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

 

[_hagenaar]

If that's warping of one of the corners that I'm looking at, did you try the print with a 5mm or even 10mm brim? That can help hold the corners down.

indeed 1 of the corners did warp. i did print with a 7mm brim

 

[_hagenaar]

Make sure to clean the bed with rubbing alcohol.
Use a brim (hard to see, but I think you already do).
Turn the temperature of the bed up by 5 degrees so the print will stick more to the bed.
Keep the printer in a draft-free room.
More tips here: https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/19537-how-to-fix-warping

I used 90% alcohol to clean the bed, (some leftover from making my own limoncello )
i will try with a higher bed temp

 

[HoiHman]

@_hagenaar Use 3DLAC spray and the print will stuck much much better on the 3d printing bed.

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[Black_rat]

I use Dimafix on a glass bed, never had a print shift yet, just another option.

 

[Clayton_S]

Hi Guys, just beginning the SFX build. So it is possible to use an 80ST-M02430 or the motor?

Thanks,

 

[RPG]

Hi Guys, just beginning the SFX build. So it is possible to use an 80ST-M02430 or the motor?

You'll be able to see, shortly. The member _hagenaar is trying out this motor; check back to his post on the previous page, and to the posts that it it turn refers back to.

 

[_hagenaar]

Hi Guys, just beginning the SFX build. So it is possible to use an 80ST-M02430 or the motor?

Thanks,

@Clayton_S i am convinced it is possible, that is why i ordered the motors and drives but i can not confirm it works because i am still printing the first set of parts and the motors and couplings are being shipped

 

[_hagenaar]

Make sure to clean the bed with rubbing alcohol.
Use a brim (hard to see, but I think you already do).
Turn the temperature of the bed up by 5 degrees so the print will stick more to the bed.
Keep the printer in a draft-free room.
More tips here: https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/19537-how-to-fix-warping

I cleaned the glassplate a bit better. turned the bed a 1/4 of a turn up and set the bed temp from 47 to 53 deg. also rotated the part 45deg on the bed and set the printing speed from 60 to 50mm for now everything looks fine. (had no time yet to order the glue)

 

[Clayton_S]

@_hagenaar Looks like it should work. same specs just different body and shaft..

 

[Insert Coin]

I cleaned the glassplate a bit better. turned the bed a 1/4 of a turn up and set the bed temp from 47 to 53 deg. also rotated the part 45deg on the bed and set the printing speed from 60 to 50mm for now everything looks fine. (had no time yet to order the glue)
View attachment 347740

Just a tip: calibrate the bed height carefully before every print. If the height is off the print will come loose.

 

[Peter Koslowski]

The right fat?
Hello!
I only need the servo motors, the pressure parts and the clutches! Alieexpress says quarantine, two weeks.
I bought some grease for food processing equipment to grease the spindle and the linear bearing. Then it won't smell! The viscosity is 2!
What is your experience with greasing for noise?

 

[Sojborg]

Hello i am new here.
Does any one know if the 3D printed parts should weigh what the stl files say ? my parts weigh a lot less. About 8-20% less (eg. the files say 104g and my parts weigh between 80 to 90g) it would be great if someone have the parts and could weigh them.

 

[Stevie_007]

For people not using vr with motion, do people prefer the monitor on a stand or attached to the rig.

 

[_hagenaar]

For people not using vr with motion, do people prefer the monitor on a stand or attached to the rig.

I think it is more a question if you are willing to take the chance it gets broken by all the vibrations

 

[HoiHman]

For people not using vr with motion, do people prefer the monitor on a stand or attached to the rig.

Once you have tried all the outrages violent profiles without a monitor on your rig, imho the best experience is having the monitor on the rig with reduced intensity

 

[Stevie_007]

Once you have tried all the outrages violent profiles without a monitor on your rig, imho the best experience is having the monitor on the rig with reduced intensity

Henk, you have the Samsung 49 inch as well, do you still have it on your rig?

 

[HoiHman]

Henk, you have the Samsung 49 inch as well, do you still have it on your rig?

That's a very big YES.

The 49" inch on the rig directly behind the steering wheel in a dark room is almost a VR experience.

I can go back to a static screen which needs a lot of clearance and distance from the rig because of the motion.

 

[Mr Latte]

The braking effect is definitely somewhat lacking even with a GS-5 on top of the SFX-100 IMO but I’m just about to add a seat belt tensioner, total cost only around £300 not including seat belts which should really give everything you need without any of the controls moving closer/further away.

Will report back once I’ve tested though.

