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3dof seat mover - limit rod motion

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by nanocba83, Feb 1, 2026 at 04:30.

  1. nanocba83

    nanocba83 New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF
    I'm trying to build a 3dof seat mover with four scooter motors and crank & rod mechanism. However I'm finding stuck at finding a way to restrict the motion of the rod so they only move in one direction. My idea is to try to find some sort of rail with bearings so the movement is smooth but I can't for the life of me find anything close to it.

    I know that four motors is over constraining the system but I wanted to test the additional power provided by an extra motor. So right now I feel I'm stuck at figuring out the last bits of the mechanical aspect.

    I'm attaching a photo of my build so far for reference.

    Attached Files:

    nanocba83, Feb 1, 2026 at 04:30
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    noorbeast, Feb 1, 2026 at 07:54
    #2
  3. Radioproffi

    Radioproffi Active Member Gold Contributor

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    This can create a significant amount of parasitic movement, which will place greater strain on some motors.

    An alternative would be a gas strut from a computer chair in the center with a joint attached to the top and a single Watt mechanism to prevent lateral movement.
    Radioproffi, Feb 1, 2026 at 11:11
    #3
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Indeed that is totally possible and I built my own adjustable version over a decade ago, without the need for a Watt mechanism: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/dx-compact-simulator.5866/
    noorbeast, Feb 1, 2026 at 11:19
    #4
  5. accelero

    accelero Member

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    Hi,
    what if you use another mechanism , like the D.mover implementation, but using motors instead of linear actuators ?
    accelero, Feb 1, 2026 at 11:22
    #5
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    As in a rotary lever that moves a vertical push-rod acting on the ground?

    It could be made to work but operates through an arc, in those circumstances a linear actuator likely makes more sense.

    Sketch out what you have in mind, or make a working model, as that would likely tease out the pros and cons: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/build-a-model-to-test-your-design-ideas.136/
    noorbeast, Feb 1, 2026 at 11:29
    #6
  7. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    noorbeast, Feb 1, 2026 at 11:34
    #7
  8. Radioproffi

    Radioproffi Active Member Gold Contributor

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    Radioproffi, Feb 1, 2026 at 11:37
    #8
  9. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Yes, one of the many design variations that are possible/viable.
    noorbeast, Feb 1, 2026 at 11:40
    #9
  10. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    if you change the angle of the rods the platform will become stable

    consider a different layout of the motors

    raise the motors so that they will not hit the ground
    Gadget999, Feb 1, 2026 at 18:24
    #10