALL linear actuator from Progressive Automation ($174 each, 8" stroke) and a picture of the inspiration model. This also comes with the Hall effect sensors built in. I would be using the usual hardware; IBT2's, Arduino UNO3 and 24V power supplies.

Looking at the SimCalcs software, it seems the Linear Actuator button is greyed out. I have attached a screenshot of calcs of a similar seat mover using motors.

Any feedback is appreciated regarding the use of these actuators. Thanks!

Hi Guys, so I decided to build the design by @pmvcda at :

https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/flypt-6dof-brushless-diy-actuators.10799/

I got the BLDC-8015A controller, 57BLF03 brushless motor from ebay and the circuit board design by @fcppenta at:

https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...hless-diy-actuators.10799/page-38#post-218195

I am using only 3 level shifters, and soldered the 6 jumpers together as per the conversation in the above threads. I was able to load up the code into the ESP32 and changed the Number of Actuators to 2. Now, when I plug the board with the USB cable, the blue light flashes 5 times and both motors start moving, looking for the Max Limit switch. I press those microswitches and the motors turn direction, this time looking for the Min Limit switch. After I press those, the motors come to a stop, again, just as discussed in the above links.

As a noob I have gotten this far. Before I start work on building the actuators and printing 3D parts for the 2DOF Rig, I wanted to bench test this setup. I have installed Live For Speed on the laptop and tried to understand the logic behind FlyPT to make this work. The serial port is visible and connected in FlyPT as per the pictures attached. I do understand that there is a learning curve for FlyPT, but those who have mastered it love it.

My intention is to build a compact 2DOF rig using DIY actuators using PVC pipe, and will document the build together with all the STL files for anyone else to build the same.

I would really appreciate if I can get some assistance on setting up this hardware in FlyPT.

Thanks!

With guidance from @GruntyPig and @smitty the bench test has moved forward now. I am using FlyPT 3.5.3. The serial port "Send" info is <255><255><Axis1a><Axis2a>. In the Arduino sketch, I changed the serial Baud rate to 500000. As the "Source" signal, I used "Loop" to generate the Sine Wave, and that made the motors spin clockwise and counterclockwise. More info later as I progress.