Motion Axis SimExperience

[IADC]

I have been in contact with a company called SimExperience http://simxperience.com to discuss their motion platforms. The neat thing with this design is for us flight sim fans it can be purchased in a stage one design so it can be incorporated into a cockpit.

Speaking with Kevin for SimExperience, we discussed support for the DCS product line and although not supported presently if enough interest is shown the series could be incorporated into their line of supported SIMS sometime in 2013.

Although this would give a limited amount of feedback for fixed wing aircraft like the A10, P51 and some of the FM Series aircraft from flaming cliffs, it would really come into its own with DCS Black Shark 2 and Hopefully to be released later this year Combat Helo.

I have passed on the link to Kevin at SimExperience so he can look at comments people add to this post. Give it our support and we could see them give us theirs. I am sure SimExperience could even custom design something around their current platform more suited to Helo Flight with the right surge motions if enough people can get behind it.

We spend $$$ building cockpits and even bigger $$$$ on PC systems to run the DCS series. Why not go the whole hog and get some motion in their as well.

[BHawthorne]

I remember reading up on these awhile back. They even offer DIY option. Still is pretty expensive regardless of whichever route you go though. I've yet to see a motion actuated setup that is under $2000.

[IADC]

Yup they dont come cheap but neither does my PC to run DCS which i end up changing out every 2.5-3 years. Its definitely not for everyone as cost plays a major factor as well as space to maintain a setup like this but the added sim experience of motion combined with all the other cockpit parts I have spent thousands of dollars on would really finish it off nicely.

[BHawthorne]

I've experienced a few examples of DBox motion actuators. They don't have much throw on those (maybe 4 inches) but even then it'll throw you around. I recall in Dirt 3 flipping a car and I got violently almost thrown out of my seat. Those actuators in your link look significantly longer throw.

Edited January 2, 2013 by BHawthorne

[metalnwood]

I bought their simvibe product and use it with 4 transducers on my racing rig.

 

I reckon that is a pretty cheap way to get some thrills in to the A10. You will get the thumps when you are hit, the rolling, landing etc. The landing gear going up and down, locking in to place. Gun firing, shaking when stalling. All that kind of stuff - not to mention the blades thumping on the ka50.

 

Simvibe doesnt use the game sound to do it, it's all driven by the games telemetry so I reckon it would be nice in dcs world if implemented. I guess the FC3 guys would even get the rumble when the afterburners go on.

[BHawthorne]

I know a few flight sim guys that also wire up seat massagers to sim and based on throttle or landing or getting hit they do something. I'm assuming that is the same thing as mini-transducers.

Edited January 2, 2013 by BHawthorne

[leonpo]

I am using similar setup from x-sim.de. Flying with P-51D and F-15C.

P-51D provides lot of subtle feedbacks likes slips, stalls, RPMs, weapons deployments. Little bit too strong on the ground but I have added some thresholds. F-15C for some reason has G-forces reversed. Photos and export lua attached.

 

http://www.x-sim.de/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4371

 

Leon

telemetryXSim.lua

[Bushmanni]

Some kind of side slip butt feel in DCS Mustang would certainly be useful.

[Mr_Burns]

I had some dealings with a BAe Hawk Training Aid some 4 years ago and with its wrap around screen and fully working cockpit, the only movement was from the replica martin baker ejection seat built by cranwell university with limited force feedback in places.

 

It was enough to train pilots on the ground and 'having a go on it' certainly put me in the zone! Seems you dont need much more feedback with big graphics already convincing your brain its shaking!

[IADC]

Well if I can get SimXperience to incorporate DCS Black Shark into their line of supported models I will buy one for sure. I am also going to ask for more details on what motion is currently incorporated into their current models and how these would work for flight simulation in helicopters. Will keep you all posted,

[BHawthorne]

If X-Sim can I'm sure SimXperience can too.

[bnepethomas]

I bought their simvibe product and use it with 4 transducers on my racing rig.

 

I reckon that is a pretty cheap way to get some thrills in to the A10. You will get the thumps when you are hit, the rolling, landing etc. The landing gear going up and down, locking in to place. Gun firing, shaking when stalling. All that kind of stuff - not to mention the blades thumping on the ka50.

 

Simvibe doesnt use the game sound to do it, it's all driven by the games telemetry so I reckon it would be nice in dcs world if implemented. I guess the FC3 guys would even get the rumble when the afterburners go on.

I just checked the simvibe site, only Flight Sim I saw was X-plane, have you got Sim vibe running with any DCS titles? I like the idea of using Telemetry so you don't get randon shakes from ATC.

 

Cheers

 

Peter

[metalnwood]

Peter, it doesnt work with dcs titles yet.

 

I brought it up because if they get it working with their motion rig then it can work with simvibe as it's the same control software used for both.

[IADC]

Then Guys at SIM Experience have just requested if they can get the API code to incorporate the sim into their supported simulation motion axis platform....

 

Will get someone I know to make an official request.

[desqjockey]

This would be great- ive been on the fence about getting a stage 3 for racing, but this would totally tip the scales.

[IADC]

I have now had three requests from SimExperience for the API code. I have PM"d WAGS twice now but no reply. Its a shame we cant get any reply so we can get support for this product.

[leonpo]

The DCS API is described in the following link:

 

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/dev_journal/lua-export/

 

The most important exports for motion simulation are:

 

LoGetADIPitchBankYaw() - for pitch, bank and yaw

LoGetAccelerationUnits() - for G-forces

 

Leon

[BaD CrC]

Would definitively consider buying stage 1 kit if DCS support was provided. I'm curious though what type of acceleration and movement it can bring to the chair pilot as this was obviously engineered for car sims? I am not sure we need such a short reaction time and high bandwidth for flight simulators. Also, how much weight can this thing can take?

[metalnwood]

I still think for similar money that something like this gs-4 seat is a good idea for flight sims.

 

The seat doesnt move but it has internal zones that do and they apply pressure, including the bottom of the seat so it can lift you up a bit to give you the sensation of heave, it can also sustain the feeling of forces.

 

The thing I like about it for a potential pit is that it doesnt move or require a large base so it can fit with what ever you have. Here is a vid that shows some of the top of it without the cover so you can see a couple plates moving.

 

 

I havent tried one but I have only heard good things.

[Macka]

SimTools V1.0 has now been released to the public and is fully compatible with DCS World. Its the type of program many of us have been waiting for. Its a brand new "from the ground up" package programmed by Dustin Arrel for and with the Xsimulator.net open community. It works seamlessly with the SimXperience rigs and many other types from 2DOF to 6DOF Stewart Platforms, SCNs actuators, Arduino etc etc. Head over to Xsimulator.net and join the forums and download the proggy. It is very easy to set up and is Free for all :)

http://www.xsimulator.net/

http://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/simtools-v1-0.4872/

 

Also Logykal will soon be releasing their new software which is also compatible with DCS as well.

http://logykal.net/

 

So it seems the motion sim scene is looking up for us DCS fans :)