The SimFeedback-AC DIY Motion Simulator thread

[sjb266]

Hey guys. Thought I’d create a thread for those taking the plunge into this brilliant DIY project..
I will be starting mine soon and I know there are others thinking about it.. so feel free to share your knowledge and experiences so we can all enjoy this platform to its full potential. A huge thanks to the developers who have really knocked this one out of the park!

Website: https://opensfx.com/2019/02/20/welcome-to-our-new-site/

Github: https://github.com/SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo/wiki

For all the internals for the actuator contact Amy - skye@ntl-bearing.com
She can supply everything you need. Just remind her you want the ends of the shafts chamfered and make sure she sends the right sized ball screw - we have had a couple of issues reported. She is very helpful though and the cost is pretty good.


Huge thanks to @RowanH for writing a comprehensive user guide which can be accessed here - https://www.rowanhick.com/sfx-100-build-and-running-guide

In addition, @anton_Chez has contributed a list of post numbers for some of the important settings etc..
Post #320 SFX-100 thread
Post #327 SFX-100 thread for Discord correlation
Post #339 SFX-100 thread
Post #418 SFX-100 thread
Post #424 SFX-100 thread
Post #439 SFX-100 thread
Post #449 SFX-100 thread
Post #517 SFX-100 thread
Post #554 SFX-100 thread
Post #580 SFX-100 thread
Post #826 SFX-100 thread
Post #837 SFX-100 thread
Post #864,866,867,868,870,887,889,897 SFX-100 thread
Post #911,914 SFX-100 thread
Post #988,992,998 SFX-100 thread
Post #1147 SFX-100 thread
Post #1492 SFX-100 thread
Post #1511,1517 SFX-100 thread

I will try to keep this page updated with links to source the parts in other parts of the world. Just post whatever links you have and i'll add them here.

Please note: Not all the parts listed below are essential for the project. For the essential parts refer to the original shopping list.

Australia:

• O-Ring - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kit-419Pcs-O-Ring-O-Ring-Black-Rubber-32-Sizes-With-Case-3-50mm-W8D7/223152697816?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
• D-Sub breakout board - DB25 25pin Female Adapter RS-232 Serial Terminal Module Breakout Board Connector
• Emergency Stop - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Reliable-Emergency-Stop-Push-Button-Box-600V-Switch-for-Elevator/192115082001?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
• Arduino Wiring - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/40-pcs-Dupont-Cable-20cm-Jumper-Wire-for-Arduino-RPi-breadboard-AU-Stock/202436863098?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&var=502467628096&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
• Breadboard - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-Solderless-Breadboard-400-Contacts-Tie-points-Universal-Available-New-lemon/123145741183?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
• D-Dub Cable - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Black-D...h=item3f6ace6403:g:038AAOSw9mpaSsU2:rk:1:pf:0
• Screw Shield for Arduino Leonardo - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Scr...h=item25a9d471a4:g:5BgAAOSwraJbc9rC:rk:1:pf:0
• Arduino Leonardo Replica - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DIY-Eduino-Leonardo-Module-with-USB-Cable-for-Arduino-ATMEGA32U4-Blue-Black/132719951279?epid=916281063&hash=item1ee6b9bdaf:g:2QUAAOSw5iNbWv6b:rk:123f:

Thanks to @AussieSim for the following links:

10A power lead(s) * 4
https://www.jaycar.com.au/2m-black-mains-extension-lead/p/PS4152

Top quality wire stripper
https://sydneytools.com.au/product/boxo-cutws205-multifunction-wire-stripper

RCD/safety switch power block
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-4-outlet-heavy-duty-portable-safety-switch_p4420028

WD-40 lithium grease for the ball screws
https://www.bunnings.com.au/wd-40-specialist-300g-high-performance-white-lithium-grease_p6100408

Vibration pads
https://www.bunnings.com.au/whites-on-site-100-x-12-5mm-rubber-anti-vibration-mat-4-pack_p3961547

WD-40 Dry PTFE spray for the slider (free shipping)
https://au.rs-online.com/mobile/p/lubricants/7577134/

