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

 

[digitalmonk1973]

Thanks for the reply. Getting 240v to my rig is unfortunately not an option. Would plugging all 4 servos into this be an option? Thanks.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MPR44...olid=2RJTHLO4H7UVW&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Interesting. This might be an option.

 

[digitalmonk1973]

I'm from Montreal (Canada) and everything work fine
you need a 20A 240v breaker with 12/2 electric wire addicted to your simulator only
I will post a video to prove if you need
I haven’t finish my build ( still printing part right now)
But I did test the servo Allready

If you live in a house where you can have a 240v line it’s fine it’s work
If not then you need to find another alternative option unfortunetely

I know you can find some 110v driver/servo some place
But I don’t recomanded it
They draw twice Amp curent witch you need at least 40-50amp line and they might run very hot or at worse they will not provide enought torque to lift the simulator
Perhaps someone did it but I don’t know

I could run a 240 as it's close to the fuse panel. Might have to think about it.

Were you able to source any of the other parts locally in Canada or US.? I can only imagine the shipping costs from Europe....

 

[cprelot]

I could run a 240 as it's close to the fuse panel. Might have to think about it.

Were you able to source any of the other parts locally in Canada or US.? I can only imagine the shipping costs from Europe....

for the K50 Profile your best is to buy from the german store dont look any where else I recommand, at the end it will save you alot of trouble to redesign the insert part or to have some random cut that are not perfectly cut!
I know is the more expensive but you wont regret! most of the people chose this option.it cost me arround 200$ shipped to canada and 5 days shipping.
but if you willing to experiment the chinese one is up to you
for USA they have Misumi.US they have some 100mm x 100mm profile as well but it's a bit different also and you need to redign the insert and they are very expensive...
for the all the rest you can check aliexpress
for all screws check Fastenal.com they have vendors in Canada to pickup your orders

 

[RaceNut]

for the K50 Profile your best is to buy from the german store dont look any where else I recommand, at the end it will save you alot of trouble to redesign the insert part or to have some random cut that are not perfectly cut!
I know is the more expensive but you wont regret! most of the people chose this option.it cost me arround 200$ shipped to canada and 5 days shipping.
but if you willing to experiment the chinese one is up to you
for USA they have Misumi.US they have some 100mm x 100mm profile as well but it's a bit different also and you need to redign the insert and they are very expensive...
for the all the rest you can check aliexpress
for all screws check Fastenal.com they have vendors in Canada to pickup your orders

Fastenal? Interesting, we have one near us (USA).

 

[Moxley6969]

WARNING!!!!! DO NOT Go the China/Ali Route for Extrusion, unless you have 100% Full Understanding of the parts and sizes required. If not Your asking for trouble.

@digitalmonk1973

most of the items can be had from Ali/Ebay, want a link, just ask.

 

[HugoB]

I found a relatively easy way to screw the thread inserts into the profile: using an extra long bit extender which fits perfectly in the thread inserts, they remain straight throughout the process.

As a preparation I followed the tips from the German forum to first chamfer the hole so it goes in better. Then using this bit extender:

And a long bit, combined like this:

It stays straight:

Following the advise from the German forum to use spirit (ethyl alcohol) as a lubricant, I then use a syringe to apply it to the thread (I found this to be the cleanest way):

Now it goes in like a hot knife through butter, while always staying straight! There's no way you can 'screw' this up

 

[Manx-Andi]

Seriously interested in this !

What 3D printers are you guys using to make the printed parts ? Will an A8 type be big enough to make the larger parts ?

 

[GEEDOGG]

I think any printer should work. The 3D printed parts aren't that big.

 

[HugoB]

Seriously interested in this !

What 3D printers are you guys using to make the printed parts ? Will an A8 type be big enough to make the larger parts ?

If you need any idea’s, the developers of the SFX100 actuators mostly used a CR-10. Some folks here including myself use a Prusa i3 MK3, which is a very user friendly machine that for the most part doesn’t need much knowledge of 3D printing to make the parts for the SFX100. Also, if you encounter any troubles on your way, there’s lots of helpful people here and elsewhere that can help you out. Anybody with a hammer and a screwdriver and a table or floor to work on can make these actuators.

 

[WhippyVan]

Any one from AU want to send me the links of what Ali shop you got the motors from? They are the last bits I need to order.

Also any tips on decent PETG suppliers here?

