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

HugoB · Nov 7, 2018

But if you have a little bit more space in your room, this box can allow you to place all the electronics left or right of the controllers, so you don’t need to use the lid for that:

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01DY3J39I

Also for a fan, I can recommend these:

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01JMDVEDW

I have them in my PC tower and I cannot hear them, at 15dB they’re nearly dead-silent. Don’t know how to control them yet though, guess I’ll just use a standard 12v wall adapter.

HoiHman · Nov 7, 2018

hugo bokhorst said:
Found a good box for the motor controllers. They fit so nicely I thought I’d post here, maybe someone is still looking for an enclosure.

After removing a mounting bracket on one side of the controllers, they fit snugly against the wall on one side, on the other they overlap together so I can use two screws/bolts to hold them secure. This way there is enough ‘air’ around the controllers on every side to allow for cooling. Additionally, through the middle corridor I will pull fresh air with a fan, attached to the side (left or right) to aid the cooling element’s function. The controls are also visible. I’m going to attach the Arduino and cables under the top lid. For better cooling during usage, I can always open it, but I hope this will suffice.

@HoiHman do you think this cooling solution will be enough? How is your construction holding, what kind of temperatures are you measuring?

That's a great box Hugo,

The drivers of the motors do not get warm, but when the motor brakes a large resistor transfers the produced energy into heat which is passively cooled by the cooling elements. Adding some fresh air with a fan and offcourse a vent through which the hotter air can escape which be sufficient.

dethis · Nov 7, 2018

ANiMESoKAR said:
Great work! Can you share the STL file for 3D printing? Thanks

Heres the link to the files https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3202089

Added a version with vertical mount just in case someone needed.

DotComRich · Nov 8, 2018

Can this be custom fabbed to fit a static cockpit like a Simetik v2 or is the Aluminum cockpit necessary for weight reduction? How much weight can these actuators support?

HugoB · Nov 8, 2018

DotComRich said:
Can this be custom fabbed to fit a static cockpit like a Simetik v2 or is the Aluminum cockpit necessary for weight reduction? How much weight can these actuators support?

Weight shouldn’t be a problem, check this video at 0:44

The Simetik V2 doesn’t look particularly heavy anyway. If you can find a way to attach the actuators to the rig, you’re good to go. Just make sure all the bolts are tight, these actuators have a lot of power!

The main reason people use these aluminum 80/20 profiles, is for rigidity and for customization, there’s really no better alternative, if those are your priorities.

anton_Chez · Nov 8, 2018

Clean af housing for those controller units, Hugo.

dethis · Nov 8, 2018

DotComRich said:
Can this be custom fabbed to fit a static cockpit like a Simetik v2 or is the Aluminum cockpit necessary for weight reduction? How much weight can these actuators support?

I'm currently make adaptions to fit the actuators to my Simetik , i have made 2 steel bars (front & back) and gonna put another across the union to ensure that holds and does not bend. Next week will post some pic's when i get the missing items.

Moxley6969 · Nov 8, 2018

Michal Burisin · Nov 8, 2018

Moxley6969 said:
Nice Candidate for a Electronics enclosure

Size
13 3/4x13 3/4x13 3/4 "

https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80332114/

I think good choice is also to use some mini ATX case. I have used SilverStone SG13B Sugo to house power supply & arduino for wind and also another power supply for g-seat. It looks great and has easy possibility of cooling. There are many alternatives which vary in shape and size, this Sugo case is among smallest.

DotComRich · Nov 9, 2018

Is there anywhere reliable to buy these actuators already built, even if I have to pay a bit extra? The whole 3d printing process and ordering of each part for the actuator is a bit too DIY for my liking. If I can just buy a pre built actuator ready to go so all is mount it to my rig that would be wonderful. Also an option for 150mm stroke length would be great too.

Stevie_007 · Nov 9, 2018

HoiHman said:
So what's it like? The combo GS-4 + SFX-100?

