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Question 3DOF: SCN5 Wiring and Software

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by RMVS Team, Mar 25, 2017.

  1. RMVS Team

    RMVS Team New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2016
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    San Jose
    Balance:
    136Coins
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, SCN6, Arduino, 4DOF
    Hey X-Sim community,

    I am back with more questions and this time it is regarding my large scale 3DOF seat mover build. I have been looking into potential linear actuators and SCN5s have been known to work well with SimsTools. I have been able to piece a lot of information together via past builds and tutorials on here, but there are still some missing information that I hope you guys can elaborate on.

    First and foremost, the examples that I have seen on the forums use RS232/RS485 Serial Converter Adapter like this one:
    RS485_w_FTDI.PNG
    to connect the SCN5 actuator to the PC like so:

    RS485_SCN5_Wiring.PNG
    ** Note: Only 1 RS485 per Actuator **

    But SCN5 comes with the following wires:
    SCN5_Actuator.png
    SCN5_Wires.PNG

    Per the Operational Manual for SCN5, the supplier suggest getting the following items: PC-CTC ToolKit = ADP Cable (RP9050), SIO Cable (RP9041), Connector Junction (ADP-2-4), RS232/485 Adapter (ADP-1), and TBVST-EN Software = ~$400+!!!
    SCN5_Setup_per_Manual.PNG
    From the builds I have seen on here, the wiring completely ignores the Power & IO connections like so:
    SCN5_Single_Setup.PNG
    Which results to a potential cost of ~$10-$20. This is where I am confused.

    So here are my questions:
    1) Is the PC-CTC ToolKit (valued at a base price of $275) needed? How does the alternative (RS232/RS485 Serial Converter Adapter) act as a substitute?
    2) What about the TBVST software that is used to program the actuators?
    3) How does the SCN5 interface with SimsTool (without a microcontroller like the Arduino)?
    4) Why are the Power & IO and the 5V+ connections ignored?

    I really appreciate the active support that exists in this community. I'm excited to build my first simulator, but it seems like I first have to climb many walls. Thanks for the help ahead of time!

    I have attached the official SCN5 Operation Manual for those who wants to refer to it.

    Attached Files:

    RMVS Team, Mar 25, 2017
    #1
  2. RMVS Team

    RMVS Team New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2016
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    San Jose
    Balance:
    136Coins
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, SCN6, Arduino, 4DOF
    I have successfully implemented SCN5 linear actuators! I will gather my work and post a detailed documentation at a later date on what I did wrong and how I fixed it.
    RMVS Team, May 9, 2017
    #2