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[2020]: 3DOF AC Motion Platform

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by lucacockpit, Mar 31, 2020.

  1. lucacockpit

    lucacockpit New Member

    Joined:
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    EDIT: This thread will be discontinued soon. Change of plans

    Hey everyone,

    My name is Luca and I live in Geneva, Switzerland.

    I'm starting my own thread here now because I've given a lot of thought into my project and before I start building out (should be soon!) I still have a few interrogations that I hope more experienced members will be able to help me.

    I'm building a 3DOF (Pitch, Roll, Heave) motion simulator, built to be used as a Flight Simulator (only) with Prepar3D flying commercial airplanes - which is a notably different use that combat flight sims like DCS.

    The motors that I'm thinking about using are 3-phase AC motors, 1HP 1500RPM, 230V and 50Hz:
    These ones in particular

    I will be using 3 motors in a 120 degrees triangle layout, very similar to this project.

    Here's the gearboxes I had in mind (30:1 ratio).

    Here's a render of my first draft of the base:
    Note: This render will be updated tomorrow or later this week with more precision and more elements added.
    Screenshot 2020-03-31 at 00.44.21.png

    My main weak point is the electrical aspect of a project like this.

    I've been reading through multiple threats here on the forum for literally dozens of hours and I think I kind of figured out the different elements that needed to be bought and installed, but not to a point that I feel confident enough to move on- at all ;) Also as I'm going the AC route, I can't follow the same wiring system as @momoclic 's guide I referred to earlier who is using DC motors.

    What I need for the moment is guidance on wiring everything up.

    I have found wiring diagrams across the forum but they were all including elements that most of you guys assumed everyone knew, that left me perplex. Is there

    I'm assuming what I have to buy is:

    1x VFD
    2x Arduino Uno
    1x Emergency stop button

    1) Is that it for electrical/control hardware? Any specific recommendations?

    2) Do you think the motors I chose are a good choice in terms of heat produced/inverter duty?

    3) Anything else that you think I didn't think about?

    I have more questions to come but I'll start with that!
    Can't wait to share more news and content with you guys.
    Things are moving quickly over here it's exciting, and thanks to this amazing community I have already been able to learn so much. I'm so grateful

    Hope you can help me for now!

    Good night,

    Luca
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2020
  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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    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
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    144,620Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
  3. lucacockpit

    lucacockpit New Member

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    Hey @noorbeast ,

    Thanks for your reply.

    I have already seen this thread multiple times, but most videos are not working anymore and I couldn't find answers to my questions there, Ex: I don't know how to build my own circuit..
    Which is the reason I created this thread to get answers tailored to my projet!

    And I also already checked out Thanos' controller but I'm not an expert enough to choose between this or another one. This is again exactly why I'm asking for advice..


    Luca
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
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    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,620Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    The best advice I can give is to do a lot more research, it is time well spent.

    Once you have reviewed possible options then ask specific questions to clarify your understanding of the possible options.

    Then realistically assess your project, expectations, your skills and resources, as each have a significant bearing on possible approaches and options.

    Don't go buying anything until you are really clear about your project criteria and associated requirements.
  5. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Retired
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    Brisbane Australia
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    Ratings:
    +2,844 / 38 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    AC motor, Motion platform
    Unfortunately putting together a non-standard AC powered sim is not as simple as it may seem and getting feedback from members who use these non-standard AC setups can be a bit hit/miss, have a look at a recent post from a member who was trying to get some feedback on AC motors 'https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...tors-gear-reducers-for-300.14437/#post-194106. Myself and @noorbeast use DC motors in our sims so we cannot really help you in any detail. What I can say is that what hardware/software you require can vary depending on the type motors/VFD you use and its interface/voltage level requirements to what type of feedback system you are going to use Ie. pots or encoders. If one of the members who have built a non-standard AC system decides to help then you are in luck - if not then your on your own (that's the internet :)), apart from what you can discover from research etc on this site and others. Good luck .
    • Agree Agree x 1
  6. lucacockpit

    lucacockpit New Member

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    Hey @noorbeast @SeatTime ,

    Just wanted to give you a quick update. All in all your help was really worth it!
    I have have changed my plans and decided to take a step back, re-think my project and go the DC route, very possibly with Simukit's 400W motors.

    I will be deleting this threat soon and starting the new one once I'm ready.

    Have a good one and thanks again

    Luca
    • Like Like x 1
  7. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Ratings:
    +453 / 9 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    some of the 6dof using vfd have had very poor response and are slow to respond

    make sure you do your research and use the right type of motor / vfd
  8. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Molde
    Balance:
    354Coins
    Ratings:
    +13 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, AC motor, Arduino, Joyrider, 6DOF
    Hello! working on a AC build myself right now. Im pretty sure u need one vfd for each drive? I use releys on the arduinos to drive the vfd. Most vfd has an option to go "Run" "Forwards" "backwards" and "speed" just with hardwired buttons on the vfd itself. Heat gonna be an issue, when the motor goes back and forward, so i replaced the back fan with an electrical one on each motor. You also need a speed signal. The arduino itself cant give a good 0-10V or 4-20mA, so you need a converter. Its some guides on this site. Im trying without the converter, but I dont know how it will work yet :thumbs