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

 

[GFJunky]

My ferrite is between the breakout and the 3-way split. Just about enough length for 4 winds. You wouldn't want to be yanking the ferrite across the floor with the cable and I still have full cable length for standing games.

 

[Michael Roitman]

Yep, it's a beast. That's right. HMD side of the breakout, approx four or five winds.

View attachment 334450

It seems like it can go through 6-7 times. It’s ok that it’s not tight on the cable?

i cant test it til next week because one of my TL Wheels broke.

 

[Michael Roitman]

My ferrite is between the breakout and the 3-way split. Just about enough length for 4 winds. You wouldn't want to be yanking the ferrite across the floor with the cable and I still have full cable length for standing games.

so really it doesnt matter which side of the breakout it’s on? There’s enough cable on both sides either way for me

 

[Steve D]

so really it doesnt matter which side of the breakout it’s on? There’s enough cable on both sides either way for me

The only reason I put it on the HMD side is that I don't use VR for anything other than sim racing so I have plenty of cable to spare and the ferrite isn't being moved around.

 

[jr1414]

If anybody is looking for a USA shopping list, here is what I purchased for a successful build:

Emily at Alibaba (emily@ntl-bearing.com)
(Edit: Emily no longer works there. New contact is: Amy Chen. skye@ntl-bearing.com)

• (4x) Hollow shaft
• (4x) Ball screw and nut
• (4x) Fixed bearing
• (4x) Linear bearing
• (4x) Shaft coupling
• $263.36 shipped

Note: I emailed her and said I want the same order as Simon and that I want to pay via PayPal. Here are the details of my order:

Just ordering these, and can't seem to see the order details. Is there a simple list of these somewhere for someone in the U.S. to order? Thanks for your help.

 

[metalnwood]

@jr1414 I don't believe there is a us shopping list. If you could get it all from the US it would cost you quite a bit more.

These same parts are being sold in engineering shops all over the world as cheaper alternatives to NSK, timken etc but it will still be marked up 400% over the china price.

 

[wrxawd123]

Just ordering these, and can't seem to see the order details. Is there a simple list of these somewhere for someone in the U.S. to order? Thanks for your help.

Luckily I have a screenshot of the original list.

 

[metalnwood]

Doh, sorry I must have misunderstood where you wanted to order them from!

 

[Danpavese]

So - if anyone is now thinking about building this project - I have some advice: read the thread - I know it's long. And when you are finished, read it again. And when you are finished reading a second time ... YEP - read it again. You will be able to learn from OTHER PEOPLES MISTAKES. Take your time and try to understand what you are doing before you attempt to do it. It really is the most efficient way to be productive - and it is usually cheaper.

Good luck, it is very satisfying ... and it looks neat ... and you will learn new skills along the way.

I could agree with your thought, but there are over 300 pages to read.

Maybe I read about 30-50 pages and I'm so confused about it

I've understood that a lot of people thinks that SFX-100 + GS-5 is a fantastic combination, better than SFX-100 + NLRv3, isn't it?
I'm interested on it (for the future), but I have doubt about chassis (Simlab P1-X is good or so heavier with SFX-100+GS-5?), and other immersion system, like buttkicker, seat belt than reacts to G-Force and other things.

There are so much information in this thread that is really difficult to learn easily.

But I've understood where learn make SFX-100

 

[metalnwood]

The SFX will handle the weight you a simlabs P1x and a GS5 no problem!

 

[jr1414]

Luckily I have a screenshot of the original list.

Thank you very much!

 

[Furnace Inferno]

Thank you very much!

Yeh it will be easily fine, I have the sim labs p1 original plus GS-5 with seat sliders, foot plate with sliders and pedals, dd wheel, handbrake, h-shifter, SQ shifter, button box and me at 100kg. Couldn’t get much heavier and it still throws all that weight around with ease.

I don’t really think anyone knows for sure what the weight limit is but no one has managed to push it to that point as far as I know.

 

[Black_rat]

Shopping lists are here https://opensfx.com/shopping-list-and-sourcing-parts/#shopping

A very handy website setup to help you all the way through, I found it invaluable when I built mine and still refer to it, set a book mark

SFX Guide and Community

opensfx.com

 

[thenic123]

,

 

[Michael Roitman]

The only reason I put it on the HMD side is that I don't use VR for anything other than sim racing so I have plenty of cable to spare and the ferrite isn't being moved around.

it worked! I cant believe it. Thank you guys

largeeee ferrite core is the answer for index grayouts

 

[Yakone26130]

Hi guys.

I have a problem with simfeedback.

I tested my engine with the control panel of the controller, and it works.

Then when I try to move it with simfeedback by pressing start,
I have an error message that says:
"connecting to controller # 1 failed".

I use an arduino mega 2560 is when I flash it is good.

I do not really know what to do anymore.

If anyone can help me.
thank you.

 

[Steve D]

Hi guys.

I have a problem with simfeedback.

I tested my engine with the control panel of the controller, and it works.

Then when I try to move it with simfeedback by pressing start,
I have an error message that says:
"connecting to controller # 1 failed".

I use an arduino mega 2560 is when I flash it is good.

I do not really know what to do anymore.

If anyone can help me.
thank you.

I don't believe the Arduino Mega is compatible. Pretty sure the Leonardo is required.

 

[Yakone26130]

Since I flashed with success I think it's fishy. looked

 

[Yakone26130]

apparently there is the choice. Should I buy a leonardo then ??

 

[metalnwood]

Yes, get the leonardo and you will be fine.