6DoF Test Platform

So I decide about a year ago to build a 6DoF Stewart Platform for Car and Plane simming.

I wanted something pretty capable so I had some super strong and fast actuators custom built.
I made some universal joints, and cut some form ply for this first test platform.

Each actuator can push at least 120kg, they can travel 400mm at 500mm/sec.

I'm new to creating this stuff, and certainly couldn't have gotten this far without the consistent help of @Thanos and his AMC1280USB and Ignacy (@hexpod) and his HexPod software plugin with its Inverse Kinematics.
Both of them have been extremely patient with me and guided me along as I have learned a few things about how these things operate. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

So I consider this step one complete.

Next up, I'll create a proper frame made from light weight (but strong) carbon fibre. I'm guessing it will take weeks or months to get around to doing this.

The video below is my first speed test. You'll see how powerful and violent it gets and I think it's about 90% speed at the end, and not yet near it's geometric limits. I'll definitely need to widen the base and weigh it down with sand bags. There's a lot of slop and shaking. This is due to the supply of some shoulder bolts that were supplied as 19.5mm rather than 20mm diameter. They will be replaced this week and will provide much smoother motion. (and less noise).

Great progress! If you feel a little more adventurous you could try making the top platform sink in between the actuators like this:


This will allow less height platform, and you won't need a ladder to climb down from the cockpit...! The 6DOF on the above video has also 400mm actuators...
Also it will allow to lower the COG Z point lower near 0 position so you can have larger pitch and roll rotation range!

Yes. That’s the plan to have a sunken cockpit setup. I can drop it about 35cm if the total 78cm height and the CG can be kept in the middle of my body.