1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules
Shared accounts will be removed Plugin Downloads Zero spam policy Forum Rules

Showroom First 2DOF Prototype Build!

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by firstinflight, May 27, 2015.

  1. firstinflight

    firstinflight Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    Messages:
    36
    Location:
    USA
    Balance:
    174Coins
    Ratings:
    +9 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF
    Firstly, thanks to this community.
    An avid flight sim enthusiast for over 30 years. Have 4 gens of flight sims built. Have been thinking about motion platforms for a long time but never attempted it.

    In just a couple of days, got a small prototype built with RC servos, X-Simulator and X Plane Plugin.
    Played with the calibration a little. Lots more work to do. But most importantly understood concepts and got the important parts working together. A 3-day weekend well spent.

    here is a video showing my 2DOF build -

    Big THANKS!

    CPJ
    • Winner Winner x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    firstinflight, May 27, 2015
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,218
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    148,988Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,927 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Building a low cost working model is a great way to really build your knowledge of SimTools and the principles of motion simulation.

    Can I ask @firstinflight if there were things that could be improved on in the existing information to make it easier, or tips you may like to pass on from your experience that would benefit others?
    Last edited: May 28, 2015
    noorbeast, May 27, 2015
    #2
  3. fzxj520

    fzxj520 Active Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2015
    Messages:
    176
    Location:
    SimTools is a generic Motion Simulator
    Balance:
    1,341Coins
    Ratings:
    +90 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF
    Beautiful, you've taken the first step. But the model a little rough, and so the proportion of production will be better
    fzxj520, May 28, 2015
    #3
  4. firstinflight

    firstinflight Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    Messages:
    36
    Location:
    USA
    Balance:
    174Coins
    Ratings:
    +9 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF
    Apologies for delayed response. Work related travel... no time for a post!

    As for @noorbeast question... the following were very straightforward -
    a) X-Simulator Installation
    b) LFS install
    c) Connect (patch) the game to X-Sim

    The things I had a little trouble with are the following -
    a) Use of Plug-in - The basic question that didn't get answered in the tutorial and/or forums directly was "what does one do with the downloaded plug-in file"
    b) The use of the plug-install tool could use a little more clarity

    Once that was done, it was very straightforward.
    The only thing then I didn't quite understand was about Virtual Axis. A little more clarity on that will help.

    Other than that, I can't think of anything.

    Regards,
    firstinflight, Jun 5, 2015
    #4
  5. firstinflight

    firstinflight Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    Messages:
    36
    Location:
    USA
    Balance:
    174Coins
    Ratings:
    +9 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF
    Yes, it was not calibrated yet. In addition, I was purposely making big changes on the roll and pitch axis (as you can see from the monitor)

    After I used the MaxMin tuning, and avoided any big bumps, the calibration got better with each attempt.
    I think its also got to do with an old PC and some latency in using X-Plane. Not to mention, the use of servos which can less smooth than actuators and/or motors.
    firstinflight, Jun 5, 2015
    #5
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,218
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    148,988Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,927 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    So again I am just clarifying.

    Is the existing information about installing a plugin either not clear or too hard to find: http://www.xsimulator.net/simtools-game-plugin-updater/

    Can you add a little about what information would enhance understanding regarding the Virtual Axis.
    noorbeast, Jun 5, 2015
    #6