My 6DOF Motion Simulator - JMS6D - V1.0

Hello Everyone,

I’m starting this topic to mark the beginning of my 6DOF simulator project—an ambitious endeavor that I consider a milestone in my life. This project represents not only a significant professional challenge but also a personal one, and I’m eager to share my experiences with you.

Embarking on this journey will push me to expand my skills, capabilities, and knowledge. I’m thrilled to dive into this project and aim to contribute as much value as possible to this community.

I’m fully aware that a 6DOF simulator is a complex and ambitious project. I know it will be extremely difficult, but I’m ready to face the challenges head-on. This project is closely tied to my career. I have a degree in Computer Science and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in the same field. While I don’t have an engineering background, I don’t see that as an insurmountable obstacle—just another challenge to overcome.

Initially, I envision this project as relatively simple, but with some unique aspects compared to other similar projects. For example, I intend to study the possibility of the cabin being enclosed with an overhead panel, but only if the weight does not become an issue and the price is not excessively high. For instance, I plan to use high-quality materials alongside 3D-printed parts, an idea inspired by other projects I’ve seen in this community. The Stewart platform, which serves as the foundation of a 6DOF simulator, is widely documented on the internet, and I’ve been researching it extensively.

I hope this community can support me on this journey. I know it will be tough, especially with the mathematics, physics, and electronics involved, but I believe the satisfaction of completing this project will be unmatched—something I’ll carry with me forever.

This post marks the beginning of a long journey toward building and eventually enjoying my motion simulator. I’ll share more details about my project here soon.

P.S.:
I know my English isn’t perfect, but I’m happy to communicate and exchange ideas with anyone interested. Feel free to reach out—I can even share my WhatsApp if needed.
The project will be called JMS6D - v1.0.

Thank you all for your support!

I can say that everything is still in the conceptual stage. My model is not ready yet, but I’m happy to share some ideas.

For the cockpit, I envision using lightweight materials, such as wood or polymer-based materials. This decision will be based on a preliminary study I plan to conduct.

Regarding the structure, one essential requirement for me is that the cockpit must be a biplace (two-seater). This choice is driven by my desire to share the experience with others—my family, my friends, and anyone interested. I understand that making it biplace will likely increase the cost compared to a single-seater cockpit. However, since everything is still in the conceptual phase, nothing has been finalized yet. I need to consider various factors before reaching a definitive conclusion. My ultimate goal, however, is to create a biplace cockpit.

When it comes to enclosing the cockpit, I also need to consider how monitors will be installed. I’m leaning toward replacing traditional monitors with a projection system inside the cockpit. This approach mimics real flight simulators, which use projectors to create an immersive visual field rather than relying on individual monitors.

To achieve the proposed results, I’ll need to carefully calculate the payload to ensure it can handle all the necessary equipment and materials. Additionally, I’ll take into account the valuable insights shared by this community.

These are my initial ideas. I’ll continue to post updates in this thread, including more details about my preliminary model. In the near future, I hope to share my first prototype.

Ok, very good. I will participate in this thread by sharing some ideas and asking questions I have.

In my thread, I will continue to post more information about the concepts and ideas I’m working on and share them with the community.

Hello everyone,

I’d like to present the initial concept model for my 6DOF simulator project. Please note that this model is not final—it's just an idea at this stage. Things are likely to evolve over time.

The image I’ve included was manually drawn and later converted to a digital format using basic paint software in Windows. I chose not to use any vector-based design tools at this stage, as this is still an early concept that will be refined as the project progresses.

Description of the Concept Model
The drawing is simple and intentionally lacks many details, such as mechanisms, precise lines, colors, and geometric nuances. Its main purpose is to communicate the core idea behind my project.

The simulator's primary components will be made of lightweight materials, with aluminum being a preferred choice. The goal is to balance strength and weight while keeping the structure as light as possible.

In the drawing, you’ll notice a panel, a pedestal, and an overhead panel. These elements serve as frameworks or placeholders for essential electronic components. The idea is to arrange the flight instruments in an organized and accessible manner.

The cockpit cover is not included in this initial drawing, but it will be presented in future updates. My current thought is that the cover will follow the structure’s design and incorporate projection systems to display visuals for the pilots.

Why a Biplace Cockpit?
A key feature of my simulator will be the inclusion of a biplace (two-seat) cockpit. I chose this design to allow others, such as family and friends, to share the experience with me. I’m aware that this decision might increase the complexity and cost compared to a single-seat cockpit, but I believe it will make the project more meaningful and enjoyable.

Projection vs. Monitors
For the cockpit display, I’m considering two approaches: installing monitors or using projectors to create a more immersive environment. Professional flight simulators often use projection systems to create seamless, realistic visuals, which I find inspiring.

Challenges and Considerations
To achieve this vision, I’ll need to carefully calculate the payload to ensure the structure can support all the necessary equipment , materials, behond the pilots, of course . I’m also considering many of the suggestions and insights shared by this community, which I deeply appreciate.

