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

 

[Freeon]

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!!

Be aware that you need a sponsor to be able to join the discord. This is my understanding of how sponsorship works. Sponsor has to already be on the discord. Then he helps you true your build. Once the build is complete and he verifies that it was a DIY build and not a pre built kit he sends an email to Saxxon with your info. You send donation to Saxxon and he will grant you access to the discord and the pro version of the software. I don't see a ton of post by Saxxon on Discord but he's still there and still post from time to time.

 

[Real_Trisk]

I just followed the instructions from here:

Supported Games and Instructions

opensfx.com

<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.

I've done that too, on two separate computers, and it doesn't work on either of them. I copy/pasted the entire line into the "hardware_settings_config.xml" AND the "hardware_settings_config_vr.xml". I copied the line at the END of the file, and it still won't work in either pancake mode or VR mode, I get nothing.

I notice in my simfeeback directory there are no files related to dirt rally 1/2, am I missing a telemetry file that I need? Rallying is the #1 reason I built an SFX100, and it's driving me crazy that I can't get it working. Please help, somebody!

All other games I've tested work great...

 

[thosirl]

I've done that too, on two separate computers, and it doesn't work on either of them. I copy/pasted the entire line into the "hardware_settings_config.xml" AND the "hardware_settings_config_vr.xml". I copied the line at the END of the file, and it still won't work in either pancake mode or VR mode, I get nothing.

I notice in my simfeeback directory there are no files related to dirt rally 1/2, am I missing a telemetry file that I need? Rallying is the #1 reason I built an SFX100, and it's driving me crazy that I can't get it working. Please help, somebody!

All other games I've tested work great...

Do you want to share a copy of the config file here, or send me a copy?
I'm happy to take a look at it. Sometimes a second pair of eyes can spot a quote, slash or space in the wrong place which can upset things.

EDIT -
Just noticed you said "I copied the line at the END of the file"
in which case, that's probably your problem, it should be located within <motion_platform> section, so just after that line is where you should past it

 

[thosirl]

Here's what my config file looks like, so you can see where the line sits

 

[Crammed]

Be aware that you need a sponsor to be able to join the discord. This is my understanding of how sponsorship works. Sponsor has to already be on the discord. Then he helps you true your build. Once the build is complete and he verifies that it was a DIY build and not a pre built kit he sends an email to Saxxon with your info. You send donation to Saxxon and he will grant you access to the discord and the pro version of the software. I don't see a ton of post by Saxxon on Discord but he's still there and still post from time to time.

Yeah thanks freeon, I am aware that the discord channel is locked down to true diy’ers only and I fully support that given the evolution of the project thus far. I hope to order my components in the coming days and commence the build. I am hopeful that someone will sponsor me by the time I would be wanting access. Thanks again!!

 

[Real_Trisk]

Here's what my config file looks like, so you can see where the line sits

Thank you so much, that worked! Why can't that be said explicitly in the 2 lines of instructions on the website? Sigh. You are the man. I did get the 2-3 second delay with the delay set to 1, but setting it to 2 fixed that completely. The only thing I noticed was that the effects were very muted, which was easily remedied by cranking up the universal gain and the game feels fantastic! What's missing from delay 2? I haven't been using my SFX100 for long, so am I just too new to tell the difference?

 

[Freeon]

Thank you so much, that worked! Why can't that be said explicitly in the 2 lines of instructions on the website? Sigh. You are the man. I did get the 2-3 second delay with the delay set to 1, but setting it to 2 fixed that completely. The only thing I noticed was that the effects were very muted, which was easily remedied by cranking up the universal gain and the game feels fantastic! What's missing from delay 2? I haven't been using my SFX100 for long, so am I just too new to tell the difference?

