Leading-edge technology in a fully inclusive simulator package
Meet Hexatech - the latest generation Cruden simulator to help your business win.
Click the focus points to find out more about the simulator
Your choice of cockpit exterior
Our base simulator model comes with an exposed cockpit for optimum easy access although occupants will feel fully enclosed once installed. We can supply open or closed cockpits, fit bodywork or use actual vehicles, and apply the livery of a race or road vehicle of your choice. We will work with you to create a solution which makes your simulator effective and realistic as a worktool, but which is also visually appealing to customers and sponsors.
Realistic interior
The standard Hexatech comes complete with Sparco race seat, professional race pedals modified for durability and a racing steering wheel with paddle shifters. However, any layout is possible and we are yet to encounter a request, for example for production and race car dashboards, or even entire car interiors, that we cannot satisfy.
Steering feedback
Our steering feedback is near 100 percent accurate providing the science of flight simulation and as close to the feel of a real car as you can get via simulation. Our external physics package makes it easy for customers to couple their own steering simulation models in real-time on our processors, and many of our partners supply the steering wheels.
Seat belt & seat belt tensioners
In addition to motorsport-specification seat belts, tensioners can be integrated into the motion tuning to react realistically to the input of the vehicle. Professional racing drivers often comment on the accuracy of the feedback from the seat belt tensioners, under braking for example, and we see this as a significant sensory cue which enhances the value of the simulator experience. For the adventurous, helmet loaders are also an option, and will add to the realism.
State-of-the-art graphics
Three 42" monitors or alternatively (stereo) projectors on a curved screen 'wrap around' the driver's line of vision to provide a virtual view. Race track and vehicles are brought to life via Cruden's in-house-built graphics engine featuring software to significantly reduce motion blur as well as real-time CgG shadowing and environment mapping.
Motion and force feedback cabinet
The brain of the simulator and its interactive motion system encompasses clever motion-cueing and force feedback algorithms - the complex and critical maths translating driver input into motion response. It is this rare expertise, spawned from years working in the flight and military simulation industry, that attracts serious engineering teams to Cruden. Our latest software innovations include a unique workspace optimisation feature called Dynamic Workspace Management (DWM)) and a web server-based user interface.
Actuators
The simulator's six electrical actuators provide six 'degrees of freedom' (6DOF). These are state of the art, using the latest technology including absolute encoders and energy absorbing end-buffers for increased reliability, accuracy and efficiency. The newly-designed Hexatech IV requires significantly fewer parts, a saving in material costs that we are pleased to be able to pass on to our customers. Folded motors that drive the actuators through a belt help keep the system compact; the absolute maximum stroke possible for a system that can be transported within a standard shipping container. The new system can also be used in spaces with lower ceiling heights than its predecessor which required a high bay area.
Indestructable universal joints
Mechanically-designed universal joints (both top and bottom) are made from high strength cast iron and are the same as those used by heavy duty truck prop shafts for exceedingly harsh environments. The result is robustness, durability and very low maintenance.
Low energy use
For most professional uses, a simulator is already the eco-friendly, as well as budget-friendly alternative to real vehicle testing and prototype builds. However, the Hexatech's energy-efficient electromechanical motion system typically requires only 5 KWh of electricity. Also, using KERS technology during its operation helps save on running costs even further.
Software: ours or yours - you decide
Cruden's own user-friendly 'Race Manager' software package allows engineers to select the cars and tracks of their choice, choose race and test modes and monitor lap times. Our in-house prepared vehicle dynamics models and a variety of race tracks, road and cars can be supplied. We have also developed a new generation external physics plug-in to allow customers to automatically input their own vehicle dynamics codes; a seamless interface through industry standard packages e.g. MATLAB/ SIMULINK, CarSim or VeDYNA.
PC and projector for spectator view
Customers who specify this additional PC will be able to bring the simulations to more of the development team as well as to management and external audiences. This is further enhanced if projecting the screen view onto surrounding walls. TV screens can be used to train engineers and for motorsport use, this feature can be used to mimic the actual pit wall.