2DOF playSeat for NoLimits Coaster2

Hi everyone,
I'm Max and I've started building especifically a 2DOF motion platform for NoLimits Coaster2, syncronized with Oculus Rift (inspired by @SilentChill).
so I'll be glad to be helped in this work focused mainly in this 2DOF motion simulator. To do this, I've created a 3d model of the SimSeat, the way I want it to be. I already have NLS2 game full version, with this telemetry option activated. So I'll need the NLS plugin and a SimTool license I'll request in a few days Meanwhile I'll be using the demo version with LFS :,(

Basically, I want to setup the sim for two movements, roll & pitch only. Maybe improve with heave in the long term. I want the platform to be able to rotate each side 30 degrees maximum, with smooth movements. I have some electronic components with motors for experimentation until I find proper 12v DC motors (pgsaw 12v50:1 180W), and once I had everything setup I'll start building up the frame

The pieces I have are the next:

Arduino UNO (original)
SparkFun Moto MonsterShield
Two DME44B-129 DC 24V 0,94A (Current rating) - 3600RPM - (for experimentation until able to get 12V DC motors)
Cooling fan 12V 1,3A
Aluminum heat sinks
Thermic Silicone
Two 10KOmhs Potentiometers
Power Supply Unit 12v 5A
red/black 5A wires
5A car fuse
ON/OFF Switch
Borners max. 10A
Breadboard
Screws

I've been working on integrating the components but still need the MM-Arduino Wiring (as @RacingMat wiring diagram). The pictures displayed are for prototyping only, once I make work the system, I'll start improving the components. The pots were nibbled inside to rotate freely 360 dregrees and attached temporarily to the motors by a diy coupling.
I'm wiring according the next diagram @RacingMat, does someone knows is this correct? or too much wiring?

Hi, @noorbeast yes, thank you. This model is for prototyping only until I made it work with Simtools. For testing LFS will be fine. I cannot purchase more expensive gear until that happens, because I'll have to order most of the pieces online & 30+ days of waiting... the research is being done and intention & budget are an asset

I'm trying @RacingMat code but its not working whatsoever.

1) I'm using the wiring as the diagram above with not mounted MM, but the motors doesnt follow orders from the arduino monitor serial (L7FR7F, R7FLAE, R64L64...). The receiver box of the monitor, is blank. Motors are coupled to the pots as expected, but motors do not follow orders (do not move).

2) I uninstalled the circuit and mounted the MM on top of the arduino, pots were connected to 5V,GND,A0 & A1, coupled with the respective motors, but the motors still doesnt follow orders from the arduino monitor serial.

The pots (10k nibbled inside to 360deg) are attached to the motors axes, and before to it, turning a pot rotated a motor opposite side.

Not progress, What could it be happenning?

@masterhoo - you say "Before to it, rotating a pot rotated a motor opposite side". The circuit worked at one time? If so, then that sounds like something changed from then to now - maybe miswiring or something is shorted? If it worked before, you need to look close at what you changed then to now.

The screws you use to mount the Arduino look a little big. It's important that they don't touch other things on the circuit boards. You have a board coated in tape. Is it metal? Mounting on metal can lead to shorts. If nothing puts voltage on the mount points you can do it, but if anything does, it can short things and cause problems.

Also, if you mounted the MM on the Arduino, your photos don't show the current configuration. Nobody can help you troubleshoot if you show pictures that are not the configuration that isn't working. A new group of photos showing details of how things are connected now would help others help you.

Lastly, if things worked but now don't, you may need to go back to the configuration that worked to make sure all your parts are still good. If something got damaged then it won't ever work. You need to verify all is still good - if you had it working before. Did anything ever smell funny or get hot?

Good luck!

Hi @noorbeast, thank you. Yes my second option will be SMC3 code, I thought it would be easier to use @RacingMat code, though. I'll be testing both codes during this coming week. thank you.

Hi @Zed, thank you. Well, by saying "Before to it, rotating a pot rotated a motor opposite side" it means that the pots & motors follows the behaviour described on this video posted on the FAQ. Sorry for my prior poor explanation. https://www.xsimulator.net/community/marketplace/arduino-code-2dof-and-2-pins-direction-hbridge.67/

The system never worked before. I've disassembled everything again and tried the MM mounted on the Arduino board, the base is MDF (wood like material). I'm testing again, but the motors dont move, they dont follow orders from the arduino monitor serial (L7FR7F, R7FLAE, R64L64...). Both boards (Arduino & MM) looks like being working out correctly. I'll purchase new boards and pots to test again. Thank you.

@masterhoo : I wish you will succeed soon! we have all spend hours to understand the basics: for some people it's the computer part, or the electronic part, or the mechanical part... it's more tricky than it seems

Re-read the steps I described in the topic and follow them strictly

Hi, @RacingMat is really good to know you are answer my thread
Well, the prototype finally follows the arduino Serial Monitor orders, as @Zed said, It was just a shortcircuit I didnt realized, I disassembled the electronics' wiring & soldered the pins in the correct place and everything was starting working correctly - Still not tested with Simtools though, the magic is for the end. I simplificated the wiring as well






The problems I actually have, are with pots. I'm using pretty basic linear 10k pots I found in the electronic house, nibbled within them to rotate them freely 360 degrees, they are about 340 degrees electronically though with a deadzone. Anytime I rotate manually the pot as in the video, there is a point in the pot, where the middle pin wiper makes contact with itself and make the motors shafts to move erretically in both directions over and over (I tried with 6 different pots but the same result ). How do I avoid this? I taped the deadzone but this same behaviour appears.



Do I need to calibrate the pots before/after installing using this code?, do the pots need to be fixed in a specific position? I've reading posts about conventional pots, but I just cant find the answers, I'll order hall sensors but they'll problably get here in 5 or 6 weeks (I've red about them but I still dont know which one to choose and how many to order)...