My homemade FFB controller

Mizoo · Sep 27, 2011

Hi, simracer fans

I just wanted to show you my last project.
After seeing the Steph Bord and V8Ben videos I wanted an FFB Happ steering wheel too !

But, instead of hacking a logitech board, I built my own FFB controller:

It's based on a Blueboard LPC1768H (I have also a version for LPCXPRESSO), 34$.

The main specs are:
- 1 kHz refresh rate output signal (ie: for AMC)
- 1 kHz refresh rate for USB data coming from game (even if most games actually update the data only 60-100 times per sec.)
- incremental rotary encoder for the steering wheel position (I'm using a 2048CPR, 8192 position per rotation, on direct drive)
- compatible with G25 pedals (and shifter soon)
- configuration via OLED display (soon)
- FFB monitoring, to avoid clipping (currently via serial port, and on OLED soon)
- no need to any driver

To drive the motor, I'm currently using an AMC servo drive, but I will build my own motor controller once the firmware is finished (for brushed and brushless motors).

I also removed the mechanical stop of the steering wheel, since it's managed with the motor (the steering angle is configurable).

This setup is more strong and fun than my G25 (I rediscover rFactor that I disliked before).
I can have strong FFB effects without clipping.

I think to provide a firmware soon (maybe for few bucks or donation).

fvalido · Feb 4, 2014

Hi Tortue, thank you too. Do you know if this board with bootloader and the firmware works with ARGON too?

bberger · Feb 4, 2014

Yes, it does.

bberger · Feb 21, 2014

Can any of you guys tell me the correct THERMAL time constant for the MiGe-130ST-M10010?

Barry Burke · Mar 1, 2014

Hi bberger

How is your project progressing, can we get an update.

Thanks

FrankyMS · Mar 4, 2014

Barry Burke said:
Hi bberger

How is your project progressing, can we get an update.

Thanks

+1

JarkkoR · Apr 20, 2014

Ok, it seems that there is no firmware yet for DIY FFB with servo motor? Maybe bberger is working so hard with the firmware that there is no time to post information about the project

. What is the situation of Mizoo firmware? It seems that he had it done with bootloader but no offical release still. Maybe Mizoo is putting up site to sell boards with firmware loaded(just hoping)...BTW is there any other DIY firmware projects around?

bberger · Apr 20, 2014

??

The firmware has been made available almost from day 1. Just yesterday I released an update to support rF1/rF2 and AC alongside iRacing.

Not only that, but my firmware is available free as open source and has a plugin interface so that 3rd parties with C++/Qt5 knowledge can easily extend the host application.

I just don't have the time to update all forums at the moment, the project documentation and progress is almost exclusively going on in a German forum (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the link here).