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

Kieran527 · Dec 13, 2019

growe19 said:
UK builders that still need motors!? I'm organising a group buy that should save you approx £200.

Take a look: https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/sfx-100-ac-servo-motor-uk-group-buy-£200-saving.176450/

Link doesn’t work

BluePotato00 · Dec 13, 2019

Joseelevo said:
Hola a todos, un nuevo miembro que se une a la comunidad sfx100, apuntó de realizar un sueño, gracias a todos los responsables por compartir este gran proyecto.
Ya me han llegado todos los pedidos, espero que pronto pueda ser un poseedor del sfx100.
Tengo algunas dudas sobre simfeeback, es compatible con simhub?

The SimHub software cannot give instructions to the SFX-100 motor array. You must run SimFeedback to get telemetry from the game to give instructions to the Arduino which then gives instructions to the motors.

Jasje · Dec 14, 2019

How do you guys mount the helicoils? A 6mm hex is too small and 7 is too big. Tried multiple local hardware stores but none sell a 6.5mm

BluePotato00 · Dec 14, 2019

Jasje said:
How do you guys mount the helicoils? A 6mm hex is too small and 7 is too big. Tried multiple local hardware stores but none sell a 6.5mm

A 1/4” imperial hex driver fits perfectly.

Insert Coin · Dec 14, 2019

Jasje said:
How do you guys mount the helicoils? A 6mm hex is too small and 7 is too big. Tried multiple local hardware stores but none sell a 6.5mm

See here: https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/the-simfeedback-ac-diy-motion-simulator-thread.159524/post-3044402. Some use a torx bit, but I haven't tried that myself.

Black_rat · Dec 14, 2019

If you are UK this works https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/hex-keys-sets/0735245/

Benny W · Dec 15, 2019

Hi guys, I wish to know if the if member sjb266 mention above spiral shaft work with the SXF100 recommended servo motor? https://www.banggood.com/250mm-Ball...llnut-for-CNC-p-1001627.html?cur_warehouse=CN I did not find any detail mention about the spiral shaft anywhere else at SXF100 buying list. Like where to buy or is it a direct fit to the motor key.. etc.

Any advice is appreciated .

Benny W
Email: fortuner800@yahoo.com.sg

RCR_Finn · Dec 15, 2019

Jasje said:
How do you guys mount the helicoils? A 6mm hex is too small and 7 is too big. Tried multiple local hardware stores but none sell a 6.5mm

Took me a bit of time to figure it out when I was installing them. Had the same exact findings as you, tried to look for a 6.5mm hex to no avail. In the end I found that a T45 size torx bit is perfect size for this, and I didnt strip any more inserts after that.

I cant understand how its possible to get those in with a 1/4", I couldnt get one in with that.

Jasje · Dec 15, 2019

Good tip, thanks. Will try that for the next ones. I currently have one stripped insert that is halfway in. Time to get the dremel out I guess..

MrSnoebel · Dec 15, 2019

Step by step.. I'm getting there ;-)

If anyone needs a SFX100, I got 4 boards spare. Minimum order to make them was 5..
Just send me a PM.

@Pyronious Thanks for all the effort you put into making the designs!

Next adventure is putting the helicoils in. I'm planning to use a 8mm treaded (35cm) end with a big nut to make 100% sure it's aligning properly. Did one by hand just using the 1/4 hex, doable with some force, but not 100% straight. Hope the treaded end will prevent this from happening.

*edit*
1 hour later I picked up the hardware needed, 1 euro for the treaded end, 20 cents for the nuts

Works as I hoped it would :

15 mins later :

Last millimeter done with 1/4 hex, secured with loctite 271.

*edit 2*
2 hours later, all done

!!

Mr Latte · Dec 15, 2019

I wish a current builder or person in the process of ordering/building would create their own thread and just give a full detailed blog on it all. From ordering parts to collecting all components to building and issues, concerns they come across etc.

