1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules

My 2dof project for $200 and NO welding (+$100 for Traction Loss + $200 for G-seat)

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by Qlittles, Sep 27, 2017.

  1. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Hello all, I'm starting a 2dof racing sim project with a budget of $200 and NO welding. (I have later determined to add Traction Loss with a budget of $100. Later in the thread [page 4], there is also added a H-shifter for $20 and a G-seat for $200).

    I have an Oculus Rift VR that has been sitting on the shelves for a good half-year, and when I discovered VR racing, I was hooked! I put my Aura shakers to my racing cockpit, and the immersion was even more real (although I don't have Simvibe). However, the turns made me nauseous, as I am very prone to motion sickness in VR. The solution? Make a 2dof simulator!

    My limitations:
    - low budget: around $200
    - no metal soldering tools or skills (although I can do electrical soldering)

    What I have already:
    - Oculus Rift VR headset ($400)
    - VR capable PC with 970 gtx ($400)
    - Playseats Racing Simulation Cockpit ($60)
    - Fanatec Porche Turbo S Wheel, shifter, and pedals ($60)
    - Aura shakers with amp ($60)
    - Basic wood-working tools

    Parts purchased so far:
    - 2 Motors: Volvo S40 2004 Wiper Motors USED on ebay - total $40
    I picked these because they already have the motor arm on them and they have a large mounting bracket.
    - Pivot Mechanism: Mustang drive shaft with 2 universal joints on Craigslist - $25
    - Power Supply: DPS-600PB server power supply on ebay - $16
    (only 1 since the wipers are probably low-powered)
    - Arduino Board: knockoff brand on Amazon with some wires, etc - $8
    - Monster Moto Shield: I got 2 (1/2 boards) off Amazon because the cheaper combined one would take too long to ship from China. The extra $10 hurts... $20
    - Potentiometers: 5pcs Single turn 10k - $8


    Total so far= $117
    I have $83 left

    Need to purchase:
    - heatsinks and heatsink tape for the boards (waiting, since I don't know the CPU size on the boards)
    - metal rods and end ball joint (I think I have to wait until I figure out the arm size on the motor)
    - coupling for the pots (I have no idea how I'm going to put the pots on)
    - I have a medium-sized 12v fan (smaller than PSU fans)
    - Wood

    I am waiting for my orders to ship -- but in the meanwhile, I'll be working on modifying the universal joint from the drive shaft :)

    I've uploaded the pics of my current set-up

    Am I missing anything? Do I have the wrong parts? Any thoughts or suggestions?

    Attached Files:

    • Like Like x 4
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2019
  2. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Today I worked on the pivot mechanism.

    I bought a Mustang drive shaft off Craigslist for $25.
    Procedure:
    - This is kind of like what I have:
    download.jpg
    - Take off one end base of the u-joint because it has 4 holes for securing it under my racing cockpit.
    photobucket-4647-1326465008958.jpg
    20170927_110021.jpg

    OK, now that this base piece is off, I can work on the other end.
    Taking off the other end of the drive shaft that has the u-joint. This has a proper-length shaft.
    20170927_110114.jpg
    Take out the pin and hammer in so that the other side pops off
    20170927_112645.jpg
    Here is the shaft end taken off
    20170927_130059.jpg
    - the base and and the shaft end pictured together
    20170927_130106.jpg
    combine the ends together on the u-joint to form the pivoting mechanism.
    20170927_113048.jpg

    Finished for now!
    I need to attach the top to my cockpit base using wood and screws
    I need to make a wooden base and drill a tight-fitting hole for the shaft to rest on. I will also try to drill a hole on the shaft and nail it so that I can prevent it from wiggling left and right.

    That's it for today :)
    • Like Like x 3
  3. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Next, I'm making the wooden holder that will secure the pivot mechanism in place.

    I layered some 2x4 pieces, glued them, then drilled a large hole in it
    20170929_190819.jpg

    Here it is next to the pivot mechanism
    20170929_190839.jpg

    I had to spend some time to make sure that it was a perfect and tight fit. Here is the final result
    20170929_190727.jpg

    It is snug and secure!
    Next up is making the wooden frames
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,437
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,452Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,730 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Does the U joint have anything to keep it located, like a threaded rod sideways through the top layer of wood?

    I ask because it is subjected to a lot of force and what my start as a interference fit may not last, as wood can be compressed.
    • Like Like x 1
  5. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Hello! First of all, thank you for your input and help :)
    I think your concern is that the u joint will swivel because there is nothing to hold it in place?
    I thought about 3 solutions. 1) drill the wood and the U joint shaft and put in a bolt through both (i think this was your suggestion) or 2) put in wood pieces right next to the U joint so that it has no space to swivel, or 3) nail in large nails (4) vertically down right next to the U joint so that it does not swivel.

