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

 

[SixDegreesOfFlight]

I've read many times that David is easy to deal with - can somebody give me his contact details (hopefully his email) as I've tried to contact him through Aliexpress but haven't heard anything back. Thanks in advance.

Here is the link to his shop:
https://de.aliexpress.com/store/pro...r-3000-rpm-2-4-N-M-0/3223052_32844070107.html

I changed the language at the top to English. When I ordered my motors yesterday he answered within a few minutes.

 

[BluePotato00]

Saw this on iRacing's forum. $2,400 (USD equivalent) for 4 actuators (rig not included). Seems like the actuators are a bit less powerful than our SFX-100 actuators. But the price is attractive for non-DIYers. It's a Swedish company.

https://simrig.se/

Specs:

• Max system load:
  • 175 kg (includes rig and driver)
  • Max actuator load:
  • 50 kg (for a single actuator)
• Travel:
  • 70 mm
  • Degrees of Freedom:
  • 3 (heave, pitch, and roll)
• Power Supply:
  • 500 W, 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz
• Supported rigs:
  • 20x60, 40x40, and 40x80 mm aluminum profiles
• Control Software:
  • SIMRIG Control Center

 

[Furnace Inferno]

I think you’d need a quite lightweight rig for that, the Sim-Lab P1 and gear alone on mine is around 100kg.

 

[Megahowler]

Was browsing ebay and came across this (for Aussies) The profile looks almost identical to the one from kinetik.. And super cheap at $65 (AUD) for 1M

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/T-slot-...230591?hash=item4b65e7b2bf:g:JHcAAOSw7sBdAIK4

 

[HoiHman]

We are working on plugin/profile that will allow you to move the rig with a joystick/buttonbox.

You should normally do this at low speed and low acceleration, but just for fun we tried this it with all sliders max out and made this video

The plugin will be supported by the next SimFeedback release when it's ready.

 

[niko911]

Need some help with the SimFeedback 00.08.05 program.
Downloaded, unzipped, remove_blocking, run as a administrator.
The Simfeedback welcome screen loads and then disappears.
The program is running in the background but nothing else happens...

Also my pc and Windows version.

Any suggestions?

Regards Niclas

 

[Ringorian]

Where did You Install it ?

 

[niko911]

Created a folder under C:/Program/

 

[anton_Chez]

Try a different drive to your Windows install if possible.

 

[watoga]

Hello all,

Just in case people were interested, I'm based in the UK and thought I'd try the Item24 version of the actuator's aluminium extrusion housing (https://opensfx.com/mods-item24-extrusion/). I contacted the UK's distributor (Machine Building Systems Ltd; https://www.mbsitem.co.uk/) and I was quoted:

• Profile 10 100x100 @ 250mm = £31.62 each (£126.48 for four)
• Tapping M10x1.5 threads into each extrusion = £15.60 each (£62.40 for four)
• SUBTOTAL = £188.88 (excluding VAT)
• TOTAL = £226.66 (including VAT)

I just thought I'd post this up in case people wanted some pricing information for profile alternatives.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[niko911]

Tried to install Simfeedback software on my work computer this morning.
This time something happens when I run the remove_blocking.bat (command window pops up and executing -, this does not happen on my home-pc.)
Welcome screen shows, then disappears. A new pop-up window shows:

What´s going on?

 

[kiekoon]

Dear All,
My budget is tight. It is possible to build only two actuators with a pivot point for the first time ?
Thanks for your answer.

 

[o Tiger Feet o]

Created a folder under C:/Program/

If youre still struggling... Try putting it in a folder on C: > This PC > Documents > SimFeedback

 

[niko911]

Still doesn´t work...unfortunatly... "License has expired..."

 

[o Tiger Feet o]

There is a way to sort that - just cant remember what... Have you tried a fresh download today?

 

[niko911]

Yes - downloaded this morning. Let us hope that Saxxon read this thread and can give some input.

 

[saxxon66]

License has expired, I have updated the GitHub release, please download and install again.

https://github.com/SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo/releases/tag/00.08.05

Backup you profiles and SimFeedback.xml first, or just replace the SimFeebackLicense.lic in your previous installation.

 

[niko911]

Tjohoo!! It´s working! Thanks Saxxon.

 

[diablo2112]

In the middle of my SFX-100 build. At the point I need to mount the M10/M8 inserts into the Kinetik extrusions. As many, many others have said, this is pretty difficult. I found a little trick that's working great and made the process painless.

Simple: Run an 11m x 1.5mm tap about 6-7 turns into the Kinetik extrusion. Don't go any further. This allows the inserts to bite into the taper at the end of the hole. Works great, super easy to screw this in and they firm up very nicely the last turn or two.

(my inserts measured 10.7mm; my 10mm tap was way too small to effectively cut threads for these inserts)

 

[SeniorDingDong]

Quick poll- for those using oculus cv1, who is doing sensor on rig vs off rig? Anyone mount 2 sensors on rig for better tracking or is that not necessary?