1st 2DOF compact build attempt

So, first off, thanks to all of you for this great resource! I previously never thought it would be possible to get into a motion rig of my own for less than an arm and a leg. I have a small MIG welder and know how to solder so hopefully this goes good.

My goal is to modify the wooden static racing rig I have built with a 2DOF setup that will not significantly increase the footprint of the current rig. I think to do this I will design similar to the desk racer rig that I have seen on this form. That was just excellent! So, this will mean front mount motors which I know are not ideal but it should work I hope. I do not want a rig that is going to toss me around like a rag doll. I simply want decent, accurate feedback of g forces to help me feel what the car is doing and increase the immersion. I play mostly iRacing so no rally car bouncing around is needed.

Here is how the rig sits now, minus my nephew racing and the triple screens since I have gone to rift only racing now.


The seat is from a wrecked Mitsubishi Eclipse and might have to be replaced with a decent (cheap) racing seat. For one, it is heavy and two I will probably want a 4pt harness which this will not accommodate.

I am wondering if it is possible to use simtools on the same computer that I race with. I really do not like the idea of having to have a second PC just for that (space concerns and hassle).

So far here is what I think I will need (I am sure there is more I will find out or remember as I go). Please feel free to comment on my choices or offer alternatives.

Arduino
MotoMonster
2x 360* pots
HP server Power supply
2x crab pot motors (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GEAR-MOTOR-...384?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51bd392f00)
1x U-joint from a 300zx drive shaft (already had one)
Self made brackets, frame etc
Many switches and 12v fans etc

As I noted, I am not sure of what kind of power supply(s) to get. I would like to get away with one to save space and I like the idea of those used server PSUs. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance and I will post pics, amount spent and progress updates as I go.

UPDATED 11/18/14:
Purchased:

2x HP 575w Server PSUs $25

Total Spend so far: $25

Hello there, good stuff on the list of parts.
Nothing wrong with desk racer set up for seat mover, thats why I built it. it will not throw you around too much. Motors at the front like that work just fine.
Yes replace the seat with a lighter one for sure.
As for power supplies, yes, the server ones are popular, @Nick Moxley has a wiring diagram I think.
Here in Australia, unfortunately everything is expensive, even server PSU, so I use 2 , 12v 40 amp LED psu bought off ebay.
For computers, as long as its 4 core CPU, min 4 gig ram, you will be fine running Simtools and game. I run the desk racer off a cheap built AMD quad core PC. Its the graphics card that cost the most in individual component costs to get decent graphics on a single screen.
Have fun building.
Dave.

Thanks Dave. My gaming rig is an FX8350 8 core and has 16gig RAM so hopefully will be fine.

Am I correct to say that I need 15amp supply for each motor? I calculated that from the 180w rating at 12v. Would I be OK with a 30 amp power supply for each side? I found these and like them better than the server supplies.

Thanks! It will be a seat shaker only and I hope to have the mounts to the front of the seat so I can keep a small footprint. Trying to keep the wife happy.

More like 40Amp Minimum for each motor. The 600pb's have been ROCK solid. Plus they are Dirt cheap compared to the Ebay LED supplies. Where are you located ?

I am in MA. Can you recommend any specific PSU? Why 40amp per if the motor is only rated 80 watts? Thanks!

PGsaw motor's are 180W, Not 80...lol

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-ProLiant...=US_Server_Power_Supplies&hash=item418a0751a1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-2-HP...=US_Server_Power_Supplies&hash=item565968e71d

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-DPS-600P...=US_Server_Power_Supplies&hash=item58b76f1309

Yeah, sorry I meant 180. I did the formula of 180w/12v and came up with 15amps. Did I do the conversion wrong? Thanks for the links.

It's settled then, I guess I will order 2x HP server supplies!

Yes, they are quite cheap! Bonus. I am making a spreadsheet of all the parts I will need. I just wish I could find a cheaper source of those crab motors as they are the most expensive items so far. Also need to find a cheap but comfortable racing seat.

I just read @Slider's tutorial, looks very simple!

I am in USA. The ones on ebay are shipped from Canada so only $16 shipping but that still brings the price to about $106 each. It would have been nice to get away with some junk yard wiper units or something half the price at least. I am sure in the end it will be worth it for the new motors (hope).

Well, I have made my first purchases for the build. Bought a lot of 2x HP PSUs ($24 shipped!) and 2x JRKs ($100 shipped).

PSU: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271672798559?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
JRK: http://www.ebay.com/itm/190583781587?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Crap ,I hope you didnt buy the 21v3, they will not do the job, you need 12v12 http://www.pololu.com/product/1393 no less.

Oh man. It appears I have! I doubt the seller will cancel but I will have to ask. WTF!!!