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

 

[Scoops]

Profiles arrived yesterday all nice and shiny nuts and inserts as well. The inserts look to be the right ones as the hex runs through the whole length. Is that correct?

Also I’m counting about 70 ish arduino shields across three forums but I’m not on iRacing so there may be more on there. Assume we are close to the 100+ needed for a group buy

 

[Flex33]

Where did the Aussies on here source their DB25 cables from?

 

[anton_Chez]

Ebay

 

[Megahowler]

Where did the Aussies on here source their DB25 cables from?

Aliexpress

 

[Flex33]

$70-$80 about the standard for 4 cables? Shipping take a while?

 

[saxxon66]

Uh, here in Germany DB25 cables are 3€ each.

 

[Scoops]

@Pyronious has the 100 boards needed for the bulk order been reached or even exceeded?

 

[Pyronious]

@Scoops yes we are moving forward with round 2 group buy. Will place the order this week.

 

[BluePotato00]

Where did the Aussies on here source their DB25 cables from?

If Monoprice ships to Australia, they're a good option.

 

[Scoops]

I know the degree of severity can be turned down but how much do people’s rigs move when they have “normal” settings. I’m going to be tight for space and have started thinking about how to restrict walking.
How would 3D printed cups for the feet to sit in similar to the dBox cups work?

 

[BluePotato00]

I know the degree of severity can be turned down but how much do people’s rigs move when they have “normal” settings. I’m going to be tight for space and have started thinking about how to restrict walking.
How would 3D printed cups for the feet to sit in similar to the dBox cups work?

I printed cups (hyperlink to thingiverse is a few pages back) and screw-mounted them to a sheet of OSB. I put the rubber "washer/dryer" foot cups inside the 3D printed cups (great fit) and then the 3D printed foot at the base of the hollow shaft sits inside of all that.

 

[Scoops]

Cheers sounds like a good option. How much walking do you get? And what flooring is it on?

Mine will be a laminate floor

 

[BluePotato00]

Cheers sounds like a good option. How much walking do you get? And what flooring is it on?

Mine will be a laminate floor

Even with the cups screwed into the plywood, I'll still get minor walking when I toy around with extreme (uncomfortable) profiles, but it's much better than when I just had the feet.

My rig is on a hardwood floor with a rug.

 

[BluePotato00]

Be sure to mention SFX-100 and SimFeedback in your answers to the 2019 iRacing survey sent out today!

 

[Megahowler]

Uh, here in Germany DB25 cables are 3€ each.

We have a thing is Aus called "Aussie Tax"
Great country to live in... Bent over on all electronics... I think I paid $60Aud for 4 cables (€37 euro)

 

[Tarheel Dan]

are these the right servos? it would be convenient to order from ebay, plus it's a "Make Offer" ad.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/750W-2-4NM...st-m02430-3m-Cable-for-CNC-Mill-/112105071625

 

[Tarheel Dan]

this seems to be the same as the recommended kit, but at 1000 instead of 750 watts. any thoughts?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/328...4.0&pvid=1ef6015c-43cf-4481-b225-fb8b64a7b183

 

[Snajrog]

this seems to be the same as the recommended kit, but at 1000 instead of 750 watts. any thoughts?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/328...4.0&pvid=1ef6015c-43cf-4481-b225-fb8b64a7b183

Why not just order the ones that the system was designed around which would also get you the sales support and tech support. Even saving $100 wouldn't be worth it. As far as convenience it isn't inconvenient to order from the gentleman on Aliexpress, in fact it was quite easy and he is super quick to respond.

 

[Tarheel Dan]

Why not just order the ones that the system was designed around which would also get you the sales support and tech support. Even saving $100 wouldn't be worth it. As far as convenience it isn't inconvenient to order from the gentleman on Aliexpress, in fact it was quite easy and he is super quick to respond.

You're right, of course. My tendency to overbuild everything had me overthinking.

 

[Snajrog]

It'

You're right, of course. My tendency to overbuild everything had me overthinking.

It'll seem overwhelming at first but over time the whole thing will come together in your head and you'll be driving inside of a couple months. Just follow the directions and ask a lot of questions, and read every page of this eternal thread.