Arduino Leonardo (free shipping + frequent 10-15% off discount)
https://www.arrow.com/en/products/a000057/arduino-corporation

DB25 cables * 4 (free shipping)
https://www.arrow.com/en/products/ak401-2/assmann-wsw-components-inc

PETG * 3 (free shipping)
https://www.arrow.com/en/products/petg17bk1/mg-chemicals

WAGO-like connectors to avoid a breadboard (perhaps use genuine ones if you are doing 240V AC)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32906719488.html

D-Sub breakout boards * 4
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32297675967.html

3D printer Creality Ender-3 Pro
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32918302452.html

Wires from Arduino to D-Sub breakout (remove black plastic from the WAGO end)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32887680826.html

Crimp connectors for AC wire leads
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32813550981.html

 

[anton_Chez]

It's so funny that everyone is going crazy over that combo. I had no idea what I was getting myself in for. I rarely just jump into a random car and track and am almost always practicing for upcoming events. The circuit itself is just an incredible creation. I can't believe someone made that. There are tonnes out there like it. So much good content to enjoy.

I am definitely keeping my V3. I mean I can understand why someone might think they wouldn't need it. I run the platform without it on and it's still great fun. The heave is an amazing experience, something everyone needs to try if interested in driving cars. It just makes everything feel alive. Like, really alive. We haven't got G's and we lose the thrust of the V3 at top speed but what keeps you on your toes is the feeling of the pavement disappearing underneath you. It's incredible and something I've experienced from bass shakers, to the V3 and now to the real deal.

I think I am going to order the harness tensioner. I think that will round everything out and give you that sustained pull when flying down a straight when the V3 is already at max tilt. Hopefully you can tune it with Simtools to give you different feelings, be it under braking or at top speed when your body is feeling crushed under all the downforce. It could work both ways.

Dropping the seat is something I recommend to EVERY SFX-100 user. It has made the experience better AGAIN. If I didn't have the V3 I'd almost have the seat mounted to the floor. As it is now, it's about as low as it's going to go and it's given me a greater sense of control and feeling of being inside the cockpit. It may also have allowed the V3 itself to align its forces more harmoniously to the SFX-100, probably in the sway setting the most but overall as well. Seriously everyone, get the actuators mounted as low as you can on your bottom rails and your seat as low as possible. If you don't have a V3, there's no excuse!

 

[Mascot]

If surge is the main benefit that the NLRv3 brings to the SFX-100 (with almost all other NLMv3 effects turned off) then surely a single actuator with a fore-aft pivoting seat could add surge for a fraction of the cost (and the weight..!) of the NLMv3, AND be incorporated and synch'd into the same software? Seems like it could be a relatively simple addition compared to everything else?
It might feel amazing having the NLMv3 mounted onto the SFX-100 platform (I won't know for a week or two!) but £2k+ just to add a surge effect? Not sure I can rationalise that.

 

[sebna]

If surge is the main benefit that the NLRv3 brings to the SFX-100 (with almost all other NLMv3 effects turned off) then surely a single actuator with a fore-aft pivoting seat could add surge for a fraction of the cost (and the weight..!) of the NLMv3, AND be incorporated and synch'd into the same software? Seems like it could be a relatively simple addition compared to everything else?
It might feel amazing having the NLMv3 mounted onto the SFX-100 platform (I won't know for a week or two!) but £2k+ just to add a surge effect? Not sure I can rationalise that.

Love the idea!

 

[RaceNut]

The Bridgehampton track is a great addition to rF2 and AC; highly recommended. The URD cars (pay-mod) are quite good in rF2 now too; pretty much on par with S397 DLC content imo.

I can't afford the GS-5 either but, I am working on adding paddles to the side-bolsters on my DX-Racer seat to provide G-force effects. Initially, they will be in the hip & thigh area but, I plan to add torso-paddles later. I'm still in the planning and shopping phase but, can share more details in another thread another time.

 

[Hiro Abe]

... Not sure I can rationalise that.

I'm sorry. Since when did rationalization (and any form thereof) ever enter this crazy hobby's lexicon? Did i miss a memo?

