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

 

[Furnace Inferno]

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?

I have two sensors off rig because I still use it for room scaling. Tracking had been working fine but it’s been a bit funny recently with me needing to reset the view occasionally but I think that is because the rig blocks the sensors with certain rig movements so I’m going to mount them higher up and angle them down.

 

[Antracing]

I put mine on the rig and it works well, although I may try them off the rig as they move when the rig shakes.
I was originally worried the movement would make it feel strange if they were fixed.

 

[BluePotato00]

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?

In the pas I've tried the configurations you mentioned. One sensor off rig is my preference.

 

[SeniorDingDong]

K I'm almost ready to take this plunge. Still wondering if the money and time investment is worth it. Is there anyone in the CA bay area with a rig they'd be willing to demo? Preferably in VR....

 

[BluePotato00]

K I'm almost ready to take this plunge. Still wondering if the money and time investment is worth it. Is there anyone in the CA bay area with a rig they'd be willing to demo? Preferably in VR....

I'd be happy to demo my system but you'd have to couple it with a summer roadtrip to beautiful Flagstaff, AZ! I'm not sure if I've heard of any CA builders. You could page through the iRacing SFX-100 thread and see if anybody who posted there is in the "California Club."

 

[anton_Chez]

Isn't our resident Pyronious in CA?

Edit: Not to throw you under the bus mate...

 

[niko911]

AZ - just next county to CA. Just drive trough Las Vegas and your home free

 

[Tronicgr_6DOF]

Isn't our resident Pyronious in CA?

Edit: Not to throw you under the bus mate...

Close, but no... he is located a few states north from CA...

 

[sn4il]

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.

It's actually pretty simple task. Just use cutting fluid. Cutting fluid + yellow hex from the photo - 10 minutes per actuator. These are self aligning inserts.

 

[sn4il]

My controller enclosure is finally completed. Its a combo of cheap pine wood + 3d printed parts.

 

[Snajrog]

Is there anyone in the CA bay area with a rig they'd be willing to demo? Preferably in VR....

Southern California

 

[Snajrog]

It's actually pretty simple task. Just use cutting fluid. Cutting fluid + yellow hex from the photo - 10 minutes per actuator. These are self aligning inserts.

Or if you are completely impatient use a small impact driver. I used a Milwaukee impact driver with a 3/8' socket adapter to drive an 8mm bolt that was threaded into the insert. There was a washer under the bolt head as well. I used anti-sieze and cutting oil.
The other benefit is that the washer works flawlessly as a depth stop.

 

[ThugUK]

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?

I have 3 sensors, all wall mounted 2mtr high, with their cables hid in trunking painted the same colour as the walls.
It would take too much effort removing even one to mount on my rig.
I have never had any issues with losing tracking at all.

 

[diablo2112]

My controller enclosure is finally completed. Its a combo of cheap pine wood + 3d printed parts.

That's gorgeous, really well done! Thanks for the idea. I'm just happy I managed to run 220V to my Simulator room. Only took 6 hours and eight 3"-holes cut in the walls. I'm going to be 80 years old and patching holes I cut in my walls. I can't stop, it's always something.

 

[niko911]

Happy for a split second...
Just finished my second acurator. Testing out with the jog function on the servo. Maxed out it pushes the inner ring of the linear bearing outwards (should be fixed I’ll guess?)
Any ideas?

 

[Dennis Karlsson]

Happy for a split second...
Just finished my second acurator. Testing out with the jog function on the servo. Maxed out it pushes the inner ring of the linear bearing outwards (should be fixed I’ll guess?)
Any ideas?

That bearing is mounted the wrong way.

 

[niko911]

No - its mounted the right way.
Its just that the bearing has divided itself.
If I remove the piston, I can gently knock it in with a hammer to the right position, but then I use the servo to max out, the slider pushes out the bearing.

 

[saxxon66]

Hello motion enthusiasts,

we have cracked the mark of 200 registered installations!

I think it's a really remarkable number, especially when you consider that the project is a pure DIY project, which requires a considerable investment.
Therefore I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the trust you have placed in us.

When we presented the project in September last year, I wasn't sure if the project would be accepted at all.
It quickly became clear that there was more interest. Amazing, because so far I have seen the Sim Racing market more as a niche where motion systems are a much smaller subset.

One could observe very well how the project has spread worldwide. It started in Germany, followed by the EU countries and then across the pond to America. Also at the other end of the world (from my point of view) in Australia and New Zealand we could find followers.

My wish that this project, developed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts continues in such a way that everyone passes on his experiences and helps others has come true.

To celebrate this a little suggestion:
You've built so many great simulators, post some photos of your systems here to serve as motivation for others.

Thank you!

 

[ThugUK]

I, like probably everyone else who built it, had always fancied going full motion but found the high price of retail units hard to justify.
Ok, there were alternatives like the Prosimu and the DofReality that appeared well priced, but they were just substitutes and not really what some of us were looking for.
Then the SFX100 came along and initially looked out of our reach due to being complicated (at first glance), especially the electronics. The Sheild helped enormously in this department.
It then became a reality that I/we could own an excellent full motion rig at a great price.

I for one (and I don’t stand alone) want to thank you for making this dream possible and for the great community it has brought together.

I’m on holiday at the moment it will update this post with a photo of mine upon my return.

 

[ThugUK]

double post