New DOF Motion Platform Sim

jmig

jmig

SOH-CM-2025
I mentioned in a couple past posts that I had ordered and assembled a DOF Hero 3 motion platform. This is the same company as Navy Chief's system. However, his is a six axis of motion and mine is three. It moves in pitch, roll, and yaw; offering about 30 degrees of range in each axis.

I did some modifications on mine to suit my needs and preferences. Because I am old and do not like climbing over things to get into the seat, I fabricated out of aluminum tubing and fittings a swingable side console upon which the WinWing throttle is mounted. The swinging structure is held inplace while flying by three magnets epoxied to the side of the gate. I plan at a later date to add a few switches to this console. I want a left hand gear leaver for fighters.

Because I use both WinWing and the Alpha/Bravo system, I had to come up with an arrangement where I could use both and not have one interfere with the other. So, using an old door hinge and a piece of 0.125 aluminum plate I made the WinWing yoke capable of flipping out of the way when using the Honeywell Alpha/Bravo system. It too is held in position by magnets.

I mainly use the 65" 4k TV for testing and playing games. The smaller 28" monitor is used for Axis & Ohs, the MSFS Add-on program, etc. Anything that I want to see while MSFS, DCS, or Skyrim takes up the big screen goes on the 28" monitor. While flying I use a Quest 3 headset via a wireless router.

The console on the right holds the mouse, junk food, Razer headset, Quest 3 headset, etc. Like the computer it is on rollers and is moveable. It contains some switches from when it was part of the old sim cockpit. They are not connected at this time, but I plan on connection them for things that are not often used inflight.

Hopefully the pictures will give you a better idea. If anyone has questions, or is interested in building a cockpit, movable or fixed, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
 

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John, I only just now saw your post. I really like the modifications you did, especially the "Swing-away" access with your throttle. On my H6 that would be extremely useful because, as you know, my rig is elevated due to the six struts supporting the Y- Frame and attached to the motors. I have to contort my aging body to get in and out of the rig. Unfortunately I lack the place and the expertise to create such mods. Would be nice though. Pete
 
That swing away frame was made with standard 1" sq. aluminum tubing and fittings plus a heavy duty door hinge. I used JB Weld to epoxy it together. If you have access to a chop saw or even a hacksaw, you have everything you need. It is easy to build.
 
My replacement Control box reached NYC a couple days ago. Hopeful it might arrive by end of week. And then I will be crossing fingers and toes that when I plug all the cables back in...that all works properly. NC
 
That rig is more complicated than mine. I am impressed that you can climb into it.
 
Everything seems to be running OK again, but I am wanting to install a Emergency Stop.switch. Gotta.figure out the wiring for it.
 
Pete, you wire the switch between the power (wall socket) and the platform power. The easiest way would be to buy an extension card (min 14 ga wire) long enough to go from the wall socket to the switch and back to the DOF power plug(s). Using an electrical box, mounted on the DOF or nearby, cut the wire and run the two cut ends into the electrical box. cut and remove a segment long enough to go to the switch from the elec. box. One end of this segment will go into your gang box and the other to the switch.. Using twist ties reconnect the white and ground wires in the box. Using the remaining segment connect the white wire to one of the black wires in the box. This same white wire is then connected to one side of the mounted switch. The black wire of the same cut segment is connected to the other side of the switch and then to the remaining black wire in the box.

Plug your extension cord into the wall socket and the DOF power cords into your extension female plug end. I will try and send you photos of my setup and a line drawing of what I tried to describe above. When able.
 
Have you guys seen this problem?
forums.flightsimulator.com

Crazy Force feedback in world screen and aircraft selection

1 tag is required - add it in the tag section next to the title above: One for platform (<span class="hashtag-icon-placeholder"></span>ms-store</span>, <span class="hashtag-icon-placeholder"></span>steam</span>, <span class="hashtag-icon-placeholder"></span>xbox</span>, or <span...
forums.flightsimulator.com forums.flightsimulator.com
Raised on FS25 beta, but apparently on older versions too.
 
keithb77 said:
Have you guys seen this problem?
forums.flightsimulator.com

Crazy Force feedback in world screen and aircraft selection

1 tag is required - add it in the tag section next to the title above: One for platform (<span class="hashtag-icon-placeholder"></span>ms-store</span>, <span class="hashtag-icon-placeholder"></span>steam</span>, <span class="hashtag-icon-placeholder"></span>xbox</span>, or <span...
forums.flightsimulator.com forums.flightsimulator.com
Raised on FS25 beta, but apparently on older versions too.
Click to expand...
I don't have a force feedback yet. Used to have the old Microsoft FFB sticks, but got rid of them. For now, just using Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS, and Virpil equipment.
 
