The SimFeedback-AC DIY Motion Simulator thread

sjb266 · Sep 17, 2018

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:

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

sn4il · Jul 5, 2019

Maxed out it pushes the inner ring of the linear bearing outwards (should be fixed I’ll guess?)

I did not test my actuators yet but I think you simply pushed that actuator beyond its working space.

anton_Chez · Jul 5, 2019

My build has seen some significant improvements even since the completion of the SFX-100 system.

I've also just received this beauty:

Looks great and feels fantastic. BTW, since I'm here, what is CAL on the dial.... ? Yes I am noob.

Ringorian · Jul 5, 2019

niko911 said:
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.

Never saw this and i dont think that it should be moveable ... Faulty ?

Mr Latte · Jul 5, 2019

Keen also to see more peoples builds too.

Have to say the part that worries me the most is the building of the actuators. Been following the thread on/off I have seen issues with components delivered, issues with bolts/threads, bearings or not putting it correctly together.

I got a couple of the SFX shields and 3D parts sorted with looking to buy the 8020 profile next but I keep pushing it back due to this concern of uncertainty. Not sure if others are or have felt the same but would love to see someone offer a more detailed look into this part of the build again. I don't have lots of tools either or d.i.y abilities.

Also looking for someone to link or recommend were in UK to order Black 160x40mm 8020 sections?
I need these as part of my new build.

Any help or encouragement welcomed.

anton_Chez · Jul 5, 2019

The parts received can be a mixed bag but as long as they send what you've ordered (which is what is listed in the shopping list) then you shouldn't have any worries. You don't need a lot of tools and having them means it just makes things easier if you run into something stubborn like the threaded inserts. Many have done most by hand, but a drill with a hex shank 150mm driver bit makes light work of it.

The only way to know with the parts is to go with the most reliable source based on common experience here in the thread and cross your fingers. For me, I had more issues with my 'flat pack' Simlab GT1 than with any of the parts list. Easily. So it just shows that even a proper kit in a box can come with many issues, parts missing, etc. Go with the reputable sources (Amy, David, Kinetic, etc) and you should be good to go.

Wmacky · Jul 5, 2019

I would consider 120mm over the 160mm. I have a P1 and the 160mm profile is very heavy, and seems like overkill.

Mr Latte said:
Keen also to see more peoples builds too.
Have to say the part that worries me the most is the building of the actuators. Been following the thread on/off I have seen issues with components delivered, issues with bolts/threads, bearings or not putting it correctly together.

I got a couple of the SFX shields and 3D parts sorted with looking to buy the 8020 profile next but I keep pushing it back due to this concern of uncertainty. Not sure if others are or have felt the same but would love to see someone offer a more detailed look into this part of the build again. I don't have lots of tools either or d.i.y abilities.

Also looking for someone to link or recommend were in UK to order Black 160x40mm 8020 sections?
I need these as part of my new build.

Any help or encouragement welcomed.

ThugUK · Jul 5, 2019

Mr Latte said:
Keen also to see more peoples builds too.

Have to say the part that worries me the most is the building of the actuators. Been following the thread on/off I have seen issues with components delivered, issues with bolts/threads, bearings or not putting it correctly together.

I got a couple of the SFX shields and 3D parts sorted with looking to buy the 8020 profile next but I keep pushing it back due to this concern of uncertainty. Not sure if others are or have felt the same but would love to see someone offer a more detailed look into this part of the build again. I don't have lots of tools either or d.i.y abilities.

Also looking for someone to link or recommend were in UK to order Black 160x40mm 8020 sections?
I need these as part of my new build.

Any help or encouragement welcomed.

You will probably find that the things that worry you the most offer no issues, where the things you aren’t concerned about may do.
I wasn’t worried about the threaded inserts at all, but these by far give me the biggest headache.

Where in the UK are you? I’m sure if there is someone local to you they will offer some help.
I’m in the North East and would offer.

Mr Latte · Jul 5, 2019

Wmacky said:
I would consider 120mm over the 160mm. I have a P1 and the 160mm profile is very heavy, and seems like overkill.

My build is going to be overkill, that sounds good.
On a serious note I need 3x 160mm internal cross-sections top/mid/bottom (laid flat) to secure the specialist isolation section my own build is for using regards the advanced tactile it will have.

Strong is needed as this internal section that supports the seat/pedals will be much heavier than a typical build. The STP antivibration and noise reduction materials purchased are heavy and so will all the tactile and purpose-built frame for it that is being installed.

Mr Latte · Jul 5, 2019

ThugUK said:
You will probably find that the things that worry you the most offer no issues, where the things you aren’t concerned about may do.
I wasn’t worried about the threaded inserts at all, but these by far give me the biggest headache.

