DIY Motion Platform

[Erich65]

Hi,
You may have come across a file called CHCOMM3A.zip in our 'Hot Files....' Section here , a couple of days ago, and perhaps even downloaded it. For those who didn't, I'll say this is a great file to have, among some others, if, at some point in your flightsimming experience, you intend to take it to the next level viz., adding motion by building a motion platform.

Whatever, and I mean whatever, you are EVER going to need further by way of info on the mechanicals, electricals, electronics and software are at this 'OneStopShop'website, "www.jimspage.co.nz", where Jim (Cairns) says you can get the whole motion part going for as little as US$ 200!!! That's incredible and proven too because I've been on the motion part of the job for some time now and am about 70% there. With my own variations to Jim's design since, I already had some stuff!! Everything's flexible.

And here's the best part? Incredibly, ALL THIS IS FREEWARE!! You don't even have to pay for FSUIPC if you are using CHCOMM3A in FS9, because Pete Dowson, when approached, kindly agreed and accredited the program for free use in FS9.

So make that little folder, call it what you will, and start stashing away all these free motion goodies, even if you're not planning to build now!! Never can tell when the motion bug will bite!! Maybe before FSX??

Regards,
Erich (Leonhard).

[kranky]

Hi there. I was just wondering how your motion platform turned out? Is chcomm3a.zip still a good choice when using FSX now? I'd be interested in chatting with you or anyone about a motion platform.


Kranky

[Erich65]

Kranky,
I'm still in the process of getting the electronics ans software in. Meantime you might go her for heaps of info: www.simprojects.nl. Jim, too, is onto something exciting---maybe even for FSX!!!---so stay tuned there. Where are you in the project?
Erich.

[kranky]

I'm still way in the beginning of the project as far as the motion platform goes. I'm still researching on how I'm gonna do it. It's not going very well yet, hope I run across a good reference. I have read, and am re-reading Jim's page. As well as Roland's. Very good sources. In the meantime, I'll keep looking.

What I have done so far? Well, we have a awesome computer, 3 projectors, large screens, an old fuselage from a junkyard, and flight controls from Flight Link that will eveentually be mounted inside of it. All this will sit atop the motion platform I hope to create.

[Erich65]

Boy, oh boy, do you have stuff! Don't get discouraged---its a huge project for a home builder. My advice, from experience, is, plan carefully exactly what you are going to do first, and then stick to the plan. There are temptations galore along the way. Or, end up like me---sitting in a motion cockpit that doesn't move-------YET!!! LOL!! Seriously, I'm more cautious now and carefully watching and weighing all my options. Maybe, in laying down the specs of my end product (which was basically that it would be 'multi-plane', as opposed to 'dedicated'), I'd bitten off more than I could chew!! No problem--it will move correctly in the end.
Keep in touch,
Erich.