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

Dennis Karlsson · Mar 7, 2020

argent81 said:
Hello , in some days i complete the sfx100 , one question , is better to have the monitor integrated with the movement or isolated?

thanks a lot!

I had my monitors on the rig at first, but after seeing the vibrations and the flex on the monitors I built a separate stand for the monitors.

I was worried that the immersion would suffer but it didn't, at all.

Prickles · Mar 9, 2020

Hey all, another Aussie here (Gold Coast).

Only play iRacing and just got back into it after a few years off. Never thought I'd even contemplate motion. Then I came across the SFX-100 stuff...

I'm in so much trouble haha!

Currently running a new custom 8020 rig (went with 4040 rails - wonder if that'll be an issue and I should upgrade to 4080?), simucube 2 Pro, he sprints, pimax 5k etc...

Really excited to get started on this but funds-wise I think it'll be a few month project.

Oh and I already have an Ender 5 Pro so clearly it was meant to be.

metalnwood · Mar 9, 2020

Prickles said:
Hey all, another Aussie here (Gold Coast).

Only play iRacing and just got back into it after a few years off. Never thought I'd even contemplate motion. Then I came across the SFX-100 stuff...

I'm in so much trouble haha!

Currently running a new custom 8020 rig (went with 4040 rails - wonder if that'll be an issue and I should upgrade to 4080?), simucube 2 Pro, he sprints, pimax 5k etc...

Really excited to get started on this but funds-wise I think it'll be a few month project.

Oh and I already have an Ender 5 Pro so clearly it was meant to be.

I have seen a few sfx rigs on 4040 based rigs so it must be ok. Quite possible you will have to add more to reinforce it but it seems to have been done already.

Sorry I can't point you to any pics as I cant remember where I may have seen them.

Prickles · Mar 9, 2020

metalnwood said:
I have seen a few sfx rigs on 4040 based rigs so it must be ok. Quite possible you will have to add more to reinforce it but it seems to have been done already.

Sorry I can't point you to any pics as I cant remember where I may have seen them.

LOL timing. Just up to page 36 and someone has posted that they have it on their 4040 rig.

I'll see how it goes but its a while away for now.

Sojborg · Mar 10, 2020

Hi, I just got my SFX - 100 completed last night. When i tested it, it moves great but after half a lap on track in Iracing the rig is not level any more ! i shut it off and it were level again. I have checked the driver settings in the motor drivers they are all the same ( Pn008 up to Pn115) I have changed the D-sub cabel from left to right now it is unlevel to the other side. I hope some one can help.

RowanH · Mar 10, 2020

I'm guessing you have a loose motor to ball screw coupler.... Find the side that is lower than the others pull it apart and check

Sojborg · Mar 10, 2020

Thanks for the answer, but as i said i have changed the D-sub cabels so it changed side. Now the left side i higher then the right. If i just start and stop the motion in the Simfeedback app it goes straight up and down. It is first when i drive in the game, it gets un even.

Peter Koslowski · Mar 10, 2020

Prickles said:
LOL timing. Just up to page 36 and someone has posted that they have it on their 4040 rig.

I'll see how it goes but its a while away for now.

40/40 is no problem, I have a little flex, but only when I lift a single corner. BTW. I finished the SFX yesterday and it is awesome!!!

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GFJunky · Mar 10, 2020

The track of my 4040 rig was slightly too narrow for the actuators so I added two 8080 cross bars to mount the actuators and then a central 4040 so the rig is now a 120 high box and super stiff. One layer of 40 is quite floppy.

Dennis Karlsson · Mar 10, 2020

Sojborg said:
Thanks for the answer, but as i said i have changed the D-sub cabels so it changed side. Now the left side i higher then the right. If i just start and stop the motion in the Simfeedback app it goes straight up and down. It is first when i drive in the game, it gets un even.

Rowans explanation is probably the right one.
One of my actuators had the same problem.

Freeon · Mar 10, 2020

I saw a few post on here and other forums that the servos could be wired 120 volts. Just need to change a setting. I can't seem to find any of those post. Can someone tell me what setting needs to be changed and to what. Also in all those post I never saw how to wire the servos, any wiring instructions? They are schedule to be delivered this Thursday and I assume any instruction I receive with them will be for 220 volts.

