AMC1280USB Motion Simulator Controller

Still under construction!
​

What is it?

The AMC1280USB motion controller provides an easy interface for simulation games (flight or racing simulation) to the real world. It takes motion cues from motion software that resides on the computer and converts it to actual positions on any kind of motor. The positioning is achieved by using any of the long list of compatible sensors that coupled on the motor output (actuator) it creates a real time positioning loop.

Specs:

Inputs (9 channels)

• 10bit Analog sensors
• 12bit Digital Sensors
• 16bit Analog ADC with addon

Outputs - Speed/Absolute (6-channels or 12 channels combined)

• 8bit PWM/Analog, 0-5v, 0-10v, (-11v to +11v with addon)
• 12bit PWM/Analog, 0-5v, 0-10v, (-11v to +11v with addon)

Blog for news and updates on the AMC1280USB project: http://motionsim.blogspot.com/p/projects.html

If you are unsure what motor you need for the type of motion platform or load you plan to have, please ask.

Some basic connection information diagrams can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/06y2wmizl998l6g/AAB6EnvyW28odJNxC5NwAqjea?dl=0

Documentation, Manuals, Diagrams:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/641qkq11p3prar1/AAA7Tjf_xZu9FOxDgl_5EbRea?dl=0

Latest firmware info:
http://motionsim.blogspot.com/2018/12/amc1280usb-firmware-v35-release.html




Edit by @Pit 10/20/2018

Hmm, link?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1096461972/6dof-electronic-interface-for-motion-simulator-pla

Good luck, hope you reach your goal

Thank you!

It's already 26% in 3 days. Lets hope it keeps this way.

Best Regards,
Thanos

Why edit is disabled on the posts? Oh well.

Correction on the above post for the interested parties:

You can use the "AMC1280USB main, PWM outputs, EARLY BIRD (Pledge $100) " for driving Sabertooth drives with its onboard 12-bit analog DAC. The kickstarter version boards will have jumpers to convert the 12-bit DAC for either PWM or Analog 0-5v signals.

Best Regards,
Thanos

Hello,

Posted an update on the project:
https://www.kickstarter.com/project...erface-for-motion-simulator-pla/posts/1934354

Thanks
Thanos

Hi Thanos, this looks good. I hope you reach your target.

You mentioned that this board will work with SimTools, but will it work with SimTools2?

It works with Simtools2 very well. See here the new settings for 6DOF setup as shared by a user:
https://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/thanos-amc1280-help.6045/#post-136290

The Interface settings are:
BitsPerSec: 250000
Databits: 8
Parity: None
Stopbits: 1

Output - Bit Range: 16
Output - Type: Binary
Output Rate: 2ms to 10ms

Interface - Output: AB<Axis1a><Axis2a><Axis3a><Axis4a><Axis5a><Axis6a>


I have many reports that was used for 2DOF and 3DOF or 4DOF on Simtools2 with no issues as well.

Thanks
Thanos Kontogiannis

Important update!

I was looking around to see what the xsimulator members like to build the most and it came down mostly DC motor solution, with PWM drivers (MM) or using Sabertooth drives.

So I decided to add a reward designed to serve all needs for all kind of platform used here, either they are 2DOF, 3DOF or up to 6DOF.

The reward is very low price and is fully functional version of AMC1280USB (without 6DOF ext board) with only thing missing (to be added by the users) the 2.5mm Pin Headers. Removing those pesky through hole parts from the equation allows me to offer the controller for the price of $55 that will be available ONLY on Kickstarter!! This reward will be the first to be manufactured and ship out (September) when the kickstarter campaign ends.



So take your chance and grab it as long it lasts!




Thanks
Thanos

Wow nice

Do you have a photo of what is going to look like? And wiring instructions?

I don't have a photo of a unit assembled like that, but I can share a image which shows what through hole parts will be on the board except the SMT parts that will be all soldered on manufacturing.

You can see on the picture in RED circle all the parts that will be provided on the board. As you can see what remains are just 2.5mm pitch pin headers to be added as needed.



I'll provide updated wiring schematics upon completion of kickstarter if not sooner.

Thanks
Thanos

Neat. I'm looking to do DC motors so the new kickstarter offer is tempting. Is the ext board needed for 6dof?

No, the 6DOF ext board is not necessary at all for use with DC motors. The 6DOF ext is mostly additional host of DAC converters and amplifiers for 0-10v analog signals mostly for VFD inverters.

Here a generic diagram of connection options available on the AMC1280USB Barebones version:



I'll make more detailed connection diagram as soon is possible.

Thanks
Thanos

Cool. Im assuming the sabertooth is set to bidirectional mode which the AMC supports on the 0-5v output.

Correct, all sabertooth models have this analog input setting, and it does not require calibration.

Not sure why is called bi-directional on the sabertooth side, as one signal manages both speeds and directions.

Thanks
Thanos

Hi all,

I'm working into getting a custom BLDC motor actuator reward available on the kickstarter if I reach the target goal. Its perhaps the best ready actuator solution for low voltage actuators designed specifically for motion simulators. Perhaps even better and less expensive solution than AC servomotor actuators! I'll be making available more information about these soon.




These BLDC actuators have a custom servo driver that can be controlled even by the least expensive reward I offer on Kickstarter (AMC1280USB Barebones $55 pledge)


Thanks
Thanos

I have an update about the project. Check it out:

https://www.kickstarter.com/project...erface-for-motion-simulator-pla/posts/1944444

Thanks
Thanos

Looks great

If these become for sale I'll pick one up for sure