I find that rather amusing with that level of hardware but I know of a solution for making the sensation of deceleration and wheel-lockup feel rather awesome. The question is, do we make it only for pedals or seat, perhaps both and if desired, its even possible to transfer in energy from feet-thighs-spine-shoulders to suit the cockpits motion when dipping.

We can also, customise the bass sensation/energy to suit the user's preference or give different cars seemingly more braking force than others.

Thanks to Simhub

 

[Furnace Inferno]

Interesting to know on the surge with GS5, I also think belts is a wise idea, Curious how they feel when they release tension, can you blatantly feel them release ? PS i guess we should take this convo over to the thread for it eh.

Well finally got it all wired up without USB dropouts and the profile working and I can say the addition of the belt tension makes all the difference. Slamming on the brakes and being really pressed into the seat feels so right, very happy and can highly recommend.

I find that rather amusing with that level of hardware but I know of a solution for making the sensation of deceleration and wheel-lockup feel rather awesome. The question is, do we make it only for pedals or seat, perhaps both and if desired, its even possible to transfer in energy from feet-thighs-spine-shoulders to suit the cockpits motion when dipping.

We can also, customise the bass sensation/energy to suit the user's preference or give different cars seemingly more braking force than others.

Thanks to Simhub

As you know I disagree on tactile being good to simulate certain effects. For me tactile doesn’t trick my brain into feeling motion or pressure. That being said I will concede you do get vibration through the car under heaving braking so it could be used for that effect but the pressure side, no.

 

[Mr Latte]

Well finally got it all wired up without USB dropouts and the profile working and I can say the addition of the belt tension makes all the difference. Slamming on the brakes and being really pressed into the seat feels so right, very happy and can highly recommend.

As you know I disagree on tactile being good to simulate certain effects. For me tactile doesn’t trick my brain into feeling motion or pressure. That being said I will concede you do get vibration through the car under heaving braking so it could be used for that effect but the pressure side, no.

Its not a matter of creating depression or body pressure, like load in what motion may do. You need to look beyond that. Just as motion fools the senses it is not generating g-loads. A panel pressing into the body is not even close to sustaining true g-loads. Sure a belt pulling someone is also a big felt reaction and these can fool the brain into being more real or immersive as we link in our brains that sensation to whats happening in the sim and the car.

Motion is not the only element that can be used to enhance "our senses" or help fool our brains for improved immersion with the operation or presence of various effects and in ways that motion on its own struggles or cannot deliver.

"G load" enhancement and immersion is possible, not body depression but adding weight/depth in varied/controlled vibration that penetrates into the bones of the user. Such is the energy with the much wider bandwidth the lowest frequencies have, they can move body regional muscle/fat/tissue, it can add excitement, be engrossing and work with the motion to enhance the immersion more than just either on its own. Do you seriously think that true G-Loads do not also generate vibrations in a car, its chassis, its body? It is THIS I refer to using tactile to represent additional presence/character and be used to work with or without motion.

Spoiler: Want to Read More?

I have very enjoyable and immersive Lateral G sensations easily appreciated and fun on tracks such as Silverstone, Suzuka, Spa, Monza to name just a few. It feels quite nice on single large BK units but its much more immersive when 4 or 6 large units working in stereo are used. Thus able to encapsulate the whole user both seat/pedals in a unique felt sensation that typical motion cockpits cannot offer. These if ran with high settings and specific Hz can shake your brain in your skull such is the energy in the vibration.

Part of what I enjoy doing is to continue working on these effects to further improve them in the feel they can offer. Such as not being static but vary in feel as the load increases. However, Lat G as one case example is more enjoyable when we also combine it with other nice sensations. Such as, a light "tyre/surface feel" and steering weight from "speed based steering load" as well as "wheelslip" which with current testing seems we can now achieve positional/rear traction loss sensations moving from rear to sides of seat.

You are welcome to your own views and to disagree, or how effective such is. Then again I do not know what level of experimentation in effects creation or equipment you or others may use to come to your conclusions. What I do know is what I have been discovering with such experimentation over the past 18 months.

Another example in using high energy tactile would be in what does motion do to replicate increasing speeds and makes these feel much more involving and exciting. I do not refer to "RPM" feelings or a rather crappy "whoosh" speed based wind effect, no but actual increasing felt load/depth that can represent "engine strain" fooling the user's brain and sucking them into what is happening with the car in the sim.

Motion has its own limitations, certain things it will not do on its own or as well as certain tactile software can achieve. The question is when we really seek to push the boundaries, be creative and experiment, what can be achieved with both combined?