Showroom **RIP** - 6DOF project using 12v DC Motors, Sabertooth 2x60's (was MM's) and Arduinos + OSW

encoder do get the controller over loaded i agree how about if we give ARM basd arduino a try i hope that will work fine.

Here’s an option for encoders that may work for some albeit a pricey one. They are hall effect absolute encoders. They are basically the same as BI Tech hall pots except they are only 10 bits but output a full 5-volt range (actually .015 to 4.978v). Therefore, they don’t have a dead band in the voltage like BI pots do when they flip over a revolution. So you can use them the same way we use hall pots now except a small amount of additional coding would be need to index what revolution they are on as they flip. However, they are absolute, so if your rig always starts up from the same position, then you will already know what the starting index revolution will be without having to move your rig to each end stop first to test it.

I recommend the analog ball bearing units since they only cost $6 more than bushing but overall they are still expensive at $66.75 each. They also use a proprietary connector that’s not included so they charge a lot for it too ($8 for a connector with 3 foot leads). Also, don’t consider any pwm models. Their sampling rate is way to slow at 1000Hz or less and they require the processor to pause while it measures the sample.
http://www.usdigital.com/products/encoders/absolute/rotary/shaft/ma3

ps Even though they are only 10bits, if you are replacing a 10 turn pot, that is equivalent to 10240 unique positions.

pps If you need 5 or more though the price drops to $45.40 each.

I am very interested in this thread. Read the entire post. Thanks for keeping us informed. Are there location/part number of everything listed in one location? And how much wight do you think this will hold, I am about a buck 90, and I plan on using my Oculus Rift.

I have no idea how much weight it can hold never really tested it. I could do with better motors as mine are not quite powerful enough.

Sorry no parts list as such just whats in the thread

great!

Sorry to bother.. But I have build me a 6dof sim too and try to get it working with the Oculus CV1..

The problem I am facing is that the harder I 'drive' the sim the more I sink down in the car and need constantly to recenter the view.. Do you have or had the same issue? if so how did you resolve it?!

@Michael Hensen are you talking about this ? https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/that-sinking-feeling.8762/

Thanks.. exactly what I meant.. I start searching for a gimbal!!! Thanks!!

Mine seems to of cured itself I never need to reset it anymore or maybve its just I have the camera really hard set on my rig so it doesnt move at all. I dunno

I noticed that you had it in the center of you rig.. perhaps that is the key..
I have ordered the gimbal already, I always can use it for something else.. but I will try and mount it more stiff that I have right now.. perhaps some vibrations make the camera up/down vibrate and thus gets out of sync with the motion..
At least I can give it a go , otherwise I will have a gimbal by Wednesday to give that a shot..

But I love to drive it in 6dof and CV1 .. even though I sink in the car now and have to recenter!!!!

This is the build that brought me to the forum.
It very inspiring to see how quickly this came together and how you were able to scrounge most of the elements as well as build in wood which is more approachable for someone like me just starting out.

Wood is nice and forgiving and can be chopped and changed very easily. 1 year on and it's still in 1 piece.

Copy that, also I did use wood everywhere, easy to build, cheap and easy to change if needed. Not the best finish style imo, if this could be an argument (if I compare my rig to other)

Little update, ruff around the edges but its work in progress

Yeah baby, now thats what im talking about nice work and love the fact your using Plywood no fancy CNC stuff mate, so you have shown a great alternative material ... eyeing this post as always well done @SilentChill

Thanks dude I have to use what I can use lol looks a bit crap but once it's painted it will be ok....... I hope.

I've been custom designing lots of bits to print for the limit switches and pulleys and stuff.

It's all taking far too long for my liking

Looking good @SilentChill . Noticed in your picture what looks like a linear flange type roller bearing for your main shaft . If it is, just like to point out that I found them to be a bit noisy and will wear over time the hollow carbon tube - I changed them out to a poly bush. As for taking too long - try 12 months for mine....

Yes @SeatTime I had already bought them and I do need to replace them with plastic bearings. I have asked for a sample like @wannabeaflyer2. If I can't get any I will get some soon as ibcan afford them as they are not very cheap for the housing and everything.

I never priced a housing for the bushes, just purchased the bush and made a housing out of carbon fibre, so not too expensive. Unfortunately not everyone may be able to do that.

Ok so I forgot I got some flange bearings from IGUS lol

I have 3d printed a housing for them hopefully it will be strong enough.

Also I have printed the addon bracket for the ball screw which I will attach vslot wheels to stop any unwanted spinning.

Please forgive the horendous bonding of the carbon I made a right mess of it, but it has worked that's for sure.






That's all for now