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

Insert Coin · Jan 27, 2021

Dutchlincoln said:
My rig is on wheels in order to move it, so in the lowest position, its not on the ground, but few mm above it.

I took a good look, and its correct; its not 8 layers indeed. Our mistake.
Still, the spindle shouldnt have pushed it out, but when it relies on gravity for its zero point, i can imagine why it went wrong...

Time to install the thanos controller, which actually does take a reference run to zero before start....

For another idea of a rig-on-wheels, you can take a look at Henk's solution: https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/hoihmans-gs-5-review.166874/post-2947313
"When you hit start, the actuators always move up 5cm to their default position. That high enough for the dolly to slide under. When i hit stop, the actuators automatically retract."
This way you won't need another controller and you keep the full stroke length of the actuators.

Dutchlincoln · Jan 27, 2021

Well, at least the Thanos keeps it under control, instead of visciously driving them out of their reach..
True, i have to replace some prints in the future, bit i can print these and put them in stock in order to replace when they might fail.

Pyronious · Jan 28, 2021

Bombastik · Jan 29, 2021

Hi guys,

I am having this issue with both ITEM Slider and Motor mount. It says manifold error.

The files are stock, and i have already tried with preset configurations.

I did slice with prusa and printed it but it came out all wrong. I tried with cure, it seems like there is no problem but i am not sure about the stiffness.

Did anyone solved this problem ?

Insert Coin · Jan 29, 2021

Bombastik said:
Hi guys,

I am having this issue with both ITEM Slider and Motor mount. It says manifold error.

The files are stock, and i have already tried with preset configurations.

I did slice with prusa and printed it but it came out all wrong. I tried with cure, it seems like there is no problem but i am not sure about the stiffness.

Did anyone solved this problem ?

See here and the follow up posts.

Bombastik · Jan 29, 2021

Insert Coin said:
See here and the follow up posts.

I dont know how i missed that. I read almost all posts. but, thank you very much for the assistance. I think it solved the problem.

I will post the result printed parts.

Thanks.

Freeon · Feb 1, 2021

Anyone have a SFX shield or bare board?

mechsicko · Feb 1, 2021

Freeon said:
Anyone have a SFX shield or bare board?

Sell - SFX-100 shield and Arduino Leonardo

PHOTOS ADDED I was fortunate to purchase one of the second U.S. group buy batches of custom shields released by RD member Pyronius for the popular DIY SFX-100 motion system. Unfortunately, I do not see myself pursuing this project in the near future as I am going the tactile route for immersion...

www.racedepartment.com

rolles · Feb 1, 2021

Freeon said:
Anyone have a SFX shield or bare board?

I got couple of those shield pcbs (EU) if interested.

Freeon · Feb 2, 2021

mechsicko said:
Sell - SFX-100 shield and Arduino Leonardo

PHOTOS ADDED I was fortunate to purchase one of the second U.S. group buy batches of custom shields released by RD member Pyronius for the popular DIY SFX-100 motion system. Unfortunately, I do not see myself pursuing this project in the near future as I am going the tactile route for immersion...

www.racedepartment.com

Thanks. He only ships to US. I'm in Canada

rolles said:
I got couple of those shield pcbs (EU) if interested.

I'm interested if your willing to ship to Canada.

Pyronious · Feb 2, 2021

Freeon said:
Anyone have a SFX shield or bare board?

I have a few pre-assembled boards on hand - send me a private message with the country you live in (so I can calculate shipping) and your email address, and I can provide you with an invoice/quote. Thanks!

Freeon · Feb 2, 2021

Pyronious said:
I have a few pre-assembled boards on hand - send me a private message with the country you live in (so I can calculate shipping) and your email address, and I can provide you with an invoice/quote. Thanks!

Just ordered the parts so I'll just build one. Thanks anyway. Guess I was a little to impatient.

Luscombe · Feb 3, 2021

Kinetik Question
I ordered the K50 profiles on January 5. Status on Kinetik website still says "processing order". I emailed them in Sunday and asked for an update. So far just crickets.
Should I be concerned?

Dont Panic · Feb 3, 2021

Luscombe said:
Kinetik Question
I ordered the K50 profiles on January 5. Status on Kinetik website still says "processing order". I emailed them in Sunday and asked for an update. So far just crickets.
Should I be concerned?

I got my parts two months ago, but in Kinetik page order status is still " The order is in process".
Kinetic delivery time seems to be two to six weeks. More likely six weeks. So no worries!

Pablo Roldan · Feb 8, 2021

Is there any difference on the 90ST-M02430 220V 750W AC Servo motor 3000RPM on AliExpress? . It lets you choose between Version A / Version B / Ver.A90 and Ver.B 90

mechsicko · Feb 8, 2021

Pablo Roldan said:
Is there any difference on the 90ST-M02430 220V 750W AC Servo motor 3000RPM on AliExpress? . It lets you choose between Version A / Version B / Ver.A90 and Ver.B 90

Version A has 1 meter pigtail leads/connectors coming out of the motor and are the more commonly used ones for SFX. Version B has the cables removable via connectors at the motor. Both A/B motors use the same screw type plug connector which are available with straight connectors or with 90deg angle connectors.

Master Jiang's store shows pics of the different options which might make it more clear https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32844070107.html

Pablo Roldan · Feb 9, 2021

Thanks Mechsicko. Any advantage getting the Version B?.Maybe in case of need with Version B i can change the cables with longer ones?.

mechsicko · Feb 9, 2021

Pablo Roldan said:
Thanks Mechsicko. Any advantage getting the Version B?.Maybe in case of need with Version B i can change the cables with longer ones?.

It's really dependent on your installation, for most builds the A model ends up more streamlined because on the B models the connectors used to poke way out. Now with the new 90deg fittings they still stick out but not as far so it's really more about the form factor you want/need for your intended installation on your pit.

Regardless of which ones you choose, ask them for the shielded version of the cables. That didn't used to be an option and a lot of people replaced theirs after the fact but lately you can request them for a few extra bucks. The unsheilded cables have known EMI output that interferes with some people's setups causing USB blackouts and such, but not everyone's setup is affected.

To that end, the motors with the sockets on them vs being at the end of 1m pigtails might be the better option for EMI convenience since the whole cable will be shielded otherwise you may end up needing to replace the power pigtails with shielded wire (18/4 wire and the connectors are easy to reuse).

Pablo Roldan · Feb 10, 2021

ok.Ill go with ver 90.B then.

Thanks

Pablo Roldan · Feb 11, 2021

Is there an option for 150mm actuators?.I am wondering if 100mm is enough to follow the road slopes. What is your experience about this, does the pitch match the road slopes or is there a limitation?

This effect is the one i am more exited for,I Would like to get it right.