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Question DIY Dual-Purpose Sim Rig (Racing + Flight) – 2DOF vs 3DOF Motion Advice Needed

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Robinj, Mar 21, 2026 at 00:40.

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  1. Robinj

    Robinj New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    I recently built a 15 Nm wheelbase using a hoverboard motor. It works, but I’ve realized I now need a proper sim rig to really test it in good conditions.
    My goal is to build a dual-purpose rig for both sim racing and flight simulation. Later on, I’d like to add a joystick and be able to quickly swap between rudder pedals and racing pedals depending on whether I’m flying or driving.
    I’m also interested in building a motion system, but I’m not sure where to start. I’m currently hesitating between a 2DOF and a 3DOF setup, and I’d like to better understand how cost, complexity, and performance scale between the two.
    From what I’ve seen, 2DOF systems seem simpler and more affordable, while 3DOF adds vertical motion, which looks like a significant upgrade in immersion. I’m trying to figure out which one offers the best value overall for a DIY build.
    I came across MikeyEarly’s project, which I really like:

    What would you recommend in my case?
    Is there a specific type of motion system or architecture already made here that would work best for what I’m trying to achieve?
    I’m comfortable building with aluminum profiles and working with motors, so a DIY solution is definitely within my capabilities.
    Robinj, Mar 21, 2026 at 00:40
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
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    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
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    Ratings:
    +11,179 / 57 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    The original build thread for @early_m's rig is here: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/f1-style-2-dof-mantis-simulators-fs2.16071/

    And the upgrade to 3DOF here: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/f1-motion-sim-upgrading-2dof-to-3dof.18398/

    Many of us start with a basic 2DOF and then upgrade, including myself: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/dx-compact-simulator.5866/

    So I would say start simple with a 2DOF design, but consider the upgrade pathway in advance, both in terms of design and hardware chosen.
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Mar 21, 2026 at 02:20
    #2
  3. Robinj

    Robinj New Member

    Joined:
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    2
    Location:
    France
    Balance:
    22Coins
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    Thank you, that’s exactly what I was looking for.
    Regarding the budget, what kind of cost should I expect for the main components such as aluminum extrusions, motors, and controllers?
    Robinj, Mar 21, 2026 at 02:50
    #3
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    22,115
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    154,310Coins
    Ratings:
    +11,179 / 57 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Doing some research before getting in too deep is time well spent.

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

    Use the Search on the Recent page to find related projects to what you have in mind.

    You will also find plenty of helpful information in the FAQs, which includes a Design 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/

    Cost depends a lot on your key design and vision, plus what you can get locally/secondhand, and specifically what hardware you choose to use, plus associated controllers.

    For example you could get secondhand wheelchair motors, use SMC3 with Arduino(s) with cheap drivers, and see if you can scrounge some used T-slot aluminum profile in France, or use more readily available and cheaper materials, sometimes there are bargains, it just depends when and where, for example: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...otted-aluminum-extrusion-south-florida.19486/

    Or, if you have more of an eye to the future and powerful modern hardware, rather than minimal budget, you could use AMC-AASD15A servos and related controller: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/amc-aasd15a-servo-controller.351/

    There are plenty of free 80/20 Extruded Aluminum design software programs out there, some linked to manufactures even automatically generate a parts list.

    Make a solid plan and kick it around with members and that will determine things like potential cost, and value of reusing hardware if upgrading in the future.
    noorbeast, Mar 21, 2026 at 04:33
    #4