Tutorial SMC3 Arduino 3DOF Motor Driver and Windows Utilities

@noorbeast Thank you!

I'm using the SMC3 (mode 1) with Arduino Uno (with SMC3 code) and 4 vnh2sp30 shields (picture below). I'm using two motors to each axis (this is why I'm using 4 shields). They rotate an excentric axis and are in the back of the chair (like the picture I posted).


My connection is working well, it's just the axis configuration that is not working properly. Picture of Interface Settings below.

About the Dir box, I configured exactly like you said, but the blue line always goes to the same direction in SMC3 graphic. It should go to the same direction in one of them and different directions to the other (for roll and pitch), correct? And just to confirm, is that right to test Roll and Pitch separately like this?

By the way, sometimes the SMC3 stops working (and sending rotation to the motors) while the game is running even though the CPU use is in just 9% and 2GB out of 16GB of ram being used. Is that normal?

Thank you again, guys!

@noorbeast Yes, I've completed!

I've tried using that for Ser interface, but SMC3 seemed not to receive any information.

@LuisBranco - UDP is a valid mode for SMC3 Windows Utils but requires a bit more setup and you have to run Windows SMC3Utils at all times with this mode as Simtools talks to SMC3Utils which then talks to the Arduino SMC3. Windows SMC3Utils needs the "UDP pass through" radio button checked.

Also make sure you have edited the SMC3Utils.ini file to select the correct comm port for your Arduino.

If you use a Serial interface from Simtools then you have to shutdown Windows SMC3Utils as Simtools talks directly to Arduino SMC3 and they cant both access the same comm port at the same time.

If you say the motors are moving when you move the Simtools sliders then I would guess you have it connected correctly.

If Simtools is moving the motors just in the wrong direction then I still think your problem is you need to be changing the "Default" profile in Simtools to see changes when using Simtools Output testing sliders. You appear to be changing the profile for a game which has no effect on the output testing. Think of output testing as another game that needs configuring.

@RufusDufus @noorbeast

Aboust the "Default" configuration, RufusDufus, I've already tested that using SMC3 graphics, but I'm gonna try using the actuators right now!

And abot the connection, I'll change to "Ser" and test, then I tell you the results!

Thank you guys!

So guys, I tried what you said.

I changed the connection to "Ser" and used the "Default" configuration

First I tested the Roll (configured as pic "Roll" and tested the axis like pics "Roll2" and "Roll3"), and the result (pics "Simulator1" and "Simulator2" of my simulator) was right (as it already was for Roll)

Then I changed the default settings to test the Pitch (configured as pic "Pitch" and tested the axis like pics "Pitch1" and "Pitch2"), but the result was absolutely the same as before (left and right instead of foward and backward).

I also tried some different configurations of the "Dir" checkbox, but the result was always the same. It looks like this checkbox is not making any difference.

Do you guys have any ideia of why?

Thank you!

set each effect you want in the of columns for axis 1 and 2. Example: dof 1=pitch, dof 2=roll etc. Then use "dof output" for testing. Also be sure to hit save after changing settings.

like this but just use axis 1 and 2

@LuisBranco ... you stated before that one of the motors will be pich and the second will be roll ... where from your sim pictures they are both mounted to the same equivalent opposite points of the sides ... that changes everything .

And by that now ... they both should do the same axis assignment job for pitch with the same direction PLUS the same axis assignment job with a REVERSED direction for roll .



A different angle of view for your motors mounting points would be better please .

@LuisBranco your latest screenshots show that output testing is in "Axis mode". In this mode the slider directly moves the axis motor, the profile has no effect. Have you tested in DOF mode? (change the dropdown box in Output testing mode)

this is where you test each effect.

@moaale Version 1.01 SMC3Utils and 0.63 SMC3 are compatable - OK.

If Motor 1 moves when driving Motor 2 then it is probably a wiring issue. Make sure there is a POT connected to both inputs or the unconnected input will pickup noise from the adjacent one.

so then the pots still goes to A0=motor 1, A1=motor 2 on the ard
EDIT: analog inputs

@moaale Your diagram has the POTs wired wrong. They should be on A0 and A1. You have them on A4 and A5.

It is difficult to understand from google translate what is the problem. Perhaps a video might help?

Yes that motor driver is supported and will work - use default MODE1.

You have the wiring a bit mixed up. You have connected to the motor 2 and 3 on the arduino and your PWM signals are wrong. You would need to connect POTs to motor 2 and 3.

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If you want to use as motor 1 and 2:

This may help those doing there own wiring diagrams.

Nobody of us can offer the "best" settings, with time and experience you will find them for your simulator.

Que pasa? no te arrancan lo motores? porque el tema de calibracon del SImUtility depende mucho de los tipos de motores, potenciometros, ruidos en los cables, etc. Es mucho prueba y error hasta que el simulador se mueve como vos queres


Moderator Edit:

What happens? do not tear the engines? because the issue of calibracon the SImUtility depends heavily on the types of motors, potentiometers, noise cables , etc. It is much trial and error until the simulator moves as you you want