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

 

[HoiHman]

I hope you can have some peace now and just enjoy racing!!!
.

Peace that must be right word

Why, because when i started this i sold my NLMv3 and went on a very unknown journey.

I had no doubt in getting the actuators to work but there were a lot of uncertain factors

- Will simfeedback work alongside simtools and simcommander YES
- Will the drivers hold their parameters when they are power off YES
- Will the actuators stay up, when they are hanging in the air when the rig is on a cart YES
- Will it possible to put all the electronics in only one box YES
- Can i come up with a good cable management solution YES
- Will all devices work, using 2 powered USB hubs and one usb cable to connect them all YES
- Will i be able move the rig through a door and from behind a counter easily YES
- Will i be able to set up it at least as fast as my previous non permanent rig YES
- Is it silent enough to run at night? No

All things considered it take the final No gladly, since everything else turned out great. I do think with only a small amount of heave enabled, some simvibe and the GS-4 i will still be able to run a decent silent profile with great immersion.

No the tuning begins, but that might take a while. The first couple of days i only want to drive with the profiles i already have.

 

[Stevie_007]

regarding a donation to unlock expertmode of simfeedback and access to discord. I made a paypal donation today but it got refunded..anyone know about why

 

[sjb266]

OK lads.. I received the parts from China today.. all looking very good.. will do a partial assembly tonight and post some pics..

Stay tuned!

 

[GEEDOGG]

OK lads.. I received the parts from China today.. all looking very good.. will do a partial assembly tonight and post some pics..

Stay tuned!

I just ordered my parts from China 10 minutes ago lol. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

[HoiHman]

In the next month or so i will be ordering one spare part of each incl. a spare servo.

In the last years i have had a DIY simX kit, NLMv3 and the GS-4 fail on me. With every and each one the repair process was painfully long, weeks and weeks went by not being able to use it.

That's the great thing about something you build yourself. You can repair it yourself. I just want my SFX100 to be "future proof" so if in 5 years time a servo or driver dies, i can get one of the shelf and not having to worry if they still sell them with the exact same spec.

 

[GEEDOGG]

In the next month or so i will be ordering one spare part of each incl. a spare servo. I ordered a extra piece of extrusion just in case I messed up the inserts. I also ordered a extra hollow shaft and linear bearing from China. Those were the 2 parts that I had a hard time finding with the proper dimensions . The rest of the parts I can get from amazon prime with 2 day free shipping so I shouldn't be down for too long if something breaks.

 

[sjb266]

I think I have also solved the German vs Chinese Extrusion debacle.! Should make it much more cost effective for most to buy the Chinese stuff! Will require some remodelling of the 3D parts though... I'll do it when I get time and upload the links..


I got a price for getting the external printed parts made from 6061 anodised black.. $664 USD + shipping!

 

[AussieSim]

OK lads.. I received the parts from China today.. all looking very good.. will do a partial assembly tonight and post some pics..
Stay tuned!

It would appear the suppliers of C60 hollow shaft 30h6 refuse to ship outside of the EU, and even refuse to reply to web form/email enquiries about shipping outside of the EU.

https://www.ekugellager.de/eu-deliveries

Can you share the link of an alternative hollow shaft ?

The best i can find is this :
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/dnEM78l

 

[sjb266]

I think I can vouch for the supplier now all the stuff has arrived.. they shipped my precision shaft without bevel but this will be corrected on my next order..

This stuff got here in 3 days after it shipped.. My German extrusion is still not here after 20 days..

You can email Emily here: emily@ntl-bearing.com

She is super helpful and great to deal with.. I paid with PayPal

I have explained the situation and informed her she might be getting more orders.. Just tell her you want what Simon ordered and you'll be sweet!

 

[sjb266]

I just ordered my parts from China 10 minutes ago lol. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

Yeah she told me my friend had placed an order!

 

[AussieSim]

I think I can vouch for the supplier now all the stuff has arrived.. they shipped my precision shaft without bevel but this will be corrected on my next order..

