SimuCUBE install guide

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SimuCUBE documentation

SimuCUBE main board information

SimuCUBE acrylic enclosures

SimuCUBE install guide

Extra information

A fully assembled SimuCUBE based force feedback controller. This page covers installation and usage of such devices.

This is the guide to install and configure SimuCUBE based Force feedback system (FFB) from the factory state to a working state. This is for you if you have assembled SimuCUBE based system ready for use, or a system needing just motor wiring to the system.

If you have bare SimuCUBE mother board or SimuCUBE kit that needs assembly, see SimuCUBE documentation portal for earlier sections of the documentation.

Safety - read carefully

SimuCUBE based Force feedback system (FFB) pose high mechanical danger that may cause serious injuries to living beings, cause damage to external property or loss of profits. Always operate SimuCUBE based system with maximal caution.
  • Beware of very high sudden torques or vibrations produced by motor attached to SimuCUBE - these are expected even in normal operating conditions
  • Be aware that malfunction of misconfiguration may cause uncontrolled or higher than normal motor rotation or torques
  • End-user's responsibility is to ensure that motor, or items connected to the motor can not cause damage due to rotation, torque or vibration
  • Always be ready to let go from the motor or parts connected to it (i.e. take hands off the simulator wheel)
  • Make sure that a reliable stopping method is available and user reachable at all times (reliable method: unplugging AC power). Note that unplugging power might not stop motor immediately.
  • Do not try to stop spinning motor by hands or other mechanical means
  • Note that wheel, cables or other items attached to motor may hit objects or living beings and may have damaging effects. User's responsibility is to control this danger and take responsibility of the possible consequences caused by moving items.
  • Ensure that motor has been rigidly fixed to avoid it getting loose under extreme vibrations
  • Understand that the responsibilities of the manufacturer of the SimuCUBE are limited to fulfilling the technical specifications and functions of the device. The technical function includes production of high torques and speeds on a large motor. Understand that spinning motor or high torques produced by it are considered operation within specifications, so potential damages caused by such operation are not within liabilities of the manufacturer.
  • Commonly used motors may exceed torque of 30 Newton meters and rotation speed of 1000 rpm when attached to SimuCUBE
  • Due to high electric currents, motor, cables or IONI drive may get dangerously hot (skin burns, fire hazard)
For your own safety, do not operate SimuCUBE if you don't understand these dangers

Overview

SimuCUBE complete system overview. Pedals and shifter are optional and power supply is usually integrated inside the SimuCUBE controller box.

The usage of SimuCUBE system involves connecting all necessary parts together and configuring software and parameters to work with the actual force feedback applications. This guide assumes that user already has necessary parts, including:

  • A SimuCUBE control box (with integrated power supply)
  • A servo motor to be used as force feedback actuator
  • A steering wheel attached to a motor
  • A PC computer with at least one USB 2.0 port and Microsoft Windows 7 or later Windows version
  • Firmware and software to be installed to SimuCUBE and to configure it via PC.
  • Wiring materials:
    • 1 or 2 Mini-USB cables
    • IEC C13 power cord (similar to most PC peripherals use)
    • Motor cables: power cable (with bare wire ends) and motor feedback device (encoder) cable. If the feedback device cable does not come with SimuCUBE (or IONI or ARGON) compatible feedback device connector installed, then having a two row male D-Sub 15 connector, connector hood, and soldering tools are also necessary to make the cable.

Installation step-by-step

Installation procedure main steps are:

  • PART 1: Connect motor to SimuCUBE. If motor does not come with SimuCUBE (or IONI or ARGON) compatible feedback device connector, then assembling a connector is also necessary.
  • PART 2: Configuring the IONI drive to match the motor properties. This is not required if you are planning to use a configuration file from various sources around the Internet. However, this article has guidelines and settings that are required when using SimuCUBE with a servo motor in general, if a ready-made configuration file is not available.
  • PART 3: Install the Force feedback firmware in the SimuCUBE. This is necessary as SimuCUBE ships without firmware for the time being.
  • PART 4: Optional: wire pedals, buttons and other input devices to SimuCUBE

For common pitfalls and problems, see SimuCUBE troubleshooting.


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