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

 

[Tim Palmgren]

@Michal Burisin I am not an Audiologist, but I doubt that the drivers can cause Tinnitus, I cannot see it being loud enough to cause any hearing damage. Because it is a very narrow band at 10KHZ it is quite direction dependent, so if you move your head around the room you should hear pretty wide variation in how loud/present the noise is as it will be reflecting off surfaces and being absorbed also. If you are happy with headphones that resolves it, if not then an idea that I have been toying with is to sample the sound/invert it and play it back on something to see if manual noise cancellation could solve it.

 

[Michal Burisin]

@Michal Burisin I am not an Audiologist, but I doubt that the drivers can cause Tinnitus, I cannot see it being loud enough to cause any hearing damage. Because it is a very narrow band at 10KHZ it is quite direction dependent, so if you move your head around the room you should hear pretty wide variation in how loud/present the noise is as it will be reflecting off surfaces and being absorbed also. If you are happy with headphones that resolves it, if not then an idea that I have been toying with is to sample the sound/invert it and play it back on something to see if manual noise cancellation could solve it.

Thanks for message. Already got info from other source it's impossible for it to trigger Tinnitus.

The servo noise doesn't bother me, it's this constant high pitch I hear now all the time I think it's all in my head, probably the servo noise triggered the brain to notice more high pitch sound. I probably had it before, but the brain learned to ignore it. Now when I heard slightly different frequency from the servos, the brain started to notice these high pitched sounds again.

It's just theory, but I think it must be it. I hope in couple of days it will settle itself.

 

[Tim Palmgren]

Thanks for message. Already got info from other source it's impossible for it to trigger Tinnitus.

The servo noise doesn't bother me, it's this constant high pitch I hear now all the time I think it's all in my head, probably the servo noise triggered the brain to notice more high pitch sound. I probably had it before, but the brain learned to ignore it. Now when I heard slightly different frequency from the servos, the brain started to notice these high pitched sounds again.

It's just theory, but I think it must be it. I hope in couple of days it will settle itself.

A trick for dealing with Tinnitus is to listen to White Noise, it will reset your hearing. Heaps of clips on youtube to try

 

[Tronicgr_6DOF]

A trick for dealing with Tinnitus is to listen to White Noise, it will reset your hearing. Heaps of clips on youtube to try

Marpac Dohm Classic (Gray) | The Original White Noise Machine | Soothing Natural Sound from a Real Fan | Noise Cancelling | Sleep Therapy, Office Privacy, Travel | For Adults & Baby | 101 Night Trial https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQYMNLF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iD1wDbCPAS5C2

 

[BrassEm]

I cannot recall who recommended MK Aluminium for t-40 in Aus but thank you! Absolutely outstanding company to purchase from and thoroughly recommend them too. (No, I don't work for them!)

 

[Michal Burisin]

A trick for dealing with Tinnitus is to listen to White Noise, it will reset your hearing. Heaps of clips on youtube to try

Thanks! Will try.

 

[Insert Coin]

A trick for dealing with Tinnitus is to listen to White Noise, it will reset your hearing. Heaps of clips on youtube to try

Funny thing in my case: white noise triggers my tinnitus terribly...

 

[Mr Latte]

Before even building the SFX I know I am sensitive to coil whine and high pitch interference.

Let me get this right, some people have had USB disconnection issues and "Ferrite Filters" placed on the cables may help with this? Yet we also have a high pitch electrical noise from the actuators/motors?

Has anyone tried an EMI filter for "dirty electricity" and this even combined with "ferrite filters"?

Kinda curious but maybe this video is relevant to highlight the issue?

Are products like this a solution?
It would be good to get the views of a qualified electrician/technician.
Example 1
Example 2

 

[TRC7]

Yes a Schaffner EMI filter has been recommended. I have been running for about 2 months and NO high pitched whine. Maybe it is just my hearing but I have never had that annoying noise, very lucky. I run with the EMI filter and I have ferrites on all my cables at both ends. USB, Power, & Data. I did this before I ever turned the SFX on and have never had any EMI issue or or the whine. I am in the USA so I have a 110 to 220V step-up transformer. SFX-100 is fantastic and brings a level of immersion that is both fun and more realistic for the sim. Mr Latte go for it and thanks for all the work on the shakers. I plan to update to shakers next and will continue to monitor this thread.

