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

Onii77 · May 10, 2021

Alpixar said:
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:
View attachment 471990

I had a similar problem, but with just the load cell on the brake. Well at least that was the only thing that was visibly juddering. While the throttle and clutch seemed fine, I am pretty sure there was other interference side effects that I was not seeing.

Adding the emi filter to the servos did the trick, I had been careful to that point to have everything else grounded, and when I ordered the servos, I asked for shielded cables (which were a $20USD up-charge per kit). Just to note, I have a profile frame (a P1-X), and have no grounding for the frame itself. so far this has not been a problem, once I installed the filter, but if there is anything else acting oddly, that will be my next step.

Namake_HU · May 13, 2021

I wonder if a 1204 ball screw would work? How does the controller software know what length and pitch of the screw thread? How does it adjust to center? Where can this be changed?

DonDonki · May 13, 2021

Namake_HU said:
I wonder if a 1204 ball screw would work? How does the controller software know what length and pitch of the screw thread? How does it adjust to center? Where can this be changed?

You need to use the Thanos AMC-AASD15A controller.

Namake_HU · May 13, 2021

DonDonki said:
You need to use the Thanos AMC-AASD15A controller.

I mean in the SimFeedback software.

HoiHman · May 13, 2021

Namake_HU said:
I wonder if a 1204 ball screw would work? How does the controller software know what length and pitch of the screw thread? How does it adjust to center? Where can this be changed?

You can always change the settings in the servo controller P98 = Puls Multiplikator

This will make the servo turn more or less with the same input from simfeedback.
There's probably a formula out there how much more less the servo should turn to achieve the right output.

From there on :

Simfeedback always raises the actuator to the middle and goes up/down from that position, but never beyond the max position (as long as you have your P98 setting right for your ball screw length )

Namake_HU · May 13, 2021

HoiHman said:
You can always change the settings in the servo controller P98 = Puls Multiplikator

Thank you!!!

noru_K · May 17, 2021

Peter Koslowski said:
I thought it would be that value, now I think it depends on the Arduino. Before I had the Simrig SR-1 System, they say they have 7 ms, should be the same for the SFX! Is there a chance to measure this value?

noru_K · May 18, 2021

Hi everyone,

I build up SFX-100. and I'm here asking for simfeedback sponsorship.
I'm Korean, in south. Many Korean want to get motion rigs but almost motion information is wrriten in ENG, GER.
But thankfuly, some Korean people bulit up SFX-100 and shared experiences.
I wanna be one of them and my goal is to activate the SFX-100 in Korea.

so Is there who can support me as a sponsor, The guy who enjoys hobbies across the country

Thank you!!!

thosirl · May 21, 2021

Hello all,
Long time listener, first time poster.
Just got my SFX100 build completed yesterday, and seems to be working well so far.

Two little issues I wanted to get some feedback on:
1 - DIRT Rally 2.0 UDP Delay - I see the open issue on github and the Codemasters link where it says it's fixed in Simfeedback. Can someone clarify what version it's fixed in? This is my favourite game, was looking forward to using this

2 - Service Mode Plugin - I tried using this for initial testing, but got some errors "Can not load telemetryprovider smp. Please check you active profile. Looks like a TelemetryProvider is missing"
Any suggestions for this?

Thanks all!
Tom

Real_Trisk · May 21, 2021

thosirl said:
Hello all,
Long time listener, first time poster.
Just got my SFX100 build completed yesterday, and seems to be working well so far.

Two little issues I wanted to get some feedback on:
1 - DIRT Rally 2.0 UDP Delay - I see the open issue on github and the Codemasters link where it says it's fixed in Simfeedback. Can someone clarify what version it's fixed in? This is my favourite game, was looking forward to using this

2 - Service Mode Plugin - I tried using this for initial testing, but got some errors "Can not load telemetryprovider smp. Please check you active profile. Looks like a TelemetryProvider is missing"
Any suggestions for this?

Thanks all!
Tom

Sorry, not related to your question, but can you tell me how to get Dirt Rally 2 working? I get no response from that game tried on 2 different computers, even tried doing the Dirt Rally 1 instructions, nothing worked. Every other game works OK. There must be something you have to set up to get it working?

thosirl · May 21, 2021

Real_Trisk said:
Sorry, not related to your question, but can you tell me how to get Dirt Rally 2 working? I get no response from that game tried on 2 different computers, even tried doing the Dirt Rally 1 instructions, nothing worked. Every other game works OK. There must be something you have to set up to get it working?

