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

 

[RowanH]

Yepp - figured that out. Funny that the Germans seems to have abandoned the metric system.
New useless tools on the shopping list..

Ahh I think it is because it's designed to use the standard 1/4" drive (so can either be an 1/4 allen key or 1/4 drive bit) to get it in.

There is no metric equivalent of the 1/4" drive - which I agree is weird. Of course I just googled it because I've lived in metric land all my life but never throught why there's no, say, 6mm drive...

"Sockets are driven by being attached to the driving tool via a male/female square connection fitting (called the square drive). Standard sizes of square drives around the world include 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2-1/2" and 3-1/2" square drive sizes (a de facto international standard with no metric equivalents[citation needed]) along with some lesser used drivers such as 5/8" square drive, and both #4 and #5 spline drives specified in ANSI B107 specifications"

 

[ThugUK]

They are telling me ball screws will be shipped first week of May

They sent me an email saying they are getting new stock in the first of may

Any further news?
Where did you hear this?
Their website is poor, I cant find any details about them or a contact number/email.
MY ball screw and fixed bearing are still waiting to be shipped.
I don't mind waiting as I am not getting the SFX shield extension board from the group buy until late May, but just want to know its on the way.​

 

[Black_rat]

Yepp - figured that out. Funny that the Germans seems to have abandoned the metric system.
New useless tools on the shopping list..

Haven't tried mine, but I have a 1/4" socket drive, was going to try that if needed, as I don't have an allen key that size either.

 

[Moe Ballout]

Prusa i3 is on back order for a few weeks. This would be my first 3d printer. Any other good recommendations. I would probably use it for more stuff as it looks interesting to get into it and make more stuff.

 

[Moe Ballout]

Placing orders soon I am ready to get this started, how can I pay directly in paypal to Kinetik or do I just send the order and then pay? It keeps throwing an error when I choose paypal

 

[Black_rat]

Ooh, thats a hard one, I did paypal and it was pretty stress free, I suspect in Germany it is a long holiday weekend, but you could shoot them an email pointing out the issue, you never know.

As to the printer, I guess it depends what you have set your heart on, I thought the Prusa was a bit much in cost for a first printer so opted for a Creality CR-10s, prints are fine, I had to update the firmware and for a first few prints did a tool holder and PLA reel holder. So far so good steep learning curve but a few youtube vids helped set the machine up out of the box. I am sure there are many others out there too, if I had a limitless budget the prusa would have been my first choice, but I bought Simply3D slicer software too.

 

[Moe Ballout]

Ooh, thats a hard one, I did paypal and it was pretty stress free, I suspect in Germany it is a long holiday weekend, but you could shoot them an email pointing out the issue, you never know.

As to the printer, I guess it depends what you have set your heart on, I thought the Prusa was a bit much in cost for a first printer so opted for a Creality CR-10s, prints are fine, I had to update the firmware and for a first few prints did a tool holder and PLA reel holder. So far so good steep learning curve but a few youtube vids helped set the machine up out of the box. I am sure there are many others out there too, if I had a limitless budget the prusa would have been my first choice, but I bought Simply3D slicer software too.

Thank you,

Yea I wanted to use paypal and it would pop up and let me log in but when I press complete payment it would give me an error every time. So I just placed the order on the second selection and replied to there email saying I would like to pay by paypal. Now I need to keep going over wiring and what not and hopefully place an order on a printer. Just so much info overload lol

 

[Black_rat]

Just so much info overload lol

It gets worse or better depending your outlook probably at 90% parts delivered now, just got the motors, its starting to get real now

 

[sn4il]

Prusa i3 is on back order for a few weeks. This would be my first 3d printer. Any other good recommendations. I would probably use it for more stuff as it looks interesting to get into it and make

I have been very happy with Flashforge Creator Pro.
http://serwer1340157.home.pl/max911/SFX/IMG_5748.MP4

 

[Moe Ballout]

I have been very happy with Flashforge Creator Pro.
http://serwer1340157.home.pl/max911/SFX/IMG_5748.MP4

Looks great, amazon has a deal on it and i think I will pick this one up. Thank you for your recommendation. What software are you using and material? Was looking at some reviews and they are saying its hard to find filaments for it that fit the stock holder. If you do not mind when I do get it I would love to get some more information and settings from you as this will be my first. Thank you again.

 

[Black_rat]

Looks very good just be aware of the limited build size, I read 150x155mm? So fine for this project but the future?

 

[sjb266]

Prusa i3 is on back order for a few weeks. This would be my first 3d printer. Any other good recommendations. I would probably use it for more stuff as it looks interesting to get into it and make more stuff.

I've got 2 x Tevo Flash printers.. They are great for the money..

 

[sn4il]

Looks very good just be aware of the limited build size, I read 150x155mm? So fine for this project but the future?

Its 230x150x150.
To be honest, if I was going to buy another printer I would stick to closed chamber.

 

[sn4il]

Looks great, amazon has a deal on it and i think I will pick this one up. Thank you for your recommendation. What software are you using and material? Was looking at some reviews and they are saying its hard to find filaments for it that fit the stock holder. If you do not mind when I do get it I would love to get some more information and settings from you as this will be my first. Thank you again.

I would highly recommend Simplify3D. I know its expensive but this piece of software would save you a lot of headache.
SFX parts I printed with these settings:
http://serwer1340157.home.pl/max911/SFX/PrinterSettings.jpg

You can find more videos and photos here:
http://serwer1340157.home.pl/max911/index.php?path=SFX/

 

[Black_rat]

Its 230x150x150.
To be honest, if I was going to buy another printer I would stick to closed chamber.

I hear ya, still very new myself, but if you have the room, building a chamber is not expensive, lots of ideas out there involving Ikea furniture fe. But I like to fiddle and change and fix and improve...

Also a plus on simplify3d, worth the money IMHO.

 

[ThugUK]

Do the motors only make the whine when under load?
I have just connected them all together and JOG tested them (no actuator, just motors) and didn't hear anything at all.

 

[anton_Chez]

When idle as well. Must have pressed Start though to hear them.

 

[sn4il]

Do the motors only make the whine when under load?
I have just connected them all together and JOG tested them (no actuator, just motors) and didn't hear anything at all.

Can you record a short clip? Just curious about 10 kHz whine.

 

[Moe Ballout]

I hear ya, still very new myself, but if you have the room, building a chamber is not expensive, lots of ideas out there involving Ikea furniture fe. But I like to fiddle and change and fix and improve...

Also a plus on simplify3d, worth the money IMHO.

Does simplify 3d come with the prusa? Might just go that route since I would like the bigger volume.

 

[Pyronious]

Does simplify 3d come with the prusa? Might just go that route since I would like the bigger volume.

No, but it comes with Slic3r Prusa Edition which works very well. I used it for my SFX-100 build and got great quality prints.

I only use simplify3d for TPU printing due to its ability to route the print head within the part to avoid stringing.