Bring Your Static Simulator to Life. Meet the Qubic System Actuators.

One of the most popular ways to introduce physical motion into the cockpit is through actuator-based solutions. Let's look at how the different configurations differ and where to start if you plan to upgrade your setup with professional-grade motion simulation.

What Exactly Are Actuators?

A linear actuator is the mechanism responsible for physically moving the cockpit or its individual elements. Simply put, its job is to extend and retract instantly, allowing the simulator platform to smoothly pitch, lift, or roll. Actuators don't operate in a vacuum, though-they are the physical arms of a much larger ecosystem. The simulator sends raw telemetry data, which is interpreted by software in a fraction of a second. This software dictates the precise movement of each actuator. Thanks to this process, the cockpit reacts immediately to braking, hard acceleration, hitting the curbs, changing track surfaces, or-in the case of flight simulators-turbulence and touchdown.

In practice, actuators create the perfect bridge between what you see on the screen and what you feel with your body. When the virtual car brakes hard, the system pitches the cockpit forward, simulating G-forces. Driving over a curb triggers a series of short, sharp impulses, while flying in rough weather translates into a sequence of controlled bumps and gentle rolls. One thing needs to be highlighted: a properly configured motion system isn't designed to just blindly "toss" the user around for the sake of it. Its true purpose is to deliver precise, perfectly synchronized physical cues that help the driver or pilot fully understand and feel the machine's behavior.

Two QS-210 Actuators and a Pivot – Your Ticket to the Motion World (2.5 DOF)

Among enthusiasts looking to put their rig in motion, Qubic System—a brand specializing in professional sim racing and flight simulation platforms—is highly regarded. Their community-acclaimed QS-210 actuators, alongside the beefier QS-220s, are an excellent choice for both ambitious amateurs and professional drivers building advanced training stations. The Qubic System ecosystem is incredibly scalable: it allows you to start with a basic configuration and gradually upgrade your cockpit into an uncompromising, multi-axis machine.

One of the most straightforward and cost-effective ways to begin your motion journey is a setup based on two QS-210 actuators and a pivot (a central support point). In this layout, the pivot acts as the center of gravity around which the actuators tilt the entire cockpit. This generates two primary axes of motion: pitch (tilting forward and backward) and roll (tilting side to side). Furthermore, although technically called a 2.5 DOF (Degrees of Freedom) system, properly configured software can also simulate the sensation of vibrations and vertical bumps (heave). The lightning-fast up-and-down strokes of the actuators perfectly replicate contact with curbs, asphalt texture, turbulence, or the moment of touchdown.

A dual-actuator kit is a phenomenal starting point for any home simulator. It doesn't require an immediate investment in four actuators, massive power supplies, or a complex chassis, yet it diametrically changes how you experience the sim. In sim racing, you will feel the forces of heavy braking, acceleration, cornering loads, and track details. At the controls of an aircraft, this layout naturally conveys the dynamics of climbing, descending, banking into sharp turns, and airframe vibrations. It’s the ideal compromise for those who want to experience the magic of motion firsthand without diving straight into a top-tier, four-actuator platform.

Two QS-210 Actuators + Pivot - A Simple 2.5DOF Setup

Among users looking to add physical motion to their simulator, Qubic System solutions have earned strong interest. Qubic System specializes in professional motion systems for sim racing and flight simulation, and its popular QS-210 and QS-220 models are a proven option for users entering the world of more advanced sim racing or flight simulation, as well as for drivers, pilots, and experienced enthusiasts building dedicated training rigs. Depending on the configuration, these actuators can be used to build anything from a straightforward entry-level motion setup to a highly advanced multi-axis system with stronger, more detailed feedback from the car or aircraft.

