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Question Simtools and hardware

Discussion in 'Electronic and hardware generally' started by Ivan the terrible, Mar 27, 2019.

  1. Ivan the terrible

    Ivan the terrible New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2019
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    5
    Occupation:
    Retired
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    Abbotsford, Canada
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    I am looking to run 4 motors on a Go Kart frame. Then the possible of expanding to add some Gseat movement down the road. A hybrid setup. Lofty goal but I am all in on this one.

    I will be running simtools, should I be looking to buy a specific brand or type of controllers for my sim.

    The Simtools website mentioned Arduino, SimAxe, JRK, SCN5.

    Are they all similar to implement, or should I buy a specific type and save myself unnecessary issues or wiring etc.

    I am going to have to learn all about this stuff as I go. I want to make the best use of time and not throw money away. Also you get what you pay for, I am happy to spend a little more and not cut corners.

    Thanks in advance,

    Ivan
  2. Kranky Pantz

    Kranky Pantz Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2018
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    354
    Location:
    Canada, Eh!
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    1,247Coins
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK, Motion platform
    I went with the Pololu G2 JRK's, and after a bit of a learning curve they are dead easy to set up and have been performing very well for me.

    These were chosen after reading the difficulties some users have in configuring the Arduino + Motor Driver setups which while cheaper, seem to not be very newb friendly.

    As you have stated, you get what you pay for, and the simplicity of the JRK's has been worth it for me tenfold.

    Here is one of the best Canadian sources, RobotShop.
    https://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/cat...&order=relevance&dir=desc&___from_store=us_en

    I chose this model, and while $135 CAD each wasn't cheap (I needed 2), it has been worth if for the lack of frustration alone.
    https://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/pololu-jrk-g2-19a-65-30v-usb-motor-controller-with-feedback.html

    Their 10k pots are also reasonably priced, at around $1.25 CAD each (buy some spares, as they will wear out).
    https://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/rotary-potentiometer-10k-ohm.html

    These triple jumper wires will also simplify your "pots to JRK" wiring, $8.75 for a 10-pack.
    https://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/3-pin-jumper-cable-10pk.html

    Good luck!
    :popcorn
    • Like Like x 2
  3. Ivan the terrible

    Ivan the terrible New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2019
    Messages:
    5
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Abbotsford, Canada
    Balance:
    174Coins
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Thanks so much! You have no idea how helpful your replies are. Looks like I will be on this for the summer. Bought time I do this.

    Cheers : )

    Ivan
    • Like Like x 1