I just followed the instructions from here:

Supported Games and Instructions

opensfx.com

Edit hardware_settings_config.xml in C:\Users\USERNAME\Documents\my games\DiRT Rally\hardwaresettings.


<udp enabled="true" extradata="3" ip="127.0.0.1" port="20777" delay="1" />

Only difference being that with this UDP delay bug, but you need to change that 'delay' parameter to 2 instead of 1, which is not as good, but it will work.

roundabout · May 21, 2021

thosirl said:
Hello all,
Long time listener, first time poster.
Just got my SFX100 build completed yesterday, and seems to be working well so far.

Two little issues I wanted to get some feedback on:
1 - DIRT Rally 2.0 UDP Delay - I see the open issue on github and the Codemasters link where it says it's fixed in Simfeedback. Can someone clarify what version it's fixed in? This is my favourite game, was looking forward to using this

2 - Service Mode Plugin - I tried using this for initial testing, but got some errors "Can not load telemetryprovider smp. Please check you active profile. Looks like a TelemetryProvider is missing"
Any suggestions for this?

Thanks all!
Tom

There are two potential fixes for Dirt Rally 2.0, there is a fix for timer issues generally which can be found at https://github.com/ashupp/SFX-100-Timerfix
(This is the one referred to at your github link)
And there is an alternate provider which can be found in the discord dirt rally 2.0 section.
I have no idea whether both are required, I installed both and it seems to work OK now.

thosirl · May 21, 2021

roundabout said:
There are two potential fixes for Dirt Rally 2.0, there is a fix for timer issues generally which can be found at https://github.com/ashupp/SFX-100-Timerfix
(This is the one referred to at your github link)
And there is an alternate provider which can be found in the discord dirt rally 2.0 section.
I have no idea whether both are required, I installed both and it seems to work OK now.

Awesome, thanks for the GitHub link, I'll take a look at that.

For the discord channel - is that open invite, or members/sponsors area?
Do you know is it the revised "delay" setting in the DIRT Rally config or another fix?

thosirl · May 21, 2021

WOW! That Timerfix makes a BIG difference, proper giggling like a little kid with that! Thank you!

roundabout · May 21, 2021

thosirl said:
Awesome, thanks for the GitHub link, I'll take a look at that.

For the discord channel - is that open invite, or members/sponsors area?
Do you know is it the revised "delay" setting in the DIRT Rally config or another fix?

The discord is donors / members only, you need a sponsor who verifies your build was diy. It's worth doing, there's a lot of useful information and profiles on there. I'd volunteer but am short on time currently. Maybe in a few weeks when I wind a few things up.
The timer fix counteracts some change in windows, I'm hazy on the details.

thosirl · May 22, 2021

roundabout said:
The discord is donors / members only, you need a sponsor who verifies your build was diy. It's worth doing, there's a lot of useful information and profiles on there. I'd volunteer but am short on time currently. Maybe in a few weeks when I wind a few things up.
The timer fix counteracts some change in windows, I'm hazy on the details.

That would be awesome. No rush on my side, still getting a few bits tidied up, but I would greatly appreciate it.

Crammed · May 25, 2021

Hello!! It seems I am a bit late to the party, but never the less, here I am!!
First off thank you to all of the contributors to this forum!! I have read nearly every single post on this thread, all 395 pages, and I feel as if I was side by side you all through the evolutions on of this project from the very start, although I only found this idea a couple of months ago now.
I am new to getting back into the sim racing experience and I am ready to add motion to my set up. I am based in Australia and will be sourcing, printing, and assembling all of the components myself.
A few of questions as to where the SFX100 has evolved to up to present -
I feel I want to build the actuators with 50mm more travel. Will they work at all with the audrino, even with the limited 100mm travel control in the supported software? I just want to future proof myself a bit in the event I find I want more travel.
Secondly, if I did want to build the extra length, I assume I just need longer extrusions, longer ball screws, and longer hollow shafts?? I understand that if I want to utilize full stroke I would need a Thanos board.
Lastly, I was wondering how active the support community is on the discord channel these days? I mean everything is here in the forum as far as building, but I was wondering what the outlook looks like for future game support and that sort of thing.
I am hoping I am not too late to enjoy the successes of this community!!

Freeon · May 25, 2021

Wow you read the whole thread. You are right simfeedback only supports 100mm of travel. The discord is still very active with users actively adding games. Just last week someone added farming simulator. Also saw someone posted that he built 150mm actuators and he was trying to come up with a way for simfeedback to control them. Not sure if he was successful.