One of the simplest ways to introduce motion is a configuration based on two QS-210 actuators and a pivot leg. In this setup, the pivot acts as the support point, while the actuators tilt the cockpit around it. As a result, the system can generate two fundamental types of movement: pitch, or forward and backward tilt, and roll, or side-to-side tilt. Even though this is not a full 3DOF platform, a well-tuned setup can also create a partial heave sensation: short up-and-down cues felt during bumps, curbs, turbulence, or touchdown.

This configuration is a very strong starting point for a home racing or flight simulator. It does not require four actuators, a large platform, or a highly complex structure, yet it can clearly change the way you experience driving or flying. In sim racing, two QS-210 actuators with a pivot can help you feel braking, acceleration, corner entry, uneven surfaces, and curb contact. In flight simulation, the same layout can communicate aircraft pitch, roll, takeoff, landing, and short turbulence-related impulses. It is a good solution for users who want to experience how much cockpit motion can add, without immediately committing to a more advanced system.

Front or Rear Pivot? The Choice Matters

In a setup based on two QS-210 actuators, where you place them relative to the pivot point is crucial. If you mount the actuators at the rear and the pivot at the front, the platform will emphasize longitudinal forces and sharp vertical impacts. In sim racing, this geometry phenomenally replicates hard braking, the physical loading of the front axle, getting pushed into the seat under acceleration, and the violent jolts from curbs and bumps. In a flight sim, this layout highlights takeoff dynamics, climb/descent angles, and the noticeable bumps from turbulence or runway touchdown.

The second option is placing the actuators at the front and the pivot at the rear. This shifts the rig's characteristics, as it heavily pronounces lateral roll. From a driver's perspective, you gain a much more direct feel for the front axle—you can read the front tires' grip limit, the vibrations of the ABS, and the exact moment the car loses stability mid-corner. For pilots, this variant adds realism to sharp, banked turns and crosswind susceptibility. Both approaches are highly effective, so the decision comes down to personal preference: do you want to feel the raw power of braking and acceleration, or do you prefer surgical precision in reading the front end of the vehicle?

From a buyer's perspective, the 2.5 DOF kit is a highly rational entry ticket into professional motion systems. Not everyone is ready to invest in a full four-actuator rig right away—especially if they are just testing the waters of physical immersion. Two QS-210s with a pivot allow you to start on a reasonable budget without compromising on hardware quality (you are still in the high-end segment). Most importantly, this choice doesn't close the door on future upgrades. Down the road, you can simply remove the pivot, add two more actuators, and seamlessly transition to a full 3DOF (or higher) configuration, smartly spreading the costs over time.

Four QS-210 Actuators – A Compact 3DOF Platform

The next natural step in the pursuit of maximum immersion is a setup based on four QS-210 actuators. Placing them at the corners of the rig allows the system to work multidimensionally—it can lift, drop, and tilt the entire cockpit simultaneously with incredible precision. This gives you a full-fledged 3DOF platform that handles three critical axes: pitch, roll, and true vertical motion (heave).

The presence of an independent heave axis is the biggest differentiator from a simpler 2.5 DOF setup. In sim racing, this translates to an incomparably richer reading of the road surface: you can feel bumps, sharp dips, elevation changes, and the exact impacts absorbed by the suspension. The cockpit doesn't just lean side to side or front to back anymore; it fully replicates the vertical dynamics of the race. For virtual pilots, this means flawless simulation of dropping into air pockets, turbulence, sudden altitude changes, and hard landings. The result is an incredibly complete package of physical telemetry—without having to immediately jump to massive, space-hungry, and budget-heavy 6DOF systems.

For many users, four QS-210 actuators can be the ideal balance between realism, cost, footprint, and overall system complexity. This configuration is designed for people who already know they want more than basic tilt cues, but still want a compact solution for a home cockpit. In practice, 3DOF delivers a very noticeable step up in quality: more vertical motion, a better representation of road surface dynamics or air movement, and a more natural connection between what the user sees on the screen and what they feel through their body.

