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Simtools viable to use with simcraft rig?

Discussion in 'Commercial Simulators and Peripherie' started by DaVinster, Dec 3, 2015.

  1. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    I have a sim rig that uses scn6 actuators. I happened across this site from a youtube video and I was wondering if I could use simtools with it? I'm a casual gamer so I'm looking for a variety of interfaces.

    From what I read on the forums here so far is that support for the scn6 is either currently working or will be in the next version?

    TIA!
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2016
    DaVinster, Dec 3, 2015
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    noorbeast, Dec 3, 2015
    #2
  3. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    Thank you noorbeast. I'll check it out.

    DaV
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    DaVinster, Dec 3, 2015
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  4. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    I found my answer. "Simtools does not support multiple SCN’s with different Id’s on a single rs485 to usb converter atm. One converter on each SCN with all Id’s set to default is mandatory."

    I was able to get only one axis working as my setup uses only one rs485 interface with (I assume) different ID numbers for each of the three scn6's. Simtools only sees one com port of course.

    I will either have to wait to see if simtools v1.4 supports multiple SCN’s with different Id’s on a single rs485 to usb converter or dig deeper into adding two rs485 interfaces. I'm not interested in hacking my harness apart but at this stage I'm not sure if there's an eloquent solution to modify (preferably reversible) the wiring or not. More research is in order I think :)
    DaVinster, Dec 3, 2015
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  5. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Dec 3, 2015
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  6. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    Thanks again. I'm going to order three of these I think.

    I might be able to get away with two but for the extra $6. I could avoid the hassle of using two different types. As my current rig already has power for each actuator I'm thinking I could just unplug one cable from each actuator and use 'jumper cables' to attach to the adapters (above) allowing me to use simtools. - CONFIRMED

    This would allow me to simply unplug the jumpers and reconnect the actuators as originally wired. - CONFIRMED

    I need to order the male and female ends to create the jumper cables. Does anyone know what they are called or what size to connect the controller cable to the RS485 converter? I have wire, I just would need the ends to crimp onto them.

    Thank you in advance!

    DaV
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    Last edited: Jan 10, 2016
    DaVinster, Dec 3, 2015
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  7. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    Its not quite as simple as that though because each time you switch you must also use Dyadic's app to change the Id's too except for on the SCN that stays on ID=0 all the time.
    • Like Like x 1
    BlazinH, Dec 3, 2015
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  8. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    That seems a sensible approach.

    @nclabs can you or another scn user please advise on wire size.
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Dec 4, 2015
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  9. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    Wire size?
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    BlazinH, Dec 4, 2015
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  10. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    Yes I read something about that. Doesn't seem to be a complicated process..? CONFIRMED: must use Dyadic's software to set all actuators to zero.

    Cheers,

    DaV
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2016
    DaVinster, Dec 4, 2015
    #10
  11. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    DaVinster, Dec 4, 2015
    #11
  12. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    I'm going to upload a couple images to show where I need to go from and to. I have circled the cable I need to 'jump' to the terminal block in either RS485 converters. (I purchased both types as insurance).

    I also checked www.miraiintertech.com and the shortest (cheapest) Dyadic extension cable is $45. USD! I was thinking of stripping one end of the extension cable to use in the terminal block but for $45. each, forget it :mad:

    gregactuator sidecircled.jpg gregrs485 end.JPG ch340t rs485lg.JPG

    Attached Files:

    DaVinster, Dec 4, 2015
    #12
  13. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    noorbeast, Dec 4, 2015
    #13
  14. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    UPDATE: RESOLVED: After considerable work I'm now stuck. Long story short I received the 2 different model rs485 adapters I ordered. I'm finally at the point where the PC sees the adapters and I'm able to open the comports and 'talk' to the actuators (using both types). I was able to set the IDs to 'zero' for both axis I'm working with using MVST.exe. I could not however get any motion from simtools. Everything looked good and properly configured.

    Then I discovered by using TBVST.exe that every time I turned I turned the power again it would set a B9 alarm condition. I could use TBVST.exe to reset the alarm and it would be OK (stay green) until the next time I cycled the power however even green 'no alarm' I could not get any motion (only having ONE axis connected at a time).

    I wired two actuators directly to two rs485 converters and I see two distinct comports. (not using the third actuator yet so that's out of the equation) .

    In the enclosed pictures I'm working with the PITCH Axis only.

    The B9 alarm means a defective controller, defective motor or Cable not connected. As the sim was working fine before and I'm getting the exact same condition on two actuators I can only assume it has something to do with the wiring? Yes, I tried swapping the trx- and trx+. When I do that I'm unable to communicate with the actuator any longer.

    I think I have everything done properly from what I've read and the excellent help I've gotten here. RESOLVED

    TY,

    DaV




    e? 27322 control wires.JPG wire jumper1.JPG 3 prong rs485.JPG 4 prong rs485 incl 5v front.JPG 4 prong rs485 incl 5v back.JPG tbvst good b4 urning on servo.JPG 27329 tbvst b9 alarm after turning on servo.JPG 27331 b9error2.JPG
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2015
    DaVinster, Dec 30, 2015
    #14
  15. DaVinster

    DaVinster Active Member

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    It's working! Even though I bypassed the original serial converter I still had to plug the old cable in so it wouldn't throw an alarm code. simtools is configured and 3dof output testing is completed. I need to read up on some initial settings for the acceleration, % range and so forth before I start experimenting with some new titles :thumbs

    Thanks Noorbeast, BlazingH, SeatTime and Pit and for pointing me in the right direction. The people and the resources here are amazing.. Have a Happy new Year!
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    DaVinster, Dec 31, 2015
    #15