The SimFeedback-AC DIY Motion Simulator thread

sjb266 · Sep 17, 2018

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:

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

Jasje · Nov 29, 2019

Did anyone ever had an issue when mounting his monitor to his rig? I'm buying a 49 inch ultrawide and hesitating on mounting it on or off the rig

thenic123 · Nov 29, 2019

Are members from Australia experiencing EMI issues with other peripherals and VR? How to combat these issues? I thought about getting some emi shield tape and wrapping the power cords in it. What about grounding the sfx system somehow?

metalnwood · Nov 29, 2019

Yes, the VR issues are usually to do with the index or pimax but not with headsets using inside out tracking.

Proper grounding should be done anyway, I know that the pimax has had issues with just DD wheels let alone all the extra ones from SFX.

FrankTheO2Tank · Nov 30, 2019

Anyone know how long is too long for the USB from the Arduino to the PC?

My PC sits on one side of my rig, but I'd like to mount my server enclosure with the controller boxes on the other side of the room from my rig. I will probably need a ~20ft. cable in order to do this right, does anyone foresee an issue with this?

Just getting all the things ordered for my build and I can't tell you guys how much help this thread and the community behind this project have been. People have been so willing to help me find information and get a good build plan together. I honestly thought the level of DIY might be a bit over my head, but after the support that I've received from you all, I'm 100% certain I can do this.

Thanks for all the help!!

Moxley6969 · Nov 30, 2019

Get a Thick Quality Active Repeater USB Cable and you'll be fine.

FrankTheO2Tank · Nov 30, 2019

Ok cool, I've got plenty of those, and some active extensions that I used to use on my Rift sensors. It sounds like I should be good there.

Thanks!!

MrSnoebel · Nov 30, 2019

Jasje said:
Did anyone ever had an issue when mounting his monitor to his rig? I'm buying a 49 inch ultrawide and hesitating on mounting it on or off the rig

I thought about the same question, still in the process of building the SFX100 and the rig. But seeing all the movement the unit can produce, I decided to go the steady way. You really need to fasten the monitor if you mount it on the rig, for me that was a nogo. But there are several guys who did it. It also depends on the view you use to race I presume.

metalnwood · Nov 30, 2019

FrankTheO2Tank said:
Ok cool, I've got plenty of those, and some active extensions that I used to use on my Rift sensors. It sounds like I should be good there.

Thanks!!

I have been using the active rift sensor cable for months no issue so should be fine.

o Tiger Feet o · Nov 30, 2019

Jasje said:
Did anyone ever had an issue when mounting his monitor to his rig? I'm buying a 49 inch ultrawide and hesitating on mounting it on or off the rig

MrSnoebel said:
I thought about the same question, still in the process of building the SFX100 and the rig. But seeing all the movement the unit can produce, I decided to go the steady way. You really need to fasten the monitor if you mount it on the rig, for me that was a nogo. But there are several guys who did it. It also depends on the view you use to race I presume.

There are plenty of people using them on the rigs.(myself included). But you need to add extra support. 1)The mount doesn't look that strong. 2) without extra support the slight bit of wobble makes it hard to focus.

Ryan Korzyniowski · Nov 30, 2019

My actuators are assembled and I'm finally getting to testing the electronics and am having issues with almost no movement of the actuators when controlled by simfeedback. Here's a few details:

- Running motors off 110V
- Testing motors with FN2 Jog moves actuators fine.
- When I hit start in simfeedback, I don't see the motors moving, although they may a tiny bit.
- Connected up Arduino to PC and am testing with Assetto Corso. When AI driver is enabled, servo controller shows values varying roughly between -10 and 10, but the motor is barely moving. I can feel tiny movement, but its real tiny. I can not actually see the movement.

Its seems like things are working but the movement need to be increased significantly. What values should I expect to see on the servo controller during normal movement?

Is there a way to manually control the servo motors via the software? I've made a donation for the full simfeedback license but haven't received a license key. I'm hoping the full version includes some debug capabilities.

