Force Dynamics 401cr Motion Simulator – Dirt Rally Session

Force Dynamics is a family-owned business founded in 2005 and located upstate New York USA, a few minutes from the Watkins Glen track. The Wiernicki family company is a well-known player in the global Motion Simulator market.

To demonstrate the advanced Force Dynamics 401cr Motion Simulator, they shared a new video showing us a rally session using the popular Dirt Rally title by Codemasters. Enjoy the bumpy ride at the recently released Finland Stage. For this video Force Dynamics mounted the camera on the rear strut, so it rotates with the machine but doesn’t move along with the seat and screen.

The standard Force Dynamics 401 gives you plus or minus 90 degrees of yaw, enough to provide excellent cueing: A rotation ratio of roughly 50%, and washout times of around five seconds — as opposed to less than a second for washout with most 6DOF platforms.

The Force Dynamics 401cr goes further, with the ability to rotate forever without ‘winding up’. Essentially, it can do two things no other simulator can: It can provide a perfect one-to-one ratio between vehicle rotation and simulator rotation, and it can do so without washouts or any inverse forces.

To provide any motion cues, the 301 & 401 platforms have to move. To accomplish this, three Force Dynamics-built ball-screw based linear actuators are driven by a networked 3-axis digital servo drive (In the case of the 401, a rotation wheel is chain-driven via a fourth servo motor).

The actuator motors provide 3 hp peak and 500 lbs of peak thrust each; each actuator has 18″ of travel. The trapezoidal strut shape, which is (limitations aside) unique in the industry, provides bracing, bridge-style, against the large lateral loads experienced during fast moves, allowing the machine to move faster and more reliably over time than can comparable machines with standard tubular struts.

Once the actuators move the platform, it has to move in a convincing and comfortable way. The platforms’ raised center of rotation provides superior onset cueing compared to existing motion systems and reduces parasitic forces that cause motion sickness. Informally observed, fewer than 1% of riders experience motion discomfort in the 301 and 401.

Force Dynamics also provides its own Windows-based easy-to-use interface to control the platform. It requires an Ethernet connection, and features on-line updates. The software allows you to setup the simulator characteristics, including scaling of output, softening filters, and per-game settings. Additionally, Force Dynamics supports an open support API,  that enables external developers to customize the usage and features towards their personal needs.

 

Force Dynamics 301 & 401 Features:

Servo system:

• Networked 3 or 4-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 cuing 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 add-on cards) and updates are available on-line. 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 dependent on one piece of soon-to-be-obsolete software.

Display options:

• Available displays include a 50″ 1080p projection display, triple 24″ IPS or 27″ LCD monitors, and a 50+” 3D LCD. Custom display setups are available – just ask!

Audio:

• 5.1 Surround sound with 12″ custom-built 300 watt RMS subwoofer and 500 watts RMS surround via five Boston Acoustics satellite speakers.

Controls:

• Force Dynamics force feedback steering with various racing steering wheels. Paddle shifters and two auxiliary control buttons (six-button version optional). Force Dynamics three-pedal set including the clutch. Long-throw throttle and clutch; high tension, progressive brake replicates stiffness and feel of racing brake pedals. 

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.

Certification:

• The 301 and 401 are CE and TUV certified.

 

Official Webpage: www.force-dynamics.com