DIY LVDT position Sensor

Hi Guys as alway on the look out for some type of solution to position sensing and came across this http://hackscape.wordpress.com/ have not read all the details through yet but it seemed to show promise regarding my problem of position feedback on my motion platform but thought someone here may find a use or improve on it 8)

It is a neat idea. There is really not much to improve it, maybe experimenting with different materials and sizes. If you are looking for a linear position feedback than I think it is great. You would need some external signal conditioning and sine wave generating circuit.

IMO there are simpler and cheaper ways to do this. If you want angular feedback, a simple pot will be the best choice. If you want linear feedback, just use a multiturn pot with a small gear (or rubber wheel) and a cilinder that rotates it.

For a better signal there are also encoders. For the amount of effort vs the LVDT, encoders are the way to go Linear or Angular.

Hi Frank you wre pot on about extra circuitry , was hoping to use something like a PIC micro to provide the oscillating frequency and decode the AC to DC for output .. i understand the building blocks of this tecjmology but still got a ways to go before im actually using it ... in my sims case my problem is the fact that my actuator arm only moves through 180° max and getting the gearing to maximise a 10 turm pot is causing me grief hence the brainsorm about LVDT's .. i have a book MIKESFLIGHTDECK diy Instruments and he covers some of the circuitry so may use Diptarce and my CNC router to make it :-0 cheers for the input always appreciated 8)

for my simulator, I simply use an accelerometer: logitech wingman extreme with accelerometer
http://images04.olx.fr/ui/2/59/65/23925465_1.jpg
there are also 3-axis accelerometer USB that works like yoystick ideal!
http://www.lextronic.fr/P3131-accelerom ... r24f8.html

Hi Riton Thanks for the tip , Im now wondering how you use an accelerometer to determine position info , am aware of the device but not had any experiance of its use in position sensing certainly appeals to me as i like the Plug/play aspect of the chips setup .. had a look at the links and am sure i have a wingman controller somewhere so could use that as a test . have you got any info as to how you used/Connected it in your setup Thanks

If you know acceleration, you can take the derivative of that and have speed. You take the derivative of speed, you get displacement. It won't be as accurate as an optical encoder tho