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

 

[Prototype_]

All you have to do is update to the latest version.

Thanks, I see now ...

 

[d69morpwr]

Nope. Little compact non powered 4 way USB hubs that do the job perfectly for things like shifters and button boxes. So I have no patience left for my specific situation and the hardware that I have running here.

I've decided to list the build in full for sale. I don't have access to the Marketplace on RD so if anyone sees this and wants to chat about obtaining a full SFX-100 build, DM me and we can discuss further. The platform itself works fine, it's just not playing nice with the things that I have in my kit and I'm no longer willing to have to mess about with troubleshooting.

I can only ive never had any issues using the Thanos controller. It just works every single time i fire it up with no other issues. Been like that since the day i got it working. Never seen any one else using that controller have issues either unless they where self inflicted,lol Just an option before giving up.

I know its not in the theme of approved methods but it just works and has safety features.

 

[Specialist68]

So fired up my rig this morning... "your license has expired". Time to move on. Enough of this crap. Goodbye Simfeedback.

Just copy paste your id in Discord " license " and voila new License !

 

[HoiHman]

I can only ive never had any issues using the Thanos controller. It just works every single time i fire it up with no other issues. Been like that since the day i got it working. Never seen any one else using that controller have issues either unless they where self inflicted,lol Just an option before giving up.

I know its not in the theme of approved methods but it just works and has safety features.

That really has nothing to do with the issues that @anton_Chez is having. The EMI is actually caused by the servos and the wiring. NOT the controller.

I have been running the Arduino configuration for 2 years and 3 months, now trouble free.

I did have some issues in the beginning, but they have all been resolved. Now the SFX runs with controllers together with 4 button boxes, a hand brake, pedals,, AccuForce, GS-5, HE-shifter and a USBD480 from a single USB cable connected to PC.

I provided Anton with some of my solutions, but they did not work for him.

 

[d69morpwr]

That really has nothing to do with the issues that @anton_Chez is having. The EMI is actually caused by the servos and the wiring. NOT the controller.

I have been running the Arduino configuration for 2 years and 3 months, now trouble free.

I did have some issues in the beginning, but they have all been resolved. Now the SFX runs with controllers together with 4 button boxes, a hand brake, pedals,, AccuForce, GS-5, HE-shifter and a USBD480 from a single USB cable connected to PC.

I provided Anton with some of my solutions, but they did not work for him.

Not trying to argue about it but theres way more issues with the Arduino and almost none with the Thanos. I know where the emi comes from also thats why i ordered shielded cables and ran it inside the aluminum profiles. If nothing else worked for him its an option that just works.

 

[DJ_Psymon]

Not trying to argue about it but theres way more issues with the Arduino and almost none with the Thanos. I know where the emi comes from also thats why i ordered shielded cables and ran it inside the aluminum profiles. If nothing else worked for him its an option that just works.

When I was on the Arduino, connection / communication between SimFeedback and arduino would drop suddenly, causing motion to stop abruptly. The only way to get it back up again was to up/plug Arduino AND restart SimFeedback. This happened about 30% of the time. And starting motion was always a hit or miss affair after pressing "Start" on SimFeedback.

Switched to Thanos, everything else the same... never had a connection drop in the last 6 months (using SimTools and SimRacing Studio).

(also just discovered that SimFeedback paid version doesn't work any more. Not sure if because I replaced the hard drive, or license "expired", or both?!)

 

[anton_Chez]

I've suffered / solved issues with the thing since building it to be honest. The way that I use MY hardware and the things that I have running. For whatever reason things just keep cropping up that need me to invest time into troubleshooting instead of actually being in the seat. I race with motion turned off most of the time and it didn't make sense to keep it for those times that I may want to run it, when those times are most likely going to be troubleshooting anyway.

I enjoy racing for the racing, and I have a lot of nice gear and an awesome cockpit. I'll use an upgraded tactile solution now to round out the feedback loop and happily go about my racing knowing my hardware will always be connected.