    I guess your suggestion would be the most solid choice (but the most time consuming)? IF there is as much pressure there as you mention it, it sounds like it's worth the time?
    What do you think about the other choices?
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,437
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,452Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,730 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    I doubt anything but the first option will hold up over time, but of course it is your choice.

    It is more work but the very best option would have been a length of C channel steel that the top wooden block fits snugly into and then bolt through that, the timber and the U joint shaft.

    Another no welding option for a pivot that has been tested is detailed in this thread, though there are many others like it: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/simulateur-2-dof.7228/
    • Like Like x 1
  7. armpit

    armpit Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2016
    Messages:
    128
    Occupation:
    Software Engineer
    Location:
    SC, USA
    Balance:
    - 8Coins
    Ratings:
    +132 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Looking forward to watching this build, I also did a "no-weld" lower budget build recently!
    If you want to reference mine to learn from my mistakes check it out: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...-mover-on-homebrew-ricmotech-rs1-clone.10377/

    I hope you have better luck sticking to your budget than I did! Have fun with it, this community is great

    For the universal joint, here's what I did, all you'd need is a duplicate of the yoke you already salvaged to make things more compact:

    [​IMG]
    • Like Like x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
  8. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2015
    Messages:
    1,886
    Location:
    London
    Balance:
    11,543Coins
    Ratings:
    +453 / 9 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    hi @armpit where did you get the UV from ? looks like a good design :)
  9. armpit

    armpit Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2016
    Messages:
    128
    Occupation:
    Software Engineer
    Location:
    SC, USA
    Balance:
    - 8Coins
    Ratings:
    +132 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    • Like Like x 3
  10. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Ah, i see, that would be an elegant solution -- thank you for the help!
    however, seeing that the cost of the part is more than 10% of my budget, i think i'll have to do a workaround for now. maybe later, when i've tinkered with it, i can do some upgrades.
    nice build by the way -- way more pro than my hack-job :)
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
  11. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    i've opted to go with your advice and drill a hole in the pivot shaft, and additionally to put wooden blocks on the sides:

    20171017_114222.jpg
    drilled hole
    20171017_114304.jpg
    the bolt will go through the wood into the shaft.
    and i put wooden blocks on the sides for enforcement
    20171018_111809.jpg
  12. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    this is a noob question: how do i edit my title? i meant no "welding", not no "soldering"... and i have opted to add traction loss (which decision i now regret, but i've already bought the parts...)
  13. armpit

    armpit Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2016
    Messages:
    128
    Occupation:
    Software Engineer
    Location:
    SC, USA
    Balance:
    - 8Coins
    Ratings:
    +132 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    At the top of your thread above the first post but below the title, you'll find "Thread Tools" off to the right, click it and you'll get what you need

    upload_2017-10-24_1-3-15.png
    • Like Like x 2
  14. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Thank you mucho!
    • Winner Winner x 1
  15. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    I've purchased more things.

    Here is the initial list and how much they were:

    Parts purchased at the beginning:
    - 2 Motors: Volvo S40 2004 Wiper Motors USED on ebay - total $40
    I picked these because they already have the motor arm on them and they have a large mounting bracket.
    - Pivot Mechanism: Mustang drive shaft with 2 universal joints on Craigslist - $25
    - Power Supply: DPS-600PB server power supply on ebay - $16(only 1 since the wipers are probably low-powered)
    - Arduino Board: knockoff brand on Amazon with some wires, etc - $8
    - Monster Moto Shield: I got 2 (1/2 boards) off Amazon because the cheaper combined one would take too long to ship from China. The extra $10 hurts... $20
    - Potentiometers: 5pcs Single turn 10k - $8

    Total = $117

    More stuff purchased:

    Wood - $2
    2x2 wood - 8 ft $2
    MDF board - $7.50
    2 framing anchor $1
    rod - 24 inch $8
    heim ball joint x2 = $24
    nuts and bolts = $10
    Cobalt metal drill bit - $4**
    3 inch wood screws - $4.50**
    Wood screws = $5**
    ¼ drill bit - $4**

    Subtotal = $72
    $117 + $72 = $189
    Total for 2DOF = $189

    So far, the 2DOF is under the budget of the $200 target

    **items people probably already have

    Then, I had the idea of getting traction loss. I bought the parts, but now I regret it...

    wood 2x4 - 8 ft $4
    swivel caster - $3
    caster wheels- $7
    wheelchair motor - $40
    motoboard - $10
    heim joint - $12
    threaded rod - $8
    metal piece (to hold the pot) - $1
    nuts and bolts - $5

