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

 

[ScottSonder]

I just ordered the servo motors and controllers from AliExpress. It just hit me that these may be on the import fee list for the US. Anyone in the US get hit for import fees on these motors?
Chris

Is that even a thing? How would they enforce or charge that?

 

[Mr Latte]

I'm not going to get sucked into a discussion to piss off the OP, I just know more can be achieved towards tacking tactile immersion further. SFX seems very good for bumps, although I don't know what else it achieves successfully via tactile as really nobody in almost 140 pages has covered much about it.

By all means, share more about the SFX own tactile effects and capabilities.

 

[Flag Ghost]

Is that even a thing? How would they enforce or charge that?

Yep, it's a thing alright and I'm betting these motors are on the very long list of China electronics related items that are now under US import tariff. Hoping, hoping that I'm wrong. Anyone in the US here that received the motors?

 

[metalnwood]

All I can say @Mr Latte is that how I look at tactile through transducers has changed.

I used them for a few effects before and it really was one of those things that if you forgot to turn it on you knew something was missing. It really added to things, for myself and the immersion I particularly liked rumble strips and gear changes and a bit of road texture.

Now I am trying to find a use, what was good before seems redundant and if not redundant then I would need another $800 investment in transducers to start running the effects at a level that are competitive and not 'lost in the noise' so to speak. They most definitely DO have a use with the SFX. I just need to find something at adds and holds it's own.

The main thing I am seeing about the SFX and tactile is not so much it trying to replicate effects that other software has when driving tactile transducers but the very real tactile that comes through when your seat drops from out of you and gravity drops you to a hard stop, or in a fraction of a second lift or moves you sideways. When it's doing that and in my case is moving 105Kg that tactile feeling is very different than any energy the transducers can put out.

So I am looking for ways to complement that and IMHO, the bread and butter of tactile for people without an SFX is probably not going to be the bread and butter for those that do have one - unless they have some mighty big transducers.

 

[Mr Latte]

I dont think we have to question the strength of the SFX in what it can offer for the big or deeper impacts. if looking even just at bumps or curb/roadbump detailing as one effect to talk about.

I doubt people are using it to its max output?
The intensity is one element, but (im assuming here) detail or feeling of the sensation may be less restrictive with tactile and using large units like the biggest BK.

For instance with SFX can you shape what Hz are used or the dB different Hz may output like we can with transducers and the leading software options or using advanced EQ. In layman's terms with SFX can you shape the felt sensation more to a preferred taste and not just determine how strong it is?

The rig I am building, the tactile alone for it weighs 70Kg, that includes 10x large BK units with 8 others so I don't know how that would compare to SFX regards potential energy for deep bumps or impacts.

Combining both the SFX with decent tactile units. To me, it would make sense to use the transducers/shakers to represent medium and small bumps. I don't believe any single unit or actuator can handle multiple effects and still, sustain the same detailing. Or that the SFX may achieve the same potential with finer details. I do know with what I have done with combining more than one unit per channel that we can be creative to go beyond the operational limits a single unit has.

100Hz Limit?
D-Box, for example, is limited to 100Hz (not sure with SFX ) and higher Hz are not going to be felt as good from the 4 corners as they can be with more directly mounted tactile. So yes with the SFX the primary role it may suit is with big bumps or impacts.

One instance that relates to what Barry Rowland found with GT Sport tactile to say Assetto Corsa, is that "telemetry based tactile" via Simvibe sometimes does not have data for instances that "audio-tactile" may generate a response for. This can be several things, the "bbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrr" sensation from curbs or in some titles tyre/surface sensations that contain detailing in their actual audio generated sound.

Exciting Element 100Hz +
Tactile "exciters" are what we can use to also heighten the upper frequencies for effects as this is what they do well. They are the tactile unit equivalent of a tweeter on a speaker. I think I have found two in particular that work well and will do further self-testing with them before sharing more about this approach. Like I said I have not seen someone do an installation with them. The good news is they are cheap and only need basic/affordable amps.

Im curious what other effects does SFX produce well?

 

[ScottSonder]

Many thanks to Mr. Latte providing his experience here. Immediately after ditching SimVibe and picking up some random app I googled, SSW, I had the best tactile response ever without making a single tune. The purchase details are a bit weird, but I'm testing ShakeIt's app with my configuration now to see which one to go with.

I own an AF, used SC for years, and these apps do tactile response much better than SimVibe. Maybe a perfectly tuned SimVibe profile can compete, but that's a unicorn unless you're Mark Pickford

I thought the SRS studio app was ShakeIt, lol. The SRS app has miles to go, yeesh.