Edit: It seems to be working now. I didn't program the controller parameters! Such an idiot...

diablo2112 · Nov 30, 2019

I've had a 49" ultrawide mounted on my rig for almost 6 months now. Works great, no issues.

vittobrambi · Nov 30, 2019

metalnwood said:
ok, so it's both rights... I would rewire at the arduino so that you swap left and right actuators... I.e. swap right front with left front and right rear with left rear..

Of course, it will be strange but lets see if the problem persists or the left ones now go high. It weill help figure out where the problem is. If the same side, after swapping wires, keeps going up then there is some issue with the arduino and not the servo drives.

There could be other kinds of issues, like bad wiring perhaps and two servo drives are sharing a signal.. start to isolate where the issue is.

Some knock off leonardo's are not good. I have one that is OK but there have been the odd faulty one.

Hi, I have done some testing, but I still face the problem: two actuators progressively extend to maximum, then they trip for overload (torque 300%, then trip error AI-06).
Here the list of tests made:
1-changed arduino (original): no result
2-emi filter good quality: no result (apart that now the monitor does not go black sometimes as happened earlier)
3-swapped motor cables: the problem remains with the controller (This means motor and actuator assembly are not part of the problem)
4-power cables run now separate from signal cables (earlier they were grouped within same cable sleeve): no result
5-Tried different usb port : no result
6-Re-checked with tester all pins and connectors cabling of arduino controller: All is OK.

I am starting to desperate, I have still fest test I can think more:

7: swap cable connectors from arduino to controller and see if the problem remains with the arduino or controller (actually I did this test, but I will re-test, since I am not sure which result it gave)

8- change usb cable

I really cannot think about other test/improvements

Can you give me some more help?
Thanks

saxxon66 · Nov 30, 2019

vittobrambi said:
Hi, I have done some testing, but I still face the problem: two actuators progressively extend to maximum, then they trip for overload (torque 300%, then trip error AI-06).
Here the list of tests made:
1-changed arduino (original): no result
2-emi filter good quality: no result (apart that now the monitor does not go black sometimes as happened earlier)
3-swapped motor cables: the problem remains with the controller (This means motor and actuator assembly are not part of the problem)
4-power cables run now separate from signal cables (earlier they were grouped within same cable sleeve): no result
5-Tried different usb port : no result
6-Re-checked with tester all pins and connectors cabling of arduino controller: All is OK.

I am starting to desperate, I have still fest test I can think more:

7: swap cable connectors from arduino to controller and see if the problem remains with the arduino or controller (actually I did this test, but I will re-test, since I am not sure which result it gave)

8- change usb cable

I really cannot think about other test/improvements

Can you give me some more help?
Thanks

This sounds like something very basic is off.

Can you provide some more details?

- Are you using an Arduino Leonardo?
- Are you using a SFX-Shield? If not, can you post some detailed images of your installation.
- Do you get a green light in SimFeedback for Controller 1?

Some suggestions:

- Try to use another USB cable.
- Double check the parameters for the servo driver.

If the motors do do not spin up pressing start, something is wrong.

And you missed an important step, test everything first with all motors not attached to the actuator.
A jog test will not do.

Jean-Paul Lanaux · Nov 30, 2019

I am doing a little cleaning on my rig. There are a lot of systems that are a year old. I was wondering if anyone recommends or suggests breaking the actuators apart and re greasing? I would think that could be the only maint. req'd. Aw hell, maybe just let it ride another year?

Can anybody chime in on annual maint?

Jean-Paul Lanaux · Nov 30, 2019

Danpavese said:
I could agree with your thought, but there are over 300 pages to read.

Maybe I read about 30-50 pages and I'm so confused about it

I've understood that a lot of people thinks that SFX-100 + GS-5 is a fantastic combination, better than SFX-100 + NLRv3, isn't it?
I'm interested on it (for the future), but I have doubt about chassis (Simlab P1-X is good or so heavier with SFX-100+GS-5?), and other immersion system, like buttkicker, seat belt than reacts to G-Force and other things.

