SMC3 based DIY 2DOF from NZ

Its been a long time coming but I am finally starting my first attempt of a 2DOF addition to my sim rig. I have been looking into it for 12 - 18 months but never taken it seriously as there has always been something easier or less effort to upgrade elsewhere. I already have a custom DIY built triple screen setup that I am planning to make a motion "platform" for this rig to bolt down onto. My thinking is that it will make it a lot easier to build/update/change/remove if the motion part and the main part are separated by nuts and bolts.

I do a lot of DIY towards my rig as being in New Zealand, its not easy to get a lot of the good/best components and if you can get them, shipping takes a while and costs a lot. Because its my first attempt and even though I will be giving it my best effort, I cannot guarantee it will be right/finished the first time of putting things together, I am going down the "simple" Arduino/Monstor Moto/Wiper Motor route.

So, this is the start of my build project! I have ordered the Monstor Moto board, I already have an arduino lying around at home and while I source some wiper motors and a pivot joint (drive shaft/CV joint), I am looking to hopefully get the SimTools software and get my head around it using the same method as a lot of other first timers using the RC project idea (https://www.xsimulator.net/community/marketplace/rc-model-code-for-arduino-uno-2dof-expandable.89/). I have already sourced a heat sink for the moto board which is helpful too!

Once things arrive and things start to take shape, I will update as much as possible. I look forward to help and advice from the community. Pretty excited to be finally on the road to motion!

Thanks

That is the second time that name has been mentioned to me today... A friend of mine and fellow racer recommended them but warned me of hardware envy

Hi.

Good to see an fellow Kiwi. What part of the country are you in?

Give me a yell if you need any advice about sourcing hardware in NZ.

If you haven't got your motors yet then this is where I get my motors from http://www.bgts.co.nz/12V-24V-DC Motors-DC Forward reverse controllers/styled-10/index.html

Wow, bit star struck and flustered having the highly mentioned one that is @Avenga76 commenting/offering help!

I am in Feilding down in the Manawatu. It must be something to do with Network Engineers and playing with Sim rigs... I will PM you with lots of hopefully not so annoying questions.

Haha. I didn't know I had that kind of star power

I'm just up in Auckland.

Yeah, I think it is quite common for us IT guys to make our own DIY motion, us Kiwi's are quite DIY anyway and being in IT means that we have no probs with the electrical side of things.

Feel free to PM me your questions

Here are some progress shots of how my sim rig has morphed to where I am now. Even though, there are only "3 versions" in the pictures, there has been lots of work between the main versions as I have transitioned. And as I have got a bigger rig, I have had to migrate to my shed/man cave instead of having the warmth of being in a house while gaming. The core of my rig is 25 x 25 boxed steel and breaks down into 4 main parts - TV upright, seat, base, pedal box. As you can see, a lot of DIY stuff.

"Version 3" in the image is my starting point for motion will be so I am looking forward to it.

Interesting looking seat bolsters you got there.

Yes, thats the joys of DIY... Seat is a fixed back full race bucket set but I wanted to add some immersion as well as block out my surroundings and edge of the monitors. Head bolsters is a bit of folded stainless steel with 2 x 8mm rod for strength and to take out flex. This is bolted through the head of the seat and then I have used expanding foam between the head bolster and back of seat to create one piece for strength and support. Carved/shaped the foam and threw some cheap black spray can paint at it. Does the job and cost me $30NZD

I use VR for that

Yes VR... I have had the opportunity to test and use an HTC Vive on my rig twice now for a week at a time. Don't get me wrong, LOVE the immersion and the idea and the feeling BUT, the resolution clarity is what stops me from selling my screens. I find my eyes and brain and trying make out distance that just isn't there. Hard going from 3 x 32" monitors at 1080 and the clarity and resolution that gives compared to VR. VR is SUPER SWEET though but just not for me at the moment. Plus i love my perving at my button box and dashes... LOL

Currently I am trying to fill the time and get as many things sorted out and ready before the electronics arrive. So, last night, I built myself a power supply for the motors. This is a 200W PSU out of an PC I had lying around at work and so manipulated it what I need. I have given myself a 12v and 5v plugs and will use a self made Y splitter for the two motors. 5V was a just incase option for fans or the Arduino etc. Pictures show what I started with and what I ended with.

I can safely assume thats for the Model and not the real build ?

And now I feel completely and utterly inadequate... Guess I have underestimated this. I'm guessing the wattage should be fine but is it the amperage that is the issue? Would that particular PSU not power one motor?

Ok, more knowledge is rarely a bad thing and finding this out has saved me pain at build time. I have dug through our "deceased" room at work and found these server PSUs, even though they are the recommended 600W+ but I am hoping these should do the job?!

Much better, now to find the Pin out so you can Ground the "turn on" pin so the 12v Rail becomes live. Most Hot Swap units require some more work to get them up and running.

Thank you and thank you. At least I don't feel as silly now because I have learnt from it and have a direction to work in. Thanks