Using Chinese actuators?

Hi all,

*Had to post this here because the forum wouldn't let me post it anywhere else*

I have been researching for a few days now and have decided to build a relatively simple motion sim. What I would like to do is have 4 actuators. One in each of the four corners of a platform on top which I can mount my cockpit.

Being a college student on a budget, I would like to avoid SCN5 or SCN6 actuators. While looking around, I came across multiple cheap'ish Chinese actuators. How would one of these work for what I have in mind?

https://www.firgelliauto.com/products/high-speed-actuator

I have found cheaper ones too. But this is a good example.

Thanks!

110mm per second loaded. slightly on the slower side of recommended 200mm per second.
Also, with what you plan, it will not be cheap, you would need an engineered spring under the centre to support the weight.
College student on a budget? Normally a seat mover 2 DOF costs anywhere from $500 ish using ard and MM to $700 ish using JRK

Hi back at you! First of all, while your intended design may appear to be relatively simple to you, that does not mean its still not difficult to build or not costly. SCN actuators are not a good option imo for the type of platform you wish to build. But neither are the Chinese actuators you listed, since their specs say 22lbs dynamic force and a 20% duty cycle at full load. Four of them will only lift about 88 lbs and I doubt with a 20% duty cycle that your motors will stay cool enough for continuous use on a simulator. One of the difficulties with this type of design is obtaining actuators that are fast enough, powerful enough, and robust enough without making your own.

At bsft stated, to have any change of these working, you will need to either use a spring to counter the platforms weight or come up with some other way of countering the weight that will be lifted. Even then they would be somewhat on the slow side.

Thanks for the replies guys. Appreciate your inputs.
So that rules those actuators out.

The only wiring/circuitry experience I have is from building RC planes and cars. I've also built my own gaming computers in the past. I've tried reading up on Arduino in the past but never dived into it. I can solder and all that. Would a 2DOF sim be too much for me? Ideally I would like 3DOF.

How does it feel running over a kerb on a 2DOF? Can you properly feel it?

That traction loss idea is absolute genius! It's so simple yet so functional. I think I'm going to enjoy building this a lot more than I thought!

The other thing I was thinking about was my projector setup. I'm probably going to have to keep this in my home theatre. I'm going to build an F1 style cockpit to line up against the projector screen. I can already think of a couple of problems with this though.

1) How do I get the projector to project around the cockpit? I need the screen low enough to have the front wheels visible, but how do I mount the projector?

2) The screen won't shake with the motion sim. Will that make it unrealistic while driving? Because the cockpit shakes and the screen doesn't.

Hi Abdulb, you might think about a short throw projector, it can be mounted above your pit and still project a large screen ahead of you.

You make a good point about the screen shake, I have my triples mounted to my motion platform but am about to move them off so I can create a slide and use them for both of my motion platforms (one flight the other driving). I was thinking about that as well and if you think about it, the car shakes; everything from your pedals to your bum, but the scenery outside isn't moving. So it makes sense to have a stationary monitor or projector.

Hey!
I understand the scenery bit, but I would like my nose cone (might not be able to see it in all cars), front wheels and front wing to be on the screen. So when my cockpit is shaking, will it appear in that moment like my wheels or my nose cone are separated from the car?

I can't seem to be able find any detailed threads using motors with gearboxes. Does anyone have any links to some?

Thanks again!

For a seat mover motor with gear box check out @bsft 's or @Nick Moxley 's build. They have, I think, 50:1 gearboxes on their motors. I use boat winch motors and gear sets, which I think are around 400:1, for my motion platform, @Pit uses ATV winch motors also around 400:1. I am currently switching over to ATV winch motors as well. There are a few people who are using bigger DC motors and gearboxes as well as AC motors and gear boxes. If I had more time I would like you to their perspective threads.

Yes , with a properly set profile. The way to do it is tune each force at a time.

EDIT a 2DOF is a good start. If ards are complicated, there is help, or look at JRKs, choice is yours

Although your sim @BlazinH is a good example

@Abdulb

@Abdulb

25:1 boxes

A kerb that is actually modeled by the game as a Saw tooth kerb, Yes Will output the data for it, the question is Do you have your profiles set properly to access said data. It will take you a while to learn and understand whats what. But everyone has to go through that stage when learning the software/motion quirks.

This might be the most helpful forum I've ever come across. Thank you all so much for your replies. I was honestly afraid somebody would just say "use the search bar" when I first posted.

I've gone through all those threads and videos and I'm pretty much sold. A 2DOF build with DC motors fits my budget and skill level quite well. And should allow me to develop my skills for upgrades later on.

I'm a little confused as to how the motor gets attached to the connecting rod. I've never used a gearbox before so probably that's why. I've got plenty of experiencing mounting DC motors in various RC applications though. Help please!

Also, speaking of RCs. Why don't people use RC servos? I'm sure there are more powerful industrial ones too. I've seen some servos that can easily move 40KGs or so. And they've been getting pretty quick lately too. And they're probably a lot cheaper than DC motors as well.

Attaching rod ends to the motor/lever all sorta depend on what motor's you have, Some are solid shaft, some are hollow...so different approaches are required. Have you looked through all the FAQ's and threads of the member's who are suggesting things ? That would be a good start, and ask more questions as you go. Were here to help, No worries.

Rc Servo's wouldn't stand the test of time on our rigs, When you get the Pgsaw motor's in your hands you'll understand. When you FEEL the power they have, You'll REALLY understand what we mean.


Pgsaw motor's are 89$ a pop, You wont find ANY thing that cheap in the same league for performance/cost

@Nick Moxley $89 works for me! By the time I commence by build I should be able to afford SCN5 actuators. I just think motors should be more fun.

I've viewed all the threads and went through the FAQs too after you mentioned them. But I still can't fully understand how the arm(?) will be mounted to the motor. I get it, but I always like to know these kind of things inside out before I dive into them. And I also am not sure which type of sensor I should be using or how it would be mounted. I would prefer not to use gears. Surely there must be a way to do it in a more simpler way?

Thanks!