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

Dont Panic · Nov 14, 2020

Update in the Opensfx page:

New Sponsor System

After a break we are accepting new members again.
But this time it requires a sponsor who will nominate you as a new member – Please do not donate without having a sponsor!
Due to lack of respect and disregard of the project license, which prohibits any commercial use, the project was paused.
Unfortunately this situation still continues and dealers offer SFX-100 systems or parts for sale.

Therefore we have decided to use a sponsor system to protect the project against these commercial abuse.
Sponsors are people who are already members of our community and are willing to support you on your way.
The Sponsor will nominate you and will guide you through the process becoming a new member.

How to find a Sponsor?

This is the more difficult part. The project was started in the German Sim-Racing Community, strongly supported by the VR Forum (https://forum.virtualracing.org/forum.php).
There you will find supporters and you can get in contact to find a sponsor.

For the English speaking people it will be even more difficult.
Despite the fact that there is no official website/forum on which we are still active, you will find members of us on all major sim racing portals and forums.

mechsicko · Nov 14, 2020

Dont Panic said:
Update in the Opensfx page:

Glad to see some activity from Saxxon however I'm pretty sure the curious solution of expecting newcomers to the project to 'find a sponsor' will only further motivate people to explore other options.

eSEA One · Nov 15, 2020

Anyone here willing to be a sponsor for me? I am well on my way to completing the actuators. Just have to pull the trigger on purchasing the servo motors. Done all the printing and the Arduino controller with shield. Here is an old photo I now have printed the rest of the parts.

If you would like to sponsor me I would really appreciate it if you would PM me
thanks

Mehmet Baran · Nov 15, 2020

cubex said:
It's hard to believe that you can get these cheaper than the normally used ones, they're about 4 times as expensive! Technically I'd say they are superior (e.g. included support software, much better encoder resolution, much better documentation, probably higher pwm freq (no annoying 10kHz sound)) and can be made to work with simfeedback as they have the necessary inputs (pulse and direction), but you'll have to make your own connector (it's not DB25) and find out the correct parameter settings for the servo drive yourself. The normally used drivers/motors from aliexpress are basically a clone/copy of these.

Thank you for the answer. Actually i am surprised to about the prices but custom taxes are really high.

As i am no expert about motors and drives, do you think that making my own connector will be require expertise? I am handy about lots of things but this will be my first project.

How about making simfeedback work with it ?

Did anyone has any experience with this situation ?

Thank you.

BluePotato00 · Nov 15, 2020

eSEA One said:
Anyone here willing to be a sponsor for me? I am well on my way to completing the actuators. Just have to pull the trigger on purchasing the servo motors. Done all the printing and the Arduino controller with shield. Here is an old photo I now have printed the rest of the parts.

If you would like to sponsor me I would really appreciate it if you would PM me
thanks
View attachment 419904

PM sent. I'll give this sponsorship thing a try!

Hank83 · Nov 15, 2020

I finished the build over 3 month ago and have literary checked the sfx homepage for update every day since.
I would be forever grateful to the person willing to sponsor me. I probably have 10 000 pictures of the build process to verify that I am a hobbyist if necessary. Thank you /Henrik

Ferly · Nov 15, 2020

I'm also looking for a sponsor. Ordered and received almost everything, just the aluminium profiles are still missing (hello kinetik!). Been busy printing the last couple of days. Would be thankful for a sponsor. I'll even throw in some delicious swiss chocolate.

Lebois · Nov 16, 2020

I don't understand the point about this sponsorship system...

Bombastik · Nov 16, 2020

Lebois said:
I don't understand the point about this sponsorship system...

Me too,

I was trying to read all posts for a few days and i am wondering if we will be able to build one for me or not.

What does license offers ? I mean, are they codes for arduino or what ? What will we miss without license ?

Don't get me wrong, i respect the community and definetely willing to donate or try to find sponsor after i order the parts but please someone explain the situation.

Thank you.

Glowhawk · Nov 16, 2020

it would be good if you could access the sfx discord even if you only have basic access to be able to speak to others who are members and willing to sponsor you, tbh i can not see how this will stop people commercially abusing the project.

ive had my sfx built and running for about three-four months on the basic software and been waiting to be able to donate/pay for the full software, but now the solution is to find a member of the sfx community to sponsor you a community new builders or people who have completed their builds have no access to??????? how does that fix anything?

Hank83 · Nov 16, 2020

Glowhawk said:
it would be good if you could access the sfx discord even if you only have basic access to be able to speak to others who are members and willing to sponsor you, tbh i can not see how this will stop people commercially abusing the project.

ive had my sfx built and running for about three-four months on the basic software and been waiting to be able to donate/pay for the full software, but now the solution is to find a member of the sfx community to sponsor you a community new builders or people who have completed their builds have no access to??????? how does that fix anything?

I dont know

Dont Panic · Nov 16, 2020

What happened to Kinetik?

I ordered profiles, nuts and reduction sleeves two weeks ago. Package arrived today!

Item24 did't work at all! I registered to their page five weeks ago and made a price query. I'm still waiting answer...

Ferly · Nov 16, 2020

Lucky you, I ordered 4 weeks ago and nothing.

Dont Panic · Nov 16, 2020

Maybe someone found this method earlier? This is optional solution for attaching reduction sleeves to Kinetik profiles, if you don't have proper size (6.8mm, is it actually inch size?) Allen key.
M8 threaded rod with couple of nuts or long bolt as a guide to keep sleeve straight. WD40 or similar lubricant makes it bit easier.

Lebois · Nov 17, 2020

As said previously, I developped a mechanical kit with an aliexpress seller. He can also provides reduction sleeves with a specific tool :

I will probably try it when he will have found a good 100100 extrusion (I am also working on a opensfx-like actuator based on stepper motors).

Ferly · Nov 17, 2020

Dont Panic said:
What happened to Kinetik?
I ordered profiles, nuts and reduction sleeves two weeks ago. Package arrived today!

Item24 did't work at all! I registered to their page five weeks ago and made a price query. I'm still waiting answer...

I'm pretty sure you got mine. I contacted Kinetik and they said that the package was returned, because customs couldn't read what was written on the package. Without knowing whats inside, they couldnt bill me, so they just sent it back.

Dont Panic · Nov 17, 2020

Ferly said:
I'm pretty sure you got mine.

Maybe, if you ordered your profiles as a 300mm long...

Ferly · Nov 17, 2020

Would have been nice to know that my misfortune might have helped someone else. Thanks for crushing that illusion.

Lasercutter · Nov 23, 2020

I'm looking for a sponsor too if there is anyone here willing to do so, completed my build a few weeks ago and I'm still trying to get my head around all the possible settings for various sims.

Fingers crossed and thanks in advance.

Cheers, Dave

JohnBeardmore · Dec 1, 2020

Kinetik order in.
Let’s see how long it takes to get to the UK.
Also got a quote for the Item profile. Put an enquiry on the UK dealers site at lunchtime, received a call an hour later and written quote within 24 hours. Price would have been acceptable except for the £29 carriage charge!