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Getting started with building a simulator (help!)

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Bruno Habus, Mar 13, 2016.

  1. Bruno Habus

    Bruno Habus New Member

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    Hello everybody,

    For my final work in high school, my team and I have decided to build a flight simulator (something like CXC). For construction (seat, construction itself, screens etc.) and for instruments and computers we have everything but we are having hard time with motion hardware. We have decided to use 2 actuators, and now I really need help from DIY simulator builders.

    So the question is: If I have decided to use 2 actuators, which hardware (and software) components do I also need to interface these actuators with two computers and simulator software itself (probably Flight sim x). So to sum up, which motion hardware components do I need for simulator like that?

    Please recommend me a type of actuators and type of all other motion hardware components, with manufacturers and overall aprox. price for ( I can't stress that enough) hardware and software for motion control only.

    Thanks everyone!
    Bruno Habus, Mar 13, 2016
    #1
  2. rattler

    rattler

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    From what i have read.....
    If you are doing CXC copy , look up @Milton thread. Hes done one using JRKS and large worm gear motors. Which , from what I have read , are cheaper than SCN5 or SCN6 actuators.
    Jrks seem to be the simpler to set up for a 12v 200w 25:1 ratio motor with a lever in it. Im going that path myself.
    Jrks $99 US each. Need one for each motor. Motors , depends where you are on the planet. Maybe $ 90 each?.
    The rest you have to fabricate yourself
    rattler, Mar 14, 2016
    #2
  3. Bruno Habus

    Bruno Habus New Member

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    Thanks, but my question remains. Actuators themself are not the problem, we already have Festo electric actuators. But which hardware components do we need to connect actuators with computers? So do we need some kind of controllers or PLC or something like that?
    Bruno Habus, Mar 14, 2016
    #3
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    If you have actuators you should post the full specifications and details, including url link. Members can't give advice in an information vacuum.

    If the actuators are not capable of 150+mm/sec speeds then they are unsuitable for a DIY motions simulator: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/speed-needed-for-good-motion.218/
    noorbeast, Mar 14, 2016
    #4
  5. Bruno Habus

    Bruno Habus New Member

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    We dont have them yet, it is still an order. So again, please reccomend me actuators with suitable motion hardware and software (please specific reccomendations, with links).

    So I need reccomendations for motion system (from actuators, to controllers and probably power supply etc.)

    Once again, thanks :)
    Bruno Habus, Mar 14, 2016
    #5
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    The cheapest highest performance option is to not use actuators. Instead use high powered DC motors controlled by either Arduino/Moto Monsters or JRKs, using converted server PSUs.

    For a good overview regarding all aspects of building motion simulators have a look at the FAQs, which cover design consideration, control boards, PSUs, DC motor supply options and a whole lot more: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/

    You will also find information in the FAQs about how to interface SCN or Frex actuators, if you want to use them: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/scn5-scn6.2/category

    If you plan on using anything else then first post the full specifications including a url link.
    • Agree Agree x 1
    noorbeast, Mar 14, 2016
    #6
  7. rattler

    rattler

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    Agreed. If you have actuators on order , post up the specs and what brand. Theres a lot out there and not knowing what they are makes it hard to help.
    rattler, Mar 14, 2016
    #7