jmig said:
Pete, you wire the switch between the power (wall socket) and the platform power. The easiest way would be to buy an extension card (min 14 ga wire) long enough to go from the wall socket to the switch and back to the DOF power plug(s). Using an electrical box, mounted on the DOF or nearby, cut the wire and run the two cut ends into the electrical box. cut and remove a segment long enough to go to the switch from the elec. box. One end of this segment will go into your gang box and the other to the switch.. Using twist ties reconnect the white and ground wires in the box. Using the remaining segment connect the white wire to one of the black wires in the box. This same white wire is then connected to one side of the mounted switch. The black wire of the same cut segment is connected to the other side of the switch and then to the remaining black wire in the box.

Plug your extension cord into the wall socket and the DOF power cords into your extension female plug end. I will try and send you photos of my setup and a line drawing of what I tried to describe above. When able.
Click to expand...
John, I bought a E-stop switch from Amazon (yellow box with red push button), plus two DC power cords that I will cut off the female ends, and use the wiring to connect to the switch. It is connecting to the switch that I am not sure about. Pete
 
"ISSUE DESCRIPTION MSFS2024 generates extreme aircraft telemetry output via Simconnect in the main menus (e.g. free flight, aircraft selection). Most severe when loading a flight. This causes violent movements when using a motion simulator or force feedback device."
Presumably the motion simulation uses the force feedback signals to initiate movement...
 
keithb77 said:
"ISSUE DESCRIPTION MSFS2024 generates extreme aircraft telemetry output via Simconnect in the main menus (e.g. free flight, aircraft selection). Most severe when loading a flight. This causes violent movements when using a motion simulator or force feedback device."
Presumably the motion simulation uses the force feedback signals to initiate movement...
Click to expand...

I experienced that first hand today. Almost pressed the Emergency Stop switch, but I was able to hit Pause, then select a different aircraft from the top menu. Until I know more about this problem, I will stick with 2020 when it comes to my motion rig. NC
 
I get this when I first turn on the system. The platform will start slowly then do a hard pitch down and right bank. After that, however, if works as normal.

My complaint is the small bumps and jerks when doing a gentle 20-30 degree bank turn. It feels like you are in light ground heat induced turbulence. It is not bad, but it isn't real either.
 
jmig said:
I get this when I first turn on the system. The platform will start slowly then do a hard pitch down and right bank. After that, however, if works as normal.

My complaint is the small bumps and jerks when doing a gentle 20-30 degree bank turn. It feels like you are in light ground heat induced turbulence. It is not bad, but it isn't real either.
Click to expand...


John, I could be mistaken, but the movements your rig makes are (I think) a auto-calibration sequence. Mine does the same. My unplanned experience in 2024 yesterday was unnerving, especially after suffering through a much more violent episode a few weeks ago that fried my Right Control Unit. I definitely am hoping NOT to go through that again. Pete
 
Guys and Gals, I know that very few are willing to spend the money for a motion platform. However I feel the need to post an update on my system.

I have been taking it slowly, I have been doing an amateur feasibility study on adding switches and encoders to the platform for the main functions, i.e. gear, flaps, etc. These platforms need to be balanced weight wise. So, I have spent more time deciding what to add and slowly adding items to the system. The issues with 2024 have also frustrated me enough to go days without flying. (There's also my almost OCD desire to learn to program mods for Skyrim, but I won't go there)

Previously, I had been flying small GA aircraft like the RV-8 and C-182RG. These aircraft force you to use small easy inputs, which is good. The platform translates a heavy hand into a bumpy, unrealistic ride. Well, yesterday, I added the new upgrade to DC Designs F-15C and flew it for the first time using the motion platform. Now, I was able to use large bank inputs. WOW! With a VR headset and the rapid motion, I was back flying fighters for real. It was amazing the difference in immersion. When I put in the burners, I felt the kick in the seat. When I rolled and pulled to leave the pattern, it had me wishing I had put on the seat belt, which before I considered a waste of money.

If any of you get an opportunity to fly a motion platform, especially with a VR headset, do it. If you are passing through south Louisiana, contact me and you can come fly the system. It is almost like real flying.

I apologize if any of this sounds like boasting or bragging. I am just excited. At my age, it takes a lot to get me excited.
 
I can definitely identify with you about the immersion aspect, especially in VR. Although I was a maintainer on F-4s for a while and not a pilot, I DO remember what it felt like when the afterburners kicked in against my back. The motion simulator definitely brings back very vivid memories. It's like being transported back in time. NC
 
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