In my opinion 100mm is more than enough travel. Unless you want to do flight sim. Even in Dirt 2.0 I had to turn down the intensity because it was way to much. Was fun just to try and I giggle all the way true the first stage but was just to much. That being said I suppose there's no harm in building 150mm even if you only use 100mm for now.

mechsicko · May 25, 2021

Crammed said:
Hello!! It seems I am a bit late to the party, but never the less, here I am!!
First off thank you to all of the contributors to this forum!! I have read nearly every single post on this thread, all 395 pages, and I feel as if I was side by side you all through the evolutions on of this project from the very start, although I only found this idea a couple of months ago now.
I am new to getting back into the sim racing experience and I am ready to add motion to my set up. I am based in Australia and will be sourcing, printing, and assembling all of the components myself.
A few of questions as to where the SFX100 has evolved to up to present -
I feel I want to build the actuators with 50mm more travel. Will they work at all with the audrino, even with the limited 100mm travel control in the supported software? I just want to future proof myself a bit in the event I find I want more travel.
Secondly, if I did want to build the extra length, I assume I just need longer extrusions, longer ball screws, and longer hollow shafts?? I understand that if I want to utilize full stroke I would need a Thanos board.
Lastly, I was wondering how active the support community is on the discord channel these days? I mean everything is here in the forum as far as building, but I was wondering what the outlook looks like for future game support and that sort of thing.
I am hoping I am not too late to enjoy the successes of this community!!

Yes to adding 50mm to extrusions/shafts and ballscrews, and no reason SimFeedback wouldn't be able to run 150mm actuators as if they were 100 that I know of.

I'm also making a 150 system though an SFX variant that uses 80mm extrusions and 10mm ballscrews following Maverick's build (sort of.. used different motors and Igus linears with my own files aside from slider) https://www.racingfr.net/wbb/index.php?thread/6919-diy-sfx-150-rallongé-version-mavrick/

I mostly rally but also flight sims but the extra stroke can also buy more freedom of actuator spacing without sacrificing achieved angles etc. I plan on adding surge at some point so wanted a little longer distance from front to back to accommodate the compact form factor I'm planning.

Crammed · May 26, 2021

Freeon said:
Wow you read the whole thread. You are right simfeedback only supports 100mm of travel. The discord is still very active with users actively adding games. Just last week someone added farming simulator. Also saw someone posted that he built 150mm actuators and he was trying to come up with a way for simfeedback to control them. Not sure if he was successful.

In my opinion 100mm is more than enough travel. Unless you want to do flight sim. Even in Dirt 2.0 I had to turn down the intensity because it was way to much. Was fun just to try and I giggle all the way true the first stage but was just to much. That being said I suppose there's no harm in building 150mm even if you only use 100mm for now.

Haha yeah... I feel like I have already built a couple of these myself reading through all of the trials and tribulations that many of the members here have gone through. This particular forum has been a treasure trove of information and I cannot thank everyone who posted here answering questions enough. I have a spreadsheet full of notes, links, information, and tips that will no doubt come in handy.

I think the key for me is exactly like you mentioned, "unless I want to do flight sim".. maybe not right now as I do love taking a few laps around the mountain, however if I go for this expense.. it is only a fraction more to order 50mm longer components. I like the option of having an option.

Also great to hear that the discord channel is active. Once I settle in and order my parts I will be looking to join the discord. Is Saxxon still involved?? Thanks for your reply!!

mechsicko said:
Yes to adding 50mm to extrusions/shafts and ballscrews, and no reason SimFeedback wouldn't be able to run 150mm actuators as if they were 100 that I know of.

I'm also making a 150 system though an SFX variant that uses 80mm extrusions and 10mm ballscrews following Maverick's build (sort of.. used different motors and Igus linears with my own files aside from slider) https://www.racingfr.net/wbb/index.php?thread/6919-diy-sfx-150-rallongé-version-mavrick/

I mostly rally but also flight sims but the extra stroke can also buy more freedom of actuator spacing without sacrificing achieved angles etc. I plan on adding surge at some point so wanted a little longer distance from front to back to accommodate the compact form factor I'm planning.

Thanks for the information and the link mechsicko. I will definitely check it out with the help of google translate!! I am interested to see which controller they are using to utilize the 150mm cylinders.

I hope to start ordering some parts in the coming days!! Thanks again!