Workshop

After publishing the NanoMotionRig, I am now starting the construction of the next project: the MidiMotionRig.

Like its predecessor, this is again a desk-sized driving simulator. Compared to the NanoMotionRig, however, it already uses slightly more advanced hardware. In this version, Hall effect sensors are used for position feedback, along with a Sabertooth 2×32 motor driver as the motor controller.
For the actuators themselves, the components remain intentionally modest for now — 12-V geared motors are used.

So why not build a full-scale, human-carrying simulator right away?

A system of this size makes it possible to test many concepts without requiring much space. At the same time, the overall setup can be explored and refined without immediately having to work with large and correspondingly expensive components.

Another advantage of this approach is that the hardware grows together with the development stages. Components such as the Hall sensors or the Sabertooth motor controller are deliberately chosen so that they can later be reused in larger versions of the simulator. The Arduino used in the NanoMotionRig can also be used again here. In other words, the hardware is not replaced but carried forward from one development stage to the next and expanded step by step.

This time, the design is intentionally developed from the inside out. For this purpose, the simulator is divided into several functional modules:

1.) Surge

2.) Pitch and Roll (2DOF Seat Mover)

3.) Heave

4.) Sway and Yaw

This approach makes it possible to think through and design the individual motion axes separately at first. At the same time, the entire system is structured so that individual modules can also be built independently. For example, anyone who initially wants to build only a seat mover can start with this module and later expand the simulator step by step with additional motion axes.

Here is a first look at the current state of the design:

The design is, of course, still at an early stage. Anyone interested can follow the further design and construction process here on the blog.

With the 6-DOF Desktop Motion Rig, an important milestone has been reached — the design phase is complete. The manufacturing phase is now starting, and the first 3D-printed parts are gradually coming off the print bed.

The next steps will include assembly, commissioning, and initial motion tests. The goal remains a compact, modular entry point into motion systems, while also serving as a test environment for the larger platform.

Blogeintrag (EN)

Before the next larger electronics project takes shape on my workbench, I needed a solid foundation first.

The Workshopboard is exactly that kind of small workshop module: simple at first glance, but incredibly useful in daily practice.
A stable base for the Arduino Mega 2560, a dedicated space for a mini breadboard — and thanks to the dovetail connectors, endlessly expandable.

Step by step, one board can grow into a complete modular system for clean prototyping right between tools, cables, and the everyday rhythm of the workshop.

Before continuing with the further development of my motion platform, I am first focusing on a smaller project: Get Started.

Get Started is a model of a 6-axis motion platform that can be assembled quickly using a small number of standard parts and 3D-printed components. Motion is provided by six low-cost 90 g servos, making the project well suited for initial experiments.

Control is handled by a simple Arduino sketch designed for an Arduino Mega 2560 R3. This same controller will later be used in the “full-scale” motion platform, allowing Get Started to serve both as an introduction and as preparation for the main project.