The SimFeedback-AC DIY Motion Simulator thread

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
 
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I am not sure why this is being compared to tactile transducers. Motion clearly gives you something that tactile doesn't.

That doesn't mean that tactile cannot add further to a motion rig. This I don't know but I do know that the servo's and ballscrews can certainly give you thumps that your average transducer cannot. What is a transducer doing? Throwing a light weight piston and transferring the energy in to the sim. I know from my CNC machines that when you are throwing 100+kg's around you can make a 2 ton machine shiver if things are not smooth.

The potential is there for this motion platform to give you very nice feedback but that's not why I am doing it, or most people. I think we are doing it for the movement and the fact that people are now wondering if they still need their tactile transducers show that this is never their primary thought.

I think the cues the brain will get using motion in VR is going to be spectacular and I can't wait :)
 
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I have just recently bought some items from a few different places over the last couple of days. I got the linear bearings from here
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-LMK30...462113?hash=item3f6467c5e1:g:UaYAAOSwQupXV4m0

They will be 4mm shorter but it should not make any difference.

They will also be 2mm less is diameter.. might not matter either though..

Anyway I’ve managed to source the same exact parts as listed in shopping list from China. I’ll link the company details when I receive and assess quality. But it’s about $300USD total shipped for 4 of each of:
Ball screw and nut
LMEK30UU
FK12
3040 Coupling
Precision hollow shaft

I also found another supplier and am currently negotiating prices. Might be 50-60 bucks cheaper again...
 
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They will also be 2mm less is diameter.. might not matter either though..

Anyway I’ve managed to source the same exact parts as listed in shopping list from China. I’ll link the company details when I receive and assess quality. But it’s about $300USD total shipped for 4 of each of:
Ball screw and nut
LMEK30UU
FK12
3040 Coupling
Precision hollow shaft

I also found another supplier and am currently negotiating prices. Might be 50-60 bucks cheaper again...

Yes you are right, I didn't notice the diameter was 45 vs 47mm. In my case it's not an issue as I am milling the parts from acetal, not printing them, but good to know for people using the 3d printer plans.

ps you have done better than me, I could only find the shaft with a 20mm bore.
 
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Sorry, one more question regarding the servo motors :

90ST-M02430 220v 750w AC Servo motor 3000rpm 2.4NM 0.75KW servomotor Single-Phase ac stick permanent magnet Matched Driver

There appear to be 3 options
Without brake 150mm length
With electromagnetic brake 198mm length
With permanant magnet brake package 203mm length
>> is this 203mm length motor the correct one ?

Edit : in a PDF manual i see different model numbers.

Can I confirm the motor controller I need is : DS100S-75

And the motors are :
DN90ST-M02430B



Thanks
 

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I’ve ordered the extrusion from Germany along with all the other bits from other suppliers.. looking like the end of the month before it all arrives...

What was the cost to AU may I ask?

Also let us know how you go with that parts package from ali, I have a bunch of the parts from different sellers in my cart but much prefer to order from one place.
 
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This thread is packed with great information... I'm glad to provide any additional information regarding tactile feedback with a dbox system and bass shakers. I still blend the two and I have found there is a difference with motion and motion with tactile feedback system like LFEs

Can you share some more specifics? ;)

1) What's the main difference between motion and motion with tactile feedback system like LFEs?

2) What tactile effects do you use in addition to d-box?

3) Did any effects got replaced by motion entirely or there is always benefit of supplementing each other?

4) Do you feel different characteristics of cars naturally on d-box or you use profiles to make distinction between for example hard vs soft suspension cars?

Many thanks!
 
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Lets keep this thread in topic, Maybe go for a tactile or Not tactile combined with motion or Something thread .. no offense.
At The end everybody who build Them has its own taste, configuration etc. Some Like no little movements and prefer the Shaker for it, other use Small movements and because of that he doesnt Feel the Vibes and so on.
we should bei Happy about the cheap and strong actuator and even more for that Software which gives you the ability to use them Like we do.
Peace
 
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ps you have done better than me, I could only find the shaft with a 20mm bore.

Actually I think the one i ordered is 20mm bore too.. can't see it makes much difference.. strength maybe...?

I got all the parts from a seller on Alibaba. I would rather not give links at the moment.. if you guys order it and it's crap i'm not wearing the blame!;) It's so easy to find... Many sellers there have this stuff.. you'll have to take the punt!
 
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Got my very first official drive with the SFX100 Actuators today.

Overall experience : Very positive.

The motion is really good and very easy to tune. Today i was running on 1500rpm max, but tommorow i will try the 3000rpm. :D

Only in the very last lap i did this with the HPD on the Nordschleife i was amazed. Untill then i was too much being busy tuning the motion to my liking and not letting myself enjoy it by just finishing the lap.

There's a lot of potential to be reached. I also got a profiile from Jochen and i am looking forward to give it a try asap.

But... to fully enjoy it, there still lot's of work to be done. The GS-4 has a defect controlboard and is not working. I still need to mount the windsim and my seating / pedal position needs a lot of improvement.

If this all comes together ...

i'm in heaven :D
 
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will not work, because you can't thingen the bearling holder with a square bearing
It's a good point, I can modify the 3D print to make the bearing holder nuts semi captive which will allow the bearing to go in last... or I will carefully ( protecting the bearing from heat and grit ) grind some recesses into the flange for the allen key. They are ordered as I could not find an obvious source of the LMEK version. I should really have gone for the LMK version and modified the 3D bearing hole size.
 
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I totally agree with Michals post, which basically means that i'm not selling my buttkickers until i have fully explored all combos.

There's a lot of old love for my buttkickers since i was a simvibe beta tester :D

Rodney, as shown in the video by VSP you can add any effect supported by the telemetry output and add it to your profile. With the graph you can adjust the reaction of the actuators to that specified effect, but also the max travel ect ect ect...

The possibilities are endless.................



I have yet to explore those possibilities. Eventhough i made my first (short) test drive, my new rig is far from finished, so this will take some time.

Yes for the motion control the options seem vast.
Good to hear you have things working and gradually going through the process of testing and configuring things.

I see tabs for RPM shaker and Rumble options.
Its what options are in these if you can show more so we can learn what is possible compared to what D-Box or indeed what VR3 offers for vibration / tactile controls.

Appreciate if you can post some images if you get a chance in the coming days.
 
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