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Belt Tensioner

Discussion in 'SimTools compatible interfaces' started by Blekkulf, Sep 5, 2021.

  1. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    I got some spare spare wipermotors, and made some belt tensioners. Cant figure out how to impliment them in the code or on the interface. Should it be a second interface, or another axis on the main inferface ?

    I use dc motor and a monster moto bridge for the belt, but i have ac 3 phase drives on the movement of the sim :)
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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  3. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    Is this your full-time job, noorbeast? same controller, if by that you mean the arduino the MM works, I used it on one of my older sims to run a 2dof with wiper motors. My arduino runs two vfd's directly for motion, and my belt-motors are just the two wipermotors from my old sim with MM and potentiometer feedback. Im not sure what to write in the code to make them work, and how to set them up in game engine :)
  4. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    you don't need to use an electric motor as a belt tensioner

    a spring or a threaded adjustment should work fine
    • Agree Agree x 1
  5. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    The plan was to use negative pitch movement, like braking, to tighten the belt slightly. Think you will feel the braking force even more, but its just a thought :)
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    I am not sure what code you are using but will presume it is SMC3, if so your Interface Output for 3 axis will be - [A<Axis1a>][B<Axis2a>][C<Axis3a>]

    You would then configure Axis3a in Axis Assignment for your belt tensioner using pitch/surge.
  7. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    Thanks! Im using the RacingMat 2DOF code on the site as my base.. will try that :)
  8. cfischer

    cfischer Active Member Gold Contributor

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    That's like saying, you don't need motion to drive pretend racecars. Yeah ok but its way better!
  9. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    the tensioners job is to make sure the belt does not slip

    it doesn't add to the motion effect

    would be better of using those motors for an extra DOF or a sim seat imo
  10. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    Get your point :) mabye tensioner is the wrong word for it.. the rig is a 6dof, so Im not short of drives :D
  11. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

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    pls send pics
    • Agree Agree x 1
  12. RacingMat

    RacingMat Well-Known Member Gold Contributor

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    please tell us how many arduino do you use for your 6DOF? and post your actuel Simtools settings!
  13. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    Im using your code actually! :cool: or planning to atleast.. still mounting the platform.. i got 6 x 3ph ac motors with worm gears. Done some testing controlling them directly from the arduino.. seems to work. Will put a guide out if it works.. pics will come
  14. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    Here are some pics of the base :) no comments on the welding please :grin I used electrode, will finish with mig when i know its correct :)

    Attached Files:

  15. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    Since I got replay from a few experts here, can i use 3 ardurinos with a normal 2DOF code on my 6 motors, and sort it out with simtools and the axses? or do i have to have a 6DOF code on all the arduinos anyway ? I got two simulators with a working code, its a lot easier because on my setup i will need to have individual values on "Gap" to control the speed on each motor. Im trying to modify Racingmat 6dof code to work, and i think he wrote the 2DOF i got on my other sims too :)
  16. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    You can use 3 ardurinos with a normal 2DOF code, which can easily be accommodated in the SimTools Interface Settings.
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
  17. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    Thanks for the reply! Is the rotation on 6dof adjustable? The 6 motors connects on three spots on the top frame. Can I have the "center" behind the chair and the two at the sides in the front direction? All the tutorials ive seen is the center in front.
  18. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Can you please upload a picture of what you have in mind, you likely will find the FAQs helpful, in particular: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/basics-6-dof-stewart-platform-design.280/
  19. Blekkulf

    Blekkulf Member

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    In the tutorials i can find on this forum its like pic 1, but for my setup it will be better with pic 2. The "center" connection point behind the Chair, not in front :)

    Attached Files:

  20. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

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    I use the 2nd platform design

    The drivers legs typically sit out in front and down.

    This design makes it easier to fit a seat

    For a driving sim typically the rear moves side to side and the platform moves back and forth under acceleration and braking, this design seems to make better use of the actuators. Im my experience the rear actuators do less work and could be a lower spec