 

[HoiHman]

If surge is the main benefit that the NLRv3 brings to the SFX-100 (with almost all other NLMv3 effects turned off) then surely a single actuator with a fore-aft pivoting seat could add surge for a fraction of the cost (and the weight..!) of the NLMv3, AND be incorporated and synch'd into the same software? Seems like it could be a relatively simple addition compared to everything else?
It might feel amazing having the NLMv3 mounted onto the SFX-100 platform (I won't know for a week or two!) but £2k+ just to add a surge effect? Not sure I can rationalise that.

,

I have thinking about that idea from the start. It's also one of the reasons why i have sold the NLMv3. There are a few things to consider though

1. This will not work untill the second controller support for Simfeedback is released
2. The current actuator design will not work for a seat mover. It's designed for push only, not pull

But..... i have kept the pivot from my old simxperince DIY motion rig, just incase. Still if you want to, the SFX100 can do so really, really good surge effects. Personally i think a really good seat belt tensioner would a very good alternative.

Also without the NLMv3 on the rig, braking is so much better. No flex at all and you can brake as hard as you want to, without holding back.

 

[HoiHman]

Removed the NLV3 from the rig tonight... I can say with absolute certainty that i won't miss the wobbly seat!!

Your post, just confirmed something that i already knew The NLMv3 is great, but the SFX100 is the "Next Level"

 

[Mascot]

,

2. The current actuator design will not work for a seat mover. It's designed for push only, not pull

A big-ass spring would solve that one.

 

[saxxon66]

It is interesting to read about having a seat mover on top of the platform.

Most of us (Beta Tester Team) had seat movers before. It was great. Mine had heave effect too (SimuKit), but what we all didn't like was that the relative position to the pedals changed during braking.

The next evolution step was to eliminate that by using a platform.
Going back to the seat mover experience does not feel like the right direction.

One of us (Florentin) tried many setups with a sleigh on rails. With fixed wheel position and moving wheel. Setup was tricky and he rated the overall effect as OK.

Mounting the car seat on rails and using a linear drive could then work for those who have no problem with the relative changes.

 

[sjb266]

Interesting... You sure you won't miss the added effects? I'm not to try the combo myself yet but I've heard from a few people here that the NLMv3 and SFX-100 work very well in tandem, each filling in the gaps that the other one has.

Yeah maybe I will from time to time.. but I only used surge.. and like I said the wobbly seat just kills it for me.. I tried and tried to ignore it.. but i'm gonna try the SFX100 on it's own for a while..

@sjb266 Damn, I've been tuning for the second half of the day while running laps for the first round of the V8's. It's taken me a lot longer than it should have because I am getting OCD and paralysed by the SimFeedback options and graphs but I'm getting there. Just when I thought I was going to do the same as you, I fired up the Surge effect after what felt like spending 10 hours testing the Sway effect for both systems. Rowan mentioned he heard somewhere that the GS-5 is going to run us around $6500 AUD and I'm not even sure if that includes duties and GST. SO, I was determined to make at least something happen with the V3 before I talked myself down the road of natural progression.

I have to say, the Surge effect on the V3 pretty much makes it for me. Especially in the acceleration department. It feels WAY better on the SFX-100 actuators than stand alone and I really really like it now. We have post processing now to make sure that the seat doesn't push you too far back and I've reduced the throw to around half of what it's capable of. It's pretty much what I was running before but I've increased the Gain slightly and without any other effects getting in the way it feels really really good. With a little positive bias (35%, thanks @Steve D) it works in really well. The other good thing is now that we have some brake dive and pitch as well, there isn't as much need for the forward thrust when you hit the anchors, so the positive bias takes care of this perfectly by reducing the braking effect by that 35% at the same Intensity value.

I'll be keen to hear other users feedback regarding the need for keeping the V3 or not and I will be posting the settings in the other thread once I've settled on them.

Yeah I understand.. I was totally blown away at first but then getting in the rig to play just became a bit of a chore for me.

The main reason i've simplified my setup is ease of use... Jump in.. do a 10-20 lap race.. run inside to crying baby... repeat...

I got rid of my harness and VR for time being too!

