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

 

[Steve D]

@hazardpro

Make sure you add the installation folder, e.g. Simfeedback, directly to the root directory of the drive you're using, i.e. don't install within Program Files etc.

Also make sure that your installation folder name is all one word. No spaces.

 

[hazardpro]

Fixed. I was installed to folder within program files which it doesn’t seem to like. If I left it in my downloads folder it worked - go figure

 

[hazardpro]

Hi man today is not my day it’s not going the right way for me ha ha.


Okay so everything is connected up I flashed the firmware I’ve made sure the actuators all the way in and all cables are connected and I have configured each other controllers as per the guide.

I hit start in the software it says it’s connected but there is no movement from actuators.

So I checked troubleshooting and the first thing to check is your stop button I’ve checked that.

I have no errors on my controllers they all just say 0

What else can I check??

 

[hazardpro]

When I press 'start' My 'controller 1:SFX' goes green - when I hit stop it disconnects and goes back to red. BUT no motor movement at all. 'telemetry' stays red all the time.

It says in the docs "All going well, all 4 motors will spin briefly and motors light will turn green"

im not sure what it means by 'motors light'?

Ps I have re checked the 'servo test' process and all the motors will spin left/right when I test them, so I know the mtors/controller are working/connected.

PS to confirm I have flashed the arduino as per the guide (ACServo_Leonardo_00_09_01.hex), selected com8 and type 'leonardo'....and I have the correct port selected in simfeedback (in my case port 8)

Be grateful for guidance

 

[Steve D]

@hazardpro

1. I take it you are using a Leonardo?
2. Have you selected the correct Com Port in the Controller 1 section?
3. For the purpose of the test, maybe temporarily bypass the Emergency Stop to make sure there's no issue with the wiring / switch.
4. Check all wiring.

 

[hazardpro]

@hazardpro

1. I take it you are using a Leonardo?
2. Have you selected the correct Com Port in the Controller 1 section?
3. For the purpose of the test, maybe temporarily bypass the Emergency Stop to make sure there's no issue with the wiring / switch.
4. Check all wiring.

1. I purchased this : https://coolcomponents.co.uk/collec...boards/products/arduino-leonardo-with-headers if you look at the pics mine is the green one (not blue one)?

2: in my case 8

3: eg just connect the two wires?

4: wiring on controller matches that of this video:

PS the test in this video is working for me

 

[Steve D]

@hazardpro

Re. the e-stop, simply try enabling the switch first just in case there's an issue with your wiring. Thereafter, if that doesn't do anything then yes, just complete the circuit without the e-stop in place in case there's a problem with the switch itself.

Other than that, check wiring but I take it you're using the SFX Shield so not a lot to look for if that's the case. (I built mine before the Shield became available so still have the original spaghetti wiring / WAGO set up but at least that enables me to logically trace a general wiring / GND grounding issue if needs be.)

 

[hazardpro]

@hazardpro

Re. the e-stop, simply try enabling the switch first just in case there's an issue with your wiring. Thereafter, if that doesn't do anything then yes, just complete the circuit without the e-stop in place.

Other than that, check wiring but I take it you're using the SFX Shield so not a lot to look for if that's the case. (I built mine before the Shield became available so still have the original spaghetti wiring / WAGO set up but at least that enables me to logically trace a general wiring / GND grounding issue if needs be.)

yes im using the shield. tried bypassing kill switch but same results :/

 

[Steve D]

@hazardpro

1. Try another USB port, switch the Com Port accordingly and re-test.
2. Reflash the Leonardo and re-test

 

[hazardpro]

tries 3 different ports, same results (re flashed board each time too)

Also tried a different USB lead from PC to Arduano,

Same results

 

[hazardpro]

just trying to cover everything.... these are the leads I got:

Serial Cable 25 Pin Male to 25 Pin Male D-SUB DBM25 Cable Lead 2m | eBay

This cable is suitable for use with a data switch or to connect a paralel device such as a scanner. <br> <br> Connection A D-SUB 25-Pin Male <br> Connection B D-SUB 25-Pin Male <br> Cable type Serial <br> Colour Ivory <br> Outside material PVC <br> Packaging Polybag <br> Length 2.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[hazardpro]

if anyone is on the facebook owners group ive uploaded video there showing complete setup and settings.

