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

 

[Hees]

Hey guys
Hope i am in the right place, i am a newbie practically not technically, i am new here but been reading all over for almost 3 months the more i read the more i get confused and loses track of things.
Here is exactly my situation.
I have some real racing experience, but now I cannot do that for the lack of time and other factors.
So am interested in starting this project and starting big and full house.
Budget for me is not really an obstacle, i have some spare to spend on this project.
So here is my list to have on this rig.
After all the readings i wanted to have:
Surge (the full seat, pedals and if possible the steering, also TL.
I also want to have G5 seat mounted on it.
I believe Anton said something about a guy making a version by his own (so that would be perfect if you guys could hook me up).
The thing is i live in the Middle East so i have no problem out sourcing the parts as i will have access to all locations to ship from and might find some items here.
My concern is i need much help what is posted to get this project done.
I would be great full to get help with the design of the rig.
I have some moderate experience with some DIY projects like rc helicopters some light electronics, so i assume building this rig will be fairly easy for the amount of info available.
So am really very excited to start and be one of the few in the Middle East to do it and would be great if any of you guys know someone who did it in the region.
All your help and advise will be highly appreciated.

 

[Michal Burisin]

Hey guys
Hope i am in the right place, i am a newbie practically not technically, i am new here but been reading all over for almost 3 months the more i read the more i get confused and loses track of things.
Here is exactly my situation.
I have some real racing experience, but now I cannot do that for the lack of time and other factors.
So am interested in starting this project and starting big and full house.
Budget for me is not really an obstacle, i have some spare to spend on this project.
So here is my list to have on this rig.
After all the readings i wanted to have:
Surge (the full seat, pedals and if possible the steering, also TL.
I also want to have G5 seat mounted on it.
I believe Anton said something about a guy making a version by his own (so that would be perfect if you guys could hook me up).
The thing is i live in the Middle East so i have no problem out sourcing the parts as i will have access to all locations to ship from and might find some items here.
My concern is i need much help what is posted to get this project done.
I would be great full to get help with the design of the rig.
I have some moderate experience with some DIY projects like rc helicopters some light electronics, so i assume building this rig will be fairly easy for the amount of info available.
So am really very excited to start and be one of the few in the Middle East to do it and would be great if any of you guys know someone who did it in the region.
All your help and advise will be highly appreciated.

I'm building DYI G-Seat, but there are also other guys I think, here is the thread with my build, but I haven't posted progress very closely. I think I have everything figured out by now, so I'm just waiting for last parts to put it all together, so it's not done yet.

If there is someone serious about doing G-Seat based on my design, I can share all the resources, shopping list etc., once I have it finished. But it's not as well thought out and tried and also rather easy to put together project as SFX100 (which is said to be 3 hours per actuator I think).

Also it is designed for one specific seat in 17'' size.

The 3D printed parts I designed are very tightly fitting, so there is chance, it won't fit the same seat and would require editing the models or redesigning it, I have some ideas how it could be made easier / more universal to fit this seat now, but it would be up to you to implement it.

It also requires outsourcing custom made aluminium parts to CNC shops etc. Then it would require lot of measuring / cutting / drilling into the seat.

So if you, or anyone else, would be interested in doing something similar, I can offer my assistance / resources I created, send me PM or move the discussion to the thread I linked in order not to spam here. But as I said, it won't be quick, easy or cheap, but I think it will be very good based on initial tests, but I have no comparison with SimXperience G-Seats, so hard to tell how good it might actually be when it's completely done

 

[Pab3183]

I have been watching this thread since early in the year like many others. I decided to go ahead with this project after a lot of research.
I have had a 3D printer for a couple of years so printing the components was no issue.
I slowly purchased all the components over a period of about 4 months to spread the cost.
I also remodeled all the 3D printed parts to suit the aluminium profile I sourced from MK Aluminium Melbourne.
I finaly have this all together and fired up my rig last night and tried it for the first time.
I must say it was really hard to get out of my rig as I was enjoying it so much.
I want to thank everyone involved in developing and sharing this fantastic project.
I always thought that motion as good as this would be out of my reach but this project has made it possible.

