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New to Website/Forum

Discussion in 'New users start here - FAQ' started by Jeff R, Oct 2, 2017.

  1. Jeff R

    Jeff R New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2017
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    Location:
    Richmond, VA, USA
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    Like many others, I've arrived at this website while seeking information about building a DIY motion gaming rig.

    My name is Jeff, I have good mechanical skills, moderate computer skills, but no experience at all with robotics and the method/tools necessary to make actuators function from computer generated signals. I've done some research, and it seems the necessary tools are software to generate the signal, a switch to receive the signal and activate a power source, and external power source, and the actuators. For all of my searching I haven't found a single webpage, blog, thread, etc., that walks someone like me through the process. I can cut the platforms, weld the metal, connect the motors, and do anything mechanical necessary, but after that things get confusing. I'd like to maintain a budget, so I think two platforms connected with a universal joint and moved by two linear actuators would be a good jumping-off point. The questions that start to arise have to do with whether to go with ac or dc voltage, what sort of power source is needed, what is used to control the power source, how does the game software communicate with the control software, and other such issues. Rather than expect everyone to answer my questions, is there a place where I can go to research and answer these questions in an organized manner that begins with a foundation for these things?

    If someone can point me in that direction it would be awesome. Administrators and contributors, thanks for taking the time to maintain this site so the rest of us have a chance.
    Jeff R, Oct 2, 2017
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
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    20,539
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
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    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
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    145,052Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,776 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    It pays to spend some time researching what you want to build. Existing member builds can help you refine your own project ideas: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/forums/diy-motion-simulator-projects.22/

    Being DIY projects you will find that some members post highly detailed information, while others just post the outlines. There are some detailed tutorials, but you should consider them only as a general guide as there is multiple types of hardware, code and design variations that can be used.

    Once you get your head around what you want to build then you will find plenty to get your project started in the FAQs, from design software, dimension of sims, to PSUs, pots, motors, JRKs, Arduino code and Motor Monsters, plus heaps more: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

    We have a glossary for all those acronyms we tend to use, which will help you decipher some descriptions: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/glossary-of-acronyms-and-names.66/

    Once you have spent a bit of time researching then feel free to ask questions on your build thread to fill in any gaps, the members here give freely of both their time and expertise.
    noorbeast, Oct 2, 2017
    #2