New (low cost) unlimited xyz rotation motion simulator development platform

Hello, Everyone,

Just wanted to say hello and to let anyone interested know, (hopefully I can spark interest in all of you and hopefully gain your support) that I'm developing a new low cost unlimited xyz rotation motion simulator development platform. Upon reading the word "new" I wouldn't be surprised if some eyebrows go up.
Background.
A couple of years ago, I started looking for a hang glider simulator so that I could train at home. I searched as much as I could. While I did find some interesting solutions for hang glider simulators, along the way, I learned about all types of simulator platforms known to date. Eg. Stewart platform, Ruggles Orientator type platform (eg. BSmotion simulator, Zhuoyuan Space-Time Shuttle VR Simulator, seca 360, etc), Robotic arm type motion simulators, suspended motion simulators, omni wheel supported sphere type motion simulators (Virtusphere, feelthree and Yaw), so on and so forth.

At that point, about 3 years ago, I requested a quote for 1 Bsmotion simulator (what seemed to be the bet simulator).
I received an email from brazil.
See mail contents below please

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Hello

Nice to hear from you.

We are currently redeveloping our products, so we are not ship them right now. Our 2FX price was USD 40.000,00 , complete set, EXW. Our new project will be something around that, but with more quality and tech.

How does that sound?

Best Regards,

Gabriel.
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I was like "you gotta be kidding me!". And that is without import taxes nor shipping fees all the way from Brazil!
Only wealthy people can afford to cough up that much money for a simulator.
Given the option to choose between buying a 40K sim or a 40K sports car, few people would choose a 40K sim. I know I wouldn't.

So, somehow, I had a hunch there had to be a different, better way to achieve unlimited rotation along all 3 (roll pitch and yaw, axes).
I kept telling myself, there's got to be a way to achieve unlimited rotation along all 3 axes without costing an arm and a leg.

Sooner than later, the concept took shape in my head.

I can tell you that what I'm developing does NOT fall under any of the known
platform categories.

Ever since then, I have been accumulating and learning about arduinos, DC motors, motor controllers, patenting process, 3D drawing software, building prototypes, etc.

I have already built a proof of concept and I'm on the process of building a life size version.

Basically, you get inside a sphere, get comfortable on your seat, buckle up 5 points, put on your VR headset, grab your Joystick and say sayonara to your friends and family, because you will be going to VR paradise.

(You can see a 3D rendition of the concept here:

It can be used to simulate almost, if not all, types of vehicles; Land, air and sea.

Including hang gliders and spaceships (elite dangerous and Starcitizen)

It still is a bit rough around the ages,

but, anyway, so far so good.

The idea is to launch a Kickstarter campaign as soon as the life size prototype is functional.

The rewards will start from DIY manuals and Kits, all the way to semi-assembled plug and play motion simulators.

The goal is ambitious: To finally make safe motion simulators with unlimited range of xyz rotation available to every gamer in the world.

If everything goes as planned, retail price would be between 5 and 10K.

I'd appreciate if you'd let me know if you have any ideas, questions and/or comments, etc.

Martini

You need to provide easy escape from it in case you get stuck hanging upside down not facing the entrance...and you are alone. It happened to a customer on skype call, got stuck sideways 45 degrees, and his door could not open in that position... and I could do nothing to help remotely... he eventually managed to reach the belt from inside the cockpit and free the axis. Just saying.. safety first!!!

Thank you Thanos. Thank you for pointing that out! Yes, You are totally right! Very good point. While I haven't decided on the final solution yet, I do have some ideas in mind. I'm just not that far into completion yet. One option could be to split the sphere into 2 separate sections; Top/lower hemispheres and providing a mechanism for the upper section to open about 45 degrees. Another option would be implementing a sensor for automatic home return and also a manual switch to force it back to home position. Of course the entry/exit hatch needs to have a mechanism to lock/unlock from the inside. Please , let me know if you have any ideas and thank you for your feedback. Best Regards Martini

I'm adding a short video of a semi-working proof-of-concept scale prototype. (video has been edited to conceal the mechanism)

Just my comment on these 360 degree sims - I am a retired Defence system engineer and in my opinion these types of simulators are not the best way to simulate a flying platform - they are more of a carnival ride - great fun but just that. But, all the best in your endeavors .

Thank you SeatTime. Your opinion is very valuable. Specially coming from an experienced engineer. But, I would be very interested in hearing more about which is the best way to simulate flight. Looking forward to your reply. Best Regards.

Have a look at any real professional aircraft sim, or even my 6DOF build with G-pressure systems. But don't let me stop you if you disagree, as it is your money/time, etc not mine .

Thank you SeatTime. So, are you saying that limitless xyz rotation is not an essential aspect of a realistic flight simulator? Which 'real professional aircraft sim' should I take a look at? I would appreciate if you could point me to a few names or links. Thank you.

Yes, xyz 360 rotation is not an essential aspect of a realistic flight simulator - Google is your friend. Sorry if this is not what you want to hear - but I will say again - don't let me stop you building one if you must - all the best.

Actually, i'm not disappointed at all. I was hoping you would say exactly those words. Thank you again!

nice! i guess in your kick starter an affordable price would be a key (i mean, keep cost in mind, if your sim has a consirably low price compared to a profesional one, it does not means that it would be affordable for your customers) (like saying: this aircraft is super cheap, it only cost a million dollars, compared to a big jumbo plane)

i guess that for the mayority of people, (not hard simers) being upsaid down, even in a not realistic way would be a blast! (just consider pointing that out, and do the marketing as the "gratest" arcade ever

i hope you can share your development with the comunity, (last mond a guy just launched a kickstarter campain and he showed his prototype with the community, i guess you dont have to be afraid of be "pirated" by someone, since simulators have been around for years, making a nice product, do the management, marketing, make and sell is where your know how and work do the difference)

best regards

fer

is a xy or xyz ? (i guess it has no z movemnt, but, ask to the big guys here)

Thank you Ferslash! Yes! You got it! I love the way you put it 'i guess that for the mayority of people, (not hard simers) being upsaid down, even in a not realistic way would be a blast!".
Jut being able to spin emulating every move of a fighter jet, or your favorite Elite Dangerous spaceship while chasing enemy spaceships, or simulating a Red Bull aerobatics plane race and your simulator replicating every move your plane makes! Plus who says we can't add more degrees of freedom? Who says we can't add G-force simulation?
Love you FerSlash! You are awesome! Stay put!

Yes, IT DOES HAVE unlimited XYZ 360 rotational freedom! Along pitch, roll and Yaw!

Hello, everyone. I just remembered I once wrote to famous aerobatic glider world champion Luca Bertossio to share with him about my simulator platform and I thought I'd share with you what his comments were about this project. (see below) Best Regards

This project is alive. It is taking more time because I work a full time job. This a computer generated graphics concept.

Here is another pic of the concept. Thanks for your interest and support. Best Regards

Hello, Pilots! We have decided to Lunch a Pre-Kickstarter Campaign Promo. Here's the Link in case you are curious. Regards.
Pre-Kickstarter Campaign Promo

Hello, everyone, just touching base with you guys. Just allow me to say that I'm making progress. Finally, I was able to actually achieve some full turns. This is the first video of this fist time ever system actually rotating. I compare this step to " baby's first kicks inside the womb". Obviously, there are still tons of things to do. It is a work in progress.

What do you guys think about this position for the pilot, as far as comfort and center of gravity and other related aspects? Please, let me know your thoughts. Regards