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

 

[Tim Palmgren]

@ThugUK I think it is shipping end of May...

 

[ThugUK]

@ThugUK I think it is shipping end of May...

Yeah I heard that, I can still wish though.

 

[Mr Latte]

Anyone want to share product examples (links) of quality USB Hub and Cables they use.

 

[EsxPaul]

I'm using a Ugreen powered hub and their usb cables. It's been very good for me so far and not caused any issues.

Can't vouch for how it will handle the SFX extras added on though as I'm not there yet. I'll be adding ferrites to everything at that point.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Pow...=Ugreen+7+hub&qid=1557386446&s=gateway&sr=8-3

 

[Bleak December]

Yeah I heard that, I can still wish though.

Mine is 27th, so hoping I can receive that as the icing on the cake for my SFX build!

 

[Black_rat]

I got an email yesterday and one from DHL saying they had received the instructions for shipping?

 

[z4hei]

@HoiHman @metalnwood @HugoB
Thanks so much for all your suggestions!! And more importantly, they work!!

For my 1st issue, I have ordered the best quality cables I am able to find and will give it a shot soon. For the 2nd issue, I bought the continuity tester and found out that there were some cables broken internally...... I could not believe these cables got so high failure rate as they looked intact to me. I changed those with problems and the actuators just work great!

Further to the suggestions, may I know what is the powered usb hub? Is it a hub with two cables, one usb to the PC and the other to the power socket? That means I need an extra layer device before the servos could be connected to the PC and will it introduces more interference to the system? Furthermore, it would be great if you could share the brand / model no. of the magic cable / device you think may enhance my success rate?

Thanks!

 

[iigator]

@HoiHman @metalnwood @HugoB
Thanks so much for all your suggestions!! And more importantly, they work!!

For my 1st issue, I have ordered the best quality cables I am able to find and will give it a shot soon. For the 2nd issue, I bought the continuity tester and found out that there were some cables broken internally...... I could not believe these cables got so high failure rate as they looked intact to me. I changed those with problems and the actuators just work great!

Further to the suggestions, may I know what is the powered usb hub? Is it a hub with two cables, one usb to the PC and the other to the power socket? That means I need an extra layer device before the servos could be connected to the PC and will it introduces more interference to the system? Furthermore, it would be great if you could share the brand / model no. of the magic cable / device you think may enhance my success rate?

Thanks!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Pow...id=1557386446&s=gateway&sr=8-3&tag=racedep-21

 

[jedrzej101]

Guys how long did you waited for aces to full version simfeedback? I donated on 20.04 and still waiting

 

[Moe Ballout]

Can anybody put the wiring scheme for the power supplies?

 

[z4hei]

Guys how long did you waited for aces to full version simfeedback? I donated on 20.04 and still waiting

I waited around 2 days but I got refund because my donation was too little...

I will try to donate more soon

 

[Crashtappen]

You have it on the servos driver's manual.

Ground is on the case and other 2 are labelled phase and neutral. You can't go wrong.

Can anybody put the wiring scheme for the power supplies?

 

[HoiHman]

@HoiHman @metalnwood @HugoB
Thanks so much for all your suggestions!! And more importantly, they work!!

For my 1st issue, I have ordered the best quality cables I am able to find and will give it a shot soon. For the 2nd issue, I bought the continuity tester and found out that there were some cables broken internally...... I could not believe these cables got so high failure rate as they looked intact to me. I changed those with problems and the actuators just work great!

Further to the suggestions, may I know what is the powered usb hub? Is it a hub with two cables, one usb to the PC and the other to the power socket? That means I need an extra layer device before the servos could be connected to the PC and will it introduces more interference to the system? Furthermore, it would be great if you could share the brand / model no. of the magic cable / device you think may enhance my success rate?

Thanks!

Great it worked, like mentioned before more than 90% of all failures are wiring related.

A quality USB powered hub ensures that the arduino has a stable 5v power supply (through USB) and does not only rely op the power supply from the PC.