There are so much information in this thread that is really difficult to learn easily.

But I've understood where learn make SFX-100

Do you have many examples of where being less knowledgeable was a benefit? Good luck picking the correct 30 pages.

vittobrambi · Nov 30, 2019

saxxon66 said:
This sounds like something very basic is off.

Can you provide some more details?

- Are you using an Arduino Leonardo?
- Are you using a SFX-Shield? If not, can you post some detailed images of your installation.
- Do you get a green light in SimFeedback for Controller 1?

Some suggestions:

- Try to use another USB cable.
- Double check the parameters for the servo driver.

If the motors do do not spin up pressing start, something is wrong.

And you missed an important step, test everything first with all motors not attached to the actuator.
A jog test will not do.

yes, I use Leonardo original
I do not use SFX shield a(see picture)

I get 3 green lights. Anyway I’ ll check again when I’ll be again at PC.

Tomorrow I’ll try a different USB cable

Servo parameters all checked and found OK. I did check only the ones mentioned in SFX manual, not remaining ones. I assume servo comes from factory with remaing parameters same.

The motors do spin and raise 100 mm the actuators at startup with no problem.

The actuators works fine (all effects), the right ones raise slowly but surely to the upper level, and after 2 minutes they have no stroke left and trip

Paul Mullins · Dec 1, 2019

I'm having problems installing the SimFeedback software...!!

I successfully have installed it on my work computer and home laptop but when I came to install it on the sim rig today, it launches the splash screen for about 3 seconds, then disappears and nothing happen??

I repeated the exercise on my desktop computer in my study and I get the same issue.

All installs are version 00.09.08 from here: https://github.com/SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo/releases and running on Windows 10. With all installs, I've run the 'remove_blocking' batch file as an administrator as the first step.

The only difference I can see is the 'working' installs were downloaded a week or so ago. The two 'non-working' versions were downloaded today.

Any tips would be appreciated.

EDIT: I just copied the SimFeedback folder from my laptop onto both study and sim computers. This version works perfectly so it appears there might be an issue with the current release on github??

C64 · Dec 1, 2019

Check that the directory path you have installed into does not have any "spaces" in it. Try installing directly off a directory in the root.

C64 · Dec 1, 2019

vittobrambi said:
yes, I use Leonardo original
I do not use SFX shield a(see picture)
View attachment 336920

I get 3 green lights. Anyway I’ ll check again when I’ll be again at PC.

Tomorrow I’ll try a different USB cable

Servo parameters all checked and found OK. I did check only the ones mentioned in SFX manual, not remaining ones. I assume servo comes from factory with remaing parameters same.

The motors do spin and raise 100 mm the actuators at startup with no problem.

The actuators works fine (all effects), the right ones raise slowly but surely to the upper level, and after 2 minutes they have no stroke left and trip

A shot in the dark... Are you sure you have "activated" the correct profile for the software you are connecting to, you also need to have an effect enabled that moves the rig, RPM and Rumble effects are not enough, if you do not have an effect enabled then the Simfeedback software will shut down after approx. 1 minute.

Insert Coin · Dec 1, 2019

vittobrambi said:
yes, I use Leonardo original
I do not use SFX shield a(see picture)
View attachment 336920

I get 3 green lights. Anyway I’ ll check again when I’ll be again at PC.

Tomorrow I’ll try a different USB cable

Servo parameters all checked and found OK. I did check only the ones mentioned in SFX manual, not remaining ones. I assume servo comes from factory with remaing parameters same.

The motors do spin and raise 100 mm the actuators at startup with no problem.

The actuators works fine (all effects), the right ones raise slowly but surely to the upper level, and after 2 minutes they have no stroke left and trip

Check the U, V and W cables at the servo driver (the end of the motor cable). Someone on Discord got one servo motor with the UVW labels mixed up. Compare it with the labels and wire colors on the other servo motors.