Motion Simulation

No simulator would be complete without trying to introduce some forces on your body. Replicating authentic movements and motions in racing and flight sims is impossible, but you at least you can get somewhat of a feel for it. I have been looking at plenty of solutions both within and beyond my budget and here is a summary of what I've been looking at so far.

FrexGP SimConMOTION
This motion system differs from traditional ones by not affecting the entire body (legs are stationary). According to Frex this is a better way to simulate forcers applied to the body when racing, you can find an explanation about this on their website. If you disregard DIY-projects, Frex is probably the cheapest (yet pricey) way to get some movement into your sims.

In order to use SimConMOTION you'll need SimConMotion, SimConBase, Frex Cockpit and a racing seat and harness of your choice. There is an excellent review of this product that goes into the detail of how the experience is to drive this thing and also what it is like to assemble.

Below is a clip of the SimConMOTION in action in the simulator GPL - it also shows the FrexGP HShift+ and a projector =) I think this setup may be very close to what I'll eventually end up with.



The cost of this motion simulator (SimConMotion, SimConBase, Frex Cockpit) excluding shipping and chair is around 13'500 SEK.

DIY Motion Sim using X-sim software
Another popular way to go about simulation motion is to build your own one. There is a piece of software called X-Simulator that is a "Universal and free software to control pneumatic and hydraulic self-made simulators with up to 4 axis and soft-pneumatic."

The main idea of this software is to "Buy a game, install it, 'hack' the directx effects with Yoda (force feedback scanning software) and play it at the same day in your simulator. Without having to wait for any software/driver updates."

Below is an example video of a DIY frame using the X-sim software. I believe the frame was built using hardware from an ordinary hardware store and the two axis are powered by windscreen wiper motors. The creator of this frame has also posted this forum post about it with more media. There is also a progress of work post (17 pages long) he created about building this (however it is in greek, haha - apparently the images are self descriptive though :)



The frame used in the video above is bases on the Joyrider project. The plans to this frame can be purchased from the site at a cost of $15. The frame construction cost is claimed to be less than $500 and build time is a as little as a few days. You can also buy a similar manufactured version of this frame called "DreamFlyer" at this site.

I think that frames such as these may be great for flight sims, but I am more sceptic about their place in racing simulations. As the makers of the FrexGP motion simulator mention, I have a feeling that it will feel awkward to tilt your entire body to such an extent that it may just feel too unnatural (and maybe not responsive enough?). Another issue will be the screen. In extensive motions the screen would have to rotate with you, a 19" TFT tilting around with you will only give motions, but not the big picture experience that I'm after. I suppose you could mount maybe a 26" or even 32" LCD on the frame, or maybe a number of smaller TFT-screens, but I don't think the screens are meant to move around so much and how long they last in one piece might be an issue :) Also, if going for a stationary screen and if you tilt your body 30 degrees, looking at a static projected screen in front of you might be an odd experience.

Force Dynamics 301
Force Dynamics have an awesome product called "the 301". This beggar packs a 50" screen with a DLP-projector that rotates with the frame. With this large piece of machinery there is also a large price tag retailing at $24'000 which is equivalent to about 160'000 SEK. This is yet again beyond my budget - but it's still well worth a spot in this blog and a sample video of this monster in action:



(You may prefer something prettier behind the wheel in this machine)

Links to other commercial and DIY motion solutions:
InMotion Simulator - They claim selling a low-cost solutions from 3-6 DOF, but at a cost of 150'000 - 500'000 SEK it is way out of my budget anyway =)
DIY Motion Platform - 6 DOF work in progress site
DIY Project Forum Post - 2 DOF work in progress
DIY Classic Motion Base - Home Made Hydraulic Simulator
DIY $0 Budget project - Motion on the cheap

Signing off on this post - you may find less interest but more amusement in this video of "John Deere's Tractor Motion Simulator" :)
Category: Hardware [cat_hw]