Question dof VS axis in SimTools

Looking for some clarification with some terms; What is the difference between dof and an axis?

While my main goal is a 6dof motion sim, starting out with a 2dof is the smart move I feel. As I am reading more and more project threads I am starting to question the use of terms like 2dof, 3dof, etc as referring to how many motors or actuators are used and not as the degree of force being experienced.

From what I see in SimTools and playing with my 2 micro servo prototype, an axis represents a motor (or servo). I can map 5dof with just the two servos (yaw I don't think would translate at all). So would I be calling my prototype with 2 servos a 5dof system or is that not right?

Dof means "Degree of Freedom" and represents one of six value possible: Yaw, Pitch, Roll, Sway, Surge, Heave. What you must do with Simtool is to assign Dof to Axis. You can give more than one DOF for Axis.

Yes, start with 2DOF like my model:


You can find everything on FAQ:
https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/dof-angles-forces.15/

Okay, I have been understanding it as "force" since that is what I saw on the FAQ. Looks like I misunderstood, "freedom" makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

No problem. Remember that Yaw, Pitch and Roll are angles, and Surge,Sway and Heave are forces..this is important.

What's confusing though is terms are misused and interchanged. Just as an example, our most popular motor controller sketch here, SMC3, states in its title its 3dof but it really means axis since its meaning is it can control 3 motors. In reality you can use as many dof's as you want. Just keep that in mind and you can usually tell what is meant when dof is used.

Yeah, I have come to that conclusion. Cause I feel that you could get 4dof with two motors, right; surge, sway, pitch, and roll? I will get to see of myself I guess when make a proper prototype vs my taped up hodge podge attempt.

Thanks for all the input guys!

Your forgetting about heave, A VERY important force while in motion.

Wouldn't heave feel too much like pitch and/or surge? Though I guess it might be different when you are in the midst of seeing the movement in game.

A properly tuned profile Does Wonders for Immersion. When you get your rig up and running, you'll be able to understand more on how the forces all mix together and how to maximize/minimize parts of the data that should be more pronounced than others.....There's no 1 set of number's that would feel perfect to Everyone. Some will feel the need for more sway. some more pitch and roll, While other's are happy with a basic profile that sorta gets the job done.

Profile building and tuning is something you don't get Right outta the gate, it takes time and experience with the software and the game's data and how you use it, then how to manage said data over a Broad spectrum of cars, be it from a Lazy, Soft, Plush suspension Shelby Cobra, All the way up to a Super highly strung, VERY stiff in the damper department F1 car. These are thing's that need to be tuned for and around.