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First attempt at a 2DOF motion sim

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by SilentChill, Jul 24, 2014.

  1. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Those single center supported control columns need to be quite strong as they allow allot of twisting forces to be applied from the steering/HOTAS table. Looks like the metal (not weld) fatigued and then failed. Maybe use bigger boxed steel and full weld the joints to spread the load.
    • Agree Agree x 1
  2. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    Yes @SeatTime the gamechair was never designed for motion. I never really even thought about what the forces and vibrations would do to it. I have welded 2 30x10 bar up the side of the column now to support it a bit better hopefully it will last now until another part fails lol

    Its all good though and good learning for when I build my 6DOF which is growing ever closer. I just need 2 more motors and a few other bits and I'm ready to build.

    oh and @SeatTime what would be the maximum weight my motors could lift I am useless at math ;) They are 125w 0.8n 1500rpm with a 15:1 gearbox on, obviously I will have 6 of them. I was wanting to put 150mm arm on them but im thinking it will be too long.

    They are the same as I have now it has no issue throwing me around although it is on a pivot.
  3. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

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    Hi @SilentChill, I would recommend that for something as complex/expensive as a 6DOF (You have to pay for six of everything) that you setup a test rig to see exactly what your chosen motors/gearbox/arm length combination can lift before investing any more time/money. The following is 'Just My Honest Opinion' -
    Dead lifting a person + frame is a whole new ball game when compared to a balance frame. I found that the maths that I knew did not cut it, as there are just too many other variables. Eg. friction- inertia etc. I don't think six 125W motors and 15:1 gearboxs will have the torque to lift you and keep you in place especially when inertia comes into play (even with small arms). I actually tested a 200w motor with 60:1 gearbox and found it to be the minimum/marginal that I would use in a very light 6DOF (still would use some a counter balance to offset load due to the arm length). I ended up going with actuators for a variety of reason - Ball screws are allot more efficient than worm screw grearboxs (90% against 65%). You can have as much travel as you like without increasing load (although you do have to chose a minimum speed that you find acceptable). They do not travel back under load when not driven (although the good steel worm screw gearboxes do this) reducing the load on the motor and most importantly a ball screw does not bind up under load like a worm drive can. Unfortunately they are more expensive to build/purchase (if you can find something suitable) than a worm screw. Hope this helps, good luck with your build.
    • Informative Informative x 2
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  4. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    Thanks for your reply @SeatTime .

    I am getting the motors for free so I will have to give it a go and see. All the other parts I can use again if I have to convert to something else.

    It will be a very lite build with only a Seat,HOTAS, steering wheel myself and a rift .
  5. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Now that's the best deal...for free! What a great supplyer you have @SilentChill.
  6. DreamsOf2DOFw/TL

    DreamsOf2DOFw/TL New Member

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    Ive been lurking around diy sim seat websites for some time and suffice it to say my passing interest has blossomed into an itch after seeing this build. Kudos to you SilentChill, and all who inspired you as well. I envy your rig.

    I am interested in seeing more about how you added the traction loss under your existing setup. Specifically the physical platform design. Are there any pics of the process?
    • Like Like x 1
  7. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    @DreamsOf2DOFw/TL Im sorry I dont have any pictures I just built it as I went along. If you have a look at my youtube channel you can see the traction loss test video I made its a close up so you can see the workings of it :)
  8. Scratch

    Scratch Active Member

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    Wow, powerful rig you have there!
  9. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    Finally got chance to have a little play on my rig for an hour. Had a try at the new Nordshleife and it is pretty damn good. Pitty about my dreadful driving.


    • Like Like x 2
  10. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Nice to see you back into it @SilentChill...looks like it will take a little practice to tame Nords ;)
    • Like Like x 1
  11. cthiggin

    cthiggin Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Lucky enough last night to do a 6:51 on the "Nord Tourist"...........tough track......
    One thing for sure, you were very successful at beating the hell out of the Saitek...................
    • Like Like x 2
  12. Boomslangnz

    Boomslangnz Active Member SimAxe Beta Tester Gold Contributor

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    looks cool man, hell of a ride!
  13. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    @cthiggin yeah think im going to have to get a rubber band on it to steady it a little. I didnt realise how much it was flapping around until i watched the video lol
    • Agree Agree x 1
  14. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    Got Project Cars to work straight away no problems :)

    I love the feel and look of this game its frikkin awesome :D


    • Like Like x 4
    • Agree Agree x 1
  15. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Thanks @SilentChill, I was just wondering about Rift support in the release version of Project Cars.

    What graphics card and setting are you running, as you mention judder is an issue.
  16. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

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    Gotto love the Rift, I like how you put your hand up to block the sun...2:42.:grin
    • Funny Funny x 5
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  17. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    I have a 970 and everything was just as it was when I installed it. I need to sort the shadows as they were glitching quite a bit and doing something with the post processing probably will get rid of the judder. Its only very slight so shouldnt be hard to figure out whats causing it.

    The menus are all messed up so you need to use monitor to go through menus a bit like we do in AC but I have to use open brodcaster for that.
  18. EFFalcon

    EFFalcon New Member

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    Did you ever find out what the motors you are using were actually from?
    • Like Like x 1
  19. NexVentor

    NexVentor New Member

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    Wow awesome stuff man, I found this cause I was looking for a DIY option to traction loss range of motion and had to sign up to say well done.

    One question where did you learn to do the wiring for the wipers? Thats probably my weak part.
    • Like Like x 2
  20. SilentChill

    SilentChill Problem Maker

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    They are made by a firm in Italy Transtecno if you search om google easy to find :)

    Thanks very much :D

    All the wiring and diagrams can all be found here somewhere just need to search a litte.
    Last edited: May 12, 2015