 

[AlexP37]

Well after many bad prints i finaly found the correct settings for my anycubic i3 mega.

I used slic3r as for printing program.
I use surreal PETG.
240 extruder temp. and an 100 degrees bed temp.
The 100 degrees bed i dont fully understand. I had warping issues with lower bed temps.
On the www i read petg very different settings to work with.

This is what works for me. Now hope all goes well.

Started printing the big parts, foot and bump stops are done.

 

[sjb266]

UPDATE TIME:

So after my epic fail with the Mige servo/drivers I ordered the ones I should've ordered from David on AliExpress.. The first two arrived today (I'm getting them sent in two batches to keep cost at a minimum ) and I got them setup on the front two actuators - not attached to the rig of course..!

Everything worked perfect straight away.. Making all the right movements in all the right places.. Now i'm just stinging to get the other two so i can set it all up and have a crack..

Hopefully early next week! Any other Aussies making progress on this yet?

 

[AlexP37]

UPDATE TIME:

So after my epic fail with the Mige servo/drivers I ordered the ones I should've ordered from David on AliExpress..

Are other sellers from aliexpress not ok ?

Edit
Got a message from the seller today that my servo’s were at the post office waiting for me to pay customs. Had to pay another 180 euro’s for custom tax

Now lets hope they work and are in good order.

 

[AussieSim]

UPDATE TIME:

So after my epic fail with the Mige servo/drivers I ordered the ones I should've ordered from David on AliExpress.. The first two arrived today (I'm getting them sent in two batches to keep cost at a minimum ) and I got them setup on the front two actuators - not attached to the rig of course..!

Everything worked perfect straight away.. Making all the right movements in all the right places.. Now i'm just stinging to get the other two so i can set it all up and have a crack..

Hopefully early next week! Any other Aussies making progress on this yet?

Nobody else in Aus have received the Kinetik profiles or Smalltec hollow shafts yet.

Having said that, my kinetik order is en-route and the Dold and Letmath packages have both arrived.

 

[GEEDOGG]

UPDATE TIME:

So after my epic fail with the Mige servo/drivers I ordered the ones I should've ordered from David on AliExpress.. The first two arrived today (I'm getting them sent in two batches to keep cost at a minimum ) and I got them setup on the front two actuators - not attached to the rig of course..!

Everything worked perfect straight away.. Making all the right movements in all the right places.. Now i'm just stinging to get the other two so i can set it all up and have a crack..

Hopefully early next week! Any other Aussies making progress on this yet?

I was wondering why we hadn't received any updates on your build in a while I wasn't aware of your servo issues. Thanks again for the Emily contact I've got all my parts and I just ordered the motors today. I hope to be up and running by the end of the year.

 

[dethis]

Just a tip.... do not use the DHL shipment option with DOLD Mechatronik for the shaft coupling and linear bearing. They are charging the 2-3 day delivery option but they use the 3-5. I got this info after contacting with DHL because i'm still waiting almost a week for the part's with the 2-3 day delivery option.

 

[Samurai Jones]

UPDATE TIME:

So after my epic fail with the Mige servo/drivers I ordered the ones I should've ordered from David on AliExpress.. The first two arrived today (I'm getting them sent in two batches to keep cost at a minimum ) and I got them setup on the front two actuators - not attached to the rig of course..!

Everything worked perfect straight away.. Making all the right movements in all the right places.. Now i'm just stinging to get the other two so i can set it all up and have a crack..

Hopefully early next week! Any other Aussies making progress on this yet?

@sjb266 - can you tell us some more about the issues that you had with the MIGE motors and drivers? What specific model of MIGE driver did you have?

 

[WhippyVan]

Nobody else in Aus have received the Kinetik profiles or Smalltec hollow shafts yet.

Got both of those parts sitting here, took 16/17 days to get the German profile after paying. Just need to print some parts and buy the motors.

 

[AlexP37]

I cant find the bank details for kinetikmsystems, i ordered and got a email but also no reference to where the money must go to.

Emailed them 2 days ago but still no response.

Anyone can help me ?

 

[C64]

I cant find the bank details for kinetikmsystems, i ordered and got a email but also no reference to where the money must go to.

Emailed them 2 days ago but still no response.

Anyone can help me ?

They will email you an invoice that covers shipping... their process is a bit slow, as is their delivery but they will respond.