Sojborg · Mar 10, 2020

Hi Dennis, also thanks to you. I will take a look at it to night. But i can not se how the fault can move from right to left because i change the D-sub cables. But i need al the help i can get, so i will dobble check it. I am crosing my fingers and hoping it is the problem. I will be back ;-)

Dennis Karlsson · Mar 10, 2020

Sojborg said:
Hi Dennis, also thanks to you. I will take a look at it to night. But i can not se how the fault can move from right to left because i change the D-sub cables. But i need al the help i can get, so i will dobble check it. I am crosing my fingers and hoping it is the problem. I will be back ;-)

If the "limp" side changes it might be another problem.
Have you tried the "Service Mode" plugin? It might help you find the problem by being able to "steer" the rig as you wish.

GitHub - HoiHman/SFX100-Service-mode-plugin: Control your SFX100 rig with the press of a button.

Control your SFX100 rig with the press of a button. - HoiHman/SFX100-Service-mode-plugin

github.com

meizer · Mar 10, 2020

Freeon said:
I saw a few post on here and other forums that the servos could be wired 120 volts. Just need to change a setting. I can't seem to find any of those post. Can someone tell me what setting needs to be changed and to what. Also in all those post I never saw how to wire the servos, any wiring instructions? They are schedule to be delivered this Thursday and I assume any instruction I receive with them will be for 220 volts.

Works fine on 120v. Just change Pn83 on each driver to 100. I don't want to give specific wiring advice but it's very easy, you just connect the load and neutral (usually black and white) AC wires to the top 2 connectors and ground goes to one of the ground screws. Everything says you need 220v but it works just fine on 120v, I have tested it myself and a people have been using their SFX100 for a long time on 120v without a converter.

Freeon · Mar 10, 2020

meizer said:
Works fine on 120v. Just change Pn83 on each driver to 100. I don't want to give specific wiring advice but it's very easy, you just connect the load and neutral (usually black and white) AC wires to the top 2 connectors and ground goes to one of the ground screws. Everything says you need 220v but it works just fine on 120v, I have tested it myself and a people have been using their SFX100 for a long time on 120v without a converter.

OK thanks. I think this gives me enough information to proceed. Still printing and waiting for aluminum but at least I can get servos mounted, wired and tested when the get here Thursday.

Blind Potato · Mar 10, 2020

Figured I would share this as I was wondering what the flex would be like with a 4080 rig with the SFX100 system, luckily Barry just reviewed a 4080 system with a similar motion system and seems to handle it pretty good.

As for my Canadian maple drinking friends I found a decent option for an aluminium profile rig. Its a 15 series fractional (inch) extrusions, pretty much the same as 4080 - https://www.fazstore.ca/product/15-series-racing-sim/ It's also not the Lite stuff, so it should be stiffer.

Peter Koslowski · Mar 11, 2020

I had exactly this system before the SFX-100. I miss it! Since it is actually very good! It is light, quick to install, has a good performance, the software can be set intuitively and unlike the Dbox it is available for only 2900€.
If you want to buy it from me, send me a PM! The angles are for a 40/40 aluminum profile!

Sojborg · Mar 11, 2020

Hi again, i found the problem

there was no ground in the 230v wall socket. It now works fantastic. thanks for your help.

Bedst regards from Jesper

Chrhun · Mar 11, 2020

Peter Koslowski said:
I had exactly this system before the SFX-100. I miss it! Since it is actually very good! It is light, quick to install, has a good performance, the software can be set intuitively and unlike the Dbox it is available for only 2900€.
If you want to buy it from me, send me a PM! The angles are for a 40/40 aluminum profile!

Why did you decide to build the SFX-100 system if you already had the SR1?

Peter Koslowski · Mar 11, 2020

Chrhun said:
Why did you decide to build the SFX-100 system if you already had the SR1?

It made my finger itch so much and since I like to tinker, I couldn't help it! And the SFX-100 system has more power! As I said, the SR-1 is already very good but 250mm/s and 3kW feel even better!