    Cost for Traction Loss = $90

    The reason why I regret adding Traction Loss is because I think it'll be difficult work, and I'm not sure how much impact it'll have. I think it might have been easier if I used that money to buy simvibe... oh well, maybe when simtools gets that shaker upgrade, i wouldn't have missed out.
    • Like Like x 1
  16. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    I've made the top board and the bottom frame for the Traction Loss that swivels:

    Here is the underside of the top board. I put 2 wheels for movement and a caster wheel on the left for swivel.
    20171005_172446.jpg
    I pulled the wheel out of the caster wheel
    20171005_172458.jpg
    Here is the bottom frame
    20171005_172516.jpg
    This is where the caster wheel will fit on the bottom frame
    20171005_172524.jpg
    Here is the board, the pivot holder, and the bottom frame put together:
    20171010_110604.jpg
    if you look carefully, where the wheels meet the bottom frame, i put a 2 pieces of laminate boards to make the surface smooth.

    it swivels, but when i put about 50 lbs of weights, it takes quite a bit of force to move it.
    i hope the wheelchair motor is up to the task.
    i even thought maybe i need to buy skateboard wheels, as they are made to move with much weight on them (because of ball bearings)? idk
  17. armpit

    armpit Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2016
    Messages:
    128
    Occupation:
    Software Engineer
    Location:
    SC, USA
    Balance:
    - 8Coins
    Ratings:
    +132 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Wow this is taking shape fast!

    I'm inclined to agree that you need wheels with ballbearings, but that caster swivel looks like it may be undersized for the load that will be on it, too.
    I've personally never done traction loss so take me with a grain of salt but it's in my future plans; I've seen a few heavier builds around the internet where they use boat seat swivels like this http://amazon.com/attwood-17720-Attwood-Boat-Swivel/dp/B001O0D6SI that would probably be able to handle the weight better without binding up IF you find the caster is your bottleneck there.
    • Like Like x 1
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2017
  18. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    ah! thank you again for your help. atm, i'm not sure what is causing the friction, but it doesn't seem to be the caster wheel (with only 50lbs so far). however, once i sit on the chair, i think it will become apparent where the problem lies. the main weight is away from the caster, so i tried to incline the board towards the front. if it ends up being the caster wheel, i have you to thank for a great solution that most importantly fits by budget :)
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
  19. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Next small step: putting the pivot mechanism on the bottom of the racing sim seat frame.

    I attached a 3/4 inch MDF to the bottom of the racing sim frame
    20171017_123626.jpg
    Next, I attached the top of the pivot mechanism to the bottom of the board (of course, after finding out the center of gravity)
    20171018_111800.jpg
    Finally, I attached the Aura Shaker to the bottom as well. I'm not sure if this is the best spot, but it is the easiest spot for it.
    20171018_114546.jpg
    oh man, i only have an hour here and another hour there to work on this project... this project is going too slow and starting wear down my enthusiasm :( hoping i can keep it up to the end...
    • Like Like x 2
  20. Qlittles

    Qlittles Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    119
    Location:
    Union City, California, USA
    Balance:
    226Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Next, i'm installing the wheelchair motor (I got the wheelchair motor off ebay for $40)

    First, i'm sawing off the bolts except one, where the heim joint will attach to
    20171027_093156.jpg
    I bolted the motor to the base (kinda hard to see)
    20171027_093202.jpg
    I attached the pot to a piece of metal, but also sawed off the pot end because it was too long
    20171027_104344.jpg
    this is how the pot will attach to the motor (it will be upside down)
    20171027_104408.jpg
    just in case something goes wrong and the arm goes against the metal bar, i attached the metal bar with Velcro... i will also use some rubber bands to keep the pressure on the pot.
    next, although the motor is bolted to the base, i put extra wood pieces to keep it in place
    20171027_105513.jpg
    here is a zoomed out pic
    20171027_105459.jpg
    and here is the close-up of how the arm and the pot are positioned
    20171027_110320.jpg
    hmmm.... for those with experience, what is the likelihood that the arm will go outside its parameters and swing 360 degrees, knocking off the pot?
    i thought of another solution, to put the pot at an entirely different place, but then the pot will only turn maybe 50 degrees...
    another solution is to put a pot that spins infinitely at the back of the motor (where the break used to be), but i don't have such a pot, and i'm not sure which one to order (the pot has to be able to spin more than 10 times)
    i even thought maybe i can use lego wheels to make the pot turn only once, but lego wheels produce a noisy sound....

    any ideas? or is this good enough? I have about 2 extra pots...