 

[jimbraj]

Since I don’t wanna drop money on an 80/20 rig I’m gonna mount it to my wood frame seat mover. Wish me luck

 

[anton_Chez]

I think I'm going to grab one of those high torque tensioners and give the whole non V3 thing a try. There's nothing to lose. I mean I can sell it, leave it sitting there for a change of plans, use it in combination with the SFX-100, etc. I can do whatever. At the end of the day I think we're all after the best feeling motion that we can manage to cram into our budget so it doesn't make sense to use something just for the sake of it if it's not providing the best possible feeling. Normally we are leaving things out due to cost or hassle of finding a suitable installation method, not the other way around. Incorporating extra components to the detriment of the overall experience is not something any of us should be aiming for.

I've never felt the 'wobble' of the V3 while it's in operation. Sure it's there when it's locked and not in motion but when it's moving the motors do a fine job of providing resistance against braking forces. Also, I agree with the seat and feet position relative to the pedals. This is why the brake bias slider is such a great inclusion. I can get the V3 giving me surge at any level I want and with a few correctly placed sliders completely eliminate the forward thrust under braking even though the Surge slider is responsible for both forward and back movement on the one setting.

Everyone is going to find the best thing that works for them. For me, I can't spend 6K+ on a G-Seat in good conscience. With the SFX-100 already part of my arsenal I think a really good active harness tensioner HAS to be the first port of call for anyone trying to add constant G-force feedback to their setup. At 10% of the cost of the G-seat, it's a no-brainer. I'll end up in front if I finally decide to sell the V3 and stick with the tensioner. That was the plan from the beginning and there's no reason to still not entertain it.

 

[Mascot]

Since I don’t wanna drop money on an 80/20 rig I’m gonna mount it to my wood frame seat mover. Wish me luck

Make sure you take a photo of it beforehand.
I already took this one of it afterwards for you:

 

[AlexP37]

Why aint people( who are interested) asking about the harness tensioner that Florentin has on his rig ?

 

[anton_Chez]

Hey, that looks like my rig.......

Because his is a DIY tensioner that seems to make a fair bit of noise as well from what I can remember from his videos. I did have a look at what it takes to build one and with the ready made kit available and also being built in Australia (where I live) it just makes sense to grab what is essentially an off the shelf product. I know this is a DIY thread after all but I sort of just want to drive now That's what I said after putting together the GT1 chassis with the V3. Speaking of.....

I can't do it. I was about a second away from unbolting everything and mounting the seat without the V3 installed. My now obsolete seat rails would have gone back on and even dropped the seat height again probably another 50 - 80mm, maybe even more. Before I did, I thought, better jump in, with both platforms running with the new profiles, with the harness on (now properly holding tension, I can hardly breathe when I hit the stoppers or take a long bend) and just run some laps. Location? Brands Hatch. Weapon? Audi R8 LMS Ultra (I hate this car, apparently). Result?

V3 is staying exactly where it is.

It felt even better than last night. Strapped in, with that little bit of braking pitch that's not enough to move your feet but just enough to pull the shoulder straps on your chest, the feeling of lateral force when cornering, the little kick from improper gear shifts, it's all there. Just more clearly defined now because of only 2 effects being active, while the SFX-100 just goes about its business delivering all its heave glory. I really wanted to get the thing off and give it a crack. I just don't think there is any point. It will be going straight back on.

Another point I forgot to mention is the V3 supports like 100 titles. Great for games that don't have SFB support, or at least not yet. I can play Dirt 2 & 3, RBR, AMS, just to name a few that are not supported in SFB. This is a handy feature for people wanting to not exclusively run iRacing or rF2.

I PM'd the bloke that makes the tensioners requesting a lead time. I feel sorry that I might have to let him know I probably won't be needing it. My harness stays that tight that I can't imagine even being able to pilot the car with anything further adding pressure to me. The movement in the seat and the fact that I can still mount the harness to a fixed position to the floor providing tension from the actuators themselves gives a lot of the effect already.

If not for the seat mover, I think you need some sort of active tension. I tested Sway yesterday for around 3 hours. It's there but it's such a hard feeling to get something out of on the actuators alone. The worst thing is when you crank the intensity to get that feeling of lateral force, you inadvertently also introduce all the other effects that go into Sway. Namely, when you hit a wall or even curbs. It was killing me at Adelaide in the V8 supercar, all Adelaide IS is wall and curb. I couldn't get it to give me what I wanted. It's there but it's so much better combined with the other parts of my rig.