Where in the UK are you? I’m sure if there is someone local to you they will offer some help.
I’m in the North East and would offer.

Appreciate the offer of help, much appreciated. I am based in Northern Ireland will give you a PM sometime soon.

watoga · Jul 5, 2019

Mr Latte said:
Also looking for someone to link or recommend were in UK to order Black 160x40mm 8020 sections?
I need these as part of my new build.

Hello,

I am also based in Northern Ireland(!), and I've been ordering my 8020 profile from a company called KJN Supplies (http://www.aluminium-profile.co.uk/acatalog/8mm_Slot_ITM_Profile.html). The link provided is for their standard silver aluminium profile, but they also do some examples in black as well. Their profile sections are also fully compatible with the Item24 profile, so inter-workable with many other options. Personally, even for the structures requiring the highest levels of stability (base frame and steering wheel stand), I ended up going for the 80x40 sections. However, instead of going for the standard "light" profile:

I ended up going for the more robust "solid" profile:

There is a significant increase in the weight of the "solid" profile, but the strength is incredible and it is not overly bulky. The only downside is the postage costs to Northern Ireland - they seem to think we're close to the North Pole and quote accordingly for shipping.........

Thanks!
Dave

GFJunky · Jul 5, 2019

For UK profile, I've had good prices from eBay seller Simon:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/40x40-Al...706993?hash=item3fc0454db1:g:sqsAAOSwuMFUiaCx

Message him your requirements and his prices have always way better than aluminium-profile.co.uk

Mr Latte · Jul 5, 2019

GFJunky said:
For UK profile, I've had good prices from eBay seller Simon:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/40x40-Al...706993?hash=item3fc0454db1:g:sqsAAOSwuMFUiaCx

Message him your requirements and his prices have always way better than aluminium-profile.co.uk

I was wanting the same quality used by Simlabs and of course suitable to match with the profile for the actuators. Never used 8020 before and so many options.

GFJunky · Jul 5, 2019

Actuator mounting is slightly more complicated than it should be because most people use 40mm profile spacing and the actuators are 50mm. You kinda want 40x50 corner brackets which I haven't ever seen. Spacing the brackets out with washers is simple though but not perfect.

My rig is built out of 40mm light profile, mostly 40x40 with some 80x40 and 80x80. Item or 'item compatible' seems like the most common shape of 40mm profile.

Specialist68 · Jul 5, 2019

You can use the " Sandwichplates " to mount theSFX100

RowanH · Jul 5, 2019

Everything got a bit out of control (and still going.....) this is from a few months ago. I've had over 30 different people all have a go in it and come out like grinning idiots - from people who never knew simulators even existed to some serious rev-heads. Pretty evenly split down the middle from "that was a cool experience, now I'm really intimidated" to "just a few more minutes, need to better my laptime..."

The rig is never in a state of "done" with cables tidied up for long enough to get a good picture !

niko911 · Jul 5, 2019

Sorry about buffing this question again...
I’m pretty sure that’s a faulty bearing I got, but make a reklamation to Amy will take time and effort. So my qustion is - will the Simfeedback ever max out? (If not - it will not be a problem, otherwise it may be a big problem)

diablo2112 · Jul 6, 2019

I'm just finishing my SFX-100 build. I have 3 complete acutators, and have gotten all the electronic bits up and running. Was testing out software profiles today while the parts for my 4th actuator are printing. This build went super-smooth. Really no problems at all. I ordered the standard components off the build list, and recieved everything within about 2-3 weeks. Part quality is great, and the actuators went together very nicely. The only tricky part was threading the inserts, and I quickly realized that a 11x1.5mm tap threaded in about 6 turns made this part very easy.

If you're on the fence about starting this based on concerns about actuator assembly, I'd say go for it. This has gone very smoothly, and has been a ton of fun.

Tim Palmgren · Jul 6, 2019

Here are a few pics of mine...if the link works

https://imgur.com/a/VO0lmUs

Megahowler · Jul 6, 2019

I'm still building mine... Slowly.. But life is getting in the way atm...
Have all the parts except servos and something to bolt them to at this stage..
Waiting for Trak Racer to release their 8020 rig

ThugUK · Jul 6, 2019

GFJunky said:
Actuator mounting is slightly more complicated than it should be because most people use 40mm profile spacing and the actuators are 50mm. You kinda want 40x50 corner brackets which I haven't ever seen. Spacing the brackets out with washers is simple though but not perfect.

My rig is built out of 40mm light profile, mostly 40x40 with some 80x40 and 80x80. Item or 'item compatible' seems like the most common shape of 40mm profile.