Hees · Dec 15, 2019

i would love to see an updated shopping list with vendors to get the chance to get discounts specially from chinese vendors.
and also that be done if we contact the vendor to cooperate with the forum like providing the user name to get the discount or so

MrSnoebel · Dec 15, 2019

In the thread there are a couple of shopping lists, I ordered most items from Ali. Just the profiles are the ones from Kinetik. Discovered that most items from the German suppliers actually use the same parts as the ones listed on Ali. Saved me some money to do it this way.
For the motors I indeed mentioned the SFX100 platform, he does know about the initiative and selects the correct motors for you. He did help with the shipping costs also.

MrSnoebel · Dec 15, 2019

Mr Latte said:
I wish a current builder or person in the process of ordering/building would create their own thread and just give a full detailed blog on it all. From ordering parts to collecting all components to building and issues, concerns they come across etc.

SFX-100 motion sim platform guide - RowanHick.com

www.rowanhick.com

He did exactly that ;-)

wrxawd123 · Dec 15, 2019

Mr Latte said:
I wish a current builder or person in the process of ordering/building would create their own thread and just give a full detailed blog on it all. From ordering parts to collecting all components to building and issues, concerns they come across etc.

Currently working on a youtube tutorial video series

NeedforSim · Dec 16, 2019

Joseelevo said:
Hola a todos, un nuevo miembro que se une a la comunidad sfx100, apuntó de realizar un sueño, gracias a todos los responsables por compartir este gran proyecto.
Ya me han llegado todos los pedidos, espero que pronto pueda ser un poseedor del sfx100.
Tengo algunas dudas sobre simfeeback, es compatible con simhub?

Hola,

Si quieres tener mas ayuda del foro, somete tus comentarios en ingles. En el foro hay muchas personas que hablan diferentes idiomas. Puedes usar un traductor como Google translator, y por favor, trata de no usar expresiones coloquiales para que el traductor funcione mejor.

If you want to have more help from the forum, submit your comments in English. In the forum there are a lot of people who speak different languages. You can use a translator like Google translator, and please, try not to use colloquial expressions to make the translator work better.

BluePotato00 · Dec 16, 2019

Have any USA-based builders done the belt tensioner and willing to help a fellow enthusiast? Mind if I get in touch with you to pick your brain? Thank you.

scoobyzilla · Dec 16, 2019

Mr Latte said:
I wish a current builder or person in the process of ordering/building would create their own thread and just give a full detailed blog on it all. From ordering parts to collecting all components to building and issues, concerns they come across etc.

I am slowly getting there https://battlerig.wordpress.com/sfx100-build/

let me know what you would like to see more of and good luck

scoobyzilla · Dec 16, 2019

trying to aggregate all my questions just before I start building in to one post

do you cut threads in the printed parts, or just let the bolts bite ?
do you locktight everything or just specific bolts ? (is the locktight ok between the bolts and the PLA?)
do you lubricate the printed sliders so they slide easily on the ally or leave dry, and if you do lubricate whats best to use
best grease to use for the thread? (lithium?)
on the wiring on the sevro controller is there a preferred live and neutral feed as i cant see reference to which way round in the instructions (trying to find photo of someones else rig - maybe best to point me to a particular page in the English instructions if you know where (question asked with me assuming full responsibility if i blow myself up)
thank you in advance

C64 · Dec 16, 2019

do you cut threads in the printed parts, or just let the bolts bite ?
...just let the bolts bite
do you locktight everything or just specific bolts ? (is the locktight ok between the bolts and the PLA?)
... locktight not needed, plastic will hold the bolts
do you lubricate the printed sliders so they slide easily on the ally or leave dry, and if you do lubricate whats best to use
best grease to use for the thread? (lithium?)
... I left mine dry but some have lubricated with PTFE spray - I would probably use PTFE spray but not had any issues in over a year of running them dry.
on the wiring on the sevro controller is there a preferred live and neutral feed as i cant see reference to which way round in the instructions (trying to find photo of someones else rig - maybe best to point me to a particular page in the English instructions if you know where (question asked with me assuming full responsibility if i blow myself up)
... Get guidance from a fellow builder who has done it in your country or a qualified electrician - especially if you are not confident around mains electricity wiring - this is the one are you need to be careful with for the obvious reasons.