 

[Mascot]

Yes a Schaffner EMI filter has been recommended. I have been running for about 2 months and NO high pitched whine. Maybe it is just my hearing but I have never had that annoying noise, very lucky. I run with the EMI filter and I have ferrites on all my cables at both ends. USB, Power, & Data. I did this before I ever turned the SFX on and have never had any EMI issue or or the whine. I am in the USA so I have a 110 to 220V step-up transformer. SFX-100 is fantastic and brings a level of immersion that is both fun and more realistic for the sim. Mr Latte go for it and thanks for all the work on the shakers. I plan to update to shakers next and will continue to monitor this thread.

It might be your hearing. Members of my family can't hear the coil whine, but I can.
Try analysing the signal with a phone app using your phone mic - I bet it shows a big fat 10kHz signal.
You might just be one of the lucky people not sensitive to that frequency.

 

[Mr Latte]

For acoustic measurements, an excellent professional option is Rew V5
While this is more for tuning speakers/subwoofers and calibrating your audio, it should also show a very detailed analysis of audible noise/electromagnetic interference being generated.

Parts Express even sell This mic for iPhone/Android via 3.5mm

 

[Eric Bergeron]

Yes a Schaffner EMI filter has been recommended. I have been running for about 2 months and NO high pitched whine. Maybe it is just my hearing but I have never had that annoying noise, very lucky. I run with the EMI filter and I have ferrites on all my cables at both ends. USB, Power, & Data. I did this before I ever turned the SFX on and have never had any EMI issue or or the whine. I am in the USA so I have a 110 to 220V step-up transformer. SFX-100 is fantastic and brings a level of immersion that is both fun and more realistic for the sim. Mr Latte go for it and thanks for all the work on the shakers. I plan to update to shakers next and will continue to monitor this thread.

Do you have the model and the link of it ?

 

[GeniFx]

Have to say after my first go in dirt rally 2.0 on the standard profil and on 1200rpm on the drivers this is awsome

But after about 10 min i start to get drop out on the usb my pedal is worst... Got emi filter, powersaving of on usb im Windows, powered usb hub and ferites on usb Will try to ground my rig next to the grounding on the osw, if that dont help ill try A New usb hub maby?

Any recomandations on usb hub and cabels? Any thing i forget her?

Rund osw and protosimtech pedal.
Also started to get Nice and abit of resistens in my mige motor for the osw, but thats happening with the sfx 100 off aswell

About the 10k sound the seller of the servo did say all servos and drives do have it and its from the encoder. Did ask before i did buy

 

[GeniFx]

Do you have the model and the link of it ?

I run this one
https://no.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Schaffner/FN2090-16-07?qs=fosVUi2b00yxk7NNecTWWg==

But i dont know if that is bether then the fn2070 maby some of the other can tell?

 

[darrenmnz]

Does anybody remember a post for a 3d printed Oring instead of buying one? im sure someone posted in on here, but i cant for the life of me find it. i just brought a roll of TPU to print nick moxleys foot holder design, so i thought that might be another use for i, thanks in advance if anyone has any ideas

 

[TRC7]

Eric,
This is what I purchased from Digi-key. I also have my rig grounded to the green ground screw on the wall outlet.
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/schaffner-emc-inc/FN2070-16-07/817-1312-ND/1928893

 

[Eric Bergeron]

Eric,
This is what I purchased from Digi-key. I also have my rig grounded to the green ground screw on the wall outlet.
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/schaffner-emc-inc/FN2070-16-07/817-1312-ND/1928893

Did you place this filter to correct the EMI problem or simply because it was recommended ?

 

[TRC7]

Proactive based on recommendations from the SFX-100 team

 

[Snajrog]

Do you have the model and the link of it ?

Schaffner FN2070-16-06 EMI Power Line Filter, 1-Phase, 250VAC 50/60Hz, 16A

 

[Snajrog]

Did you place this filter to correct the EMI problem or simply because it was recommended ?

There are no negatives to installing one.