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Question 4 DOF Pivot point sim first build.

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Hammered_Again, Nov 3, 2025 at 05:15.

  1. Hammered_Again

    Hammered_Again New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2023
    Messages:
    3
    Balance:
    28Coins
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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Hey Brains Trust.

    Let me introduce myself, I am 36 work full time have 3 kids. Live between Sydney and Newcastle NSW Australia. Added location in case anyone live in area. Been looking at car building a Racing sim for a few years, reading threads and forums from the Shadows. Never starting my own project to now. I have seen the wealth of knowledge available here, read days of threads and forums. Never starting my own project to now. It will be a DIY budget build so please keep that in mind, In saying that when an upgraded components are recommend I will Upgrade. I dont have the Time to spend days trouble shooting MM's etc.
    now even with reading all the information I can be confusing so below are the material I thought would work, happy to be told otherwise and directed down a different path. I have also Drawn a Cad drawing of the concept but unable to share until I have posted 3 times I believe so will upload when able. (not the best drawing but I am not a Pro CAD drafter.
    After using the SimCalc, I believe the below would work for my build.

    Motors: Worm gear ration around 25:1 to limit regen current issues. self holding as well
    Power 200W
    RPM 100
    Torque 10Nm
    Voltage 24V
    Level arm 100-150mm
    Positioned 800mm from the pivot point
    I found NMRV040.80ZYT02M

    Power supplies: Meanwell has I have had zero issues in the past.
    Meanwell 350W 24V - (24 volt to limit current in circuit and interference)

    Smarts:
    Arduino R3

    Motor drivers:
    IBT-2 (BTS7960)
    (have seen the Sabertooth but not sure if the added cost is worth it)

    Potentiometer:
    Haven't decided yet model - I did see a magnetic Pot setup but couldn't find the thread again to revisit that idea.

    Anyway that is it for now.
    Hammered_Again, Nov 3, 2025 at 05:15
    #1
  2. Hammered_Again

    Hammered_Again New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2023
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    Balance:
    28Coins
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Attachments - Purple high light area if for the front motors. - Like am not great at autocad. still learning.
    the base layer I plan on bending 50x50mm 2mmwall square tube, still working out how and without spending thousands. I will be calling local Fabricators before build a DIY bender.

    for the Yaw I plan on using tranfer bearing on the first layer nylon 45mm rated to 180KG each. 4 on the large arch and 2 on the smaller one. this will keep the rig as low as possible.

    for the surge on top of layer 2 will be using linear rails with 6 HGH20CA bearing block

    the U joint I have already purchased a tail shaft for Toyota town ace. $156au and has 2 U joint assemblies. Guess I will need to build a second. (Brother of the year Pending)

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Nov 3, 2025 at 05:29
    Hammered_Again, Nov 3, 2025 at 05:17
    #2
  3. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,793
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    152,571Coins
    Ratings:
    +11,087 / 56 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    You mention 4DOF but what you plan seems to be a 2 DOF + traction loss, with the later being different from yaw. Yaw rotates around a central pivot point while traction loss pivots somewhere near your feet.

    Down Under we have the advantage of Motion Dynamics, where you can locally purchase a range of motors, like these:
    https://www.motiondynamics.com.au/worm-drive-motor-12v-24v-200w-180-rpm-20nm-torque.html

    IBT-2s are cheap, but be aware members ave reported quality control issues, even with brand new units, and keeping voltage a few points below 24v seems to help longevity. The Sabertooth is like the Rolls Royce of robust alternatives, but there are others:
    https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/reasonably-priced-100a-motor-controllers.412/

    180 degree Hall sensors are easy to direct mount, are precise and robust, plus won't break if over rotated, something like these specs are available locally, but can be cheaper elsewhere:
    https://au.element14.com/bi-technol...fs/sensor-hall-0-2v-20v-to-10v-pin/dp/2319662

    While not totally necessary I use a PSU per motor, as our rigs can generate high level power spikes in fast reversals.
    noorbeast, Nov 3, 2025 at 05:46
    #3
  4. Hammered_Again

    Hammered_Again New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2023
    Messages:
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    28Coins
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    Right. Yes Traction loss, Thank you for the correction. With Surge. I thought that made it 4 dof?

    I called Motion Dynamics last Friday about these exact motors. the issue is stock looks like next march, and I am not a fan of the shaft aswell (is it best just to weld the rod to these?). I read wiper motors are great but are slower in reverse and thought that would take away from the experience.

    Thank you for the link to motor controller alternatives. (I will Start reading.)

    thank you for providing direction around the pot. did you read about the magnetic pot in one of these threads? do you think that is more hassle then it is worth?

    I was thinking of using 1 PSU per motor as well. Great to know one of the greats does the same.
    Hammered_Again, Nov 3, 2025 at 06:14
    #4
  5. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,793
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    152,571Coins
    Ratings:
    +11,087 / 56 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    It's a bummer Motion Dynamics has a current supply issue, historically that has not been the case.

    Wiper motors have limited capacity and torque, and rely on a great amount of inherent design leverage. Personally I would consider more reasonable spec alternatives if possible. Additionally wiper motors generally need ground isolation mods:
    https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/wiper-motor-mandatory-ground-isolation.25/

    A magnetic pot is a form of Hall sensor, and you can purchase a suitable Hall sensor off the shelf, which in my book is easier unless you have a specific design criteria that would preclude it.
    noorbeast, Nov 3, 2025 at 06:27
    #5