 

[Steve D]

I'm sure you've done the following but just in case:

Did you get any temporary error message when flashing the Leonardo?

Did you check that the Com Port selected was free and is the one being used correctly by the Leonardo. Easiest thing to do to check is go in to Device Manager and look at Ports (Com & LPT). Make a note of what's there and exit, Unplug your Leonardo and go back in to Ports. One of them will now be missing and that's the Com Port you will want. Plug the Arduino back in to the same USB port as before, re-flash to that port, (select it within Serial Port in Simfeedback), as per instructions and then also set it as the Controller 1 com port.

Failing that maybe try re-seating your D-Subs one at a time and retest.

It's also not beyond the realms of possibility that you have a faulty Leonardo. (Certainly been an issue for some) Maybe even a dodgy SFX Shield but I've not heard of that before.

 

[hazardpro]

I'm sure you've done the following but just in case:

Did you get any temporary error message when flashing the Leonardo?

Did you check that the Com Port selected was free and is the one being used correctly by the Leonardo. Easiest thing to do to check is go in to Device Manager and look at Ports (Com & LPT). Make a note of what's there and exit, Unplug your Leonardo and go back in to Ports. One of them will now be missing and that's the Com Port you will want. Plug the Arduino back in to the same USB port as before, re-flash to that port, (select it within Serial Port in Simfeedback), as per instructions and then also set it as the Controller 1 com port.

Failing that maybe try re-seating your D-Subs one at a time and retest.

It's also not beyond the realms of possibility that you have a faulty Leonardo. (Certainly been an issue for some) Maybe even a dodgy SFX Shield but I've not heard of that before.

yes I have done the above.

I purchase the SFX board from a member on this forum :/ im hoping it wasnt the case that is was dud and ths being sold on..... it was a bare board and certainly looked new.

 

[hazardpro]

Is there anyway to flash the Arduino outside of the sim software (or check what formware is currently in it? That would determine if the connection is ok.

mot has tobe one of the following

1. Fault D-sub cables (all new so unlikely)
2. Faulty Arduino board (possible, would like to determine somehow)
3. Faulty shield board (possible)
4. Faulty USB lead (tried several and simfeedback says it can connect and says it’s completed firmware update)
5. Something PC side stopping communication (no idea but see #4 re connection)

really bummed... just my luck

 

[hazardpro]

I’ve just been reading about cables and people having issues because the usb cable is a ‘charge only my cable?

I just have a bunch laying around from different devices etc are people using special leads?

 

[BluePotato00]

Long time SFX-100 user, but haven't used my SFX shield yet. I am not using an estop. What do I need to do here?
(1) Nothing or
(2) Put a tiny length of wire between the two to bridge the two connection ports

Thanks!

 

[hazardpro]

Long time SFX-100 user, but haven't used my SFX shield yet. I am not using an estop. What do I need to do here?
(1) Nothing or
(2) Put a tiny length of wire between the two to bridge the two connection ports

Thanks!
View attachment 344556

I’ve been told you need to do #2

 

[hazardpro]

Sorry I’m taking over this thread a bit at the mo

so in light of my current issues, I’ve gone ahead and ordered another Arduino board and also managed to get another Shield board. I should have those Tuesday to debug..

I can’t believe the four new d-bus cables could be faulty so I’m not replacing those...

ive also ordered a new USB lead (just in case)

tomorrow I will run through the whole setup process again just to be sure... again

if after all that I still have no joy then I’m stumped hopefully some others will be able to suggest some things to try/look at

 

[ThugUK]

Have you tried unplugging all your usb devices (except keyboard and mouse and SFX) then trying again to make sure its not a conflict?
Are you running any other piece of software (I had conflicts with Simhub).
Do you have access to another pc/laptop you could try?