Overhead Pivot 3dof Winch Motors

Hello, I am new to the board and this is my first post of hopefully many. I have an idea for a 3dof overhead pivot point simulator that I am starting and could use some input on the electronic side of the sim. my idea of an overhead pivot point was inspired by crespo80 http://www.x-simulator.de/forum/sus...come-low-pivot-wrong-head-movement-t3841.html and tahustvest's project http://www.x-simulator.de/forum/my-2dof-diy-sim-t3646.html. However rather that tahustvest's project using a virtual overhead pivot point this would be an actual overhead pivot point. The advantages of the overhead pivot point are to get the head moving in the correct position from the first movement of the sim rather than moving opposite of how a real car would force you to move.
Here is a quick drawing of my idea:

I would build a cage separate from the frame that would hang from a spring mounted above the frame with a rod connecting the frame to the cage simialar to a shock coil spring to take the load off the motors. The motors would be mounted on the frame with a 3dof system connected to the cage. I want to build a full cage to give the feeling of being in a cockpit. I do not think i should have much of a problem with the fabrication but could use some help with electronics.
here are the motors I am considering:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-l...-with-automatic-load-holding-brake-68146.html
They are a 1 hp winch with a 153:1 gearbox. At 500lbs they pull 30a so i am thinking the JRK's should have no problem powering them. Do you think this gearing will move the sim fast enough?

Hi SpeedFreak and welcome to this exciting forum!

bsft runs the jrks with at 28-32 amps continuous. So the jrks are serving your motors well.
RE gearing will move the sim fast enough: This is really a question of how you adapt the motors to your sim and it shall be no issue at all. The datasheet says 1st layer line speed is 13.3 fpm, drum diameter: 1.25 so the shaft turns 2x per sec (unloaded). There are quite a few people here that are using winch motors to drive their sims (including me). For a 3DoF where you want to move the full weight of the sim 30 amps is really a starting point (see aldoz' sim) with not a lot of buffer. A well balanced (key!) 2DoF doesn't need a lot of power and 30 amps is very strong.
BTW: With tahustvedt's design the head is moving in the right directions like drawn by crespo80 – independent if it's a virtual pivot point or not.

I picked up 3 of these motors this morning at my local harbor freight store. I got them for $50 a piece using this coupon http://findnsave.kansascity.com/Loc...10424518-10424760/2000-lb-electric-winch-4999Limit 3. I tried it online but it would only take the extra $30 off 1. expires 8/26/12.

That would work, but the motor may only spin about 20-25 rpm depending on the weight they have to lift.