1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules

3DOF Full Frame - Arcade Cabinet Build

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by ChuckyP, Oct 2, 2021.

  1. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Hey Everyone,

    UPDATE: I have changed my mind as well as the title to reflect the change to Full Frame 2DOF plus traction loss.

    This is my introduction into the sim racing world. I've been watching a lot of posts trying to figure out which route to take for my first build. I have decided on a 3DOF full frame style (Decided against the seat mover), based on Halloween2Go's design.

    I have already built a MAME arcade and have wanted a driving cabinet added to the mix for a while. My youngest daughter gets the most enjoyment out of the setup we have now. She loves to play City Car Driving in VR. My favorite is Assetto Corsa with a little Dirt Rally VR on the side.

    Any advice you can provide so I avoid any potential problems is very welcome. I guess I'll start with a list of items I have ready to go in my cart, and we can see if it will be what I need.

    Motor x 3: Crab Pot motors from canada / ebay

    Potentiometer x 3: LINK

    Arduino Uno Rev3: LINK

    Motor Controller x 3: LINK



    Here are some pictures of the evolution of our setup. It has been a blast up to this point and I'm excited to get a little motion going.

    ChuckyP

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    • Like Like x 1
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2022
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,464
    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
    Great start :thumbs

    Just some additions to consider:

    You will need a universal joint, cutting down an old tailshaft is a cheap way to go, but you can buy flanges.

    With PSUs you can check out those made for LEDs, which come in a range of capacities and tend to be pretty tolerant of power spikes on fast reversals, or you can modify sever PSUs: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...ver-power-supplies-as-cheap-powerful-psus.54/

    With Hall Sensors the easiest way to mount them is direct with a suitably sized flexible coupling, but there are other possibilities: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/how-to-connect-protect-a-potentiometer.13/
  3. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Great, thanks for the reply.

    I did source a beefy driveshaft from the junkyard when I picked up the seat to replace my temporary office chair setup. So I now have 2 u-joints ready for action.

    I’ll have to look into the power supply situation, it looks like the video I was watching from DMax used an old car battery as the source. I’ll read up on the links you attached.

    As far as the motors and other components from above, are these acceptable? If so I can get them ordered up.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2021
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,464
    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
  5. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Ok. Now that I have narrowed down the design possibilities I’ll look into the calculations.

    I’m figuring on building a compact seat mover 2DOF for now. I don’t have a large budget so I’ll be getting parts as I can afford them so I’d rather stick to well known designs as much as possible, to avoid purchasing materials that aren’t up to the task.
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,464
    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 more compact the design the greater the need for the likes of the 50:1s, as the greater the torque needed given the limited inherent design leverage.

    Personally I use 200W 60:1 motors on my compact rig.
  7. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    I really appreciate the feedback. I’m looking at SimCalc now as well as the 2 motor links you posted. I don’t see any torque specs listed on either one, at least in lbs/ft.
  8. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,464
    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
    Details are in the Description sections, here you go:

    25:1 LOAD BETWEEN 30-40 N.M. (22-29 FOOT POUNDS)

    50:1 LOAD BETWEEN 50-60 N.M
    • Like Like x 1
  9. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    With all the components either on their way or in my hands, I have made a test platform with servos and the RCModel code based on this thread: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/rc-model-for-motion-simulation.4600/

    This has really helped me to understand the configuration and connections needed to get all of this working. Here is a short video with a mouse and LFS patched for motion. I can't wait for the motors to arrive so I can wrap my head around the rest of this madness. Thanks for the support!

    • Like Like x 1
  10. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    I received the 3 motors today so I now have the components to get a full scale test going soon. It has an unthreaded through hole design for the armature connection. I’ve been looking at a lot of build threads and can’t find one that addresses the connection to this part. There is no key to help with the torque transfer on the shaft. I do see a small hole for a pin (but I also remember hearing those were being snapped...?) Just curious what others have done to mount the motors to their rig.

    These are the motors I went with: 50:1 Crab Pot Motor - Ebay

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
  11. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,464
    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
    • Like Like x 1
  12. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    I have been following the setup thread for IBT2 connections to arduino and am having some problems getting the motors moving and the potentiometers to respond.

