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 · Apr 20, 2021

Alpixar said:
Thank you! Unfortunately, I cannot buy the Schaffner FN2070. Can I replace it with OMNICOM EMI Filter CW4L2-20A-S or CANNY WELL Power EMI Filter CW4E 20A?

Sorry, no idea. Some other SFX100 users use this filter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073MCGBP5.

Alpixar · Apr 20, 2021

Insert Coin said:
Извините, не знаю. Некоторые другие пользователи SFX100 используют этот фильтр: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073MCGBP5 .

The circuit looks identical, just a different manufacturer. Thank you!

phongshader · Apr 23, 2021

I'm just starting to receive parts to start building/assembling my SFX-100 project. Is there a preferred material to print parts with? Looks like most people are using PLA. Is there any advantage in using ABS or Nylon? I'm also going to need a sponsor for SimFeedback. Please let me know how I can find a sponsor.
Thanks

Insert Coin · Apr 24, 2021

PLA is fine. Other materials are much harder to print.

Luscombe · Apr 24, 2021

Luscombe said:
Anyone else having issues with Kinetiks?
I have reached out to them via email, my only source, and they first responded with an update on the order status but no shipping information like tracking number etc. I have repeatedly emailed them in the last month and now they are ghosting me.

I ordered extrusions on January 5 and have not received them and it is now April 3.

Is there an alternative supplier and 3D print profile for the extrusions?

I have every other part for this build except the controller and have been dead in the water since January.

I am normally a patient guy but this is frustrating.

I have opened an official complaint through Paypal. Hopefully, I can get their attention.

Just an update for the forum. I received my Kinetiks parts today.
I have withdrawn my Paypal claim.
While I am happy to have the parts now, their customer service was abysmal.
Kinetiks did not process my shipment until after I filed the Paypal claim.

For those of you in the US, I would recommend purchasing from the alternate profile from the US supplier.

Now I will start the 3D printing.
I ordered 300mm lengths to allow for longer throws. I will also look into flipping the end block to provide even more throw.

It's getting real now!

mechsicko · Apr 24, 2021

Luscombe said:
Just an update for the forum. I received my Kinetiks parts today.
I have withdrawn my Paypal claim.
While I am happy to have the parts now, their customer service was abysmal.
Kinetiks did not process my shipment until after I filed the Paypal claim.

For those of you in the US, I would recommend purchasing from the alternate profile from the US supplier.

Now I will start the 3D printing.
I ordered 300mm lengths to allow for longer throws. I will also look into flipping the end block to provide even more throw.

It's getting real now!

You will need longer ballscrews and shafts and also won't be able to use SimFeedback which has the actuator travel limited to 100mm (maybe up to 110?) and no provisions for adjustment. I'm making 150mm travel actuators as well, so used Thanos card instead which can run SimTools, PTFlyer, SRS for motion and possibly others

phongshader · Apr 25, 2021

Insert Coin said:
PLA is fine. Other materials are much harder to print.

I have a heated chamber and can print ABS or nylon without issues. I was just wondering if there would be any advantage to using something other than PLA.

Dennis Karlsson · Apr 26, 2021

phongshader said:
I have a heated chamber and can print ABS or nylon without issues. I was just wondering if there would be any advantage to using something other than PLA.

Both ABS and Nylon is stronger than PLA. PLA is strong enough though.

Alpixar · Apr 28, 2021

Hello everybody!
Recently finished building the SFX 100 and wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this project, it's awesome! If someone can sponsor me, I will be grateful. I can provide photos and videos of the assembly, screenshots of Aliexpress orders for verification.

Onii77 · Apr 30, 2021

Luscombe said:
Just an update for the forum. I received my Kinetiks parts today.
I have withdrawn my Paypal claim.
While I am happy to have the parts now, their customer service was abysmal.
Kinetiks did not process my shipment until after I filed the Paypal claim.

For those of you in the US, I would recommend purchasing from the alternate profile from the US supplier.

Now I will start the 3D printing.
I ordered 300mm lengths to allow for longer throws. I will also look into flipping the end block to provide even more throw.