I only drove DTM in Raceroom tonight. Raceroom has arguably the worst motion effects support of all sims.

It's ........

Simracing heaven,
The holy grale
and i truly believe it doesn't get much better than this.

Tonight it all came together. Over 100 hours of work, all those long evenings, short nights and early mornings for the past few weeks. But it has all been worth it.

As i expected the GS-4 was the final piece that was missing in the puzzle.

Is it so much work to build a SFX-100 motion rig?

No, but if you build entire new rig, add windsim, GS-4, some buttkickers and a dashboard it becomes more complicated. From scratch the rig was designed to be mobile. Easy to set up and store again. This means retractable pedaltray, retractable dashboard and the ability to store all the electronics on the rig

Right now it takes me around 5 min to set it up and only 3,5 min to store in the other room again. Setting needs a bit improvement.

I only need to connect

- 1 powerplug
- 1 USB cable !!!
- 1 multi plug

So if i have to put it in a percentage, how much improvement in immersion does the GS-4 add to the SFX-100 motion rig? I say at least 50%

The GS-4 effects are felt much, much better that on the NLMv3, this is because the seat it self is not moving. Wen in a seatmover in the corners sway effects move your body away from the panels.

I know that Raceroom has the worst motion support, but i was haven so much fun, that i just didn't want to stop driving.

Doing some tuning tonight also make me realise how good the Simfeedback software is. For example in simcommander you can only increase intensity and add filters. In simfeedback you can set how you want the effects in a graph and that is simply brilliant.

So i had great fun tonight, awesome motion, went off track a couple of times and got shaken up pretty bad.

The rig has not moved at all.

What tactile are you using with the sfx100 , does it still need any

Moxley6969 · Nov 9, 2018

Michal Burisin said:
I think good choice is also to use some mini ATX case. I have used SilverStone SG13B Sugo to house power supply & arduino for wind and also another power supply for g-seat. It looks great and has easy possibility of cooling. There are many alternatives which vary in shape and size, this Sugo case is among smallest.

View attachment 277511

Hrmmm, Not sure there's a middle ground on PC cases, did a quick search and seems a Mini case is too small, and there's limited "medium" size cases and for a decent price.

sjb266 · Nov 9, 2018

I'm going to build an acrylic case in fusion 360 similar to the simucube box... not sure what colour.. get it laser cut.. then put some LED fans in it.. Should look pretty sweet...

of course this could take a while!

HoiHman · Nov 9, 2018

sdubbin said:
What tactile are you using with the sfx100 , does it still need any

One LFE under the seat, one buttkicker advance at the back. Both for RPM/gearshift only. Combined they can provide some really serious engine vibrations

TITANVR · Nov 9, 2018

Hi guys.
I continue with the construction of the actuators, I already have all the orders but the printing of pieces is slow.
I'm curious to know how much your cockpit weighs
What is the weight of your cockpit or platform?

a greeting

Ringorian · Nov 9, 2018

How much is yours ?

AlexP37 · Nov 9, 2018

Hi all, been reading the thread the last couple of days.
Also gonna build this, i just ordered many parts from Aliexpress, also parts that the shopping list has posted to find in germany.
Tomorrow a sale will start on Aliexpress that will save a lot of euro's.

Not gonna wait until blackfriday cause i'm HYPED !!!

DotComRich · Nov 9, 2018

1. How do these compare to the SCN6? SCN6 has 40Kgf but according to their graphs they don't get anywhere near that when running at high speeds. I suspect this could be a problem with heavy rigs?

2. I see they run at 280mm/s while the SCN6 is 100-200mm/s, will that speed difference alone make a noticeable difference?

Is there anywhere to buy these actuators or something similar already built for a higher cost?

Ringorian · Nov 9, 2018

1. If you like you have to compare em to Hyperaxis .. They have lots of power, speed and and ..
2. Don t know, Florentin which did some queeeky videos had hyperaxis and now use this ..

You can sit in the rig it and another person can stand on the rig and it doesnt stall .. depends on the weight sure ..