Question Convert windscreen wiper motor with planetary 3d printed gearbox

I have a 3-DOF seat mover which happens to be by DOF Reality but is a design that’s been around on this forum for a good while. I haven’t used it for years because I was really disappointed by the backlash on the windscreen wiper motors due to the poor quality worm gears. Maybe its ok for driving but not for flying which is what I’m after. I’ve decided I would like to get it working again and I’m exploring the option of taking the windscreen wiper motors apart, removing the worm gear and attaching a two stage 3-D printed (polycarbonate) planetary gearbox with 100 to 1 (or so) ratio directly to the main motor shaft. I think 100:1 is the right ballpark. I’m looking around for a strong compact design for a planetary two stage gearbox. Any advice folks? Anyone think I don’t stand a chance with a 3-D printed gearbox here?

Thanks @noorbeast , i contacted DOF Reality about a year or so back, but i got one of their very first platforms and they say the motors aren’t SFU compatible. I’m looking at around $2k to upgrade to SFU.

I hadn’t actually. Are they effectively linear actuators? I’d be interested in some pointers thanks.

Yes, i see. I haven’t looked into actuators much previously but i’ll search for some plans and recommended components.

Can you take a photo of your platform? (motor side)
Maybe we can come up with something, considering the contribution of the first customers to the possibility of developing DOF REALITY.

That would be great. I got this in January 2017 so I always throught I was pretty close to customer #1

How long ago was that)
Can you also make photo inside the control unit, I want know what we can use from old staff.

I think the wormscrew is machined directly onto the motor shaft and can't be removed easily. And while 3D-printed gears are totally OK for connecting encoders or to transfer torque for FFB wheels I wouldn't trust them for moving serious loads. I fear they wear out very quickly.

Quality metal gearboxes are not horribly expensive anymore, theese days. Check this

Will do shortly. This is very kind of you. I'll have to do you a favour in return. I don't suppose you're interested in Spitfires? I recently released the Spitfire MkIX G2 flight stick and if I can get the 3DOF working again I'll be making a DOF Reality mounting system for it. It would make for a nice promo video for both of us. I've probably got a spare stick lying around too if you like. So far my system has been essentially desk based... as per.

looks great, hope to see it mounted on the platform soon

you can consider https://qr4rigs.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=44 as adapters for compatibility

photos as requested

It's good to see that you have current power supplies, the transition will be much easier and cheaper

I think we can assemble a kit from refurbished (minor scratches, paint defects) and some of the components needed for assembly (replacing the motherboard...) for cost price and shipping cost.

Write to support that you are from the forum and you were offered special conditions as a very early customer. I will warn them and they will generate an invoice

Will do. That's very kind.