It's getting real now!

here's what I just designed and printed to improve the throw on 300mm Item profile.

Now I have to create a 5mm bumper inside the profile because it throws TOO long now, lol.

Onii77 · Apr 30, 2021

mechsicko said:
You will need longer ballscrews and shafts and also won't be able to use SimFeedback which has the actuator travel limited to 100mm (maybe up to 110?) and no provisions for adjustment. I'm making 150mm travel actuators as well, so used Thanos card instead which can run SimTools, PTFlyer, SRS for motion and possibly others

In this application you're looking to maximize compressive strength perpendicular to the layer plane, so if any of those mats are beneficial, I would say use them. but the simplicity of printing PLA is hard to beat. heated bed for one layer, and forget about it till it's done.

Real_Trisk · May 1, 2021

Hey all, I have a couple questions now that my SFX-100 is up and purring away.

1) This new sponsor thing, I don't get. What exactly do I need it for? My rig was built and finished before this happened, so am I OK? Can I still D/L software and everything?

2) There are no instructions anywhere for getting Dirt Rally 2 working, I tried the Dirt Rally 1 instructions, and they didn't work. Any help?

Sorry if these are already answered here, I don't really see a way to search thru this massive thread...

Freeon · May 1, 2021

Real_Trisk said:
Hey all, I have a couple questions now that my SFX-100 is up and purring away.

1) This new sponsor thing, I don't get. What exactly do I need it for? My rig was built and finished before this happened, so am I OK? Can I still D/L software and everything?

2) There are no instructions anywhere for getting Dirt Rally 2 working, I tried the Dirt Rally 1 instructions, and they didn't work. Any help?

Sorry if these are already answered here, I don't really see a way to search thru this massive thread...

A sponsor must already be on the owners list. Then verify your build and send your info to SFX 100 creator. Then with a donation you will be granted access to the discord channel and pro version of the software. The pro version just gives more flexibility in settings. The regular version still works. I have the pro version but never used the extra settings.

Dirt Rally 2 worked for me right out of the box. Is that the only sim that doesn't work? Have you tried others?

Real_Trisk · May 2, 2021

Freeon said:
A sponsor must already be on the owners list. Then verify your build and send your info to SFX 100 creator. Then with a donation you will be granted access to the discord channel and pro version of the software. The pro version just gives more flexibility in settings. The regular version still works. I have the pro version but never used the extra settings.

Dirt Rally 2 worked for me right out of the box. Is that the only sim that doesn't work? Have you tried others?

Yeah, iRacing, ACC, AC and No Limits 2 all work great.

So I can't buy the pro option without a sponsor?

Freeon · May 2, 2021

Real_Trisk said:
So I can't buy the pro option without a sponsor?

Nope

Alpixar · May 4, 2021

Alpixar said:
Hello everybody!
Recently finished building the SFX 100 and wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this project, it's awesome! If someone can sponsor me, I will be grateful. I can provide photos and videos of the assembly, screenshots of Aliexpress orders for verification.

Can't anyone help? Is this problematic for the sponsor?

I need the expert mode to expand the functionality of the platform. I want to add traction loss, belt tension and airflow.

Alpixar · May 5, 2021

Previously, I had a problem with EMI, on the pedals. Grounding the USB hub and installing a filter OMNICOM EMI Filter CW4L2-20A-S helped to solve the problem. Thank you, HoiHman, Insert Coin !

The connection looks like this:

Alpixar · May 6, 2021

How many participants can a sponsor have? Are there any restrictions?

pass-low · May 9, 2021

been running sfx100 acutators and simfeedback for must be coming up to 2 years now without issue.

is there any maintenance thats the actuators need? what do others do for routing maintenance?

HoiHman · May 9, 2021

pass-low said:
been running sfx100 acutators and simfeedback for must be coming up to 2 years now without issue.

is there any maintenance thats the actuators need? what do others do for routing maintenance?

At some point you may re-grease the ballscrews, check the bearings for wear and that's about it. Notthing else