Question GS-5 vs DIY G Seat

Hi forum,

I'm looking to get a G Seat, either buy a GS-5 or build one myself. But I have not decided on which route to go with, so I need your help.

The biggest question I have is about software. Simtools is a great software with lots of flxibility. It gets raw data from games and normalize it. In sim commander, there is another option to kinda extrapolate the data from games. Just wondering how the feedback provided by simtools compared with that from sim commander? I'm assuming the control of the actuators is equal. Correct me if this assumption is far off.

I did read this post, https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/simtools-vs-sim-commander-how-do-they-compare.6055/. Simtools had a clear win? But it has been over 5 years.

As for my DIY plan, I'm going to use nema 23 steppers with 3nm together 10:1 reduction gears, which should provide more torque than GS-5 does; use door hinges to attach panels to the seat; use rods and rodends to connect the steppers to the panels. Other parts can be 3D printed. The whole design looks simple. The total cost should be well within $1000. (So $3k for GS-5 is kinda a lot, considering the hardware costs. Guess they put a lot of dev time on software lol)

So people with experience with both GS-5 and DIY G seat please let me your thoughts. Which route will you go performance wise? I don't mind spending a little more money on GS-5 or a lot more time on a DIY project lol.

Thanks,
Will

Thanks for the reply!

I plan to use the serial connection with arduino. (Actually, I've set it up already lol) Yes, extensibility is a huge win for simtools. I can see how easily we can add an extra axis.

I'm leaning towards to simtools obviously lol. Just need confirmation from someone has experience with both that DIY seat can do as well as commerical ones if not better.

this one wanted to move away from sim commander lol https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...-seat-gbelt-to-interface-with-simtools.15640/

yeah, considering I'll add more actuators, it makes more sense to stay within simtools.

My personal opinion is a strong vote for flypt mover and brushless servos. The performance will significantly outweigh anything else out there. Spend a little more and do it once with the servos vs steppers.

Control it with cubexxx arduino code or simpler Thanos board. Check the thread in my signature for my experience. The first post has links to others work in this realm as well.

That's silly. The link in my signature doesn't show up on my phone unless I hold the phone in portrait.

https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/g-seat.15035/page-3#post-214356


Also I checked the first page and I didn't link Rowan's project so I'll just list both significant builds here.


https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/g-seat-project.11943/

https://www.rowanhick.com/motion-simulator

thanks, cfischer! I've saw your videos on youtube. That's impressive, and the same for Rowan's project.

I've read through Rowan's blogs and designed my own by removing the belts and rods that seemed caused issues for him. I read through the other one as well. While impressed, it seems over engineered to me.

I saw your post before, it just show extensible a DIY seat can be, really impressed. I'll definitely read through your thread(it's long lol) and am pretty sure I'll get more insights.

Looked a little in flypt mover site, it's very educative! Thanks for the good pointer!

I'm building a prototype with only back flaps and steppers(3Nm) with 5:1 gearbox. I did feel the buzzing from the steppers (maybe tunning matters here? , as people reviewed GS-5 did not mention that) The torque seems enough with 5:1 (definitely not enough for heavy brakers or for bottom flaps), but I ordered a 10:1 to see it would smooth out the steps.

Servo's cost like 3x of steppers in US. If I were still in China, I won't even consider steppers lol.

my very simple (maybe naive design). Please comment below if you have suggestions. Thanks!

Looks like you're well on your way. The motor mount, gearbox, crank, and link design is the same as mine. Looks good. I will be interested to know what you think of the buzzing from the steppers. Also lets see some videos when the time is right!

Gseats are the way!

What was your business in china if you dont mind me asking...

My initial thought is that it's the inhereted characteristic of the steppers. They turn in 1.8 deg a step. With reduction gearbox, it might help? We'll see when I get the gearboxes.

I'm Chinese lol and was in China last year, but I have a job in US and just came back earlier this year assuming the pandemic would be over soon. but you know lol

I've often wondered what it would be like to build a motion sim in china with all the value and services, especially in cities with big manufacturing market places.

you mean as a business or DIY project?

It's a heaven for DIYers! Parts are conveniently available and also cheap. (For the AC servo's we are using, it's $130 brand new shipped and quality linear actuators(150mm) cost like $250 each, and even cheaper for used one. I built an OSW under $150 lol) For shelf products, I can order it today and get it tomorrow. For custom orders, it's usually a week turnaround.

As a business, I don't know much. But I guess most will be exported now, e.g. PT actuactors. With complete industry ecosystem, things we need to build a sim are mostly likely have been used in industry, e.g. the stewart platform and it's not expensive. Guess the most difficult thing is to find the right marketplace and deal with international shipping.

Yeah I just mean as a diyer. For all the projects I do. Would be awesome.

From DIY's perspective, China might be the best place to live in lol. I miss the accessiblity to parts and manufacturing services a lot.