This stuff got here in 3 days after it shipped.. My German extrusion is still not here after 20 days..

You can email Emily here: emily@ntl-bearing.com

She is super helpful and great to deal with.. I paid with PayPal

I have explained the situation and informed her she might be getting more orders.. Just tell her you want what Simon ordered and you'll be sweet!

I've just sent Emily an email. Could you post or PM a photo of the hollow shafts ? Do you have any technical specifications on them ?

 

[metalnwood]

@sjb266 My shafts arrived no problem and seemed to be good quality.

Only issue with them was that they were not cut straight or the same length. They were a few mm different between them and I am guessing cut with a grinder by hand. They were all over 270mm so I was able to face them off on the lathe and get them to length.

Curious if your shafts were done any better?

 

[sjb266]

Ok so i've just put the internals of one actuator together with what i've got.. as you saw my printer literally had a meltdown when I was printing one of the bearing blocks.. But it all went together perfectly and I am very happy with the quality...only time will tell if they stand the test of time! (Van Halen!)

 

[sjb266]

@sjb266 My shafts arrived no problem and seemed to be good quality.

Only issue with them was that they were not cut straight or the same length. They were a few mm different between them and I am guessing cut with a grinder by hand. They were all over 270mm so I was able to face them off on the lathe and get them to length.

Curious if your shafts were done any better?

Yes mate having just checked i can confirm mine are a bit dodgy too... I will get straight onto Emily about it it's unacceptable. I will need to get mine tidied up..

 

[C64]

Got everything up and running this morning... just over 3 weeks from starting to order all the parts, includes a new DIY 80/20 rig and clearing some space in my garage to fit the rig in ( I'm not a compulsive horder... I'm not ). It's surprising how the video amplifies the sharp noises... when I'm stood next to it seems much quieter. providing you work your way through the build carefully anyone attempting this project should end up with a successful outcome.

 

[HugoB]

It's surprising how the video amplifies the sharp noises... when I'm stood next to it seems much quieter.

The automatic gain of the microphone on your camera does that, it tries to raise the volume of whatever it records to a normalized volume, which is not necessarily representative of what you where hearing.

If you want to make a recording of the volume of your rig, you’ll need a reference sound source, like continuous talking, or use manual microphone gain. I’m sure the SFX100 are very quiet

 

[GEEDOGG]

Yes mate having just checked i can confirm mine are a bit dodgy too... I will get straight onto Emily about it it's unacceptable. I will need to get mine tidied up..

I hope my shafts are ok I don't have the equipment to cut to lenght or bevel the ends. I sent an email after reading this post to let her know what I'm expecting to receive.

 

[Stevie_007]

Love this project , I’m still printing and loving my 3D printer Cr10s. I’m having building work done and the painter thinks I’m performing magic, when he looks 5 hours later there is an object on the print bed, he thinks I’ve teleported it in....he is about 80

 

[sebna]

Got everything up and running this morning... just over 3 weeks from starting to order all the parts, includes a new DIY 80/20 rig and clearing some space in my garage to fit the rig in ( I'm not a compulsive horder... I'm not ). It's surprising how the video amplifies the sharp noises... when I'm stood next to it seems much quieter. providing you work your way through the build carefully anyone attempting this project should end up with a successful outcome.

Great to see another one live and kicking

How are the feelings? How do you like it? How does it compare to real thing?

Thanks!

 

[C64]

Great to see another one live and kicking

How are the feelings? How do you like it? How does it compare to real thing?

Thanks!

I have only driven a little bit in iracing ( the only sim I play ) and had a play with the various settings, there is a large range from soft to harsh, if everything is turned up to max it’s a bit like being in a mixer . I still have the servos set at max rpm of 1200... will up it to 3000 rpm now that I know everything seems to be functioning correctly. I have never been in a motion rig so I have nothing to compare it with. It’s a bit of an assault on the senses as I have only been used to having feedback from my direct drive wheel. The software is really easy to use for playing with the settings. I can’t give any sort of objective feedback other than I can’t really believe how straightforward it has been to build a fully operating system !