I'm building a FFB rudder pedal for MSFS2020. I can't use a servo or stepper because I lack the crazy amount programming skills. I have much closer to zero programming or higher math skills.
I currently have 1 motor hooked up via a L298N driver that is working for centering of the rudder: using aircraft rotation, acceleration, and wind forces via SimConnect variables. These values are combined to control the direction and force PWM signals.
The issue is that there is no holding pressure, and there are other forces I want to introduce into the mix that would require those math and programming skills I don't possess.
The idea is to use 2 motors. One for left deflection and one for right. This would allow a holding PWM signal at the balance point input from Simconnect using low, opposing, PWM signals to the motors. There will also be motor stalling when I am holding the pedal against motor pressure. At what percentage of PWM would motor overheating, or damage to the driver, become a concern? I'm using 775 24v motors. I can add a fan and heatsinks to the assembly. I was thinking about using brushless motors to help keep the heat down.
Thoughts.
P.S. I'm an old guy. Think of showing your granddad how to use his newfangled phone.
I'm pretty sure you know what "FFB", "MSFS2020" and Simconnect are and do. But I don't, which makes it hard to even try to help.
BTW since I'm well into my 70s my grandad is way past wanting to know about phones.
Steve
Force feedback I expect. Microsoft flight simulator and the API that lets other applications talk to it.
LOL. I'm 60 in a few months. Still trying to teach my dad how to text. Great fun...
FFB = Force Feedback. MSFS2020 = Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
These are the brushless motors I'm considering for the project. Hobby Fans Waterproof F540 9T 4370KV 3.175mm Shaft Brushless Motor for 1/10 RC Racing Car Off-Road Truck: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
They will be geared independently to a common shaft. One motor turns the shaft one direction, the other motor the opposite direction.
With the right ESC a brushless DC motor can run in both directions. I think that would be easier than having two motors.
I didn't realize that a brushless DC motor is actually AC 3-phase till just now. Thank you for pointing that out. How well does it handle being stalled?
Just found this. L298N + ESC + Brushless Motor. - Using Arduino / General Electronics - Arduino Forum
Found the answer about brushless motors. They should not be stalled, even for a short period of time.
So I'm still on the original question about stalling a PWM controlled DC motor. I may just have to test mine to point of failure. Put it under a fan, run it up to 50%, and hold the shaft stationary. If it doesn't burn out in an hour, I should be good to go.
You will need a specialised motor setup to provide force feedback , a motor that can be stalled for this purpose . You can’t use a conventional motor or servo for that
A couple of springs to centre the pedal might do it.
I think the idea is to be able to have the rudder pedals provide variable resistance to better simulate load forces on the rudder.
That's correct. It is also able to provide other motion feedback. Like ground roll and wind buffering. Just not sure if PWM is the way to go. I could use the PWM signal to control current or voltage through additional hardware if that would be better.
I now understand that the best method of controling a DC motor is by using current control.
I'm using PWM output from the Mega2560 because I have to. No way around it. Ive seem some small PWM to current converters, but they are to small for my application. Does anyone knowof a converter like this that can handle 24v@2a max?
If you're not already, you might want to spread your net a bit wider.
There are fifty to sixty people that answer questions in English here and it is quite amazing how many fields they (as a group) have expertise in.
However, when it gets to things as specialist as this, you may get better results in a cockpit building forum.
I find such stuff interesting, but I don't have the knowledge you're looking for. I would be happy to help with coding aspects and look forward to seeing it working. How do commercial examples do it?
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