QS-220 – A Mighty Foundation for Advanced Rigs

When planning a motion system, it pays to think ahead and consider your upgrade path. The first strategy is an economical start: opting for a simpler QS-210 setup and gradually evolving the cockpit towards full 3DOF. The second option is building a rig with massive overhead from the very beginning—prepared for a heavier chassis, a higher payload, and far stronger effects. Choosing the QS-220 actuators makes the most sense when you are building a heavy-duty station and need uncompromising lifting capacity. Remember that the total payload includes not just you, but the aluminum profile rig itself, the seat, a heavy direct-drive wheelbase, pedals, monitors, belt tensioners, shifters, a handbrake, and other accessories. While the QS-210 is more than enough for lighter builds, the QS-220 guarantees a wide safety margin, absolute stability under heavy loads, and the perfect base for future expansions.

In the simulator, the massive power headroom and longer stroke of the QS-220 translate into a drastically better feel for forces across the primary axes (pitch, roll, heave). However, if you dream of flawlessly reading car rotation, oversteer (traction loss, yaw), or feeling the violent push into your seat during acceleration (surge), the natural upgrade path is to place your entire rig on an additional base platform, such as the Qubic System QS-CH2. This lower platform takes over the generation of horizontal movements.

While the QS-CH2 can easily be paired with the smaller QS-210 actuators, combining it with the mighty QS-220 creates an uncompromising dream machine. In this layout, the lower platform works aggressively in the horizontal plane, while the QS-220 actuators—thanks to their longer stroke and massive payload capacity supporting the upper rig—add powerful vertical impacts and tilts. It's a combination that brings you as close to the feeling of real professional motorsport as possible.

Where Is the Best Place to Start?

Once you've decided to add motion to your rig, one major question arises: should you base your system on the QS-210 or the QS-220? It's not just a matter of budget. Consider whether you are looking for a compact, cost-effective entry ticket into motion platforms, or if you are planning an endgame, heavy-duty build with massive payload headroom and space for advanced modifications right from the start.

For most enthusiasts, the QS-210 is the most logical starting point. It’s an excellent choice if you have a lighter chassis, want to start with a 2 DOF or 2.5 DOF pivot setup, and potentially upgrade to a full 3 DOF in the future. The QS-210 guarantees professional motion quality at a much lower barrier to entry. On the other hand, the QS-220 is the perfect option if you know you’re building a massive rig loaded with extra hardware: a heavy seat, chassis-mounted monitors, belt tensioners, a high-end shifter, and a handbrake. Under these conditions, the higher payload and longer stroke aren't just "nice to have"—they are a rock-solid foundation that lets you complete your build with total peace of mind.

Instead of asking "which kit is ultimately the best?", look at your project holistically. Analyze your budget, the available space in your room, the expected weight of the cockpit, and whether you prefer to evolve the system in stages or build the ultimate "dream machine" from day one. Often, the smartest route is step-by-step evolution: starting with a simpler layout to feel how motion changes your virtual driving or flying, and only then investing in additional axes. This is a very wise approach—especially if this is your first motion system and you want to discover exactly what you need from it in practice.

Can I Mount Actuators to My Current Rig?

This is one of the first questions that pops up before buying: "I already have a chassis, seat, wheelbase, pedals, or flight gear—can I actually combine all of this into a working motion system?" In most cases, we aren't talking about building a simulator from scratch, but upgrading an existing frame.

Let’s start with the basics. Actuators are attached to strategic points on your chassis so they can optimally lift, drop, and tilt the rig based on game telemetry. Installation usually relies on dedicated mounting brackets included in the kit. Aluminum profile rigs (like 80/20 extrusions) are by far the easiest to work with—they offer nearly limitless options for bolting brackets, sliding components, and perfectly aligning the actuators. For tubular frames, pre-built closed cockpits, or custom solutions, you should verify beforehand if suitable adapters are available and if the structure has points strong enough to safely handle such heavy loads.

