I Built It Because I Couldn't Buy It (80/20 Rig) OP Updated

  • Thread starter JogoAsobi
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JogoAsobi
Glad you like it! :)

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Here is capture of the AutoQuoter plug-in for AutoCad I mentioned in my first post on this thread.

AutoQuoter will not actually create the design for you, or select the 80/20 parts automatically (you should have at least a rough conceptual schematic done first as well as their catalog to reference 80/20 part numbers).

But it will assemble the rig using 80/20 parts you specify down to spec. which helps eliminate guesswork.

It really helps visualize how everything will connect, exactly what parts/machining will be required, and will also generate a bill of materials down to the fasteners for an accurate $ estimate.

Capture.jpg
Click to expand...

As a CAD newbie (completely, I just downloaded it under a trial license) how do I make it run the AutoQuoter plug in? It doesn't show up under the plug-ins tab.
 
JogoAsobi
You might have to get acquainted with AutoCad's command line, in some cases it has to be invoked, that documentation/tech support should be available through 80/20.



It will work with both the trial version and the Academic version.



Yes, but the Academic Version has a Watermark. For More Info:



...and for clarification the mentor you refer to is an Autodesk-sponsored design competition mentor.

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The thing to remember is this, you should have a good working knowledge of the 80/20 stuff before even getting to this stage. Good enough to have the concept down on something like graph paper along with key part numbers.

You actually have to manually select the tubes and fasteners to be used by part numbers in the software.

Getting the tubes' general measurements is probably the easiest part. the hardest part is to correctly ID what the correct fastening and joining plates are, because if you make a mistake its costly.

In that case, most likely your measurements will also have to be re-worked, which also means re-cutting tubes.

Check 80/20's online distributor list for your closest distributor, a lot of them have 80/20 demo vans, that's a great way to get a hands-on with the stuff.

See:
​


I suggest building a few small things before taking on a rig. That's what I did and it really helped me avoid costly design mistakes.
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Yea i figured out my main problem, just had to run AutoCAD as Admin for it to run the plug-in.

And I'm not actually doing a whole rig for the moment. Its more sort of a sub-frame for my inverse mounted pedals which will attach to my current cockpit. Doing this part in 80/20 now is just a start to redesigning the whole thing in the short to mid term future.
 
Well Done. I believe this is the type of rig many users would really want to own. Who would not want a compact, stable hand made stand to your very own specs?
The satisfaction of building this rig would easily cut 1 if not 2 seconds off every lap. OK maybe i am fibbing just a little.

If you ever decide to publish your plans, please let me know so i can include your rig in the working master list.

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=239878

Enjoy and have a great day.
 
Would you recommend the metric or standard 80/20?

Is there an advantage over one or the other?

I would like to choose the smallest size possible and still be rigid for a long span on either side from behind seat to the front of pedal mount,using cross braces similar to a ladder design with a four leg table attached for the wheel if this makes sense.

Basically planning a simple rig with all 90 degree assembly points. A table on top of a ladder frame.

This way I can mock up the rig for my size,then cut for overall length and height.

Thanks in advance!
 
JogoAsobi
Metric or fractional (standard). I would make that decision based on the system used in your country of residence. Your stats indicate you are in the US.

Sometimes metric stuff can be harder to source here in the US (fasteners and etc. to be used with the 80/20 extrusion) so that is really the only advantage I can think of. If I were in the EU, I would do metric.

One of the biggest differences between metric and fractional 80/20 was that the metric had a smooth finish. 80/20 now offers the 15 series fractional extrusion in smooth finish, but not the 10 series fractional.

From what you describe, this 80/20 rig over at the Fanatec Wheel Fan Site by TommyD. is similar to what you want to do. And he has the plans posted in PDF.

You may have to scale it down because it has a pretty big footprint and is not built for portability.
If you intend to do right angles you can save money on fastening through anchor bolt machining.

...but anchor bolts mean that you are pretty much stuck with the measurements you choose because it replaces fastening plates that can provide adjustment flexibility/fine-tuning.

Remember though, if you go with lighter gauge extrusion (10 S vs. 15 S fractional) that means that you may have to spend additional money to re-inforce it. It all depends on the degree of portability you want.

I used both 10 S and 15 S fractional for mine, but that also posed design challenges and cost more $ to do.
That's because I wanted it be both rock solid and very portable without compromise.
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Very nice! Thanks for the info!
 
Great 80/20 Rig!

I am also looking to throw one together with a little more adjust-ability but love
the sturdiness of yours, and the fasteners look like a work of art!!!

If possible are you able to provide rough dimensions of the length of the
two floor lengths of aluminium (I take it there approximately 40mm X 80mm profile?)
and also the height of the steering A frame(approximately 80mm X 80mm)...although everyone will have different preferences, a proven starting point always helps.

Am also impressed by the steering colmn and of course its adjustability, are the pivot points and they way they attach to the aluminum profile custom, or are they purchased from 80/20?

Any information would be greatly appreciated, as it will provide me with the basics to get the show on the road!



Cheers
 
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Looks great!

Do you run your shifter bolted to the frame or stand alone when you race?
 
I see your work and it makes me question myself why I am resisting investing more of myself into this hobby that I have done on and off for almost two decades. Its time for a few cups of coffee and a think. Your post may have been the straw that.. well, maybe not break the camels back, but for sure sat him down in a proper rig and not a glass table top supported by two floor standing speakers. Doh!
 
JogoAsobi
Nice and cheap step up from your glass table & speakers would be a wheel stand and real car seat.
Pretty stable too.
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One of the things I like about this setup is that the speakers act out the part, sound-wise, of the front tires; going over curbing in F1 and each speaker gives a rumble depending on if its the left or right side tire (because the game outputs in stereo). The ps3 controller is sitting on a powered subwoofer. The red straps anchor it all in place. But I am going to get the rSeat I think. They have one on sale right now and that will be good enough for me. The main issue I have with my stuff as it is, is that its not comfortable like a racing seat would be.


picture.php
 
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I need this clubsport pedal inversion in my life ! Do you have any close up pictures of your pedal set-up?
 
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