    Do you need to have all motor connections and wiring in place before things will respond? Or should I be able to follow the instructions on the thread with just a single motor connected? If i unplug the potentiometer wire from the arduino it does show a drop in the signal to the bottom of the graph, and when I plug it back in it responds by going to the top. But I get no change to the signal as I rotate the potentiometer. I only have motor 1 connected currently.

    I am using the Hall effect pots from digikey: LINK

    Also what wiring is appropriate as I am currently using some cat5 ethernet cable to test the connections, is there any problems with interference due to this?
  13. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,464
    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
    A single motor is fine for a test, the Hall Sensor provides the positioning feedback so it needs to also be mounted.

    Check your pot wiring, as the SMC3 utility should show the pot movement.

    With IBT2 the SMC3 code needs to be Mode 2: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/problems-with-my-simulator.15382/#post-207320
  14. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Thanks for the reply. I was hoping it wasn’t my wiring. But I did get my crimping tool for the pin connectors so my next attempt will be much more solid.

    On a positive note the power supplies are in. I pulled 1 pin to ground and shorted 2 others together and we have 12.39 volts. At this moment I think I have everything I need to start my official build so here we go.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    • Like Like x 1
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2022
  15. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Late night, but after rewiring with actual pin connectors and double checking connections we have motion on motor 1.

    • Like Like x 2
  16. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    I decided to build a prototype out of wood to test some different setups and what the results will be. I have been playing with the calculator apps but I am more of a hands on type. Before I start cutting and welding steel I wanted to at least prove to myself this thing can move under its own power.

    I used the base from my static sim setup so it wasn't designed to be light and everything is creaky and wobbly... but it is awesome, and it has really helped me understand more about the simtools tuning and setup.

    I'll post a video later of the rig in action as-is. It has undergone a few changes already as I identified problems along the way, I moved the motors to the outside of the base to give it more power for the roll axis (again, this thing is top heavy and awkward in its current design). I am open to any help and suggestions you may have as I move forward. But, for the time being; I am going to have some fun and get my visiontogether for the final design.

    Thanks Everyone,
    ChuckyP


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    • Like Like x 1
  17. adamtheray

    adamtheray New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2022
    Messages:
    10
    Balance:
    75Coins
    Ratings:
    +10 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Just starting on my own build inspired by Halloween2Go as well. You must have been up watching YouTube too late at night as well...
    • Like Like x 1
  18. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    I’ve been keeping an eye on his stuff. It’s been a couple years getting to this point. It’s nice to see things finally coming together.
  19. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Quick question as I get into the tuning of the system. I like to make my setups as user friendly as possible for the end user... Is there a way to map the control slider for the "Main Level %" in the profile editor of a game in Game Manager to a physical knob? I would like to implement a dial in my final build that allows a user to turn up or down the overall motion level.

    I will be posting more photos and videos of my current progress shortly. I have been making some adjustments and getting things more reliable.
  20. ChuckyP

    ChuckyP Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Balance:
    748Coins
    Ratings:
    +63 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Its been quite a process working through my design options and finding the optimal position for my motors and frame pivot point. Converting my old wooden platform into a temporary motion setup worked well to nail down which direction I wanted to go with everything. Due to the weight and overall height from the pivot point the design was very limited but it allowed me to learn how to setup the motion profiles and proved all the equipment would perform the way I was expecting.

    Even this setup went through many alterations along the way. With low settings and a well tuned profile this Frankenstein is actually a blast to "drive". But with so many limiting factors and a vision of things to come, it is time to break it down and start the official build.

    In its current configuration, it seemed to have plenty of power given the amount of weight it was moving, so I quickly moved the front motor mount location rearward about 12 inches to increase my overall range of motion. This was pushing the limit of my motors or power supplies (Still not sure which but getting there), but I ran into a big problem. The rear base was so long it was hitting the lower frame and causing interference at extreme range of motion. I had taken this OG Platform as far as I could and it is now time to make my final measurements and get to welding some steel!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    • Like Like x 2