Turn 1 at Brands is awesome with the Pitch. SO good. If I was driving car that actually TURNED, or at least gave me some slip angle it would have been sublime.

Remember that the advice surrounding the V3 combo with the SFX-100 is mainly geared at people that already own the V3. I wouldn't suggest that people go out and grab one for the surge and even the sway. But hey, people pay 20 g's for heave on a D-Box so it's not the worst idea ever, either. My advice would be:

SFX-100 into harness + active tensioner, and then G-Seat / V3 platform. The tensioner is a fraction of the investment of the other two and even if you can't get exactly what you want, it's probably the easiest to sell to someone anywhere in the world and also still usable should you still feel the need to take the next step.

 

[anton_Chez]

Essay submitted............

 

[C64]

Make sure you take a photo of it beforehand.
I already took this one of it afterwards for you:

@jimbraj - take no notice of us 80/20 snobs -- I'm considering making a plywood monocoque rig because I hate the weight of my 80/20 rig and think I could get better response from the servos if I could reduce all the inertia that is inherent with heavy 80/20 rigs.

 

[Mascot]

I PM'd the bloke that makes the tensioners requesting a lead time. I feel sorry that I might have to let him know I probably won't be needing it. My harness stays that tight that I can't imagine even being able to pilot the car with anything further adding pressure to me. The movement in the seat and the fact that I can still mount the harness to a fixed position to the floor providing tension from the actuators themselves gives a lot of the effect already.

Good move.

In the cocooned isolation of VR the SFX-100 has the potential to leap out of the window with you strapped in, and the first you'd know about it was when you land on poor Mrs Milligan from next door. It's unlikely to have the power to make the jump though.

The seat belt tensioner however has the real potential to become sentient and slowly choke you to death.

 

[anton_Chez]

Just did another night of driving all sorts. Guys, make sure you do Bathurst. The AC one is actually really good. I mean I don't know how accurate it is but it looks great and I have had a blast tonight in my Nissan supercar just running the car in and relearning it. The front straight is amazing as you begin your climb up the mountain. I've just spent some time on the rF2 2016 v3.0 Bathurst and that one feels hella bumpy and also you seem to have a very light wheel and unresponsive feeling for half the lap. It's very different to what I am used to. I wonder if it's more or less accurate that the others I've tried. It's almost you get airtime A LOT.

I am loving this combination of motion hardware more and more as I drive it. I've also removed my monitor tonight and introduced myself to Virtual Desktop. Why haven't I used this sooner...?? With the Pimax it will be even better with text clarity and sharpness. I felt a nice improvement without the rig having to carry the weight and wobble of the 35" screen so that's going to stay off unless I really need it. It's a bit of a pain when doing testing and settings but these things will be finished soon and I won't need it for that anymore. Also raised my pedal deck slightly higher again and pushed the wheel a touch more into me so that I have more leverage without having to sit bolt upright at 90 degrees. These things make a difference when your bouncing around and still needing to put in good lap times. I suggest everyone does what they can to squeeze that little bit of extra comfort out of their setups. You will notice and you will enjoy the drive more.

Quick question that someone can PM me to save the thread. Anyone had any issues with their OSW cutting out intermittently while using the SFX-100? I've had it happen in AC the past 2 days when the wheel is under load and I just run into the wall before it kicks back in. I've tried changing USB port but have yet to test is again as I moved onto rF2 after that. Speaking of, also having a small issue there. My view in VR seems to reset itself higher or lower into the seat on elevation level changes. REALLY annoying. If anyone has any experience with these things please shoot me a PM. Sorry for off topic.

 

[Chris_I]

To anyone Hard wiring Drivers to Leo board Via Ethernet cable and need a Box. Maybe this is what your after.

2 Ethernet cable in either 5.3 or 6.3mm

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3402880

View attachment 289675

Very nice box. But maybe an extra hole is needed for the emergency stop. Or how do you have it connected?