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Powered Hamster Ball Simulator Idea

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by lunarknight, Nov 5, 2010.

  1. lunarknight

    lunarknight New Member

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    Just was reading and thought of this idea.

    First look at this: http://virtusphere.com/

    Basically the idea is that you're in your seat/cockpit inside the center of a large mesh ball. The ball is supported by omnidirectional wheels driven by motors. You can youtube omnidirectional wheels if you're not familiar with them but they basically let you rotate the ball in any direction.

    You're usb input device (joystick/wheel) will have to be wireless transmitted to a computer using a wireless usb hub.
    The video would have to be sent via a wireless video transmitter as well. Maybe even streaming wifi will work. It could go to a TV or you could wear portable video glasses.
    Power inside the ball would have to be provided by one or two lead deep cycle batteries.
    lunarknight, Nov 5, 2010
    #1
  2. portugal2002

    portugal2002 New Member

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    I don't think this system wouldn't work for flight/race sims but you can use the concept.

    This system relies on you to start the motion which is good enough if you can run fast for long periods and turn sharply in an instant (mind you i'd be a great workout down the gym).
    Just imagine doing the Le Mans 24H or 75 Laps of the Nurburgring. It would kill you well before you would do 15 laps.

    Seriously, it can be done but engineering wise it would'nt be viable. And you would have to make an even bigger sphere, with a little car in it and the front wheels would have to turn right when you want to turn left so you can get the feeling of weight transfer while the sphere is rotating in either forward or bakwards motion.

    But the concept of using a sphere to create a sim is something you can use. With a few mods and tweeks. If you have the room, the money and the knowledge you could build a full 360 degree sim. You will need power. Lots of it. But Instead of a sphere you would have a circle (with the chair in the middle) or be supported on a side pivot point (with the chair suspended on it).

    It's an interesting concept. It's too big and complicated for home use but it can be done.
    portugal2002, Mar 29, 2011
    #2
  3. tronicgr

    tronicgr

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    Nah... that thing is just an over sized haptic device, like a trackball mouse. Useful only in first person shooters as they advertise!! LOL
    tronicgr, Mar 29, 2011
    #3