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

 

[Mascot]

Ok thanks. I'll pick some up.

Also, just went to clean out the hollow shafts. One of mine was easy to clean out (just some black gunk) but the other three feel and appear to have rust on the inside. I tried to clean them out as best as I could but those three didn't improve much at all. Is that a worry?

Be careful which lube you pick, some might attack the plastic. I'm sorry but I can't remember which one I used, but I'm sure someone can answer with the recommended ones. Might depend on which filament was used too.

I sprayed mine several times over the course of a day (the lube soaks into the plastic, apparently) AND sprayed the inside of the extrusion. No squeaks.

My hollow shafts had rusty interiors too. I snaked them with a spoke-cleaning brush (like a big pipe cleaner for wire wheels - I used to have an old MG) then strips of fabric and some solvent (not sure what - sorry!) to remove the worst of it then did the same with rust inhibitor to coat the insides. Probably overkill, but I didn't want rust particles getting anywhere they could act as an abrasive.

Good luck Dave, it's a real fun build.

 

[Insert Coin]

I've used this on the sliders (PLA) and on the inside of the extrusions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/WD-40-Specialist-Lubricant-PTFE-400ml/dp/B006UCJ4Z4

 

[Mascot]

I've used this on the sliders (PLA) and on the inside of the extrusions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/WD-40-Specialist-Lubricant-PTFE-400ml/dp/B006UCJ4Z4

I think that's what I used.

 

[sn4il]

Running at 110v without any issues.

I might have to rewire my rig. I'm using 110 to 220 converter but the 10khz noise is killing me.

 

[sn4il]

No lube needed for the slider.
But some do, because of squeaky noise.
Not sure if it is related to PETG vs PLA.

Squeaky noise is also often caused by the o-ring.

 

[Insert Coin]

And if you hear creaking noises it may come from the motor coupling: the red plastic / rubbery 'gear' creaks, especially when you press 'stop' and the rig is going down the last centimeter. Spray a bit of PTFE on it and it's gone.

 

[Mascot]

I might have to rewire my rig. I'm using 110 to 220 converter but the 10khz noise is killing me.

Does this definitely get rid of the coil whine? I'll move to the USA if it does.

 

[Insert Coin]

I might have to rewire my rig. I'm using 110 to 220 converter but the 10khz noise is killing me.

Just wondering: would noise cancelling headphones help?

 

[sn4il]

I'm using Valve Index and this noise is still annoying.

 

[Dave_6]

Think this will be ok to use? It's all i can find that is local to me.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blaster-Hardware-Lubricant/1066849

 

[Insert Coin]

Looks good to me.

 

[Adria Capdevila Niubo]

Hola, buenos días, he estado recopilando información del foro durante mucho tiempo y tengo una duda. Se pueden usar motores de circuito cerrado, en lugar de servomotores.
Gracias

 

[Adria Capdevila Niubo]

Hello, good morning, I've been collecting information from the forum for a long time and I have a question. You can use closed circuit motors, instead of servomotors.
Thank you

 

[metalnwood]

@Adria Capdevila Niubo I would not guarantee success with those motors.

The drivers would have to be 100% compatible with the servo drives used as right now the arduino is coded to send the signals to only one type of servo drive. If you already have them from another project you could always put the SFX program on an arduino and see if you could get it to move the motors but if you dont then I would just get the servo's in the shopping list.

 

[Tronicgr_6DOF]

Hello, good morning, I've been collecting information from the forum for a long time and I have a question. You can use closed circuit motors, instead of servomotors.
Thank you

You mean something like this?
Stepper Motor Drive Kit 12NM NEMA34 Hybrid Servo Closed Loop Stepper Control Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHMHVCP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UTnTDbHCVK795

No, it could be used but lots of effort to adapt to be close to the servomotors used by SFX100. It will be even a greater challenge to match pulse/rev given these steppers usually have only 1000cpr encoder...

 

[Jasje]

Do you guys fix/glue the foot somehow? I saw some videos where one of the 4 actuators come off the floor.

 

[ThugUK]

Do you guys fix/glue the foot somehow? I saw some videos where one of the 4 actuators come off the floor.

Yeah, I just used a bit of spray adhesive (just because I had some in the garage) and they have not fell off yet.

 

[Insert Coin]

Do you guys fix/glue the foot somehow? I saw some videos where one of the 4 actuators come off the floor.

You can use some masking tape around the rod, same as at the slider side.

 

[TRC7]

Does this definitely get rid of the coil whine? I'll move to the USA if it does.

Mascot, Have you considered buying one of the Step up/down simran transformers that we use in the USA. It can take 220 and step down to 110. The 3000Watt Simran unit on Amazon is about $130. You could at least check out the whine? If it is no better it could be returned.

 

[Mascot]

Mascot, Have you considered buying one of the Step up/down simran transformers that we use in the USA. It can take 220 and step down to 110. The 3000Watt Simran unit on Amazon is about $130. You could at least check out the whine? If it is no better it could be returned.

Thanks. Yeah, I have thought about this. I wonder if anyone in the UK has tried this before?