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

 

[RowanH]

Ghetto wiring as it's just for prototyping my GSeat, this will give you an idea when using Nick's box.

 

[RowanH]

If any of you haven't tried ACC's Bathurst I can wholeheartedly recommend it...

 

[ThugUK]

Agree.
That little dip at the top just before the chicane gets me every time.

 

[BogdanB]

One cautionary tale on monitors mounted to rigs - I did break the display port on my Acer Predator. It's now very flakey and plugging a cable in 9 times out of 10 won't work.

Then again my profiles....

Your profiles certainly look like fun!

Seeing it in motion makes me wonder - how's the durability of our SFX-100 builds? Are there any common points of failure? Is it recommended to "maintain" any elements of the actuators every-so-often? Like re-grease ball screws or bearings? How are the 3D printed sliders holding up over time?

For those of us who have been using SFX-100 extensively over long periods of time (and not just long-lasting sessions, but using the platform over months/over a year), how has it held up?

I've been using mine for just couple of weeks now, but it does feel solid, so I'm building my confidence in it Would love to hear your opinions on reliability.

 

[RowanH]

Re: durability. Well I was one of the earlier group - running since Jan last year on my brutal profiles - fair to say there's been hundreds of hours on the rig with my weight (~75kg).

No issues with the actuators. Only issue I get every now and then are bolts loosening in the rig, eg the bathurst vid above had some loose bolts on the brake cross rails causing a creak which I tightened up this arvo.

 

[abs]

Hello, sorry if i seem to high jack this thread. but i d like to ask a question:
SFX100 in Push pull config ?

Hello do they work well in that config ?

also i intend to add a one thread of M22xPitch1.5 x 30 mm inside the the shaft for a rod end . What kind of clearance i have available in depthth and cross the shaft? thx

 

[Tronicgr_6DOF]

Hello, sorry if i seem to high jack this thread. but i d like to ask a question:
SFX100 in Push pull config ?

No... its only push... if you pull under load, the rod might come off.

 

[HoiHman]

Your profiles certainly look like fun!

Seeing it in motion makes me wonder - how's the durability of our SFX-100 builds? Are there any common points of failure? Is it recommended to "maintain" any elements of the actuators every-so-often? Like re-grease ball screws or bearings? How are the 3D printed sliders holding up over time?

For those of us who have been using SFX-100 extensively over long periods of time (and not just long-lasting sessions, but using the platform over months/over a year), how has it held up?

I've been using mine for just couple of weeks now, but it does feel solid, so I'm building my confidence in it Would love to hear your opinions on reliability.

No maintenance necessary. Only part that i suspected to wear, doesn't wear at all.
Almost a year ago i took one actuator apart to and i haven't look at them since

 

[C64]

I built mine in october 2018, have used it nearly every day for a couple of hours, I have not had any components fail, I have not replaced any components, I run quite a violent profile. I may open up a couple of the actuators out of curiosity... but there is no reason to yet. It is a great design !

 

[BogdanB]

This is great to hear, makes me less hesitant to play around with profiles, knowing that the hardware can handle it Thank you RowanH, HoiHman, C64.

I'm wondering - is it possible to control the actuators through software to test max range of motion in every direction? I'd like to get the rig to max height and tilt left/right/forward/backwards to make sure the clearance for triples is sufficient. I donated, but can't find such option even in expert mode using SimFeedback, although I may have missed it...

 

[LukaUse]

This is great to hear, makes me less hesitant to play around with profiles, knowing that the hardware can handle it Thank you RowanH, HoiHman, C64.

I'm wondering - is it possible to control the actuators through software to test max range of motion in every direction? I'd like to get the rig to max height and tilt left/right/forward/backwards to make sure the clearance for triples is sufficient. I donated, but can't find such option even in expert mode using SimFeedback, although I may have missed it...

i dont think you can do that in the software, but you could do it with the jog function on the servo controllers, just be careful

 

[BogdanB]

Great call-out with the jog function, thank you LukaUse. I think I wanted to avoid having to reach into the cabinet, and having extra layer of validation through software so that I don't over extend it would be nice.

I continued my search after posting above and I found exactly what I needed - SFX-100 Service Mode extension/profile for SimFeedback, by @HoiHman https://github.com/HoiHman/SFX100-Service-mode-plugin

Works like a charm. Great work @HoiHman

In fact, I'll be lifting my monitors couple inches higher tomorrow, as my rig is getting dangerously close to them. I didn't notice that while racing, but testing max range of motion showed it clearly.

 

[RowanH]

Allow movement laterally for when you crash and if you have servo speeds up high. Yes...your rig can (and will) move.

 

[LukaUse]

Allow movement laterally for when you crash and if you have servo speeds up high. Yes...your rig can (and will) move.

That is why I would recommend fixed actuator cups...

 

[ThugUK]

I'm wondering - is it possible to control the actuators through software to test max range of motion in every direction? I'd like to get the rig to max height and tilt left/right/forward/backwards to make sure the clearance for triples is sufficient. I donated, but can't find such option even in expert mode using SimFeedback, although I may have missed it...

i dont think you can do that in the software, but you could do it with the jog function on the servo controllers, just be careful

I am sure there is a profile that you can use called 'service mode' that allows you to do exactly that.

 

[Herbie Rooprai]

In the process of ordering the parts for my build and wanted to get input on the motor A vs B choice. Seems like version B would be easier to replace with shielded cables.
Would greatly appreciate any thoughts/advice.

 

[_hagenaar]

Seems like version B would be easier to replace with shielded cables.

indeed! go with the b version

 

[NGR_Conroy]

Hi guys, anyone use NTL-Bearing for the hollow shafts, ballscrews/nuts, fixed/linear bearings & shaft couplings? About to order and wanted to check if anyone had any issues with them. Cheers

 

[BluePotato00]

Hi guys, anyone use NTL-Bearing for the hollow shafts, ballscrews/nuts, fixed/linear bearings & shaft couplings? About to order and wanted to check if anyone had any issues with them. Cheers

Many (if not most) of us used NTL Bearing for the actuator internals. I had no issue with them.

 

[diablo2112]

NTL bearing has worked great. No issues.