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

 

[vittobrambi]

m

Check the U, V and W cables at the servo driver (the end of the motor cable). Someone on Discord got one servo motor with the UVW labels mixed up. Compare it with the labels and wire colors on the other servo motors.

I had already checked earlier UVW and found that one cable was wrongly labeled as you say...but this is not the reason of my current problem.
Today I swapped 2 d-sub25 cables and found that the fault follows the d-sub25 cable. This means that also the servo drives are not involved in my problem... I consider it good news...
Actually the problem must be in arduino controller, D-sub25 and usb cable.
Today I changed the usb cable with a new one and suprisingly with the new cable the arduino was not recognized by pc...I cannot explain it.
I tested the d-sub cables again. no errors found.

Question 1- The D-sub 25 conductors are wrapped by an external metallic net (I suppose for shielding). Should I collect them and connect to ground?

I tried to check the current motor / actuator position by enabling dn11 and dn12 in the servo. I suppose the number shown refers to incremental position, probably sim-feedback set a relative zero at startup

Question 2: When shutting down simfeedback should I first hit the kill-switch button and leave the actuators return to zero by gravity, or the software will bring the actuators to zero position, no matter which position they had before stopping the simfeedack (software stop)?
It seems to me that if I stop by software, some actuators reach zero and continue pulling for a while with risk of damage.

Thank you all for support

 

[Wonderboy]

Hey all. I’ve ordered all parts except those from https://www.rc-letmathe.de. This includes the 4 fixed bearings and 4 ball screw and nuts. There’s no option on their website to select Australia and there’s no email facility to contact them. Any advice on how I can source these parts is appreciated.

 

[PEZZALUCIFER]

Hey all. I’ve ordered all parts except those from https://www.rc-letmathe.de. This includes the 4 fixed bearings and 4 ball screw and nuts. There’s no option on their website to select Australia and there’s no email facility to contact them. Any advice on how I can source these parts is appreciated.

The one I bought is slightly different spec, shouldn't matter tho, i'll know once I get my bolts and can start assembling lol

The SimFeedback-AC DIY Motion Simulator thread

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...

www.racedepartment.com

 

[Paul Mullins]

Heya Chaps

I can't seem to get SimFeedback to talk to the arduino..!! It comes up with 'fail' when I try to connect.

A few things I've done, checked and tested:

1. I'm assuming a 'clone' Arduino with CH340 serial interface is OK to use (as opposed to a genuine Arduino).
2. I'm using the latest drivers for the CH340 and the correct COM ports (port 4) is being used.
3. ACServo_Leonardo_00_09_01.hex has been flashed successfully (via COM4).
4. I've tried different USB cables, two different flavours of Arduino (Mega2560 anmd Uno), the DB-25 - DB-25 has been measured with a multimeter (LOTS of times).
5. The E-stop has been shorted out with a link (and measured as such with a multimeter).
6. I've done a continuity check of the from the output (servo drive side) of the DB-25 cable to the Arduino to ensure everything is connected and no shorts.
8. The servo drive and motor have been confirmed to operate correctly in the 'jog' mode.
9. The servo drives have been programmed (and checked) according to the instructions.
10. I've tried different servos drives and motor in various combinations.
11. I've only connected one motor and servo drive via a SFX-100 shield.
12. I get no connection. The 'lights' on SimFeedback for Controller 1:SFX and Telemetry remain RED at all times.

I really am pulling my hair out here and hoping I've just been stupid and missed something obvious..

Any help would be REALLY appreciated..!!

 

[C64]

Are you using an Arduino "Leonardo" - does not sound like you are.

 

[Paul Mullins]

Are you using an Arduino "Leonardo" - does not sound like you are.

No.. I've tried both Uno and Mega2560 which it gives the option for in the firmware flash tool, so I assumed (dangerous I know) that it was OK to use them.

Is the Leonardo the only Arduino board that is supported/works?

 

[C64]

Pretty sure it has to be the Leonardo - you should be able to get clones on Amazon or ebay for approx. £10

That is what is in the SFX shopping list.

The Simfeedback software also has the section header "Arduino Leonardo Flash-Tool"

 

[Paul Mullins]

The Simfeedback software also has the section header "Arduino Leonardo Flash-Tool"

Good point.

Given I've just about tested and tried everything else, I'll give it a crack.

Cheers for the lead C64..!!!!!

 

[saxxon66]

For the SFX it needs to be Arduino Leonardo.

Btw don't be cheap buying clones, get a genuine to support the Arduino project w/o it we would not have any controller.
They do have a Cyber Monday Deal atm

Arduino Official Store | Boards Shields Kits Accessories

Explore the full range of official Arduino products including Boards, Modules, Shields and Kits, for all ability levels and use cases.

store.arduino.cc

SimFeedback does support the other Arduino models only for different setups like SimWind and RC-Servo.

 

[Paul Mullins]

For the SFX it needs to be Arduino Leonardo.

Btw don't be cheap buying clones, get a genuine to support the Arduino project w/o it we would not have any controller.

It's definetely NOT about being cheap.... I was just using what I had laying around the place as the doco/program had me thinking that using any arduino board was OK.

I've ordered a nice, new shiny Leonardo from E14 so hopefully my problems are solved.

Many thanks boys for your help..!!!!

 

[saxxon66]

It's definetely NOT about being cheap.... I was just using what I had laying around the place as the doco/program had me thinking that using any arduino board was OK.

sorry, no offense, just a side note to C64 suggestion getting a clone.

 

[Ruttman98]

For the SFX it needs to be Arduino Leonardo.

They do have a Cyber Monday Deal atm

Thank you for the tip, saxxon66!

Should we purchase the Leonardo with or without headers? I am of a different technical mind whose thoughts turn to open exhaust or zoomie pipes!

Thank you,
Chris

 

[o Tiger Feet o]

With headers, especially if you plan on using the SFX shield.

 

[Ruttman98]

With headers, especially if you plan on using the SFX shield.

Thank you for the speedy reply, Tiger Feet!

 

[Yakone26130]

Oui vous avez besoin d'un Leonardo.

Je remarque un méga 2560 et je ne comprenais pas pourquoi cela ne fonctionnait pas.
Je mets un Leonardo et le miracle!

 

[saxxon66]

I would like to understand why more and more people are trying to build the system with other Arduinos than with the Arduino Leonardo mentioned in the Wiki and on the website.

That never happened before.

Is it because you now have the choice to flash firmware for other models?

Wiki

Website

 

[Paul Mullins]

I would like to understand why more and more people are trying to build the system with other Arduinos than with the Arduino Leonardo mentioned in the Wiki and on the website.

Is it because you now have the choice to flash firmware for other models?

That's what tripped me up.

 

[thenic123]

How are recent builders dealings with Kinetik nowadays?

 

[greenhut]

How are recent builders dealings with Kinetik nowadays?

How do you mean? Essentially being very patient

 

[Wonderboy]

How are recent builders dealings with Kinetik nowadays?

Mine was fine. I ordered 9th of November and then shipped 10 days later on the 19th, and received my order yesterday. Everything looks like it's correct.