 

[jr1414]

A little late to the party, but will make this my next project. Lots to read through...

I'm in the US, has anyone made a source list for US suppliers? Also, is there a 110V driver solution?

 

[ThugUK]

You are not too late at all, its still in its infancy.
In fact you are climbing on a slow moving train that is leaving the station, but is going to gather more and more speed as time goes on.

 

[Hees]

any help or at least directing to threads for a rig or a way to make all options from g5 seat to TL and surge (the pedals and wheel base moving).
would be really great to get help, the closest thing i found is the german video.
i do not know if i can post a link from different forum
this link below is from this forum:
https://forum.virtualracing.org
https://forum.virtualracing.org/showthread.php/109282-DIY-3KW-Motion-Sim-Rig-Coming-Soon/page269

 

[saxxon66]

@Hees I think you have a wrong expectation set what a typical DIY build/project can do for you. No offense.

Most of the DIY projects will not come with the same level of documentation like this and do not share all details, have no build manual or shopping list, ...

The link shows Florentin (VSP), he is one of the early beta testers for SimFeedback and has a long track record building his own motion systems (inkl. surge sled, Air-G-force, Traction-Loss, ...).
He did a surge sled (incl. wheel and pedal) but skipped it for the newer builds because it was to hard to implement and need to much maintenance. And the effect was not that convincing.

@Michal Burisin already replied to you regarding his G-Seat build.

I would recommend to start with a platform like the one we have here and move on from there.

If you are looking for a turn key solution, there are some commercial companies that will offer what you are looking for.

http://www.jcl-simracing.com/en/
http://www.prosimu-shop.com/en/

 

[Hees]

@Hees I think you have a wrong expectation set what a typical DIY build/project can do for you. No offense.

Most of the DIY projects will not come with the same level of documentation like this and do not share all details, have no build manual or shopping list, ...

The link shows Florentin (VSP), he is one of the early beta testers for SimFeedback and has a long track record building his own motion systems (inkl. surge sled, Air-G-force, Traction-Loss, ...).
He did a surge sled (incl. wheel and pedal) but skipped it for the newer builds because it was to hard to implement and need to much maintenance. And the effect was not that convincing.

@Michal Burisin already replied to you regarding his G-Seat build.

I would recommend to start with a platform like the one we have here and move on from there.

If you are looking for a turn key solution, there are some commercial companies that will offer what you are looking for.

http://www.jcl-simracing.com/en/
http://www.prosimu-shop.com/en/

Hi @saxxon66 thanks a lot for the response, of course am not asking for docs a list of items will be very good start to me but i want to determine which to start with for my setup, according to my understanding all i wanted is doable but the meanwhile the surge will not add much and complicated.
and nope i do not want a turn key solution as i want to evolve with the community and the potential is huge, also as i said earlier in here i would like to be one of the early birds to starts this, lots of folks here would really like to do such things, so i really want to push it hard and make everything to support others who want to make it in the region, so am willing to be a lab rat.
so as a result of this i need to get a traction loss rig to start with i have to find one of the members who did it if possible and then starting from there.
all your feedback and advices will be valuable .

 

[HugoB]

Hi @saxxon66 thanks a lot for the response, of course am not asking for docs a list of items will be very good start to me but i want to determine which to start with for my setup, according to my understanding all i wanted is doable but the meanwhile the surge will not add much and complicated.
and nope i do not want a turn key solution as i want to evolve with the community and the potential is huge, also as i said earlier in here i would like to be one of the early birds to starts this, lots of folks here would really like to do such things, so i really want to push it hard and make everything to support others who want to make it in the region, so am willing to be a lab rat.
so as a result of this i need to get a traction loss rig to start with i have to find one of the members who did it if possible and then starting from there.
all your feedback and advices will be valuable .

