Using Opencockpits DC Motors card for Motion

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if the Opencockpits DC Motors card can be used with powerful motors for a motion simulator seat.

I am only looking to move 3 motors (Pitch/Bank) five degrees, enough to support, lets say 110KG?

Please let me know if this would be suitable/unsuitable; any advice; experiences, etc.

Thanks very much,

Jack:D

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Anyone know if this is possible? I have access to the motors available.

[fordgt40]

Jack

I think that you are coming at this from the wrong direction. To answer the question you need to know what the voltage and current demands are to compare against the OC card - which has a paltry 30volt and 1 amp maximum.

To establish this you need to calculate the "work" involved ie weight x distance and then convert this into torque depending on how your mechanics are arranged. Finally, you need to decide how quickly you wish the seat to move over its length of travel

You can then find a motor with the torque capacity and rotational speed to meet your needs. That will then tell you whether the OC card is suitable

Simples :)

David

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Hi David,

The OC Card voltage/ampage outputs don't matter - I have conversion devices that wil ltake care of this for me (I use this when using the USBServos Card).

I have been thinking about these motors... Way to small I know... But just research. High Torque and low speed...

http://www.active-robots.com/products/motorsandwheels/planetary-gearbox-dc-motor-139-1.shtml

Three of these... For pitch and bank (NOT Yaw) - Only looking to move about five degrees (trust me, this is more than enough =P).

[fordgt40]

Hi

I am a little puzzled - if, as you say "The OC Card voltage/ampage outputs don't matter" then why are you asking if the OC card is suitable?. The OC card will certainly control those motors in your link. Presumably you are going to have a central pivot mount for the seat to reduce the load demands on the motors, but why three motors, surely only two are needed unless I am missing something here.

Thanks for the interesting link

David

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Three Motors; One for two sides and one at the front (like a triangle).

I was thinking of attatching a drive-screw onto each motor, then allowing this to move up and down. This drive-screw is connected to a platform with whatever seat attatched.

And yes! Interesting link. That site is dedicted to robot parts.

[fordgt40]

Three Motors; One for two sides and one at the front (like a triangle).

Jack

Ok, up to you, but you only need two motors for 2 dof with a centre pivot to take the weight of the seat and occupant. You can use more motors to shed the load, but this would seriously complicate the sioc programming, probably too far! The drive screw idea is sound, just need to check that the rotation speed/torque of the motor will move the seat quickly enough.

David

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Hi David,

Just to confirm then... Are you suggesting two motors like this:

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz146/Stratuspheric/DCMotorsMotion.jpg

Sorry for the basic diagram...

[fordgt40]

Jack

No. As per this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT_Xnu-gAJU

David

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Hi David,

With three motors, the central pivot is rendered unecessary and will cost less (pivot is VERY expensive).

[Jordan Farmer]

Umm, just butting in here, you say a pivot is very exsensive, im not so sure, you can use an old UJ (Universal Joint) from a car prop shaft or tractor PTO setup, then weld a steel plate on one side to join to the sim base, and attach a shaft to fix to the base, i dont think it will be as pricey as you think ;)

[fordgt40]

Jack

Its your choice, there is no doubt in my mind which is the easiest route and I doubt that there is much cost difference overall.

David

[fordgt40]

Jack

Just seen Devonpilots post which I fully agree with. For example, with three motors and no central pivot how are you going to attach the motors to the seat?

David