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

 

[RCR_Finn]

I wish it was that simple. The Schaffner filter prevents EMI and distortion being sent back to the 230 V net, so it doesn't cause trouble on other 230 V equipment (and it seems to help lowering EMI a bit as a whole). But the cables going from the servo driver to the servo still emit EMI the most (servo power cable much worse than the encoder cable). Keep these cables away from USB cables. Use quality shielded USB cables with ferrite cores (preinstalled or added). Route the servo cables through the channels your rig if possible. Connect your rig, servo drivers and all other equipment to ground. Use a metal case around the servo drivers if possible, again connected to ground. Shielding without ground doesn't help. Distance between the servo cables and other cables helps.

Thank you. Luckily I also ordered some braided metal tape for EMI shielding, so it sounds like I will need to use that at least on the servo power cables. I still need to consult an electrician on how to get a proper ground for the equipment, as my house is rather old and I suspect that the ground is just wired to 0-cable, as it was usually done back then.

 

[papasqueeze]

Hi all

How are you guys fixing the actuators to your rigs
I have SIM labs GT Evo and I think it needs 8mm corner brackets but profile I'm using is 10 mm slots I think

Anybody know where I can order the brackets in the uk

 

[Black_rat]

The 8mm corners will work, they are slotted for adjustment, I just used the standard 8mm ones.

 

[papasqueeze]

Did you use 40 40 brackets? I've been looking at the big 80 80 ones too

 

[Black_rat]

4040 brackets, the same as came with my simlab rig.

 

[Black_rat]

4040 brackets, the same as came with my simlab rig.

 

[papasqueeze]

Did you use different size nuts?

 

[Martijn Wieling]

Dear all, I hope you can help. I am essentially finished with my SFX-100 build. I've tested the actuators when they were not attached (and lying flat) with the FN002 option, and everything worked fine. However, now I've bolted them to the rig, and when I test them again, there seems to be a (potential) issue: if I press the up-button that feet moves up. However, once I release the button, the feet slides to its lowest position again. Is this normal behavior, or did I screw up something (and if so, what?) in putting everything together... :S?

 

[Furnace Inferno]

Dear all, I hope you can help. I am essentially finished with my SFX-100 build. I've tested the actuators when they were not attached (and lying flat) with the FN002 option, and everything worked fine. However, now I've bolted them to the rig, and when I test them again, there seems to be a (potential) issue: if I press the up-button that feet moves up. However, once I release the button, the feet slides to its lowest position again. Is this normal behavior, or did I screw up something (and if so, what?) in putting everything together... :S?

Yep that is normal behaviour, the test mode doesn’t hold them in position.

 

[Black_rat]

Did you use different size nuts?

Well if you mean the T slot nuts, yes, you need 10mm, with an M8 thread, the 10mm slot nuts are in the shopping list https://www.kinetikmsystem.de/profi...4-stahl-galv.-verzinkt?number=H93NF45M8&c=428

 

[Jasje]

Sorry, but you are in the wrong thread, this is SimFeedback and we do not support any commercial controller.
For this project all you need is an Arduino and if you want to make it plug and play the SFX-Shield.

Do you know if there is an enclosure available for this shield to print?

I'm juist building mine with this shield and I would like to have an enclosure for this and the Arduino.

Thanks

 

[papasqueeze]

Yep look on thingyverse

I think there's a few

 

[MrRoper]

Its available on his Github.

https://github.com/Pyronious/SFX-100-Breakout-Board/tree/master/Group Buy Edition/Enclosure

 

[Jasje]

thanks guys, amazing support here

 

[ColinMac]

Anybody in the UK about to undertake this? I've printed most of the parts - but am not very technical, and would love to piggy back a components order if anyones about to do it.

I'm nervous I don't have the ability to get all the right bits, although I've watched endless youtube vids and actual assembly doesn't look too hard.

I also bought a SFX-shield, but as yet none of the required hardware.

 

[Wmacky]

You have already done the had part with printing. It's all down hill from there. You CAN do it!

 

[Martijn Wieling]

Yep that is normal behaviour, the test mode doesn’t hold them in position.

THANKS, that made my evening .

 

[papasqueeze]

Yep made me smile when I put sliders on and ball screw turn itself down on the bench,

Must be doing something right

 

[saxxon66]

Yep made me smile when I put sliders on and ball screw turn itself down on the bench,

Must be doing something right

If I remember correctly then there are two methods in the controller to test the motor.
One only determines the direction of rotation and the speed, the other determines the position and in this test mode the position is held.

 

[GFJunky]

Anybody in the UK about to undertake this? I've printed most of the parts - but am not very technical, and would love to piggy back a components order if anyones about to do it.

See my post here for a AliExp list from a few months ago:
https://www.racedepartment.com/thre...simulator-thread.159524/page-274#post-3024663