 

[metalnwood]

I uploaded a small video, I dont know that it shows anything in particular as the movements of the rig are not the same as the vibrations from a transducer so they don't make the water 'perform' in the same way

What I was trying to show which is not obvious when looking is how much is actually happening when it doesnt look like anything really is. Yes you do see the large movements and the heave but you can't always see somethings that are still felt very well like the road texture. You can also see the coupling on the motor. One revolution is 5mm travel in the vertical. All those little 1/8th and 1/4 rotations are felt easily and the motor is capable of going a lot faster than it is but it's obviously not necessary as it feels very real. Even 10mm vertical would feel like a hard bump if done at full speed.

 

[Mr Latte]

Can you have the motion disabled but only the SFX tactile effects operating?
Then show the water?

The users that have the largest BK units I can either give them SSW deceleration/acceleration effect to test or offer some test settings in Shakeit that should compliment this systems forward/rear dipping.

I expect it can add a lot in the immersion/enjoyment to tie in with the motion when the rig is under these G based loads. I would, however, enjoy seeing a water based test with this too.

I think it best if this goes in its "Own Thread"....

 

[ScottSonder]

It's insane how powerful and responsive these actuators are. What's stopping from this being commercialized to infinity already? SCN6 actuators look pitiful next to these.

Good stuff

 

[RowanH]

What's stopping from this being commercialized to infinity already?

I know it's probably asked jokingly, but for anyone new reading this - licensing is stopping this being commercialised as per the website https://opensfx.com/downloads/

This is for home DIYers only... and it's awesome that it is - massssive community threads, people helping each other out, sharing profiles, tips, suggestions, learning 3d printing etc. etc publicly. [edit: ... had it been commercial I would have never jumped in and helped do some docs!] It's hard to believe that a commercial offering would have had the community that the SFX one has in less than 6 months

It sorta blows your mind a little when you think what collective wisdom would have been gained by all these people building SFX's has been

 

[ScottSonder]

It's amazing, Rowan. Thank you to everyone helping here too. Answering the questions that might be buried on page 43, putting together that AMAZING new opensfx.com website, recording video tutorials just because someone might need it.

The only issue is we better make it clear to the suppliers that there's a few more orders coming

 

[Wmacky]

SFX Tactile

Lets discuss this further!


https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/sfx-tactile.165366/

 

[jimbraj]

Yep, it's a thing alright and I'm betting these motors are on the very long list of China electronics related items that are now under US import tariff. Hoping, hoping that I'm wrong. Anyone in the US here that received the motors?

charged state tax but no import fee

 

[wajdi]

Which software is better than Simvibe for tactile?

 

[Flag Ghost]

charged state tax but no import fee

State tax? Crazy.. unless a business has a presence in the state they shouldn't be charging state sales tax.

 

[federico m caruso]

hay guy having trouble whit my new 5k and 8k pimax i tried all the guy from pimax fix the problem but at sun i lunch simfeedback i loose ,not trached my pimax any body having this

 

[RowanH]

Alrighty for those sitting on the fence, or building, here's what you've got to look forward to. I've got to admit of everything I've tried so far - *this* is the coolest experience with the SFX platform. It's bloody awesome infact. Dirt Rally 2, and old school beastly Group B car, on a stage that has tonnes of jumps and is seriously hard work to make it to the end...

 

[metalnwood]

Alrighty for those sitting on the fence, or building, here's what you've got to look forward to. I've got to admit of everything I've tried so far - *this* is the coolest experience with the SFX platform. It's bloody awesome infact. Dirt Rally 2, and old school beastly Group B car, on a stage that has tonnes of jumps and is seriously hard work to make it to the end...

Haha, I still see people saying you dont need more than 1.5" of travel (dbox). A bit like that famous Bill Gates quote.

 

[C64]

I'm a little late here, but C64 how are your front actuators mounted? I've never seen them behind a rig like this.

Should I be worried about mounting them to the side of the P1 profile without having the base extend past the side profiles? This thing seems sturdy as a rock, but I'm trying to cover my bases.

Ordering some 40x40 profile to sink my chair into the P1 now, then moving the crossmember up the rig it was mounted on before and adding more brackets for stability. Is 40x40 strong enough for seat crossmembers, or should I go with 40x80? Just not sure how much support this needs within the frame and if it needs another set of corner brackets on the 40x80.

I think it may be my photos confusing things, my actuators, front and back, are mounted on the outside of my side rails with 4 angle brackets, approx 95cm apart. I don’t think you will have any problem mounting your actuators on the P1 side rails, if you want to sit your rig lower on the actuators you can use 2 angle brackets on the side of the side rails and 2 on the top of the side rails.

40x40 is more than strong enoughfor mounting your seat and will not flex, my seat and pedals are mounted on 40x40.

 

[ScottSonder]

That's very helpful! Thank you!