 

[C64]

Pyronious has reported that production of the SFX shields is nearly complete and the Chinese supplier think they will ship on Monday.

 

[Tronicgr_6DOF]

Hi,

I have been developing a variation of my AMC1280USB controller that can connect to thr AASD-15A servos directly, and it provides compatibility with simtools or other motion software compatible with AMC1280USB.

The controller is designed to be plug and play, and allow custom size actuators from 100mm to 400mm, with resolution of 5000 to 20000 positions. I already finished preliminary tests and looks promising.

The controller board will have DB25 connectors on it for plug and play operation (no need of making wiring etc) and can support up to 7 actuators (7th is auxiliary)






Just wonder if there any interest in this?

Thanks
Thanos

 

[wajdi]

Let me say, I have AMC controller from Thanos and I have to say it’s really a high quality product with a great customer support.

 

[Black_rat]

Looks like my order from rc-letmathe is being delivered tomorrow, if I am in of course

 

[Moe Ballout]

Hi,

I have been developing a variation of my AMC1280USB controller that can connect to thr AASD-15A servos directly, and it provides compatibility with simtools or other motion software compatible with AMC1280USB.

The controller is designed to be plug and play, and allow custom size actuators from 100mm to 400mm, with resolution of 5000 to 20000 positions. I already finished preliminary tests and looks promising.

The controller board will have DB25 connectors on it for plug and play operation (no need of making wiring etc) and can support up to 7 actuators (7th is auxiliary)

View attachment 305077

View attachment 305078

View attachment 305079
Just wonder if there any interest in this?

Thanks
Thanos

Can you share your prts list for the actuators and shaft? What parts are these?

 

[Tronicgr_6DOF]

Can you share your prts list for the actuators and shaft? What parts are these?

These actuators on my videos are from PT-ACTUATOR factory in China. Really amazing quality I have to say...
http://www.pt-actuator.com
He can provide dimensions and clearances in detailed drawings in advance, just ask him.

I had to get a frame 80 servomotor to fit in the actuator I already had, but he could make custom ones with frame 90 as well.

Here is a 4DOF + TL + Surge platform example using these actuators...

Thanks
Thanos

 

[leeroy605]

Add another one to the SFX owners club . Been very busy this past week! Final parts came before last weekend so spend Saturday building the actuators. All went well, did what was suggested in here and made one through to completion then built the other 3 doing each step in turn.

Installed the software and tested them, all looked good so mounted them to my rig and took them for a spin. I had the biggest smile on my face, these things are amazing and so so so much fun , donated pretty much immediately!

However after smacking both my elbows whilst using them I realised I had to do something with my rig (a sim lab TR1). Tapping the ends and moving them back wouldn't do enough so this week I basically took it apart and changed the way the wheel deck is mounted so I could push the seat forward and the pedal deck forward too. The rig is now a hybrid of a GT1 and TR1 but they're mounted perfectly now . I'll get some pictures of it in here once I've tidied up the cables as its a mess right now...

Amazed at how well this thing works, got everything plugged into one power strip and one powered USB hub with a USB 3.0 extension cable running to my computer in the next room. Everything works great with no disconnects which I am so grateful for, just switch on one power plug and one USB cable to the computer and it's ready to go.

Just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone in this community here, I would not have been able to do it without your amazing help I had no idea how to wire up servos to power, use wagos, tap inserts or what the actuator internal parts even did before this project but through peoples help in here and researching online I've learned some new skills. Haven't had this much fun racing in years.

Quick couple of questions. One of my actuators has developed a squeak after a couple of dirt rally sessions, sounds like birds chirping. Any ideas how to solve this before I take it apart and root around? Video below:

Secondly, when I tested the emergency stop only the rear actuators went down and I had to use the jog function to get them all level again. I'm guessing this is not normal behaviour? I am using the SFX board from Pyronious with the RJ45 connector. Cut it open and put two wires (orange/white & brown) to the red side of the button...

Thanks you wonderful lot!