PC setup

[Battlestar]

I apologise if this might seem like a basic or obvious question. Is there a problem with running Xsim3 on one computer, and if a second computer is preferred what would be the ideal way to set them up? I'm presently running xsim3 on a duo core 3ghz pc with 4gb ram and a graphics card with a further 2gb ram on board. I'd appreciate any input.
Cheers,
Mike

[tronicgr]

I'm running x-sim3 in a laptop (core2duo 2.1Ghz) and games at the same time. It doesn't slow down your computer that much as its isolating the two cores.

The only problem from my side of view would be if you are using a NON intelligent controller for motion (like velleman) and your computer crashes. It would make motors spin out of control...

Thanos

[Battlestar]

Thanks Thanos for your reply.
Its re-assuring that a second computer is not a requirement and I appear to have enough computing power available, but it sounds as if a crash of the computer might result in a real crash of the simulator. I guess that's why an emergency stop switch is a good thing to have. And yes I'm using a NON-intelligent controller (velleman + Sabertooth). I think it sums me up - Non-intelligent!

Cheers,
Mike

[tronicgr]

Well, NON intelligent means that it relays to the computer "brains" to guide its output signals and its not able to hold position of the motor by its self.

An intelligent controller is reading the desired position from the computer only and does all the positioning using its own "brains". Nothing catastrophic will happen to an intelligent controller if losses contact with the computer, worst case it will HOLD the motor the the last commanded position. Won't let the motor spin out of control.

I don't want to discourage the use of such non-intelligent systems but I think I would prefer to have higher safety standards first of all. Especially with something like a full motion simulator that you are sitting in it.


Thanos

[vicpopo]

Thanks Thanos for your reply.
Its re-assuring that a second computer is not a requirement and I appear to have enough computing power available, but it sounds as if a crash of the computer might result in a real crash of the simulator. I guess that's why an emergency stop switch is a good thing to have. And yes I'm using a NON-intelligent controller (velleman + Sabertooth). I think it sums me up - Non-intelligent!

Cheers,
Mike

Hi Mike , Hi Thanos,
If you want no damage on your simulator you have to use an output from the velleman to cut off the power when xsim crash.
It will prevent for any damage !
Look at this post from the french team:
http://vos-playseat-stephaned61.xooit.fr/t7-Creation-d-un-simulateur-automobile-2DOF-avec-des-moteurs-d-essuie-glace.htm
I made a 2dof with this configuration and I use a simple car relay (12v ,30 A) connected with a velleman output and a simple 9v power supply wich commute to cut off the main power supply (12v-30A).In XSim you,have to write in all synaptrix sequence bloks a line "set output k8055d nr 0 (any from the 8or 9 available) to 1"
When Xsim 's crashing the output commute to 0 and you can drive the relay wich falled and cut off the main power supply.
I confirm too that you can use the xsim function dynamic speed for motor positionning instead the 2 speeds (fast speed and low speed near the final postion)
Regards

[motiondave]

Well, NON intelligent means that it relays to the computer "brains" to guide its output signals and its not able to hold position of the motor by its self.

An intelligent controller is reading the desired position from the computer only and does all the positioning using its own "brains". Nothing catastrophic will happen to an intelligent controller if losses contact with the computer, worst case it will HOLD the motor the the last commanded position. Won't let the motor spin out of control.

I don't want to discourage the use of such non-intelligent systems but I think I would prefer to have higher safety standards first of all. Especially with something like a full motion simulator that you are sitting in it.


Thanos

Examples of such controllers without brains are?.........
examples of controllers with brains are?......

[tronicgr]

Examples of such controllers without brains are:......... Velleman .

examples of controllers with brains are:...... A*******B, J******2, S**5 .... and many more...

[motiondave]

Examples of such controllers without brains are:......... Velleman .

examples of controllers with brains are:...... A*******B, J******2, S**5 .... and many more...

Still dumb...vellman = K8055 and 8061?
Brains, JRKS? and your card. What is a....b and j.....2 and s....2. Can you please clarify?

[tronicgr]

I was just making a point that Velleman are NOT intelligent Controllers!!! They are just input-output interfaces!!!

[motiondave]

I was just making a point that Velleman are NOT intelligent Controllers!!! They are just input-output interfaces!!!

As long as x-sim compensates for that, then I am looking at getting a k8055 or 61 next to learn more about controllers and start trying 24v motors.