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Question Convert windscreen wiper motor with planetary 3d printed gearbox

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Spit40, Feb 12, 2025 at 20:28.

  1. Spit40

    Spit40 VR Flyer

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    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?
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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  3. Spit40

    Spit40 VR Flyer

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    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.
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Have you considered your own DIY variation, the approach is not complicated, particularly given your design skills.
  5. Spit40

    Spit40 VR Flyer

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

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Basically like a mini linear actuator but operating a pivoting lever, as per the earlier link I posted.
  7. Spit40

    Spit40 VR Flyer

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

    Radioproffi Active Member Gold Contributor

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    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.
    • Like Like x 2
  9. Spit40

    Spit40 VR Flyer

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

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  10. Radioproffi

    Radioproffi Active Member Gold Contributor

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