There is absolutely no need to fear the assembly process. You don't need an engineering degree, electronics expertise, or a fully equipped workshop to get it done. Basic DIY skills, a bit of free time, and strictly following the manual are all it takes. In practice, the process boils down to bolting on the brackets, slotting the actuators into place, routing the cables, and checking the range of motion. The final step is software configuration—and here, Qubic System provides a fantastic, comprehensive app that lets you easily and precisely control almost every aspect of your rig's behavior.

With a simpler layout like two QS-210s and a pivot, the complexity is very low. The rule of thumb is: if you managed to assemble your sim racing rig yourself, you will easily handle mounting the motion system. A four-actuator configuration requires a bit more effort—there are more mounting points, the overall weight increases, and the platform needs to be carefully leveled. However, this isn't a massive jump in difficulty. Just set aside a bit more time and, especially with a heavier chassis, grab a friend to help lift and hold the components.

Heavier configurations demand slightly more careful planning. Keep in mind that once installed, the actuators become a load-bearing element of the entire simulator. For safety reasons, the chassis must be extremely rigid, and all bolts must be perfectly tightened. The key is choosing mounting points that transfer the system's operational loads through the main, thick profiles of the frame, rather than through weak auxiliary brackets.

To summarize, before you buy, take a practical look at your cockpit and verify four key things:

Before You Buy – A Quick Checklist

Before deciding on a specific QS-210 or QS-220 configuration, check a few practical details:

• Cockpit Compatibility – Make sure your frame has suitable mounting points or that adapters and mounting kits are available. Aluminum profile rigs are generally the easiest to work with.
• Total Setup Weight – Calculate not just the user's weight, but also the frame, seat, wheelbase, pedals, joystick/yoke, screens, mounts, and accessories. It's smart to leave a 10–15% buffer below the maximum payload limit.
• Clearance Around the Rig – A motion system needs space not just for the cockpit itself, but for its pitch and roll during operation. Pay special attention to walls, desks, monitors, ceiling height, and cable management.
• Type of Simulator – In sim racing, fast impulses, low latency, curbs, braking, and traction loss cues are critical. In flight simulators, smooth transitions, the full range of motion, turbulence, climbs, and banks matter more.
• Noise and Vibrations – If your simulator is in an apartment, consider the noise level, vibration transfer to the floor, and the potential use of isolation mats (dampers).
• Software and Games – Check if the system supports the titles you actually play. Qubic System provides the dedicated QubicManager software, which supports a massive list of racing games, flight sims, and training apps. It also allows you to configure profiles, adjust effect intensity, use ready-made presets, run diagnostics, and utilize VR-specific features.
• Upgrade Path – Treat your configuration as a journey, not a one-time choice. First, define your budget, the weight of the cockpit, and whether you want to jump straight into a complete professional system or build it slowly. You can start with the INTRO SET (two actuators) or the PIVOT SET (which adds a pivot for a highly practical 2.5 DOF layout). The next step is a full 3 DOF setup with four actuators. Any of these paths can be built using either the QS-210 or QS-220.

Conclusion – From a Static Cockpit to a Living Machine

At some point, many enthusiasts reach the same conclusion: even the best static cockpit has its hard limits. You can invest in a fantastic direct-drive wheelbase, high-end load-cell pedals, a beast of a PC, top-tier monitors, or a VR headset, but you will still be missing the absolute core dimension of the experience—physical motion. Actuator-based systems introduce this missing layer of data into the simulation. Thanks to them, a race or a flight is no longer just a flat image in front of your eyes; it becomes a full-body, immersive experience.

Motion platforms in simulators have long ceased to be just a technological novelty. Today, they are the natural next step in the evolution of a professional rig. So, if you feel it's time to finally bring your cockpit to life and take your driving or flying to a completely new level, the Qubic System solutions available at Apex One are an absolute bullseye.

And if you are still unsure where to start—just reach out to us. We would be thrilled to help you tailor a setup that perfectly matches your chassis, budget, available space, and ambitious upgrade plans.