Next Steps
This is just the beginning. I’ll continue sharing updates, ideas, and refined models as I move forward with this project. In the near future, I hope to present a working prototype.

Thank you for your interest and support. I’m open to constructive criticism and feedback on this initial concept.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Hello everybody,



Continuing the discussion about my project, I want to share an empirical sketch of how the cover for my 6DOF simulator might look. This cover is something I envisioned based on the design of real flight simulators.

In modern flight simulators, image projection typically relies on high-resolution projectors. Generally, there are at least two projectors installed, creating composite images in front, to the left, and to the right. These advanced simulators often use a system of mirrors to project images for the pilots.

My idea is to adopt a simplified version of this setup, as the real application can be very expensive. The weight of the cover will also be a consideration, as it cannot be too heavy for the platform. For now, this is only a conceptual idea, and calculations will be needed to validate it. Alternatively, I may use monitors for my project.

Currently, my project is still in the design phase. The construction phase will take time to begin, as I do not yet have the necessary conditions to start building. However, I will share more updates about this project in the future, including ideas, designs, graphics, and more.

Thank you!

If you don't have any sophisticated 3D-CAD software I'd recommend building a model from cardboard or wood. Drawing everything in a 2D sketcher is not very convenient because if you change something, and may it even only be the angle of view, you have to redraw everything.
Another option: Check FreeCAD

Ok,@Aerosmith. I understand what you're saying. The sketch I posted is just to share with the community the initial idea for my project. The final design will be created using CAD software. My intention is to present the first version of my project, which will be developed over time.

Currently, I use AutoCAD and a little bit of SolidWorks (as I'm still learning this software). My project plan is not based on 2D designs (except for the technical schematics, which I will share with the community at an appropriate time). Other software may also be used to create sketches for demonstration purposes.

I'll take your advice and check out FreeCAD.

Thank you.

Keep in mind that youre upperframe must be very stiff becauce every bit of torsion you see on the screen with projectors
Just my two cents
regards Ad

Projector screens are actually much less sensible to torsion than LCD screens because they can be made much lighter. For example you can build the like model aircraft wings as sandwich of styro foam and wood or fibre reinforced plastic sheets. So they have a very high stiffness to weight ratio. And if the screen wobbles a bit it's not as bad as you might think. As long as the projectors stay in place the projected picture won't move.

I'm curious how this project will evolve. I have similar plans (6DOF, two seats, projector screens) but have made different design decisions. For example I put the actuators below the rig while Jeff arranges them around it. I think this requires much more space and stroke but if you have the space it's probably easier.

I wonder how you solve the problem of the overhead panel throwing shadows. The projectors have to be either above or behind the overhead panel which requires more distance and therefore larger screens. (or maybe a clever arrangement of mirrors)

I know all about sandwich panels worked with them.
I am more affraid fore tho keep the projectors in place
regards Ad

Hello Jeff, I would absolutely agree with the comments made above by Adgun. I'm in the final stages of a project that has taken almost 5 years (!) and initially I was always intending to use a triple projector arrangement. However, I was unable to overcome the problems caused by platform vibration and movement transferring through to the projected image. The platform would have to be absolutely rigid for this to be viable, with all of the weight and cost penalties involved in doing that. Not a problem with commercial platforms but not possible for me to do. Eventually I switched to a triple monitor arrangement.

This is very interesting. @Leslie I can see a picture of your stewart platform with the curved screen in your member profile. Do you have a thread where you've shown more details about your project? I haven't found any.

https://www.barco.com/nl/inspiratio...on/simulation-projectors-for-motion-platforms
It could be intersting to read this

@adgun Yes, interesting to know. But let's be honest, who wants to spend lot$ of money for vibration resistant projectors? The average LCD monitor for home or office use costs ~$100. The same monitor rated for aircraft use costs $10,000, I estimate. If your life depends on it it's justified to pay that.
But building simulation rigs for hobby we're all short on budget. So we tend to improvise. I bought not the cheapest but still very cheap Chinese projectors. If I find out that the lenses become out of focus due to vibration I won't hesitate to open the case and put some epoxy here and there to fix it.

i agree i only points things out before he goes in the rabbit hole to concider
You could buy 100 cheap projectors fore it ,and if every thing optical inside the projector stays rigid inline it could work

I love to see a project with it, If i wash you I try first but open one to look
I think its all platic ,i dont think its difficult for you to make it from aluminum the housing between screen and lens.
Than you can make damping for te electronics make youre own from it
regards Ad

Hello everybody,

I read all the comments after my last post, and I want to say that they are very important and valuable. I will carefully consider each one.

My main focus is the development of the Stewart platform. This would be the greatest achievement of my life if it succeeds. As for the monitors or projection system, that is a secondary project because I still need to resolve the challenges related to the electronics, such as using Arduino or other open-source electronic platforms. However, I will dedicate time to studying the problem of projection for the simulator.

Coming soon , I will share more ideas about the projection system for my simulation platform.

Thank you!