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Question SimTools allowing Axis to go beyond set limits.

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by XinnKoda, Feb 14, 2026 at 18:15.

  1. XinnKoda

    XinnKoda New Member

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    Hello all! I recently posted in the showroom my new build that I'm really excited about. I have a question that I've not been able to figure out through the SimTools manual or the forum search, I'm sure it's something really simple. On my flight sims, I've got roll and pitch set in SimTools, I'm using a 2DOF setup similar to what you'd see on the wiper blade configuration but I've attached a picture of my setup if there's any confusion. On my axis setup, I've got one motor responsible for 50% Sway and 50% Pitch, I've mirrored that same setup for the other motor. When I "Test Settings", the Roll and Pitch independently work great and never go beyond what I've set on the Axis Limiting. However, during games like Flight Sim 2020, there are times the motors move beyond the clip limit set on SMC3 and it shuts off the motor. My only guess is that the "Pitch" axis is going to max and the "Roll" axis is also going max or near max and between the two, it's pushing the motor beyond the limits set in SMC3. How would I go about ensuring that if both Axis are set to max position, it doesn't go beyond the limits? I think I assumed that setting the initial Axis limiting, they wouldn't go beyond those figures but I think I must have assumed wrong, any help would be great, thanks so much!!!!
    Motion Rig3.jpg
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    There are a number of things to consider, the first is that it is SMC3 that controls the hardware reaction refinement/management, not SimTools, so SMC3 settings may need refining.

    The second is design related to the inertia of the mass and the diminishing effectiveness of leavers. The greater the mass the less it wants to change its momentum, and combined with that is that the effect torque utilisation drops off rapidly over about 38 degrees up and down from level. The lever length also affects its torque capacity.

    Design wise it is also vitally important that the rig is properly balanced: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...-of-gravity-to-balance-a-motion-simulator.55/

    And the mounting of the universal joint is at close to the seat base as possible: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/universal-joint-placement.108/
  3. XinnKoda

    XinnKoda New Member

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    Thanks for the replies. My lever length is 4cm which seems to be a pretty standard used sized among people using the PGSAW motors. I've read through those articles you listed when I set out to redesign it. Can you help me answer this however, assuming SMC3 is set up correctly, how would the axis assignment look on Sim tools? Would each motor be set to 50 percent for Sway and Surge? Or does it need to be lower since it's using the same motor and combining effects? Thanks!
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Last edited: Feb 15, 2026 at 07:13