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

RowanH · Feb 25, 2020

Kinetik (and Item24) are suppliers to general business (i.e. B2B not B2C) don't expect the same levels of service as a B2C ecomm store. They would be used to getting orders of 10's of meters of extrusions, not 4x250mm lengths... I'm almost positive they'd be close to groaning everytime they see an order for our bits

They would be unlikely to cut and ship each individual order - they'd batch up a week or two of orders and run them all through at once [the extrusions come in 4m/6m lengths typically, so they'd want to minimise time pulling extrusions in/out of stock for cutting].

(Source for educated guesses: been around aluminium extrusions my entire life just about, in a related software field)

I don't think anyone's *not* gotten their extrusion pieces. There might be a small handful of orders that have been messed up, but overall they've managed to supply to a few hundred SFX builders.

Are the emails bouncing or just not getting responded to. If they're bouncing what's the bounce error? (recipient mailbox full? system undeliverable?). They may have just an issue with their IT systems.

Insert Coin · Feb 25, 2020

Furnace Inferno said:
Mine didn’t take too long but I’ve seen others take ages. That being said I did email them as I wasn’t sure what length I ordered from the email confirmation which had no details on it and they never replied so don’t expect an answer even if you do get through. Everything turned up fine though.

Same here.

thenic123 · Feb 25, 2020

Should the below emi filter work and where to install it into 4 separate power leads then plugged into a power block then to mains outlet?

https://www.jaycar.com.au/240v-ac-emi-filter/p/MS4001

Shrive81 · Feb 25, 2020

hey guys sorry for the dumb questions but can someone point out the thread page or the list of hardware needed. need to order all the bolts and screws but can find the list in the pages been looking for over an hour, thanks in advance

meizer · Feb 25, 2020

Shrive81 said:
hey guys sorry for the dumb questions but can someone point out the thread page or the list of hardware needed. need to order all the bolts and screws but can find the list in the pages been looking for over an hour, thanks in advance

If you are in the US, here is the list: https://www.racedepartment.com/thre...y-motion-simulator-thread.159524/post-2899157

General shopping list is here: https://opensfx.com/shopping-list-and-sourcing-parts/#shopping

camerusa · Feb 26, 2020

RowanH said:
Kinetik (and Item24) are suppliers to general business (i.e. B2B not B2C) don't expect the same levels of service as a B2C ecomm store. They would be used to getting orders of 10's of meters of extrusions, not 4x250mm lengths... I'm almost positive they'd be close to groaning everytime they see an order for our bits They would be unlikely to cut and ship each individual order - they'd batch up a week or two of orders and run them all through at once [the extrusions come in 4m/6m lengths typically, so they'd want to minimise time pulling extrusions in/out of stock for cutting].

(Source for educated guesses: been around aluminium extrusions my entire life just about, in a related software field)

I don't think anyone's *not* gotten their extrusion pieces. There might be a small handful of orders that have been messed up, but overall they've managed to supply to a few hundred SFX builders.

Are the emails bouncing or just not getting responded to. If they're bouncing what's the bounce error? (recipient mailbox full? system undeliverable?). They may have just an issue with their IT systems.

Here is the message I got trying all their emails not just this one.

Address not found

Your message wasn't delivered to norman.greve@haec-aluminium.debecause the address couldn't be found, or is unable to receive mail.

RowanH · Feb 26, 2020

camerusa said:
Here is the message I got trying all their emails not just this one.

Address not found
Your message wasn't delivered to norman.greve@haec-aluminium.debecause the address couldn't be found, or is unable to receive mail.

I would say they've got a system configuration issue.. the domain is still active. Try the contact form on their website. If you've already made an order and have a charge on your credit card just be patient it will (more than likely!) arrive

thenic123 · Feb 26, 2020

I added a 4 Power Cable wiring diagram which includes an EMI filter and mains 4 outlet portable power block. Hope I got it right?

thenic123 · Feb 26, 2020

thenic123 said:
I added a 4 Power Cable wiring diagram which includes an EMI filter and mains 4 outlet portable power block. Hope I got it right?View attachment 352053

Revised diagram minus terminal block

eSEA One · Feb 26, 2020

Anyone have any thoughts on the "GT1 Evo Sim Racing Cockpit" from Simlabs, is it sufficiently strong enough to work with the SFX 100 actuators?

anton_Chez · Feb 26, 2020

I have the old GT1 and it's perfect for me. Not sure about the new Evo version but I've seen people are having success with it also. I still think I prefer my older design and parts.