 

[Wmacky]

This expired license dance is starting to get old..........

How am I supposed to get my old License ID if the license is expired and the program won't open?

 

[Wmacky]

Figured it out.

 

[Specialist68]

This expired license dance is starting to get old..........

How am I supposed to get my old License ID if the license is expired and the program won't open?

Simpel

Release 00_09_08c · SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo

Update README.md

github.com

Instal this one and copy your license id in Discord forum " License "
Then you get automatically a new license file in discord to paste in your directory

 

[Specialist68]

If you did this before the expiration date, You could copy your old license ID in the Discord channel " License " to retrieve a new license to copy in your old directory

 

[Specialist68]

All the License story's are " a storm in a glass of water "
No problems what so ever

 

[Prickles]

Hey all, haven't touched iRacing in a while so just today came across the expiry issue. I re-downloaded SimFeedback and have run the blocking.bat file but SimFeedback isn't loading. I see the splash screen and then nothing.

Any ideas?

 

[Prototype_]

Hey all, haven't touched iRacing in a while so just today came across the expiry issue. I re-downloaded SimFeedback and have run the blocking.bat file but SimFeedback isn't loading. I see the splash screen and then nothing.

Any ideas?

Run as Administrator ?

 

[Specialist68]

Hey all, haven't touched iRacing in a while so just today came across the expiry issue. I re-downloaded SimFeedback and have run the blocking.bat file but SimFeedback isn't loading. I see the splash screen and then nothing.

Any ideas?

read above my posts......

 

[Prickles]

Run as Administrator ?

Doesn't help

read above my posts......

I'm not in the discord group as I joined literally as expert mode was removed as an option for everyone.

Can anyone send me a pm for me to join or something?

 

[BluePotato00]

Doesn't help



I'm not in the discord group as I joined literally as expert mode was removed as an option for everyone.

Can anyone send me a pm for me to join or something?

You need to be sponsored prior to joining the Discord.

 

[GuillaumeFR]

Bonjour !
I have been watching loads of forums and tons of YT videos, craving for a motion rig, but always concluded they were out of my reach. And finally came accross the SFX 100.
I see many built it before looking for sponsorship, so I'm not sure how important it is. I am at step #0 (I only have an updated list of providers/prices to make sure I can get everything).
It seems even here not everybody agree on the need for a sponsor... So IS it important (essential) ? It will probably help anyway, so if there any volunteer, that would be fantastic. I am based in France, and speaks French better than any other languages. English should do (I'll probably stumble on tech terms but internet is rich enough). My German is definitely not up for it ; )
Thank you !

 

[BluePotato00]

Bonjour !
I have been watching loads of forums and tons of YT videos, craving for a motion rig, but always concluded they were out of my reach. And finally came accross the SFX 100.
I see many built it before looking for sponsorship, so I'm not sure how important it is. I am at step #0 (I only have an updated list of providers/prices to make sure I can get everything).
It seems even here not everybody agree on the need for a sponsor... So IS it important (essential) ? It will probably help anyway, so if there any volunteer, that would be fantastic. I am based in France, and speaks French better than any other languages. English should do (I'll probably stumble on tech terms but internet is rich enough). My German is definitely not up for it ; )
Thank you !

~90% of the Discord discussion is in English with the rest in German.

You could build the actuators and run the software without going through the sponsor requirement.

A sponsor is only needed to:

• Access all of the content on the Discord
• Access the full expert mode licensed version of the SimFeedback software. The full version allows for (1) more fine-tuning of motion effects through graphs and (2) the ability to see in real time your inputs/outputs per motion effect.

 

[Tutän]

Hi, I recently bought all the material to have the sfx100 working, I still lack the actuators but when registering the software I have seen that I need to have a sponsor.

I would be very grateful if someone could be my sponsor, I am looking forward to having my motion working with the extra features.

Thanks.