Install this https://github.com/ashupp/SFX-100-Timerfix. And try this profile. Got it on the discord. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rUszjlow0wMz0Xhxjz3q4HZgOWyIX2ez/view?usp=sharing

 

[noru_K]

Thank you so much, that worked! Why can't that be said explicitly in the 2 lines of instructions on the website? Sigh. You are the man. I did get the 2-3 second delay with the delay set to 1, but setting it to 2 fixed that completely. The only thing I noticed was that the effects were very muted, which was easily remedied by cranking up the universal gain and the game feels fantastic! What's missing from delay 2? I haven't been using my SFX100 for long, so am I just too new to tell the difference?

delay 2 working 50Hz
delay 1 working 100Hz
delay 1 is better(theoricaly)

 

[Pyronious]

Quick update - I just finished a short run of pre-assembled SFX-100 shields for a group buy in Germany. I set a few aside for anyone else who might want one. I'm in the US but can ship to most places. If you'd like an SFX-100 Shield (fully assembled) you can order it from my shop for a limited time.

 

[Pyronious]

And one more item to share: Here is my updated Dirt Rally 2.0 profile. It's tuned for more of an arcade feel but my goal was to keep the motion well-balanced and not overly aggressive.

codemaster_Dirt_Rally_-_PM_2020.xml

drive.google.com

 

[Crammed]

So just putting the final touches on my list, and I see that there are two different motor / servo controllers available with the same part number.. aasd-15a. Perhaps the one with RJ45 plugs on the front is an updated model? I just want to check if anyone has come across any compatibility issues.

 

[Crammed]

And one other thing.. I have received some prices from Skye / Amy from ntl-bearing. She has also included 100x100 profile in the quote. I have requested some technical information, specifically the dimensions of the profile, but I was hoping to see if anyone here has gone down this path with the Chinese extrusion.

I do understand that the Kinetic and Item 24 extrusions are the recommended products. If anyone can help me with some advice, it would be much appreciated!

 

[Crammed]

And one other thing.. I have received some prices from Skye / Amy from ntl-bearing. She has also included 100x100 profile in the quote. I have requested some technical information, specifically the dimensions of the profile, but I was hoping to see if anyone here has gone down this path with the Chinese extrusion.

I do understand that the Kinetic and Item 24 extrusions are the recommended products. If anyone can help me with some advice, it would be much appreciated!

After a few hours of back and forth with Amy, I can say that her service is outstanding. She replied back to my queries with all of the information I needed, as well as all of the stl files to suit her product. All in all I am very impressed!! I hope to place the order for all of the components tomorrow and I am already looking forward to getting my prints started.

 

[Klingomucingo]

Does anybody here have a mobile rig (with wheels) in combination with the SFX100 actuators?

 

[rolles]

Does anybody here have a mobile rig (with wheels) in combination with the SFX100 actuators?

You can lift up the rig using actuators and then put it down on anything with wheels like skateboard for example.

 

[Klingomucingo]

You can lift up the rig using actuators and then put it down on anything with wheels like skateboard for example.

Super idea, thanks haven't thought about this!

 

[HoiHman]

Does anybody here have a mobile rig (with wheels) in combination with the SFX100 actuators?

Yes i do:

 

[Klingomucingo]

Yes i do:

Thanks @HoiHman, I actually found your post on it here somewhere yesterday, great work !

Just out of couriosity: why not attach the wheels directly on the rig, you could do still the same thing, couldn't you? Or would that have a negative impact on the actuators if their "hanging" in the air for a longer period?

 

[HoiHman]

Thanks @HoiHman, I actually found your post on it here somewhere yesterday, great work !

Just out of couriosity: why not attach the wheels directly on the rig, you could do still the same thing, couldn't you? Or would that have a negative impact on the actuators if their "hanging" in the air for a longer period?

Theoretically the wheels attached to the rig will touch the ground when you are applying max roll op pitch movements

 

[Crammed]

Quick update - I just finished a short run of pre-assembled SFX-100 shields for a group buy in Germany. I set a few aside for folks who are here in the US. If you'd like an SFX-100 Shield (fully assembled) you can order it from my shop for a limited time.

Thanks mate!! Bought one!!