Engineering 301

How do we build our platforms, and what makes them different? When it comes down to it, the main reason is that we had different goals when we designed the 301: We wanted a flexible, low-cost, high performance system, one with enough performance for military and training but low enough cost for entertainment.

We achieved this by rethinking the design of a motion system from the ground up. We designed our own struts, our own platform geometry, our own display system, and our own controls. We built our own software and we spend time with developers to make sure it works right. The result is exactly what we wanted: a price performance ratio unmatched in the industry, and features you can't get anywhere else, at any price.

Want to know how we did it?

Servo system

Networked 3-axis digital servo drive controlling three Force Dynamics actuators. Actuator motors provide 3hp peak and 500lbs of peak thrust each; actuators are Force Dynamics ball-screw struts with 18° of travel. Maximum driver weight 250lbs.

Motion platform geometry

Raised center of rotation provides superior onset cueing compared to existing motion systems, and reduces parasitic forces that cause motion sickness.

Motion platform reaction time

Ethernet-based servo system provides near-instant reaction to in-game events, and allows for extremely high small-excursion bandwidth. Instead of the "Magic Carpet" ride common with other small motion systems, the 301 can physically recreate engine vibrations, pavement texture, and high frequency suspension vibrations with appropriate software.

Power

110v or 220v operation on a single 30 or 15 amp circuit, respectively.

Control software

Windows-based control software requires only ethernet (no PCI addon cards) and updates are available online. Easy-to-use interface allows precise control of simulator characteristics, including scaling of output, softening filters, and per-game settings.

Software support

The 301's open support API allows for the easy addition of software support.. The 301 is not dependant on one piece of soon-to-be-obsolete software.

Display

51.5" 16:9 LCD projection screen, 960x540. 1300 lumens, 500:1 contrast ratio. Lowered screen position allows natural horizon line placement compared to screens that sit on top of controls.

Audio

5.1 Surround sound with Force Dynamics modified Logitech audio system; 280 watts RMS.

Controls

Force Dynamics force feedback steering with MOMO racing steering wheel. Paddle shifters + two auxiliary control buttons. Steering wheel is tilt adjustable (30 degrees).

Force Dynamics three-pedal set including clutch. Long-throw throttle and clutch; high tenstion, progressive brake replicates stiffness and feel of racing brake pedals. Pedals are adjustable side-to-side for heel-and-toe, and fore/aft.

Ergonomics

Seat and pedals adjustable fore/aft for drivers from 5'0" to 6'5". Steering wheel tilts 30 degrees. Left and right steps for easy entrance/exit.

Safety

Electronically interlocked seat belt and door. On-board E-Stop; external E-Stop connection. Lexan guarding. Motor brakes freeze system in case of power failure, or on E-stop or interlock activation. Motor amplifiers remain unpowered except when interlocks read OK.

Build quality

All materials excepting guarding, screen, and seat are metal; all metal parts are either stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or powder coated steel. Industrial quality connectors, wiring, and mechanical construction are used throughout.