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

Crammed · Jun 7, 2021

Update for anyone still following here.. ordered 95% of my components today.. so very late to the project, but so very excited!! Printing already started!!

Crammed · Jun 9, 2021

First print started!!

Crammed · Jun 10, 2021

So I have ordered all of my critical components.. just have some o rings and an enclosure to go..

I am now obviously trying to find myself a sponsor to join the open sfx discord server.. so I am reaching out to see at what stage the discord server would benefit me most.. as in pre, mid, or post build… and probably more importantly what a potential sponsor would like to see so that they may consider me to join the fraternity..

If any current member is out there and reading this, please reach out so that I can explore the opportunity to join in and hopefully continue to grow the sfx community.

Just for kicks.. here is my bottom bearing mount..

thosirl · Jun 10, 2021

I got through my build without any discord support, this thread plus some other build blogs were enough to help me out.
Good luck!

thosirl · Jun 17, 2021

Hi all,
Any tips to getting Simfeedback, Simhub and VRS to play nicer together with iRacing?
I put them all in my Startup folder, but Simfeedback throws a 'failed' error if it's not started first, so then I need to manually start Simhub and VRS, but usually forget one or the other.
Not the biggest problem I know ... but thought I'd ask!

Tom

rolles · Jun 17, 2021

thosirl said:
Hi all,
Any tips to getting Simfeedback, Simhub and VRS to play nicer together with iRacing?
I put them all in my Startup folder, but Simfeedback throws a 'failed' error if it's not started first, so then I need to manually start Simhub and VRS, but usually forget one or the other.
Not the biggest problem I know ... but thought I'd ask!

Tom

What if you used iRacingManager (https://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/3633292.page) to start the applications? Maybe that way you can alter the start up order?

gigq · Jun 18, 2021

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

I was planning on doing this with mine so I can roll it into a closet when I need to put it away. I already have wheels on the bottom of the rig so I’m hoping I can just have the actuators lower the rig until the existing wheels make contact with the floor. Haven’t finished my build yet so no clue if it’ll actually work.

gigq · Jun 18, 2021

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

I’m hoping if I mount the actuators so that the wheels only touch when they are fully retracted this would be ok, should only bottom out if all 4 were fully retracted and hopefully I can set some limit to prevent them from doing that during gameplay.

gigq · Jun 18, 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.

I order my extrusions after you, March 28th and they shipped them out April 19. It was then delivered May 15th. If you still haven’t gotten your order definitely something seems off.

superfell · Jun 18, 2021

I've been testing the servo drivers and motors and having an issue with a tripping GFCI outlet. I'm using the recommended Schaffner filter and shielded cables. Some times when i jog it trips the GFCI. The filter seems designed to leak to ground so it might just be that. Is anyone using a GFCI outlet and had issues? I should do a test without the filter.

Crammed · Jun 25, 2021

I have had a little delivery from a certain legend developer of our project. While I was prepared to put the wiring together myself, I am certainly glad that one became available just as I was ordering my components. Thanks @pyronius!! This will keep everything nice and tidy inside my enclosure.

Now to wait for the rest of my parts while I print off my motor mounts.

thosirl · Jun 25, 2021

I've got 2 spare shields leftover from my order, if anyone is interested? Postage from Ireland

Lebois · Jun 26, 2021

The stepper-motor based actuators are almost ready !

gigq · Jun 29, 2021

superfell said:
I've been testing the servo drivers and motors and having an issue with a tripping GFCI outlet. I'm using the recommended Schaffner filter and shielded cables. Some times when i jog it trips the GFCI. The filter seems designed to leak to ground so it might just be that. Is anyone using a GFCI outlet and had issues? I should do a test without the filter.

This happened with me as well. I was testing the units in my garage which was on a GFCI outlet and it would occasionally trip the outlet. Honestly I just ignored it, I find those GFCI outlets can be very finicky. Once I moved it into my room where the rig is it’s been fine, hasn’t tripped the breaker or anything. I don’t have the Schaffner filter however. I might need to get it, I’m definitely having interference issues with my Valve Index where it losing tracking.

gigq · Jun 29, 2021

Any recommendation on how to get a sponsor for getting the expert version of simfeedback? I actually thought I wouldn’t really need it (even though I do want to donate regardless as the project is awesome). I‘ve been fairly happy with the built in effects so wasn’t planning on tweeking that part. I did find that there is a plugin for using the SFX-100 with the streamdeck however which I already own (https://github.com/ashupp/SFX-100-Streamdeck). Unfortunately this requires the expert mode to be enabled. So anyone available to sponsor or know how I can find someone?

Namake_HU · Jun 30, 2021

Hi guys, I'm finished my rig and looking for a sponsor. Somebody please help me.

CELLRACER

SFX-100 motion simulator

cellracer.blogspot.com

gigq · Jun 30, 2021

Anyone tried out Nolimits 2 on the SFX-100/Simfeedback. I'm able to get it running but I feel like the movement is just too slow. I've lowered the smoothing down to 0 on everything and even bumped the intensity to the max but I feel like the transitions take too long and doesn't feel as immersive as it should. Maybe just the tracks I tried didn't have good telemetry cause it also just seems like there isn't any bumps or vibrations like you would feel on a roller coaster.

I was hoping to use it as a demo for anyone who doesn't want to drive in a simulator but I think it'll just give them VR nausea. Any other suggestions for demos that would be good to show off the SFX-100 that are passive are welcome as well.

rolles · Jun 30, 2021

gigq said:
Anyone tried out Nolimits 2 on the SFX-100/Simfeedback. I'm able to get it running but I feel like the movement is just too slow. I've lowered the smoothing down to 0 on everything and even bumped the intensity to the max but I feel like the transitions take too long and doesn't feel as immersive as it should. Maybe just the tracks I tried didn't have good telemetry cause it also just seems like there isn't any bumps or vibrations like you would feel on a roller coaster.

I was hoping to use it as a demo for anyone who doesn't want to drive in a simulator but I think it'll just give them VR nausea. Any other suggestions for demos that would be good to show off the SFX-100 that are passive are welcome as well.

Havent tried but do you have acceleration at the left (max) and not right (min). Also drivers running at 3000?

gigq · Jun 30, 2021

rolles said:
Havent tried but do you have acceleration at the left (max) and not right (min). Also drivers running at 3000?

I'm stuck on the basic version of the software, so I don't have the ability to adjust the acceleration, intensity and smoothing is all I get :/

Yes, drivers are at 3000, the rig is fantastic in AMS2, would have just liked for Nolimits 2 to be as lively.

gigq · Jun 30, 2021

Related to the licensing issues, is the project basically locked out for new builders to get access to expert mode. I was just looking back at the older posts (around page 380+) and it sounds like no new builders have gotten access to expert or the discord in the last year.

If this is the case that's fine but would like to know now so I can start looking into alternatives.