A control loader that feels slightly off in aileron, elevator, rudder or trim can undermine an otherwise capable flight simulator. For operators pursuing qualification, and for OEMs building devices that must stand up to technical review, FAA compliant control loader systems are not a cosmetic feature. They are part of the training value, the engineering…
The Real Cost Difference Shows Up Over Time When teams compare motion platform designs, the conversation often starts—and ends—with upfront cost. Hydraulic systems can appear less expensive at first glance, especially when comparing actuators alone. But for 6DOF and 7DOF motion platforms, this narrow view hides the costs that matter most over the life of…
A Technical Overview of Servos & Simulation’s 6DOF Motion Platform Introduction Six degrees of freedom (6DOF) motion platforms are the foundation of high-fidelity simulation when accurate motion cueing, repeatability, and long-term stability are required. At Servos & Simulation, Inc., our 6DOF motion platforms are engineered for professional environments where performance must remain stable and consistent across the years—and often decades—of continuous…
A non-linear motion base math model refers to the mathematical representation of a motion platform which is typically a Stewart platform or similar 6DOF system—where the relationship between actuator lengths and platform position/orientation is non-linear. This means that small changes in actuator length do not result in proportional changes in platform position or rotation, and the system’s behavior cannot be…
High Angle Motion Base Platforms The High Angle Motion Base Platform by Servos & Simulation, Inc. is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of simulation and testing environments. Designed for precision, this platform replicates real-world movements with exceptional accuracy, making it an essential tool for both research institutions and commercial enterprises. Versatile Applications Thanks to its advanced engineering, the platform…
We spent years designing our Antenna Testing Motion Base Platform to meet the toughest testing standards for all antenna types. It actively simulates a wide range of sea states—from calm waters to turbulent conditions—delivering precise, reliable results in dynamic environments. Specifically built for maritime but can be useful for other demanding applications, the platform enables comprehensive…
Last time, we figured out that the phidgets controlled everything and that there were all of these phidget files… sigh… (If you haven’t been reading this series on the CRJ, please read 1 thru 3 please.) Return of the Phidgets Rick (my lovely programming engineer) wrote a small but significant program that allowed us to…
Why DIY Motion Base Platforms Aren’t as Simple (or Safe) as They Seem In my time exploring the internet, I’ve come across countless DIY motion base projects—built from everything from drill motors to plywood. While many of these builds are undeniably creative, they often raise serious concerns about safety, longevity, and performance. Let’s take a…
Motion Base Platforms have been apart of the flight simulation industry for a very long time. Longer than one might think… The simulation industry is relatively old (almost 100 years!), but not quite as old as planes have been in the sky. The follow article is an except from wikipedia in regards to the history of…
Twelve Years Later: A Motion Base Platform Still Going Strong In 2015, the Servos & Simulation team returned to Harris Corporation in Melbourne, Florida to inspect a high-angle six-axis motion base platform we originally installed in 2003. The system had been in continuous use for over a decade, supporting Sea State 6 antenna testing for…
