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Question Pneumatic Controls and an old motion simulator

Discussion in 'New users start here - FAQ' started by konGTI, Feb 26, 2022.

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  1. konGTI

    konGTI New Member

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    Motion platform, 4DOF
    Hi everyone!

    I have an old Konami GTI motion simulator that I want to get running using a more modern control setup.

    Not my video, but this is it:



    I have the original control boards but I don't believe they are programmed. I want to use the hardware to build a modern sim but also do it in a way that I can revert back to the original game if I want.

    I need to dig into some more, but this is what I found so far. It uses three pneumatic actuators, one in each corner of a triangle for inclination and elevation, and a servo motor for rotation. Each air cylinder has a directional control valve (extend or retract), a proportional flow valve (0-10V), and a encoder of some sort for position. First step, I want to figure out how to control the air cylinders.

    I'm thinking an arduino (and associated electronics) with some sort of PID controller using the encoder as the feedback loop and controlling the flow and directional valves. I also found some industrial servo pneumatic valve controllers but they get pricey (~$500 each).

    I just have no idea where to start, as I have not done any sort of thing like this. Has anyone done any sort of pneumatic controls or at least point me to some arduino example code so I know where to start? Any suggestions for controller hardware is greatly appreciated.

    Appreciate it!
    konGTI, Feb 26, 2022
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Pneumatic actuators are pretty much obsolete these days, but try the Enhanced by Google search on the Recent page to find historical projects and information.
    noorbeast, Feb 26, 2022
    #2
  3. konGTI

    konGTI New Member

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    That's what I kinda figured. Explains why I have not been able to find anything... I will take another look.

    I have thought of trying to pull out the pneumatic stuff and going servo but costs of a setup that can handle the cockpit is likely high.
    konGTI, Feb 27, 2022
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  4. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

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    you should be able to use relays to trigger the pnematic solenoids

    are they proportional ? ie more volts = more air ?
    Gadget999, Feb 28, 2022
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  5. yobuddy

    yobuddy Well-Known Member Staff Member Moderator SimAxe Beta Tester SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

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    the SMC sketch for Arduino by default sends out 0 to 5v, but a 0 to 10v level shifter could fix this.
    If its a potentiometer, then the smc3 ard sketch should work.
    If its encoder wheel then we need to look somewhere else.

    but the SMC sketch sends out a signal for:
    1 direction - Each air cylinder has a directional control valve (Extend or retract)
    2 revers direction - Each air cylinder has a directional control valve (extend or Retract)
    3 PWM 0 - 5v shifter to 0 to 10v
    And the pot gets connected to the arduino

    Hope that helps!
    yobuddy
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2022
    yobuddy, Mar 27, 2022
    #5