Home-built VR Full Motion Simulator (6DOF/6 motors)

[Roman Design]

After enjoying my ultra-low-budget 2DOF Motion Simulator for 3 years I decided to build a budget 6DOF Motion Simulator. The jump from a static VR cockpit to a moving motion rig was as much of an immersion leap as from flatscreen to VR, if not more. Upgrading from 2DOF to 6DOF is even more awesome!

As a matter of fact, It’s an absolutely mind-blowing level of awesome! The immersion is complete. There are some minor issues to iron out and tweak, but I can say that it’s so worth it. I was worried about cogging, but I couldn’t even feel it during the flight because there was so much motion going on all the time. The motors heat up to ~46C max with new settings (lower PWMmax, added some derivative, slightly increased dead zone), then I adjusted the settings to yet lower PWMmax and they got even cooler. So I’m cautiously optimistic. Hopefully, they will hold on for longer flights. More testing is needed, but it really felt nice! I will adjust the FlyPT profile to near perfection and I’m set. Then I will proceed with a Joystick/HOTAS configuration and a racing configuration with a force feedback steering wheel and custom-made pedals and shifter. I’ve also reworked the encoder/button/switch boxes, custom pendular yoke and throttle quadrant.

The build is an ultra-low budget, just like my 2DOF. The cheapest available off-the-shelf 6DOF motion platform costs around $8000 with shipping and some necessary options, and that is too much. I’ve built one for the cost of under $1000 in parts. I’m happy with how the 2DOF wooden frame held on, so I built the 6DOF frame from wood as well. The top platform is cut from a thick plywood I had lying around. The wood has its downsides, obviously, but it also has its upsides: it’s cheap, easy to work with and its natural flex makes the rig less jarring and clunky, which is a problem with many metal motion rigs, while still precise and fast enough.

 

[HiFlyer]

Cool rig, but stuff like this always makes me extremely nervous.

I keep imagining being deep into a flight, hearing an ear-shattering yowl, then silence....

And ripping my headset off to find that the cat has been crushed in the works..... 🙀

[Roman Design]

On 1/29/2025 at 4:10 PM, HiFlyer said:

Cool rig, but stuff like this always makes me extremely nervous.

I keep imagining being deep into a flight, hearing an ear-shattering yowl, then silence....

And ripping my headset off to find that the cat has been crushed in the works..... 🙀

You'd just have to construct a cat-proof cover for the motors. Similar to what DOFReality has as an option. 

[Roman Design]

UPDATE: The detailed 6DOF Motion Simulator Design and Build Plans for my 6DOF Motion Simulator are now available on my website. Having a Full Motion VR Cockpit for under $1000 is not a dream - it's a (virtual) reality and it feels amazing!