PT-Actuators offer a turn key traction loss construction with actuators and frame. All you need to do is give them your measurements from your SFX100 actuators (corner to corner) and they make it to fit. Cost is around 2000$ I think, but could be more or less, I got a quote once but it was too expensive for me.

 

[Hees]

As i said iwould like to make the sfx not looking for a turnkey solution, i would like to make it myself to be a future help for the community here in the region, so i do not mind be a rat lab and bare doing it and honestly i do not think its rocket since but it want be a simple walk though, so lets see how it goes

 

[Furnace Inferno]

PT-Actuators offer a turn key traction loss construction with actuators and frame. All you need to do is give them your measurements from your SFX100 actuators (corner to corner) and they make it to fit. Cost is around 2000$ I think, but could be more or less, I got a quote once but it was too expensive for me.

Oh really that’s really not too bad at all

 

[Weber044]

Fist of all I would like to thank everyone involved in this project willing to invest time and money to make this available to everyone for free. I'm new to sim racing and have small knowledge about CNC and actuators. I have stumbled on SFX-100 while doing a research about Sim Rigs and unfortunately that is after buying my Sim-lab TR1 chassis which will be challenging to fit the actuators on being only 500mm in width (I should have gone for P1-X more clearance between seat and back actuators), however this can modified easily fortunately.

Anyways to cut the story short, I would like to discuss and hear from you all sim racing gurus the possibility of using 60ST 600W 3000 RPM servo motors with a 80/80 profiles and a 14mm screw and nut and modify the 3D print parts instead of going with the original 100/100 profiles and 90ST servo motors. This is to give the community more options to select from (power, size, price and most importantly cost), achieving this will reduce even the cost and time of printing the parts.

I'm not sure what will be the impact on the SIM-Feedback software behavior, but theoretically is it should work as the servo driver is the same. One challenge I'm facing now is the clearance of the ball screw nut inside the profile, narrowest across width is 39.5mm (as shown in the pic attached) and the ball nut screw is around 40+ mm at the widest. Maybe someone here in the forms could point me to a smaller ball screw nut which will clear the profile from inside.

If this goes well and work as intended, of course I will be sharing all this with the SFX-100 team to make it available for everyone as a second option if they would agree.

I have already bought the 100/100 profiles but i'm willing to take the extra mile and test this if it would be beneficial to the community.

I would appreciate it if you share with me your thoughts on this.

P.S Forgive me if I placed this discussion in the wrong place I'm just new here.

 

[BluePotato00]

A little late to the party, but will make this my next project. Lots to read through...

I'm in the US, has anyone made a source list for US suppliers? Also, is there a 110V driver solution?

SFX-100 USA Shopping List

 

[Pucis666]

Hi guys. I am getting ready to print my parts, I am new to 3D printing, just got my Ender 3 pro set up and printed the boat looks great, just was wondering if anyone has the recommended Creality slicer settings to make the parts strong enough? Thanks

 

[diablo2112]

0.4mm nozzle. 8 perimeters/12 start layers/12 end layers/20% rectilinear(grid) infill. That should do it. Strongly recommend printing the larger parts with a 5mm brim to help with bed adhesion and flatness.

 

[Weber044]

As i said i would like to make the sfx not looking for a turnkey solution, i would like to make it myself to be a future help for the community here in the region, so i do not mind be a rat lab and bare doing it and honestly i do not think its rocket since but it want be a simple walk though, so lets see how it goes

Hello @Hess I can understand where are you coming from, I'm new here too and new to sim racing, anyways, well if you would like to add TL to the equation there are two options one is a seat mover or a full rig mover.

going the full frame mover choice you will need couple of items and to add extra T-slot profiles to your frame for the movement:

