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Part names and process? Ball joint/rod end?

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by gSeat, Nov 7, 2017.

  1. gSeat

    gSeat Member

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    Hello,
    [​IMG]
    It appears these are called ball joints or rod ends, and from searching they are 2 different things.
    1) Is there a preference as to which to use and why?
    2)Any recommendations that are commonly used here for the 12v motors?

    3)What is used for the shafts that connect these pieces to the rods that think the motors and chair?
    4) Is electrical EMT conduit good enough, or does the hollow nature allow for too much flex?
    5) I've gone through 8 build threads and the FAQ, and have come up short on the details of linking motors / chair when planning seat shakers.
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  2. Zed

    Zed VR Simming w/Reverb Gold Contributor

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    I’ve seen them called rose joints or heim joints. McMaster-Carr calls them "ball joint rod ends". Apparently the convention is to call them heim joints in the US and rose joints in the UK.

    https://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=1a57ugy

    I used 3/8-24 and all-thread to connect using jam nuts on my 2 dof and they seem fine so far but the C-C distance is only about 8" or thereabouts.
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    Last edited: Nov 7, 2017
  3. gSeat

    gSeat Member

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    Thanks, did you use solid metal rod/tubing or hollow?
  4. Zed

    Zed VR Simming w/Reverb Gold Contributor

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    @gSeat - it’s solid all thread rod. At 3/8-24, it’s very sturdy over this distance.

    6270C46A-9E6D-45A9-86D5-356089394BEE.jpeg
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  5. Edaurdo

    Edaurdo Member

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    Hello, your post is very interesting! I am about to build my first 2dof. I wonder what is the difference between left rod end and right rod end. Could you help me?
  6. Zed

    Zed VR Simming w/Reverb Gold Contributor

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    Eduardo - you should only post a question once. Already replied in another thread.
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  7. Edaurdo

    Edaurdo Member

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    Sorry and thank you! Your answer was very useful. Now I understand the difference. ;)
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