1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules
Shared accounts will be removed Plugin Downloads Zero spam policy Forum Rules

Question Switching from Linear to Rotary Actuators

Discussion in 'Commercial Simulators and Peripherie' started by Metaverum, Apr 7, 2022.

  1. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2019
    Messages:
    36
    Balance:
    146Coins
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    Hello everyone,

    Years ago I got into simulator building with the help of this community.

    I have a 3DOF stewart platform system with linear actuators. I am using both actuators and motors imported from China. Right now I am having problems with the default platform height due to the linear motors being relatively too big. I would like a motion platform with considerably less default platform height.

    I would like to use a new type of actuator that I believe is called a "rotary actuator". However, I am very unknowledgable about these parts.

    I would kindly ask for some information, link dumps, videos, correct terminology to use about these actuators. Also if these actuators come as a set or I have to put the parts together?

    Also, are these systems cheaper than the usual linear systems?

    Attached Files:

    Metaverum, Apr 7, 2022
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,031
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    147,884Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,880 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    A 'Rotary Actuator' is simply a controlled motor with a lever and rod attached, that produce movement that while not as linear or accurate as a linear actuator, is generally at a lower cost and quieter operation.
    noorbeast, Apr 7, 2022
    #2
  3. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2019
    Messages:
    36
    Balance:
    146Coins
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    What is the difference in accuracy/precision? Is it still a passable application of a motion platform or is there a severe loss in quality?

    And the price difference, is it significant?
    Metaverum, Apr 7, 2022
    #3
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,031
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    147,884Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,880 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    A linear actuator is more precise than a wormdrive gearbox, which has a certain amount of play for lubrication purposes: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/wormdrive-backlash.293/

    Cost is a bit of a difficult question, depending on DIY Vs commercial linear actuators, but in general a rotary approach simply relies on the bolt on gearbox, an attached lever and pot/hall sensor, with a rod with spherical ends connecting to the platform, so in may respects is simpler and much cheaper.
    noorbeast, Apr 7, 2022
    #4
  5. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2019
    Messages:
    36
    Balance:
    146Coins
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    I am building commercial platforms with not very many precise movements found in a flight simulator or a formula one car. Perhaps it could work with a gearbox.

    Are there any brands/suppliers you can recommend?
    Metaverum, Apr 7, 2022
    #5
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,031
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    147,884Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,880 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    A reasonable degree of precision is required for a flight or F1 motion simulator, though with a commercial rigs many more considerations come into play, such as suppliers, manufacturing costs and shipping.

    I have no views regarding suppliers, but with any commercial venture a solid business plan backed by commercial contracts and product plan is generally wise.
    noorbeast, Apr 7, 2022
    #6
  7. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2019
    Messages:
    36
    Balance:
    146Coins
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    Could you tell me what exactly is the reason for the lack of precision in worm gearbox simulators?
    Metaverum, Apr 8, 2022
    #7
  8. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,031
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    147,884Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,880 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Apr 8, 2022
    #8
  9. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2019
    Messages:
    36
    Balance:
    146Coins
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    Could you tell me what CTC stands for here? Thank you very much. I will look into this.
    Metaverum, Apr 8, 2022
    #9
  10. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,031
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    147,884Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,880 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    CTC = Center To Center, the distance between construction objects, most commonly used when discussing the distance between the center of the motor shaft and holes in the levers used on a motion simulator.
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Apr 8, 2022
    #10
  11. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2019
    Messages:
    36
    Balance:
    146Coins
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    And how would I choose a gearbox for the motor that I have? I am not very mechanically knowledgable.
    Metaverum, Apr 8, 2022
    #11
  12. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,031
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    147,884Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,880 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Apr 8, 2022
    #12
  13. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2019
    Messages:
    36
    Balance:
    146Coins
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF
    Ok - I have done some preliminary research and I feel like I already have a better understanding of worm gearboxes. I can use the same motor that I have and use a coupler to attach it to a fitting worm gearbox.

    A lot of the worm gearboxes I saw online seemingly have 2 output shafts, and they connect a lever from both sides which merges into one fisheye joint? Or am I not seeing it clearly?
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2022
    Metaverum, Apr 9, 2022
    #13