1. Extra T slot T shaped frame for the actuators to sit on.
2. Base for the T frame to swivel on (can be from 1 inch plywood/ plastic or an alloy T slot T shaped Profile)
2. 5th Actuator to move the frame side ways.
3. Swivel plate or as they call it lazy Susan bearing (usually used for marine boat seats) this will be used on the front of the T frame and the base to make it swivel on the base.
4. Transfer bearings for the T frame to roll on (will be fixed to the base) or alternatively you can use fixed castor wheel and mount them to the T frame horizontally to move on the base)
5. 3rd printed base to act as a housing the actuator leg (will be fixed on T frame)
6. AMC controller supporting 5 actuators and a software (I'm not sure if Sim-Feedback and the Arduino would do that maybe the guys over here can help).
7. base to fix the TL actuator and a rose joint connected to the T frame and the TL actuator.

here is an example I sketched fast of how this would work, I hope that would help.

P.S please excuse my sloppy hand writing and sh*tty sketch.

 

[saxxon66]

Fist of all I would like to thank everyone involved in this project willing to invest time and money to make this available to everyone for free. I'm new to sim racing and have small knowledge about CNC and actuators. I have stumbled on SFX-100 while doing a research about Sim Rigs and unfortunately that is after buying my Sim-lab TR1 chassis which will be challenging to fit the actuators on being only 500mm in width (I should have gone for P1-X more clearance between seat and back actuators), however this can modified easily fortunately.

Anyways to cut the story short, I would like to discuss and hear from you all sim racing gurus the possibility of using 60ST 600W 3000 RPM servo motors with a 80/80 profiles and a 14mm screw and nut and modify the 3D print parts instead of going with the original 100/100 profiles and 90ST servo motors. This is to give the community more options to select from (power, size, price and most importantly cost), achieving this will reduce even the cost and time of printing the parts.

I'm not sure what will be the impact on the SIM-Feedback software behavior, but theoretically is it should work as the servo driver is the same. One challenge I'm facing now is the clearance of the ball screw nut inside the profile, narrowest across width is 39.5mm (as shown in the pic attached) and the ball nut screw is around 40+ mm at the widest. Maybe someone here in the forms could point me to a smaller ball screw nut which will clear the profile from inside.

If this goes well and work as intended, of course I will be sharing all this with the SFX-100 team to make it available for everyone as a second option if they would agree.

I have already bought the 100/100 profiles but i'm willing to take the extra mile and test this if it would be beneficial to the community.

I would appreciate it if you share with me your thoughts on this.

P.S Forgive me if I placed this discussion in the wrong place I'm just new here.View attachment 323185

Looks like you have done your homework well.

The biggest problem with your Design is the ballscrew diameter, just like you have found out.
Typical available ballscrews are just around 50 mm. This is why we do use the bigger profiles.
You can machine them to fit, but that is not the goal of this project.
Any custom design would be easy, like a custom profile, bearings, ...
We want to use only of the shelf parts, so everybody can do it w/o any special machines or services.

It would be great if you can find a ballscrew fitting your profile and I agree, a smaller form factor would be great for many setups.

So let's see if someone will come up with a solution.

 

[Hees]

@Weber044
Day by day i am getting amazed by the community and how helpful and welling to help newbies despite the amount of info available, this privilege is a very big plus for the project and all of you guys who are investing lots of precious time to make this happen.
Web am a contractor and i know exactly what it blue prints.
I swear your sketch and info are
Much way better than 10k machine catalogue or diagram.
Thanks lots again that exactly what i wanted i might need to find the optimum option for the sliding element to make it as smooth as possible (surface wise and bearing choice)

 

[Ringorian]

Hello @Hess

6. AMC controller supporting 5 actuators and a software (I'm not sure if Sim-Feedback and the Arduino would do that maybe the guys over here can help).

View attachment 323198

With the latest release of Simfeedback you just need a second Arduino and shield, So you can connect up to 8 Motors , if you need more, just add another arduino and a shield ..

 

[Pucis666]

0.4mm nozzle. 8 perimeters/12 start layers/12 end layers/20% rectilinear(grid) infill. That should do it. Strongly recommend printing the larger parts with a 5mm brim to help with bed adhesion and flatness.

Those are the options I have, am I somewhere close? Thanks upfront