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Sim on top of a sim? Heave at 600+ lbs?

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by DaVinster, Dec 8, 2015.

  1. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN6, Motion platform
    I have a 3dof sim. Let's forget for a moment that it is a purchased unit. What I'm wondering is would it be possible, or practical to think I could put the whole thing on a home-made heave axis?

    Two points; 1) is it possible to build a heave platform that could heave (lift) about 300kgs with sufficient speed to emulate road ruts and air turbulence? 2) If it is possible, how much of an issue will the sim rocking back and forth be? I'm assuming that if the sim is leaning left, for example, that it will be heavier on one side and will be 'pulling up' on the other. The base of my current sim is like a capital 'I' with extended horizontal lines (similar to a capital 'T' on both ends).

    I'm in the process of hopefully converting to the simtools software so if simtools is controlling the other 3dof, adding a heave axis (not using actuators but motors of some kind) should allow the 4 axis to work through simtools seamlessly, correct?

    I know there is more involved but just asking for some general advise before I consider going down that road.

    TIA!

    DaV
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2015
    DaVinster, Dec 8, 2015
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    To move 300kgs at sufficient speed would take a lot of heave power and likely would need some sort of spring assist to be affordable.

    The implication of moving the sim, like rocking, would depend on the design and I can't picture exactly what you have in mind from your description.
    • Agree Agree x 1
    noorbeast, Dec 8, 2015
    #2
  3. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    Thanks for your reply noorbeast. I was thinking of putting my vertex3 gt on top of a platform or mounted on something that would only go up/down. See my avatar for a pic of the Vertex3 gt. I've seen some designs using cheap electric motors (24v) and a sarrus hinge. I would be able to attach whatever I might come up to the floor for added stability. The 600 lb estimate is allowing for additional overhead. Actual may be closer to 500lbs.
    DaVinster, Dec 8, 2015
    #3
  4. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    Hi @DaVinster nice rig you have! Short said it makes no sense to add a heave to your rig due to the rotation concept. Only if the seat is in standard "middle" position heave makes sense. If you leave this position, the heave forces are coming from left and right, front and back but not from the bottom. I hope you understood, could not explain better this issue ;)
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2015
    Pit, Dec 8, 2015
    #4
  5. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    Thanks Pit. I think I get it. I think especially around the YAW axis. Perhaps when VR becomes more available and plug and play I will consider building a 6DOF seat mover rig. No need to worry about about mounting monitors around you with a VR headset. In the meantime I'm hoping I can convert the vertex to use simtools. I have 2 different models of USB to RS485 converters on order.

    Appreciate your response and insight..

    Cheers,

    DaV
    DaVinster, Dec 8, 2015
    #5
  6. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

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    Just heaving the seat may be a solution, look in the FAQ.
    • Like Like x 1
    SeatTime, Dec 9, 2015
    #6
  7. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    • Like Like x 2
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2015
    noorbeast, Dec 9, 2015
    #7
  8. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    Very cool concept. Unfortunately for me I'm pretty much at the weight limit for my vertex so I don't want to add any more weight. It also came with a very nice cobra racing seat so I wouldn't be interested in cutting the bottom out. Out of curiosity, how much approx weight did this mod add? I may keep an eye out for a cheap seat to mod if I drop a few lbs :think
    DaVinster, Dec 9, 2015
    #8
  9. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    The majority of the weight is the motor - so depends on motor chosen. Also if you are a big guy a bigger motor then what I used would be required, or a spring included to offset the weight.
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    SeatTime, Dec 9, 2015
    #9
  10. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    Thanks for the reply. I have no idea how much these motors weigh but I'm assuming pretty hefty considering the windings etc. So should I budget for ballpark 20lbs? 30? Any more than that I'll need more than a treadmill :eek:

    Cheers,

    DaV
    DaVinster, Dec 11, 2015
    #10