My First Car Flight 3dof Motion Simulator Build

Hey Guys,

So i decided to build my own motion simulator. Ive been reading as much as I can to get this project going. I will be posting photos along the way.

Please keep in mind im a total newb to this type of project. Hopefully I ask the right type of questions, but any advise, feedback or creative criticism is welcomed and appreciated!

So I just purchased my first set of hardware. 3 Linear 18" stroke heavy duty 200lbs max lift 12v Actuators from eBay.

Which Arduino should I purchase that will be compatible and have the ability to run these Actuators?

Any guidance, examples, photos, tips, etc appreciated!

What is the power consumption and linear speed of the actuators? I ask because I thought about going that route but could never find the right specs at an affordable price on eBay. Either too slow, too weak, or very expensive (for me at least).

Others know a lot more about the Arduino option than I do, but I think just a basic Uno would be fine. Although I routinely work with Arduinos, I decided to save myself a few headaches and went with JRK 12V12's. More expensive for sure, but easier to work with than an Arduino with MonsterMoto's. Definitely check the threads here to get a reputable supplier of the MM's.

Actuator Specs are as follows;

ACTUATOR SPECIFICATIONS:
12v
200 POUND (91Kg) MAX LIFT.
SPEED: 12mm / SECOND
6mm DIAMETER MOUNTING HOLES
20mm DIAMETER SHAFT
18" EXTENSION
BUILT IN CLUTCH TO PREVENT OVER-EXTENSION AND OVER-COMPRESSION

40 1/4" EXTENDED LENGTH & 22 1/4" COMPRESSED LENGTH ***(FROM CENTER MOUNTING HOLES)***

uno r3 is best and cheap
i get them at micro center for 6 bucks.
contrary to popular belief ard is now as easy as jrk if you use the SMC3 code. there is really nothing to code @RufusDufus has done the hard part for you. it is set up in a config utility, much like jrks. the jrks come ready to go the ard/moto will need to be wired. the jrks set you back 200.00 you can get a working unit up and running with ard/moto for less than 40.00. not sure about the actuators but i think they may move too slow for this application.

mmK. will do. I know the Actuators my be a bit slow.. but I wanted to take the opportunity on the build.

I will look into the Uno R3. Also I will b0egin my platform carriage and post pics.

Thank u for feedback, much valued!

Regards.

look here

http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

Hey and welcome to the community. You will get a lot of help while building your project as usual. Unfortunately I have to disappoint you due to the circumstance that the actuators are too slow. They are strong enough but the speed of 12mm/s is equivalent to the weight, say more weight less speed. At least actuators can't be driven continously in some cases because they are overheating.

Welcome. I am also new, joined last year and started a 2 dof with arduinos, mm, and 2000lb winches, but had to pickle the project when the weather got nice, now I'm working on it again with good progress. Listen to what these guys say, they have spent lots of time and money, which equals saved time and money on our end. What type of 3 dof. I looked at very similar actuators but decided against because of the speed/wieght specs, however I did think about a 2 dof, using 2 of these actuators per axis and moving mounts closer to the center of the platform for faster movement (thoughts @Pit). In the end decided to go with a proven design for my first.

Ok. I have requested a return of the just purchased Actuators. It appears they will be much to slow for my application. Anyone have any ideas of where I can get a much faster actuator for a reasonable price?
I need at least 3 actuators for my design setup and the manufacturer not an issue, but I prefer to buy from USA based company, not from any overseas shops, also it and doesn't have to be top of the line, but a good responsive actuator. Thanks guys.

Ok doing some more research. Should I go with a Linear Actuator or Feedback Actuator?

The only Actuator's that will work for your application are in the 5-600$ range PER actuator. (SCN5/6) Why not look into Gear motor's which a WHOLE bunch of us run with Very little issues. 100$ a pop and are actually faster/Stronger/Quieter than actuators.

Lol ignore the price. when PGsaw gets down to his LAST motor, he does this kind of price gouging. Fear not, he will have more 25:1's in stock soon im sure of it. 89$ is the normal going rate for these motor's...and if you want stronger/slower motor's for say a Full Frame setup, go for the 50:1's instead.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GEAR-MOTOR-...256511?hash=item567baf0a7f:g:H6oAAOSwQPlV-rtb

Nick,
Yea.. I just called and spoke to Dave from Firgelli Automations and he quoted me around $500/per He also recommended the possible use of Hydraulic actuators, but they are also quite expensive.

I will look into the link you just sent.. Thanks a bunch!

Ok so in a gear motor setup, im assuming I need to connect the motor to pulleys or maybe some type of sprocket\chain assembly. Anyone have any basic schematics that I can take a look at?

Ive seen various types of simulators out there, and I was leaning toward a "carriage" type simulator "hanging" on to actuators( one in front and two in back) , the platform type simulators Ive seen with gear motors seem to be delayed and "jerky" in motion and did not have the travel to really simulate the type of G forces you would experience. It would also be nice to experience the Heave motion as well.

I know my "like to have" 'vs "can afford" may be very different! and I know this rig is only going to be designed to "Simulate" the G forces.. not actually produce G forces. LoL

Ok Guys. Thanks for the feedback. Upon more research I reviewed some schematics and seem like working with gear motors will be OK. Will post progress pics soon.

Thanks all. I will be back to pick ur guys brains sum more!

Nick or anyone,
What are your thoughts on this item(ebay link below)?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/35098404401...99&_trkparms=gh1g=I350984044019.N36.S1.R1.TR2

Seems similar to the other one except 180Watts instead of 150Watts

I used those exact motor's on a Buddy's rig. There are also a few other's around the forum whom have used them as well.
If you scroll around my Photobucket, or better yet skim through my build thread, and you'll find all sorts of useful tidbits of info. I too was once a noobie and knew nothing about all the little in's and out's of motion software/hardware.

I also dont see any 150w motor's.....All the Pgsaw motor's that i see are 180w 25:1 and 50:1

Very cool. I will check out your build log and since hes out of the $1000.00 motors.. I guess i'll have to save money and get the $80.00 ones LoL!

Can I use those 12v 180w gearboxes with 3dof in floating platform type configuration?
Similar to the video below..


Not sure if it can or will hold a slim to average adults weight.

Thanks for the insight. I was wondering which one I should get the 25:1s or the 50:1s. I thought the 50:1 may be slower in responce due to its speed, but I will take your advise.

Picking up all my metals today to start the framework build this weekend.

Thanks Noorbeast! Your compact design looks awesome! Very inspiring.