1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules

Where to begin, literally!

Discussion in 'New users start here - FAQ' started by smarterhometheater, Dec 7, 2010.

  1. smarterhometheater

    smarterhometheater New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2010
    Messages:
    21
    Location:
    Chicago, IL United States
    Balance:
    0Coins
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I've got the construction background, and am planning my 3DOF simulator. I can handle all of the hardware construction but I am totally lost when it comes to electronics. I see H-Bridges, Moffsets, Pololu Motor Drivers, and it all makes my head spin!
    I've been thru the wiki, but there are so many options and even that seems technical for a novice like me. Is there a step by step that I am missing that says something like.. ok, load x-sim 2 on your computer, use a RS232 cable and connect to the Pololu VNH2SP30 Motor Driver Carrier MD01B , but use 3 of them since they control only one motor each...
    I mean basics! :D
    Any help would be appreciated!
    :highfive:
  2. eaorobbie

    eaorobbie Well-Known Member SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    May 26, 2009
    Messages:
    2,574
    Occupation:
    CAD Detailer
    Location:
    Ellenbrook, Western Australia
    Balance:
    20,398Coins
    Ratings:
    +1,683 / 23 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK, SimforceGT, 6DOF
    Well yea 18 months ago all that information made my head spin but it slows down eventually and ya see the light X-Sim.

    If ya interested in Pololu products check out the Jrk12v12 Motor Controller, http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1393you can hook them via usb directly to X-Sim, and once programmed by the supplied Pololu software they run. My machine uses 2 units to provide motion as in 2 Jrk12v12 Controllers hooked to two 12v boat winch motors.

    Heres a vid of wiper motors in action with Jrk12v12s (Me first attempt motors plastic gearing failed) :D

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9pHEEuZ3B8

    Must do a step by sep guide for Jrk12v12's for X-Sim use, just got to find time.
  3. smarterhometheater

    smarterhometheater New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2010
    Messages:
    21
    Location:
    Chicago, IL United States
    Balance:
    0Coins
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Thanks for the vid and the link! So I need one driver per motor, correct?

    Geesh, this is all so overwhelming at first!

    I hope I'll get it and I'll keep asking questions! 8)
  4. eaorobbie

    eaorobbie Well-Known Member SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    May 26, 2009
    Messages:
    2,574
    Occupation:
    CAD Detailer
    Location:
    Ellenbrook, Western Australia
    Balance:
    20,398Coins
    Ratings:
    +1,683 / 23 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK, SimforceGT, 6DOF
    Corrrect as in vid ya can see two controllers running two motors.
    There is a trex card that can control two at once but it cost more and i havent been able to test,
    or find some using it for the same purpose, Pololu designed the Jrk to be an oversize servo control card so robot builder werent restricted to using weak of the shelf rc servos in their robots.
    And questions always welcome, helps me to become a better sim builder.
  5. ferslash

    ferslash Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2011
    Messages:
    495
    Balance:
    4,798Coins
    Ratings:
    +181 / 2 / -0
    EAROBBIE:

    I hoppe you find the time to give us a step by step on pololu stuff i have been searching for days a diy, out of the shelf guide for a wipper joirider... and nothing, everything is too technical... please help us
    :D
    fer from mexico