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2 or 3DOF?

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by monicamary, Sep 4, 2014.

  1. monicamary

    monicamary Member

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    Unfortunately, I had already designed and built a frame before I found this forum. I plan to build a racing simulator, which moves the entire frame. However, I cannot decide whether to make it 2 DOF or 3 DOF. If I build a 2 DOF simulator, I shall probably try to make it 3 DOF in the future. I am a complete beginner and know almost nothing about motion simulators, so I would like a fairly simple first project. I do however, know some people who can help me out. My main concern about adding 3 DOF later is that it will be much more difficult to achieve than if I did it at the beginning. I am using 12V wiper motors to move the simulator. The 3 DOF's would be pitch, roll and yaw with yaw being removed if it was two DOF. Any design advice would be much appreciated as this is a learning experience for me.
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Can you please post some pictures of your existing frame, just so we all know what you have so far.
  3. monicamary

    monicamary Member

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    Okay, but I can only do it tomorrow.
  4. bsft

    bsft

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    Yes, pictures please when ever you can.
    3DOF drift is achievable. Wipers for 2DOF seat mover or light full frame, shoulder mount, but Id suggest a larger 12v motor for the "drift" swinging of the frame.
    Are you going to use arduino or JRK for motor control.
  5. monicamary

    monicamary Member

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    Here are some pics of the frame. I know it's not perfect(hence, "Unfortunately" in my original post) but I have put many hours of work into it. It is almost entirely made of wood and so only weighs about the same as a 'light' metal frame. I am confident that with a u-joint or something similar in the correct place, that it will work. 20140905_144903.jpg 20140905_144919.jpg 20140905_144929.jpg 20140905_144853.jpg
    • Like Like x 1
  6. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Hi monicamary, where there's a will there's a way as the folk saying goes. But - to be honest - your frame is potentially dangerous. Sharp edges, very thin wooden parts to withstand forces. I can see "outstanding" nails which can cause injury. This frame is not a result of a hard and detailed work, perhaps it is a result of your impatience? :)
    • Agree Agree x 1
  7. bsft

    bsft

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    Only dangerous to the driver. :)
    It may flex something fierce under motion though.
    If wood cutting is an issue, maybe a PVC frame would be better, with wooden sheets , thin to cover it. I used 16mm MDF for under seat, unit mounting, wheel and pedal holders. It weighed a heck of a lot less than the previous steel frame.
    pvc3.jpg pvc2.jpg
    that way you have strength and light weight frame.
    It may cost a bit more than steel, but its sturdy, easy to put together.
  8. eaorobbie

    eaorobbie Well-Known Member SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK, SimforceGT, 6DOF
    Ah a simple solution, keep on the 2 dof build, complete it and make sure it has a solid base.
    Later on once ready to add the 3dof make this a separate unit , like a motorized turn table that your 2DOF top mounts too. So even later on you decide to remove the yaw , you can without effecting the sim, maybe in the future for race you might want to change the yaw table for a traction loss table.
  9. monicamary

    monicamary Member

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    Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. The frame is not yet completed as I have not had the time to work on it recently. As it is currently, it is fairly rigid. The base is solid and provides(along with the cross-braces) some strength. With the addition of a few extra panels to provide more rigidity, I am confident that there shall be little flex. Soon I will smooth over rough edges(literally and metaphorically) and do a bit more detail work. I shall keep in mind your advice when doing this. I am continuing with this frame because I have spent many hours working on it and do not want to start again. I am sure that I will be able to make it work safely. Thanks again for your input. It was very helpful.
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