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

C64 · Jul 23, 2019

o Tiger Feet o said:
If you turn them round, do they suck? I'm asked my for my friend.

If you two keep it up you will attract the attention of the moderator

( I've ordered a Seaflow, UNO and motor driver shield - so will now have to duck out of the wind down the straights

)

ThugUK · Jul 23, 2019

C64 said:
If you two keep it up you will attract the attention of the moderator

( I've ordered a Seaflow, UNO and motor driver shield - so will now have to duck out of the wind down the straights )

Could you post links please?
I was thinking of going a similar route.

Wmacky · Jul 23, 2019

I wish I could find the Seaflow fans in black!

Has anyone used the similar black fans as a substitute when doing a Simhub fan setup?

https://www.amazon.com/Pactrade-Mar...=seaflow+fan&qid=1563912770&s=gateway&sr=8-23

C64 · Jul 24, 2019

Seaflo
https://www.seaflo-uk.com/seaflo-in...entilation-in-line-air-vent-inline-7513-p.asp

UNO - a cheap copy but should be ok
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01EWOE0UU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Motor shield
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B079GZ426R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I still need to source a decent 12v power supply but will test with some low current supplies that I have lying around first.

Davidhatton · Jul 24, 2019

I have just managed to put together my first two units and started teating them but hit a problem i hope you can help with
Set the parameters for each comtroller as per instructions no issues
Tested each unit using the jog function no issues
Started simfeedback all three indicators are red motor telemetry and shaker good
When i press start i get telemetry and shaker go green but motor stays red after about 30sec the two units move to start position all good
When i press stop nothing happens but i get a progress bar sayi g loading controller which progresses to end but then everything locks up unable to action any button presses etc
No errors on controllers they sit at zero
Eventualy the motors cycle back to off position but wont then cycle to start untim i power cycle the controllers

I hope this makes sense for some of you and are able to help

GeniFx · Jul 24, 2019

Since im noe printing the last pice for my actuator im looking at the servos and about to order but i do see its different manifactores on the any one thats prefered over another?
And is it A place that is cheaper to order?

DJ_Psymon · Jul 25, 2019

Hi guys,

Great community here and thank you so much for sharing the experiences. I've started to build my SFX100 and look forward to learning from you all.

I got most of the build materials already (excluding the motors and controls). The aluminium profile that I got is slightly different, so I need to trim the "Slider" (.stl file) a little bit to make it fit into the profile.

So I would like ask how tight / loose fit the slider should to be? If I place the profile vertically and drop the slider into the center of the profile
1) should it drop to the bottom after I let it go? or
2) it needs a little pushing with my hand to push it down?

Thanks,

Simon

o Tiger Feet o · Jul 25, 2019

DJ_Psymon said:
So I would like ask how tight / loose fit the slider should to be? If I place the profile vertically and drop the slider into the center of the profile
1) should it drop to the bottom after I let it go? or
2) it needs a little pushing with my hand to push it down?

Thanks,

Simon

3) It needs a good whack to push it down

Number 3! It can be quite stiff and still work. Once its lubed up and has forces going through it will work well.

ThugUK · Jul 25, 2019

I agree, nice and stiff and it should go in

Mine could be pushed in, but only just.
They all needed a bit of 'persuasion' to move up and down.
After a few weeks use they have now bedded in and move more freely.

C64 · Jul 25, 2019

DJ_Psymon said:
Hi guys,

Great community here and thank you so much for sharing the experiences. I've started to build my SFX100 and look forward to learning from you all.

I got most of the build materials already (excluding the motors and controls). The aluminium profile that I got is slightly different, so I need to trim the "Slider" (.stl file) a little bit to make it fit into the profile.

So I would like ask how tight / loose fit the slider should to be? If I place the profile vertically and drop the slider into the center of the profile
1) should it drop to the bottom after I let it go? or
2) it needs a little pushing with my hand to push it down?

Thanks,

Simon

Would be interested to know which profile you are using - do you have a link ?

Have you made sure there is clearance internally for the ballscrew nut ?

DJ_Psymon · Jul 25, 2019

Thanks guy! Will make it on the tight side then. Cheers.

DJ_Psymon · Jul 25, 2019

(double post)

GFJunky · Jul 25, 2019

I'm fully built and was running fine for about 3 hours. Now my Vive keeps loosing tracking. It seems I can have either SFX100 or Simucube, but not both at the same time. I've added earth wires everywhere, put the drivers in a server cabinet and added ferrites to USB cables but still no luck. Next step is rerouting the servo wires.

HugoB · Jul 25, 2019

GFJunky said:
I'm fully built and was running fine for about 3 hours. Now my Vive keeps loosing tracking. It seems I can have either SFX100 or Simucube, but not both at the same time. I've added earth wires everywhere, put the drivers in a server cabinet and added ferrites to USB cables but still no luck. Next step is rerouting the servo wires.

Do you have the Vive Pro? This one was reported to not work with SFX100 in the German forum.. I don't know if they ever solved it, and you seem to have already done most of the suggestions. The old Vive does work though. The Index too.

GFJunky · Jul 25, 2019

HugoB said:
Do you have the Vive Pro?

Just the normal Vive. Debating whether to upgrade to the Index when they are back in stock .

dedraro · Jul 25, 2019

After almost 6 months I can say that I have finished my Rig (for the moment), by now it is a month that has concluded the last details, from the first rendering:

At the current Rig:

I did a lot of tests for the active belts with 2 gearmotors driven with SimTools, but besides the normal backlash obviously present in the gearbox motors, there was also a certain, really annoying delay that contrasted the immersion, so I opted for the belts fixed at the base below, with 2 really rigid springs.

Unfortunately, at the moment I only mount a single monitor, as having returned the HP Reverb, due to various factory problems, I am waiting for a new VR at the height, for the moment I get enough of this 27 "2k.

Pedals of my creation, as well as the Wind Simulator and button box.

Inside the feet where the SFX-100 rests, I added several layers of insulation, mounting 10 transducers on the ring also, including LFE, Mini LFE and BassPump III.

And the result is remarkable, almost no ground vibrations, the most intense SFX-100 shocks, of course, can still be heard, but it is impossible to remove them.

Small Dash created to make up for the lack of VR and the use of a single monitor.

See you soon with, I hope, with some news

diablo2112 · Jul 26, 2019

Fantastic work, thanks so much for sharing. Some very good ideas here.

TRC7 · Jul 26, 2019

Really nice job, enjoy the ride.

Wmacky · Jul 26, 2019

Today is the big day. It begins!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So who has the longest lasting build to date? I think it's me. I started gathering parts in December 2018, and had all the major stuff by January. I was finally able to get things rolling this month after reading, waiting, and procrastinating for months. Finally just minutes ago the last 3D part came off the printer, still warm to the touch. I took of work today just to get a early weekend start on assembling the actuators. I think I have everything I need. This is going to be fun! Off the the garage I go!

GFJunky · Jul 26, 2019

I seem to have solved my Vive tracking issue. Since coiling up the excess headset cable and wrapping it and the link-box in aluminium foil (grounded) I haven't had a single dropout. Need to work out a permanent solution now. Also pictured is actuator built with no 3D printer. Machined from a mix of ali, polyacetal and ptfe.