In this final part, we will focus on explaining in detail the experience of having completed and tested a 2-axis Flex-type motion system for Simracing, using the “Oculus Rift” virtual reality headset and a custom cockpit.
QUESTIONS
We know that they have collaborated together on various tests of a 2DOF Flex-type system, so it would be quite interesting to hear their opinions about these systems:
7-After testing a low-budget DIY system, do you think “Low Cost” systems are really worth it compared to the big motion systems from top brands, keeping in mind the price difference?
We believe it’s very much worth it, especially for people with initiative who enjoy creating things they’ll later enjoy. There’s a special satisfaction in seeing that all the work done, the hours of tuning, custom adjustments, and configurations pay off, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience with a motion system.
It’s clear that the quickest and easiest option is to go for a commercial system that’s ready to plug in, but the amount of money you’ll have to spend will be higher.
You could say that a DIY 2DOF simulator project requires minimal knowledge of electronics and software, many hours of work, knowing where to buy the components, and the parts will need more maintenance since it’s not a commercial product, but the cost will be minimal. On the other hand, with a commercial system, no electronics knowledge is required, the only time you’ll spend is assembling and adapting it to your cockpit (assuming it’s ordered separately, as some options provide a complete package), but the downside is that the cost will be higher.
And there’s also something very important to remember: the performance of each. A commercial system will always be a step above a DIY one.
8-Was there a moment while using the system when you could forget you were on a test bench and enjoy a “real” driving experience?
“If I had to rate my experience with the system, I’d say it’s ‘excellent’ and very rewarding, but it’s not without flaws. I think the motion applied to the simulator is completely coherent and helps me immerse myself in the experience, but this increase in sensations in that aspect causes other elements that seem ‘less important’ at first to feel amplified, making the sensations feel out of harmony. That was one of the reasons I decided to swap my G27 wheel/pedals for a wheel with better sensations. The same applies to other elements, making a solid structure and a good vibration system essential to feel the entire system and motion as a single experience.
As for the question, I had some moments of total immersion with the motion system, especially during intense braking and terrain irregularities, which were particularly noticeable in rally simulators.”
“It’s clear that today, a simulator won’t give you 100% of the details and sensations of a real race car, but thanks to technological innovations, the gap is getting smaller. The moment I felt most immersed in the experience was undoubtedly when braking. With a 5-point harness anchored independently at the back of the motion structure, you could really feel the pressure against your chest, just like in real life. That sensation, combined with the Oculus and seat vibration, made your brain disconnect from the physical space and imagine you were driving on the virtual track.”
9-After an afternoon of testing, what sensations or details do you still feel are missing from these types of systems?
It’s hard to pinpoint what’s missing without an objective comparison under equal conditions, testing the same track in the game with a specific system, but we can say it had nothing to envy from much more expensive commercial systems. Perhaps what we missed was testing it with a Direct Drive wheel with real forces, a Pro pedal set, and a stiffer chassis, but overall, those details were compensated for by the virtual reality headset, seat vibration, and, above all, the motion system.
Another thing we missed was the absence of a third motion axis (Z or vertical axis) to properly feel the emulation of the game’s vertical G-forces when going up or down slopes or making quick movements over curbs or bumps.
10-We know, for example, that space is one of the things to consider when using these systems. What other requirements do you think are essential before considering adding motion to our simulators?
“Besides the space needed to set up the simulator, it’s obvious that the main requirement is loving simracing and motorsport and aiming to maximize the driving experience in a simulator. But beyond that obvious point, I’d say for the umpteenth time that it’s about building the house from the foundation up, not the roof down. So, before diving into motion systems, you need a good computer with a powerful graphics card, a rigid chassis, a wheel and pedals that give good feedback, a seat vibration system, and a projector/3 screens/virtual reality headset. Once you have that, the motion system would be the next step.”
“One of the things I consider most important is having time and enthusiasm, because unless it’s a finished commercial system, it requires some knowledge for proper maintenance, like with the motors or articulated parts.
Of course, it’s a given that you need a big hardware investment—a cutting-edge computer, virtual reality headsets… all of this becomes essential to fully enjoy the experience. For all the reasons mentioned earlier, it’s important to research the different possibilities thoroughly before diving in, have clear stages in mind, and once we feel comfortable with our cockpit, then it’s the right time to add motion.”
Conclusions
After enjoying a full day of testing, we can conclude that the experience was worth it. Although it’s not a perfect system and can be improved in several ways, it helped us realize how important even the smallest details are. A motion system alone won’t make our simulator better if we haven’t first recognized the need for a solid, comprehensive setup to enjoy before adding motion.
That’s why we want to encourage all simracers and enthusiasts to explore all the possibilities for their simulators, investigate what they really need, and if everything is done with a good foundation and they decide to implement a motion system, I’m convinced it will give them that touch of brilliance and “edge-of-reality” sensations they hoped to experience in their simulators.