Full motion racing simulator

To merely be called a motion racing simulator, the device in contrast only needs to have a motion simulation mechanism in at least 1 degree of freedom. However, any motion simulator with less than six degrees of freedom should not be referred to as full motion simulators.

It should also be noted that the term "simulator" in this article does not refer to the simulation software or game, but rather the physical hardware device that the driver sits in.

The number of DOFs determine what kind of car and racing type can be simulated. 2DOF or 3DOF simulators can be sufficient if simulation of yaw, under and oversteer is not important. Advantages of some 2DOF setup can be lower price, quick response times and high speed.[1] 6DOF simulators can achieve yaw (turning), under and oversteer.

Different types of simulators may be more suitable for different use cases. Examples of other use cases may include simulating a motorbike, skiing og horseriding.

Arguably the two most common use cases are auto racing and flight simulators.

• Car racing simulators require quick movements, and it is often acceptable to have a short range. A 2DOF seat mover is one example of a common setup.
• Flight simulation requires wide angulations. Suitable setups may include 6 DOF models.[2]

Some common motion simulator setup types include:[2]

• 2DOF seat mover
• 2DOF with wheel and pedals on a gimball[3]
• 2DOF with wheel and pedals "joyrider"[4]
• 2DOF flatbed
• 3DOF with heave[5]
• 3DOF with traction loss[6]
• 3DOF with 360 degree rotation[7]
• 6 DOF[8]

DC motor actuators are usually more affordable, while AC motor setups generally are more powerful and expensive.[2]

Not all games support full motion simulation. Features and compatibilities may also vary with different hardware and software setups.

Full motion racing simulators are usually manufactured from steel or aluminum with mounting mechanisms for car controls, such as:

• A steering wheel
• Pedals (usually a throttle, a brake and a clutch pedal)
• Shifter (usually a H-Pattern, a floor mounted sequential and/or a paddle shifter)
• Seat

Ergonomics may also attempt to replicate the vehicle being simulated.

In motion simulation simulators, the cockpit or the occupant's seat is moved in coordination with a graphical output. Different examples of racing simulators with motion exist, some of which provide motion only to the driver's seat, and others that move the entire simulator cockpit including all car controls. Further differentiation exists regarding visual display technology and whether the simulators graphical output moves with, and stays relative to the sim, or is static and motionless.

The SimCraft APEX6 GTS [9] and Cruden [10] are examples of full motion racing simulators implemented in different ways, but both offer motion simulation on all 6 of the degrees of freedom. The Cruden system utilizes a Stewart Platform while SimCraft utilizes a proprietary "Physics based" approach with independent degrees of freedom.

• 
  Stewart platform

• Driving simulator
• Virtual reality simulator
• Sim racing, collective term for auto racing games which aim to be realistic, but do not necessarily include motion simulation output
• Flight simulator
  • Full flight simulator
• Simulator ride