My homemade FFB controller

Mizoo · Sep 27, 2011

Hi, simracer fans

I just wanted to show you my last project.
After seeing the Steph Bord and V8Ben videos I wanted an FFB Happ steering wheel too !

But, instead of hacking a logitech board, I built my own FFB controller:

It's based on a Blueboard LPC1768H (I have also a version for LPCXPRESSO), 34$.

The main specs are:
- 1 kHz refresh rate output signal (ie: for AMC)
- 1 kHz refresh rate for USB data coming from game (even if most games actually update the data only 60-100 times per sec.)
- incremental rotary encoder for the steering wheel position (I'm using a 2048CPR, 8192 position per rotation, on direct drive)
- compatible with G25 pedals (and shifter soon)
- configuration via OLED display (soon)
- FFB monitoring, to avoid clipping (currently via serial port, and on OLED soon)
- no need to any driver

To drive the motor, I'm currently using an AMC servo drive, but I will build my own motor controller once the firmware is finished (for brushed and brushless motors).

I also removed the mechanical stop of the steering wheel, since it's managed with the motor (the steering angle is configurable).

This setup is more strong and fun than my G25 (I rediscover rFactor that I disliked before).
I can have strong FFB effects without clipping.

I think to provide a firmware soon (maybe for few bucks or donation).

Stef Bord · Jul 22, 2013

We prefer for safe DC servo driver with 48V power supply. 220V servo driver is dangerous and you have to be very careful with it...

Stef Bord · Jul 24, 2013

Edit :07/24/13 You can see here the step by step construction of the combo with videos. In french but very easy to understand...

http://www.racingfr.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=45950

fvalido · Jul 24, 2013

NICE, a dream. But, how can someone (Riton) work on this without THE FIRMWARE or he has one too. It´s the key and only a HOPE...

Tortue G · Jul 24, 2013

Riton is already a "beta-tester" with a modified Happ Wheel, so I think that he will have the modified firmware when he will finish the build of the wheel

...

And Ok, being french and from RacingFR is actually an advantage

, but don't worry, it will come... one day

...

Otherwise, if you want it now, Leo did a really good wheel too

!

fvalido · Jul 24, 2013

Touché mon ami.
"I couldnt spent such an amount of money (leos) for my game."
Sorry i didnt want to disturb with my interest for the firmare

Thank you And really my excuses

Tortue G · Jul 25, 2013

No problem

, it was just a little joke

! I know that some of you are very interested by the project, I will be happy when all of you can do the same, and I know that it will come

!

fvalido · Jul 25, 2013

ok, THANK YOU... I am grateful for your answers.

Mike Perry · Jul 27, 2013

Been watching this with a lot of interest! and already have purchased Advanced Motion Controls B12A6D brushless PWM servo Amp, and was looking for servos and then a powersupply. But I found a servo on ebay and was wondering will this servo work.

http://www.anaheimautomation.com/manuals/brushless/L010407 - BLWRPG23 Product Sheet.pdf

On the sheet look for BLWRPG235S-36V-4000 the rated torque for this motor is 56.64 Oz-in and if I did my math correct that would be 15.746 NM and around 3lbs of force.

I have a supplier of these pretty cheap and wanted to check here before I buy a couple.

Mizoo if you do produce the board add me to the list of wanting a couple!

Thanks for your work!!!!

Mike Perry · Jul 27, 2013

While doing some "Web Window Shopping" I found something that might be of some help looking for servos, by sitting here and looking over the specs of what some of the beta testers have purchased and what I have found I'm starting to think I might have found something. If so let me know I have a friend that works for this company.

http://www.anaheimautomation.com/pr...ess-motor-item.php?sID=150&pt=i&tID=96&cID=22

Stef Bord · Jul 27, 2013

If I make conversion oz.in Nm, 56.64 OZ-in = 0.3999662958398112 Nm not enough...

This motor is too small...

Mike Perry · Jul 27, 2013

Thanks Stef for your reply, I must have done the math wrong.

Mike Perry · Jul 27, 2013

Here's an interesting servo. http://www.anaheimautomation.com/manuals/brush/L010459 - BDPG-45-68 Spec Sheet.pdf

I went through the entire thread and saw several types of servos being recommended, so I'm a bit confused. Can we get a break down of what would be the specs for a servo both Brushed and Brush-less so I can do some looking and get one purchased.

Thanks.

Stef Bord · Jul 28, 2013

Granite device servo driver + Mige 10nm Ac servomotor is the best combo you can have. The french forumers use now all this system...

bberger · Jul 29, 2013

Doesn't help to have all the components when you can't get a hand on the firmware I'm afraid :/ I already have everything at home, but nothing to drive it with

3ller · Jul 29, 2013

this motor is no good mike perry, cause the one with enougth torque is too slow just 7 rpm this is cause of heavy reductions i guess.

Mike Perry · Jul 30, 2013

BBerger, I know I wish we could get an idea of when it will be released, I have the money to buy all the stuff and I would like to to finish my Nascar cockpit, the link is a early version of what I have the only thing that has changed is that the G27 is mounted in the front and I'm using a custom made carbon fiber steering column,

http://www.thewayiplay.com/mainforum/index.php?topic=2212.0

I have all the links to what i n need and the donation for Mizoo's time, just need the word!!!

RichardHessels · Jul 30, 2013

Mike Perry said:
BBerger, I know I wish we could get an idea of when it will be released, I have the money to buy all the stuff and I would like to to finish my Nascar cockpit, the link is a early version of what I have the only thing that has changed is that the G27 is mounted in the front and I'm using a custom made carbon fiber steering column,

http://racedepartment.tv/forums/topic/4006-my-cockpit-is-finally-done/

I have all the links to what i n need and the donation for Mizoo's time, just need the word!!!

That link is dead...

Mike Perry · Jul 31, 2013

Richard Hessels said:
That link is dead...

link fixed...

http://www.thewayiplay.com/mainforum/index.php?topic=2212.0

GamerMuscle · Jul 31, 2013

The whole aspect of what is going on here is really exciting , as soon as the drivers and hardware list is made public I'll certainly be jumping in.

I think this is probably the most exciting thing to happen for VR after the oculus rift and probably one of the most important things that can happen to sim-racing, Its amazing how bad current FFB wheels are until you get to something like a bodner.

Having something comparable to a bodner wheel but at a consumer price point would be a fantastic way to farther democratise and make accessible high end racing simulation.

Psydfx · Jul 31, 2013

Mike Perry said:
link fixed...

http://www.thewayiplay.com/mainforum/index.php?topic=2212.0

Mike that set up is kick ass !

I see it looks like you are using a hall sensor on your throttle pedal ? I built a set of hyd's but i used a full Wilwood set up