Buying a full-options motion rig can set you back several thousand dollars very easily. Yes, they look very cool, refined, and are aesthetically pleasing, but what if we told you that there is a much more cost-effective way to get the same results? You can make a DIY motion Simulator Kit at home, either with wood, PVC pipes, or a range of other materials, and get the experience you crave quite easily!
In this article, we will consider what you need for a DIY motion simulator kit, how to put it together, and the results you can expect.
DIY Motion Simulator Kit – An Overview
Motion sims are a great way to enhance your racing sim experience and to learn more about what it would truly feel like, to be seated in the cockpit of a sports car and when on the track. The more expensive versions have haptic sensors, vibrators, and a six-degree motion angle that allows them to give users that original track feeling.
Of course, the sim you choose will also have an impact on how much and the type of feedback your racing sim gives you.
As mentioned above, there is a wide range of materials you can choose for your rig. While wood and PVC are much more cost-effective, for the sake of this guide, we will be using some alloys and aluminum instead so that you can actually get a good finish and boast about your DIY motion simulator kit to friends and family with pride.
What You Need For a DIY Motion Simulator Kit
The Controller
The first thing you will need is a microcontroller programmed specifically to control a motion sim racing rig. You can program one yourself if you’d like, but we believe it is much easier to simply purchase one from eBay or a motion rig repair center. There are a number of options available, of course, ranging from $15 all the way to $800 per controller.
Remember, you don’t need the more expensive controllers, as they have a much larger number of nodes than what is necessary. Arduino Uno is one of the best micro-controllers to start with, especially if you are a beginner. ESP 32 is another example, but it is best used for rigs that need to connect to Wi-Fi.
Motors & Controllers
You will need motor controllers corresponding to the number of motors you want to install. Three IBT-2 motor controllers would work just fine for the purpose of a basic DIY motion simulator kit that moves on three axes. Of course, for six, you will need six motors and six controllers.
Testing
To check the motors, attach the micro-controller to the controller and your computer. The SMC32 Windows Utility tools should be helpful here. You basically need to check the servo function (if you bought a servo motor) and whether the motor can function with respect to specific inputs.
The Design
Take a printed car photo and trace an outline resembling the type of rig you want. Keep in mind how much freedom you want with the traction. Design the upper frame corresponding to the pivot. The pivot should be at the center of the middle frame, beneath which we will place the Traction Loss Simulator.
The bottom frame should be sturdy enough to sustain your entire weight, so we recommend aluminum or a thick, strong piece of wood. For ease of access, mobility, and traction loss, you should also consider installing wheels on the bottom frame.
The Frame
Build the frame
To build the frame, you should use steel, aluminum, or other alloy bars. The material needs to be very sturdy. If you are using PVC, make sure you choose a thick sheet and fill it with strong material. You have the liberty to make the frame as you wish, so long as you leave room for yourself to remain comfortable, and that you can get in and out easily!
The frame should also have housing that can support your wheel, pedals, gear shift, screen, and other necessary elements of the rig. This is common sense, but it is worth mentioning; do not house your PC or the mouse in your DIY motion simulator kit. You don’t need either of these things in the frame. If needed, you can also keep the screen off the frame and only use Oculus Rift (which is a much better option, in our opinion).
Weld the frame and give it the shape you need. Ideally, it should resemble the chassis of a car. Install the car inside the upper and mid-frame and attach a motor underneath to push your seat up and down. The set can also be attached to the top frame if needed, and the motor can be placed at the back. Instead of pushing your seat up and down, the motor can be programmed to push the entire upper frame.
While this makes repair work easy, it does put a lot of stress on the motor. It is better to attach the seat to its frame, and the motor to the mid-frame such that the motor is exactly below the seat. Once the seat is in place, attach the pedals.
Next, you will need to install motors on the mid-frame such that they can tilt your seat when needed. The motors will need to be installed at an angle to give you that sideways g-force when making sharp turns. Ideally, these motors should turn the seat frame, not just the seat, for your safety.
Install the motors
And finally, it is time to install the motors at the lowest frame. Install two motors, such that the bottom frame is the pivot point and the wheels on the mid-frame allow your seat and the frame below it to turn. These motors don’t need to be connected to the seat, just the frame.
Now, test the motors again to ensure that the frame moves as intended. Make sure that the frames aren’t subjected to any undue stress while performing and that the motors can comfortably take the weight of the frame. Next step; hop in!
Let the games begin
You get to check your DIY motion simulator kit first-hand now, but take it slow. Use the SMC32 o check each angle and the feedback. Once ready, you will need to connect the motors to the steering and program the controllers to react based on the game’s feedback.
This is just a rough build, and as you get used to this, you should consider upgrading the rig from time to time. Of course, if you are looking to go professional, the DIY motion simulator kit is no match for a professional kit. Keep practicing your DIY until you are good enough to challenge professionals. You may need to make a few tweaks to the controllers from time to time, depending on your IoT and programming skills.