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

 

[anton_Chez]

Can't wait for this..............

 

[Mascot]

Another V3-owner here who is watching this thread with interest. I do love my V3 but the thought of having a D-Boxish solution for only a couple of grand more... Most enticing.
I need a couple of UK-based guinea pigs to come up with a shopping list of proven components for the cheapest prices from a 100% working and reliable build, and a source for the 3D printed components.
Don't want much, do I..?

What are the noise levels like with this beast? Any videos without game sounds drowning out the actuators?

 

[ColinMac]

I'd be quite interested in it too. Suspect that within a fairly short period of time you'll likely be able to buy very similar pre-assembled actuators though.

Tried all the motion systems I could get in front of at SimExpo, and would you be surprised to hear I liked the DBOX Vesaro system the best ?

 

[Steve D]

Another V3-owner here who is watching this thread with interest. I do love my V3 but the thought of having a D-Boxish solution for only a couple of grand more... Most enticing.
I need a couple of UK-based guinea pigs to come up with a shopping list of proven components for the cheapest prices from a 100% working and reliable build, and a source for the 3D printed components.
Don't want much, do I..?

Ditto!

Recent statement to my wife after my OSW and HE Pro purchase to compliment the P1, NLRv3 and VR set up and new PC build.

"That's it Honey I'm done. Nothing more I want or need."

I recall her raising a 'knowing' eyebrow at the time and emitting a type of "hmmmm" sound.

One week on and I find myself watching this thread with way too keen an interest.....

You Bastards!!

 

[anton_Chez]

@Steve D can't blame me this time, mate.

 

[Steve D]

@Steve D can't blame me this time, mate.

I will to the missus! You already have a bad rep.

 

[Stevie_007]

Do you daisy chain those servo drivers, do they just plug into a wall socket? I wanna make this but my mrs will go mad ( if she notices ...umm maybe that’s a bit hard) I have one part the breadboard It’s in the kitchen

 

[HoiHman]

For who ever needs it, here's a quick video how to perform the first test on the servos

 

[Stevie_007]

Thanks HoiHman all going to plan it looks. I just need to source some of these parts from places that deliver to the uk and I’m getting started.

 

[HoiHman]

Thanks HoiHman all going to plan it looks. I just need to source some of these parts from places that deliver to the uk and I’m getting started.

RIght now it can take up to 9 weeks until until some of the parts on the shopping list are back in stock at those companies.

 

[cprelot]

Hey Guy's,
Glad I fund this tread...look like I jumping me too to this project build.
Ok Let's start ordering the AC servo's..
beside to be 750w do you know if it need to be exactly the same kind? or could be different? need to have Analog input?

Year ago I was planing to do a 6dof with AC servo/Wormdrive and with a thanos controler
but I give up when I check the price of everything
so I fund a good deal for this one:
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Low-cost-Leadshine-ac-Servo-Driver_60093775808.html
it could be compatible

 

[HoiHman]

Another V3-owner here who is watching this thread with interest. I do love my V3 but the thought of having a D-Boxish solution for only a couple of grand more... Most enticing.
I need a couple of UK-based guinea pigs to come up with a shopping list of proven components for the cheapest prices from a 100% working and reliable build, and a source for the 3D printed components.
Don't want much, do I..?

What are the noise levels like with this beast? Any videos without game sounds drowning out the actuators?

As a former NLMv3 owner i will let you know the difference. I'm very keen on experiencing the noiselevels myself too. Compared to the frex, SCN5 it's superquiet. But i'm expecting it to be more noisy than the NLMv3.

This motion system is actually cheaper than a new NLMv3.

I immediately went in "all the way" as soon as i saw the first video and put the NLMv3 up for sale even though i loved it very much. I have been looking at D-box solutions for quite some years now and am really excited.

There a whole new 80/20 rig comming, with a "stored footprint" of only 80x107cm

Downside right now is that only a couple of games are supported, but.... they are the right ones

- Iracing
- Pcars 1 en 2
- Assetto Corsa en ACC
- Raceroom

Those are the games i only play anyway.

Rfactor and DCS are comming

 

[cprelot]

what is the travel distance for that Actuator, 100mm, 150mm?

 

[Ringorian]

Downside right now is that only a couple of games are supported, but.... they are the right ones

- Iracing
- Pcars 1 en 2
- Assetto Corsa en ACC
- Raceroom

Those are the games i only play anyway.

Rfactor and DCS are comming

The software is open for adding new telemetry providers. Means every guy which is able to code them can add supoort for games. Documented here.

https://github.com/SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo/wiki/TelemetryProvider

 

[HugoB]

Another V3-owner here who is watching this thread with interest. I do love my V3 but the thought of having a D-Boxish solution for only a couple of grand more... Most enticing.
I need a couple of UK-based guinea pigs to come up with a shopping list of proven components for the cheapest prices from a 100% working and reliable build, and a source for the 3D printed components.
Don't want much, do I..?

What are the noise levels like with this beast? Any videos without game sounds drowning out the actuators?

Pretty quiet I’d say:

Maybe similar to the clicking of the gearshift paddles? More quiet than the ‘bird chirping’ of typical SCN6 actuators:

You can also ask any questions on the German forum, they have been very helpful to answer in English too. Or maybe google translate can make some sense of the forum, it is full of useful building tips!
https://forum.virtualracing.org/showthread.php/109282-DIY-3KW-Motion-Sim-Rig-Coming-Soon

There’s going to be a real rush on these parts, judging by the enthusiasm People have claimed it to be as good as D-Box and the software to be better than anything out there! What a time to be alive.

 

[HugoB]

what is the travel distance for that Actuator, 100mm, 150mm?

I asked that question too on the German forum and they said 100mm.

 

[HoiHman]

The software is open for adding new telemetry providers. Means every guy which is able to code them can add supoort for games. Documented here.

https://github.com/SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo/wiki/TelemetryProvider

I know, tried to make sense of it but i can't

I'm really lucky i jumped on this right away and have everything in house right now, since there are a lot of backorders.

You would imagine that buying from Ali Express is the most uncertain factor, but the whole experience has been great. Helpfull, supporting seller . Reasonalble fast arrival of the servos : 11 days after ordering them.

The parts were very well packed and protected.

Don't know yet what the import taxes are, but we will cross that bridge when we get there.

 

[wajdi]

Woww, great thread. To bad I don’t have any basic knowledge to build something like this. Keep it going.

 

[Mascot]

Don't know yet what the import taxes are, but we will cross that bridge when we get there.

In the UK the goods are normally held until import duties are paid, so if it's the same where you are and you have them in hand... you might avoid the tax altogether.

 

[sjb266]

Like the germans say: Jede menge Power

As us Aussies would say... ‘ken oath mate!!!