Recently we have started building sims that can run mining operations or inside a decent sized quarry. This has also progressed to making sure the map has various situations and hazards that trainers can go over with trainees which gives them a jam packed session with many issues that might never happen, but at least they can train for it in a safe environment.
Even having some machines with faults, so as the trainee performs a pre start check (trainer sends them to a specific unit in a lineup) they find an issue and report over the comms, or do they just try to start it…
There are many real world scenarios on the map, which can have up to 16 trainees together on various machines, so you could have an excavator operator from another state loading your truck, or a wheel loader in a different country even, all talking together and having a tratiner/s going over what to do and either driving or walking across the map.
The trainer can also perform some of the hazards such as driving in front or behind a vehicle, walking in the wrong place, things like this.
This is a serious machine with a lot more realism and immersion into the software which is from the motion platform. Much like our basic model except we elevate the base on top of another base which has a central universal joint to provide a centre point, then a motor/gearbox assembly on each rear corner to provide movement.
As the truck moves over rough ground the top half of the simulator gives roll and pitch which is both forward/backward and side to side movement which can be adjusted to whatever level of harshness you want.
Because of the movement we offer the triple 50 inch screens for this rig as either attached to the top base like in basic model, or, you can have the screens mounted on 3 monitor mounts on the floor, so they are seperate to the sim rig. This makes it a bit safer as the TV’s are not moving around at all, but this is a personal preference.
The frame is powdercoated to a colour of your choice. A real truck seat is fitted and a seat belt.
The steering uses a proper CAT truck steering column to suit your trucks which then is mounted and we use the ignition/wipers/lights from the column to operate functions as in real life. The simulator wheelbase is a Moza R9 which is connected via a shaft just like a real steering column would be. We still get force feedback through the column and vibrations, all of which is adjustable.
For our pedals we use proper truck pedals working through an Arduino system to capture the outputs.
The shifter setup is an OEM CAT unit which houses both the auto shifter and the raise/lower of the tub.
Computer – We run a new model Intel chipset with 32GB Ram and a 1TB SSD drive which is ample to run NASA let alone a simulator. Matched to a Nvidea 4060 graphics card to give the best possible frame rate and on screen views.
Motion platform – we house all the electrics inside a rack mounted box which includes the Thanos motion unit and controllers for each motor. The leads from this run to each motor which is a 3000 rpm motor with a 50/1 reduction gearbox with a 90 degree angle. This then connects to the top frame.
Software – we run Farming Simulator 22 and 25, and have access to an online server where you can be on a map with others and have Excavators or loaders load your truck and work in a team. We can run up to 16 trainees/trainers all in one session and with fixed session plans over each day.
We also offer custom maps to suit your own specific requirements or we can help in setting up various scenarios required for training purposes. If you need to look at pre start checks, reversing into position, dumping, roll over hazards, persons getting into the exclusion zone and what to do, using the handheld for site specific comms, then this can help with all of these.
The aim of this specific machine is to assist in the mining or quarry industry. Some of the training can then be used to speed up the process for covering off licensing, so you can save time and diesel in the machinery, plus wear and tear or damage. Also, we can use the sims for VOC on an ongoing use.