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

 

[GEEDOGG]

I cant find the bank details for kinetikmsystems, i ordered and got a email but also no reference to where the money must go to.

Emailed them 2 days ago but still no response.

Anyone can help me ?

Not sure if it helped me but I emailed norman.greve@kinetikmsystem.de and gave him my order number and told him to send my confirmation email so I could pay for my order once I received the confirmation email I chose to pay with PayPal aand after I paid I emailed him again to let him know I had paid for my order. It took about 4 weeks I ordered on Oct.16th paid on Oct.18th and received my parts on Nov.15th.

 

[AlexP37]

Thanks Geedogg but its solved, i got 2 emails and the one with the payment went into my spam box where i never look.
I just payed so they will be here soon i hope.

 

[AussieSim]

Thanks Geedogg but its solved, i got 2 emails and the one with the payment went into my spam box where i never look.
I just payed so they will be here soon i hope.

Gmail put mine in Spam too

 

[Boondocker]

Does anyone have the links for US based ordering?

 

[HugoB]

Kinetik MSysteme operates a very curious ‘online shop’. No paypal, no payment confirmation, no mention of stock levels on the product page, no communication of estimated shipment times or delays, etc. But they do deliver eventually and that’s what counts.

Btw. printing the last ‘motor mount’, hopefully it’ll be up and running in the next three days!

 

[Moxley6969]

Does anyone have the links for US based ordering?

For what exactly ?

 

[Nick S]

Hey all. A mate and I have been mulling over designs for a DBox style actuator system for quite some time, so stumbling across this DIY project was a pleasant surprise, particularly given the mechanical similarities. Just have a few questions before we consider ditching our effort and jumping aboard this project.

1. I have noticed from the videos posted so far that the roll effect is quite minimal when compared to videos of DBox and others. This is most obvious in the rally cross video posted earlier in this thread. Is this a common personal preference, or a limitation of the software? Obviously GS4 owners may have this turned down, but it is apparent in all the videos posted in this thread so far.

2. Actuator travel. It was asked earlier in the thread if the system could accommodate longer travel actuators, but no answer was given. Do we have access to the Arduino source code in order to modify it for longer travel, or are there plans to add such adjustment/calibration from the software?

3. Are there any plans to add limit switches to the system for automatic homing and protection of the actuator? I guess this kind of ties in with #2 and access to the Arduino source code.

Cheers.

 

[HoiHman]

1. You can set as much roll as you can take, up to 5cm up / down, but as you will find out you will NOT need that much. The GS-4 does not do roll, only G-force effects.
2. No longer actuators or different kinds are supported. You can adjust the calibration in the driver of the servo which will give you bigger servo movements with the same output from the arduino, but then you are really into DIY territory.
3. As far as i know: NO, but it's not needed anyway. It would complicate the build too much

The drivers of the servos have a max torque protection, which will shut down the servo motor if the slider reach the max position. Don't worry about the servo breaking the 3d printed parts, if anything goes wrong, you're probably still safe.

As i experienced myself first hand


While people are still getting their first servos, today i received my 5th.



It meant to be a backup unit, just in case anything breaks down in the (hopefully far) future.

But with future second controller support in SimFeedback coming somewhere in the future, it's may also be the start of another immersion improving expansion

 

[Insert Coin]

Thinking of traction loss, Henk?

 

[HoiHman]

Thinking of traction loss, Henk?

Pretty difficult with a non-permanent set up, but than again so is a non permanent d-box style rig

 

[Insert Coin]

Pretty difficult with a non-permanent set up, but than again so is a non permanent d-box style rig

Add a sliding mechanism under the seat instead of under the rig?

 

[HugoB]

If you could only choose one:
- traction loss
- surge (seat only, relative to pedals/wheel)
- belt tensioner
What would give the better immersion?

 

[sjb266]

Belt tensioner 100% .... can't wait for it!

 

[anton_Chez]

I would go with the tensioner also. Almost a DIY GS4 to a degree. Not sold on the traction loss. I'm sure if I tried it I would have a better understanding on what it can provide but at this stage, even the V3 gives me a good feeling of the rear stepping out so if I had to choose, I'd choose something that was going to give me a completely extra feature. Belt tensioner would be great at portraying some G force effect.

 

[HoiHman]

My first choice would be belt tensioner, but you do not need these servos for that. It would be overkill.

 

[HugoB]

Good to hear a belt tensioner is such a great addition to immersion. It’s a lot easier to implement than TL or surge So that will be my focus after this now.

 

[AlexP37]

I would do the belt tensioner like the german guy (forgot his name sorry) in the videos, he has traction loss and a belt tensioner on it.

 

[HugoB]

I would do the belt tensioner like the german guy (forgot his name sorry) in the videos, he has traction loss and a belt tensioner on it.

Yes, that looks really good indeed. He uses a SCN actuator for that now, with I think Simtools. I’m hoping for Saxxon to release a solution that integrates a belt tensioner into the SimFeedback software and uses a smaller servo motor (to keep my collar bones intact)

 

[Moxley6969]

I would go with the tensioner also. Almost a DIY GS4 to a degree. Not sold on the traction loss. I'm sure if I tried it I would have a better understanding on what it can provide but at this stage, even the V3 gives me a good feeling of the rear stepping out so if I had to choose, I'd choose something that was going to give me a completely extra feature. Belt tensioner would be great at portraying some G force effect.

TL adds a WHOLE new level of data in a slide that NO other force will cover in the legit motion of the data. I strongly suggest you dont discredit the TL Axis so easily.

 

[anton_Chez]

I don't discredit the traction loss at all, far from it. It nearly made me import the Stage IV Simxperience cockpit to Australia at more than double the cost compared to the V3 I have now. I'm just saying that I have the V3 and I don't yearn for what I felt I may have been missing out on. I actually get enough feedback in the rear to make me comfortable with the purchase without regretting not having gone the RTL module route. Even more so now that I run the Sim-Lab GT1 chassis which would not have happened if I ended up with the Stage IV.

I wouldn't discredit anything without trying it first. Many people forget this when they 'compare' seat movers to full chassis motion without having tried either of them. They discount the validity of the seat mover (usually, as opposed to the full chassis motion which always seems to get a free pass) based on theory alone.