6dof Motion Platform - Test 3 - Motion Cue Refinements...

[sagrada737]

Hello Folks,

I completed the construction and initial test setup of my 220 degree wrap-around FSX display for my Sim project.   The goal with this testing was to identify issues relating to proper projector placement and the best screen material for the projection display.   For the screen material, I initially chose a thin linoleum material and painted it with a "blend" of paint to achieve a quality projection display.  The paint was successful, but the linoleum material was too flexible and sagged too much, causing multiple distortions across the 5' high x 23' long 12' diameter curved screen.  The PixelWix warping software does a good job of correcting screen anomalies, but the screen does need to have a consistently smooth surface. 

My next approach to making such a large screen will be to use a flexible, but stiff Formica material.   It is available in 5' x 12' sheets, and I intend to laminate the two sheets together to achieve the 5' x 23' screen requirement.  This material can be painted as before, and is expected to retain a smooth surface.   I should have the new material in a couple of weeks.   Although the current screen is not perfect, it does allow me to verify other considerations with a projection display setup, and also to continue testing with my 6dof motion platform project.  I'll make a separate post of what I am doing with the 220 degree wrap-around projection project after I get the new screen built and installed.

Regarding the 6dof motion platform project...  Ian at BFF motion software was kind enough to suggest some motion cue improvements for my next phase of testing.  This is another video Test 3, showing how these motion cue refinements functioned with the motion platform during ground and in-flight operations.   I am now feeling more secure about the mechanical design to the point where I can begin finalizing much of the motion platform configuration.   My next and final phase of this initial testing (Test 4) will be to strengthen the Motion Platform Base, and make up a mock flight deck and mount the 737 seat where it would be located, and actually sit in the seat to get a sense of the motion cues.  In the meantime...   I would like to share with you a video of Test 3 below...

One thing I have done since this video was made this morning, was to increase the motion cue "sensitivity" in the Roll axis, and Pitch axis.  I should report that the BFF 6dof motion software, and the AMC1280usb Controller system are working well and seem to be quite reliable.   Thanks again to Ian at BFF and Thanos at Motin Sim for making these products available.

Regards,
Mike

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMlXqVtXb7g&feature=youtu.be

[blueskydriver]

Hi Mike,

May Isuggest you go with the screen material from Carl's Place and get it custom size too your needs. The screen is already setup for projection and the fact that it has a black border with gromments, that you use bungiees to hold it in place, as well as too keep it tight. Plus, it is paintable, if you prefer to use a paint that matches the projector's specifications.

I purchased two screens, the first is my simulator screen that is custom 9x37 feet and the second is a 9x16 standard size from Carl's Place; it is too be used for Green Screen video work and painted green using paint from Rosco. So, in your case you would be much better too use something like this because of it's abililty to stay tight, and it's paintable surface. All you would need is a framing setup that is solid and lightweight (the screen is already lightweight).

John

[sagrada737]

Hi John,

I though of using that material, but with the movements of the 6dof motion platform, there are other issues with a flexible screen - even if it is pulled taught with bungee cords.   From my testing, a stiff screen will be best for use with the motion platform.

Mike

[RayS]

Mike,

I too was going to go with linoleum but.. countertop formica is a better screen material. It's rigid, and retains it's shape way better than the more flexible linoleum.

Once you curve it along one axis, the opposing axis is nearly impossible to warp.

[MCrevot]

Mike,

look at my post :

http://www.cockpitbuilders.com/community/index.php?topic=4935.msg36162#msg36162

My screen seems to suit your needs ! (light, rigid, and easy to build).

Michel

[Sam Llorca]

http://anthonyscottphotography.com/img/s10/v114/p533881189-6.jpg

Maybe this picture can give you an idea, is just bend aluminum and a plastic material glued to it, supported by a channel piece on top and bottom.
very solid design!

Cheers!