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Question Rig not responding in SimTools

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Vincent Bernier, May 5, 2021.

  1. Vincent Bernier

    Vincent Bernier New Member

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    Hi again,

    So I am trying to get my test rig to work befor building the real one.
    Unfortunetly, no motors are moving when doing the output test in SimTools.

    Here is the setup:
    3 DOF as seen here
    Using worm gear motors with 10k POT
    Arduino UnoR3
    IBT-2
    SimTools demo for now
    Using SMC3 code in mode #2

    I ran the SMC3Utility and was able to get the motors moving as said in the tutorial. Now the are in a up position and can't get them back to zero. SMC3 Utility.png

    After I went in SimTools to set the axis and interface.
    ST GE Axis.png ST GE Interface.png

    When trying to move in the Output Testing, nothing happens. When I press Turn On, the RX light of the Arduino ligth up, but TX stay off, if that means anything.

    I am new to Arduino and do not know how to check if everything is communicating.

    I have checked the language setting. I did save the Axis and Interface. I did search the forum, but did not find a solution.

    If I missed anything, I will happily assume my noob factor, but would love to get help on the issue.

    Thanks
    Vincent Bernier, May 5, 2021
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    I am not sure what you mean by "I ran the SMC3Utility and was able to get the motors moving as said in the tutorial. Now the are in a up position and can't get them back to zero."

    SMC3 should work as expected including the motors returning to a central position, before you mess with SimTools. Your SMC3 settings look like they need refining and we need confirmation SMC3 works as expected.

    The second post in the SMC3 page covers all the functions of the various settings: https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...driver-and-windows-utilities.4957/#post-48121

    Here is a simply analogy intro to PID, which has links to more detailed information if you want to dive down the rabbit hole, while it was done with JRKs in mind the principles are the same for SMC3: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/a-laymans-analogy-guide-to-pids-pid-tuning.219/
    noorbeast, May 5, 2021
    #2
  3. Vincent Bernier

    Vincent Bernier New Member

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    Thanks for the info. I guess I was tired yesterday and did not look in to it enough.

    Not the motor move as supposed to, but it is jerky. That what you get when you buy cheap parts.

    How do you set the start postion (the zero)?
    Vincent Bernier, May 5, 2021
    #3
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
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    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
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    145,136Coins
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    +10,779 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    The proper positioning of the pots relative to the motor shaft in SMC3 is used to ensure both are centered on the graph when the rig is level.

    Refining settings can make a difference to smoothness, but can't fully compensate for hardware or design issues.
    noorbeast, May 6, 2021
    #4