Freeon · Feb 26, 2020

How solid does a rig have to be. I have a home made one that is made with 1”x1” square tubing. It may not sound like much but everything is solidly welded together and has zero flex at the moment with a DD wheel. Should i be planning on reinforcing it or should this be ok.

Insert Coin · Feb 26, 2020

eSEA One said:
Anyone have any thoughts on the "GT1 Evo Sim Racing Cockpit" from Simlabs, is it sufficiently strong enough to work with the SFX 100 actuators?

I'm using a GT1 Evo with SFX100 actuators, but I replaced the brackets on the base frame by 80x80 mm ones instead of the standard 40x40 and added an extra bar below the pedal tray. It's very solid.
Some pictures here: https://www.racedepartment.com/thre...y-motion-simulator-thread.159524/post-3049740

Moxley6969 · Feb 26, 2020

Freeon said:
How solid does a rig have to be. I have a home made one that is made with 1”x1” square tubing. It may not sound like much but everything is solidly welded together and has zero flex at the moment with a DD wheel. Should i be planning on reinforcing it or should this be ok.

Worst case you'll need to add a few triangle braces, if you've welded it yourself, adding a few braces shouldn't be a big deal eh ?

DD exposes a particular weak side of rigs wheel mounts, SFX will expose a weak base frame allowing some twisting or tweaking with heavy motion pending how rigid things are.

LukaUse · Feb 27, 2020

Hello,
Since there was a lot of interest in the CNC parts I have decided to organize a group buy for the parts.
If anyone would like the redesigned files message me, and I will send them to you

Link to the group buy thread:https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/group-buy-opportunity-sfx100-cnc-parts.179306/

Mascot · Feb 27, 2020

RowanH said:
Kinetik (and Item24) are suppliers to general business (i.e. B2B not B2C) don't expect the same levels of service as a B2C ecomm store. They would be used to getting orders of 10's of meters of extrusions, not 4x250mm lengths... I'm almost positive they'd be close to groaning everytime they see an order for our bits They would be unlikely to cut and ship each individual order - they'd batch up a week or two of orders and run them all through at once [the extrusions come in 4m/6m lengths typically, so they'd want to minimise time pulling extrusions in/out of stock for cutting].

(Source for educated guesses: been around aluminium extrusions my entire life just about, in a related software field)

Or... the 4x250mm lengths are compiled from offcuts that would normally go straight in the scrap bin, so they wait for suitable offcuts to be available before processing the order. I actually think Kinetik rub their hands every time they get SFX orders. It'd literally take a couple of minutes to buzz offcuts to 250mm with a chop saw, and as anyone can testify Kinetic don't bother deburring the cuts, blowing the swarf out or even packing them properly.

(Source for educated guesses: been around aluminium extrusions my entire working life, I dealt directly with mills and have designed dozens of complex porthole dies)

RowanH · Feb 27, 2020

Funny thing after posting the other day I was on their site "they've got an Instagram! ?"

That's a scary looking blade ! Looks suspiciously like an automated saw. Video of someones extrusion being cut

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

They know what they're supplying them for:

ThugUK · Feb 27, 2020

I'm sure that was my extrusion being cut, I recognise it

Of course they know what they are being cut for, they will probably google their own name and see that most of the hits will be right here on RD and about the SFX100. Same as most of the other suppliers.

Peter Koslowski · Feb 27, 2020

Guys, I ordered the servomotors on January 25th and I'm done with all the other parts. Everything has become very nice and accurate! Now I can not stand it anymore! The motors have to come here!
I know, the corona virus paralyzes everything!
Is there anyone who ordered the servo motors around January 25th and is also waiting. Maybe you have information that I don't have. HOW MUCH LONGER!!!

Tronicgr_6DOF · Feb 27, 2020

Peter Koslowski said:
Guys, I ordered the servomotors on January 25th and I'm done with all the other parts. Everything has become very nice and accurate! Now I can not stand it anymore! The motors have to come here!
I know, the corona virus paralyzes everything!
Is there anyone who ordered the servo motors around January 25th and is also waiting. Maybe you have information that I don't have. HOW MUCH LONGER!!!

Expect delay ranging from 1 month to 3 months... there is unbelievable backlog...

Some parts I ordered from Shenzhen on Jan 18 didn't ship until yesterday, which are not actual shipped, just created shipping label waiting for pick up etc... its unknown how hong it might take!!!