Question FX simulation help

I purchased the FX2 simulator from an arcade going out of business. Runs on custom control board currently not working. The software will only run on Windows XP with an old Dell machine. It is a very heavy duty 3 DOF hydraulic driven machine with long throw transducers mounted to the cylinders.

I am not experienced in any way with Arduino but I need a new controller and computer interface to update the PC. I plan on using It has a flight simulator platform and motion riding simulation. If somebody can point me in the right direction on what type of controller would be best, a wiring schematic and code I would be eternally grateful.

Hi Sharky

have you tried contacting FX Simulation here in the UK, as they might have the spec of the simulator

Address:
Front Lebanon Cupar, Fife, KY15 4EA,
Telephone: +44(0)1334 65 75 75

Hi Sharky

I have been looking at the manufacturers web site regarding how this simulator works, what I can gather it has a custom designed hydraulic system whether it is feasible to adapt it is another question I also noted that it requires a three phase power supply to operate / 3-phase supply of 380 - 415V at16A per phase 50Hz.

You may be flogging a dead horse, I wish you luck with this project.

I have sorted the power situation. Spoke to Scotland last week Their response was It will only run on windows XP with their control Box and software. Hydraulics and mechanicals are standard. It uses a transducer to locate the position of the hydraulic cylinders And solenoid valves activate movement.

Hi Sharky
have you tried to run the system with the Windows XP computer, and did you get any results.

The old hard drive was shot I cloned it on a new solid state hard drive and was able to get the computer to boot up. I am still working on the control board. Even if I get it completely fixed it will only do the 8 rides that are pre programed. I would like to set it up to have more flexibility.

Do you have any documentation or Schematics for the controller and how it interfaces with the xp software and the hardware on the simulator.

I have a control panel layout. It is currently connected to the PC with a d9 serial port.

before you try to interface an Arduino, you will need to know how the OEM controller works would the manufacture supply you with details.

The designers and builders were very hush hush on the operating systems. The system is not gonna be in commercial use. The platform Is solid and a 3-DOF . So I just need a controller that will read the input of the Hydraulic cylinder positioning sensor and activate the valves to begin with. But will later like to have it turn on the hydraulic motor which currently has a magnetic start. There are a few other added features the simulator has Like air and hot air to blow on you to help simulate movement.

This is a bit older thread but have you considered just replacing the hydraulics with linear actuators? Not sure how feasible that is to you but might be worth considering if every step is going to be too difficult.