Comments on: Expensive Neat Device: Motion Simulator Dev Kit

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:16:43 +0000

Thanks for your comments gents. To clarify a couple of things:

1. The video is showing the APEX sc830 which is SimCraft’s top of the line system featuring a chromoly steel welded chassis. This article features STAR – which is a motion simulation development kit – the hardware and software of the motion control system contained within this APEX sc830. While the APEX is $25,000+ USD, the STAR product starts @ $2,995 USD

2. As our friendly admin pointed out, an enclosure can be built for this system or you can simply turn off the lights. Having spent hundreds of hours in this system however, and also seeing the system demoed with over 2000+ people over the last 5 years, an enclosure simply isn’t necessary due to the immersion factor. My opionion. Now, one of the great things about STAR is flexability and that many various systems can be built, including those with enclosures if you so choose.

3. Gordon you noted that “…it doesn’t bank properly. In a car, if you’re making a left turn, the G-pull will be to the right (since you’re turning left, thus centrifugal force will force you to the opposite direction). Here the simulator banks with the turn. Though I’m sure if properly set, it could yield good results.”

This is a common misconception. We have been working with professional drivers over the last couple of years and have tried both ways. (roll follow the bank, and roll follow the G) In our experience, all drivers prefer to roll with the orientation of the bank. Now on flat track, you are absolutely right and the sim rolls the opposite direction as you steer. The beauty of the system tho is it can accomodate either one, and you can adjust 14 motion settings in realtime to set it up how you like it.

By: Gordon F

Gordon F — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:35:50 +0000

It’s nice. Except that it doesn’t bank properly. In a car, if you’re making a left turn, the G-pull will be to the right (since you’re turning left, thus centrifugal force will force you to the opposite direction). Here the simulator banks with the turn. Though I’m sure if properly set, it could yield good results. Not a cheap piece of machinery, certainly not for the average consumer.

By: Ian P

Ian P — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:58:36 +0000

There have been a number of platforms which provide motion based on physical or electronic entries to simulations, none of which have had complete environmental separation. They’ve never sold well, primarily due to cost, but they have sold steadily.

I’ve never felt the need to try (or buy!) one personally, but they’ve been around for a while and are far from unsuccessful.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:46:15 +0000

ahum…. turn off the lights in the room where you install it.. or build a cardboard enclosure around it. if you do it right you can loose all visual reference as is the case with any cockpit simulator, my 2c.

By: Colin Ware

Colin Ware — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Motion simulators don’t work unless you take away all visual reference to the world outside the simulator. Only then is what is on the screen processed by the brain as “real”….

Don’t waste your money.