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

 

[Insert Coin]

I switched the cables around; and now both front left and rear left are showing EF is off the scale, like before.
I'm reading these numbers like I know what I'm doing; I don't; I just figure really high numbers aren't good =/

You say "both front left and rear left are showing EF is off the scale, like before", but that sounds odd to me since EMI was off the scale at the front left and front right (see your own pictures). So something has moved...
Double check if all power cables have its shielding connected to the ground on the servo driver (and only there). Double check the servo parameters. When swapping cables try to keep it simple: test one servo at a time with a jog test for example and measure that; swap the cable and measure again.

 

[TheTarman]

You say "both front left and rear left are showing EF is off the scale, like before", but that sounds odd to me since EMI was off the scale at the front left and front right (see your own pictures). So something has moved...
Double check if all power cables have its shielding connected to the ground on the servo driver (and only there). Double check the servo parameters. When swapping cables try to keep it simple: test one servo at a time with a jog test for example and measure that; swap the cable and measure again.

ah yeah, fair point. front and rear left are both maxing out on the EMI metre.
It would be cool to know what the reading should be when idle and in use; to have something to aim for.

 

[Insert Coin]

ah yeah, fair point. front and rear left are both maxing out on the EMI metre.
It would be cool to know what the reading should be when idle and in use; to have something to aim for.

Hard to say since I don't have the instrument you have. But it looks like some cables are shielded correctly (low value on the instrument) and some are not.

 

[roundabout]

Hello peoples,

I'm in desperate need of help! I think I’m having EMI issues, but have tried so many different things, I’m at my wits end with trying to sort it.
My main problem is I am running a Pimax 5K+ (and a Vive Pro), which loses tracking when I turn on the platform or touch the headset, much like the same as everyone else who has reported the issue on this forum.

The things I have tried to mitigate:

Added an EMI filter to the power line leading to the control units

Replaced all the power cables with shielded cable and grounded them into the controller unit side.

Added ferrite cores to all USB cables and the servo power leads

Spread the cables out at much as possible, and away from the rig as much as possible

I bought an EMI meter to test the shielded cables, and found something interesting, though don’t know if it is relevant

Front Left View attachment 502584	Front Right View attachment 502585
Rear Left View attachment 502588	Rear Right View attachment 502590

When sitting idle, the front left and right are emiting pretty high EMI; whereas the rear two are sitting doing next to nothing.

Can anyone suggest any sort of solution before I pull the remainder of my hair out?

Have you tried looping the headset cable through a ferrite ring a couple of times?

 

[TheTarman]

Have you tried looping the headset cable through a ferrite ring a couple of times?

Ferrite core just arrived today and gave it a try not 10 minutes ago.. wrapped it about 6 times, but same old.. turn on the rig, hit start on SimFeedback then tracking dies immediately.

edit: this happens with the Pimax 5k and Vive Pro

 

[TheTarman]

Have you tried looping the headset cable through a ferrite ring a couple of times?

Where would be best to place the ferrite core? by the headset or by the USB plug?

 

[roundabout]

Where would be best to place the ferrite core? by the headset or by the USB plug?

Mine is by the USB plug end. When I bought it I bought one recommended by someone else but it is not available on Amazon anymore.

There is an interesting reddit thread with info on what type of cores and how to wind:


Also worth reading some of the other threads on here about usb grounding for SFX100. May be worth trying.

 

[TheTarman]

Mine is by the USB plug end. When I bought it I bought one recommended by someone else but it is not available on Amazon anymore.

There is an interesting reddit thread with info on what type of cores and how to wind:


Also worth reading some of the other threads on here about usb grounding for SFX100. May be worth trying.

Thats a useful link! seems like it could help.
I've bought some of the recommended ferrites; and will update here once they arrive.

 

[Rnb1]

Hi,
Does anyone have what settings to use in cura for the sfx100 parts?

The build guide uses a different slicer

 

[TheTarman]

Thats a useful link! seems like it could help.
I've bought some of the recommended ferrites; and will update here once they arrive.

OK, I am extremely pleased to report back, that the ferrite core has worked!

0431177081 | Fair-Rite Openable Ferrite Sleeve, 56.4 x 27.45 x 42.95mm, For EMI Suppression, Apertures: 1, Diameter 25.65mm | RS

uk.rs-online.com

This is the core I bought.. wrapped the Pimax VR cable around 5 times, and now the headset no longer gray screens, and has no problem tracking with the platform turned on. I was extremely sceptical about this, as nothing else has worked to date.

This is a monumentus day!!

caveat: it will gray screen if I put my thumb and index finger on the corners of the pimax, but thats ok.. this is absolutely live-withable, as you don't stare at the mantle when poking the fire, so they say

So.. Thank you roundabout and the chap who invented the base stations for the Vive. His solution actually works!

edit: a couple extra wraps around the ferrite core and the thumb and index finger on the headset doesn't loose tracking anymore. Win!!

 

[racer9146]

Hi All

Old sim racer from the GPL days who got started back in with AC a year ago..

Just dropping a note that I have started my build. Ordered the profile from Kinetik. Got the PCB from @Pyronious . Emailing with Amy of NTL. I have made it to page 200 of the thread. Also looked the web pages with all the great content. Pretty experienced DIY/electronic tech and work in IT so looks all do-able to me. I have a sim lab p1 so that part is taken care of. No experience in 3D printing but have been thinking of getting one for a while so this is a good project to get accustomed to that with. This looks fun !!!

regards Daron

Got my profiles from Kinect today with no issues
ordered 9/1/2021
received 9/22/2021
Got a email immediately after order, one when shipped with DHL tracking, product look great and was well packaged

 

[Glennh14]

hello everyone , im looking for some help on SFX100 , im at the stage of starting to get things running , problem im having is Simfeedback wont regonise the contoller as being connected , ive flashed the Leonardo via simfeedback windows 10 knows there is a leonardo attached , but when i click start in the software i get a connection failed notice , any ideas welcome .

 

[HoiHman]

hello everyone , im looking for some help on SFX100 , im at the stage of starting to get things running , problem im having is Simfeedback wont regonise the contoller as being connected , ive flashed the Leonardo via simfeedback windows 10 knows there is a leonardo attached , but when i click start in the software i get a connection failed notice , any ideas welcome .

- Exchange the USB cable
- Make sure that SimHub is not running in the back ground

 

[Glennh14]

- Exchange the USB cable
- Make sure that SimHub is not running in the back ground

Success

 

[HoiHman]

Success

Simhub causing your issues ? If so you can turn of comport scanning for the SFX arduino in the SimHub settings.

 

[Glennh14]

Simhub causing your issues ? If so you can turn of comport scanning for the SFX arduino in the SimHub settings.

Ok cool , yep as soon as I closed Simhub it connected and is working well .

 

[Insert Coin]

My belt tensioner Arduino has a 3 meter USB cable, but it drops out now and then. It's the Arduino that drops out, not the servo driver. Can anybody recommend me a reliable long USB cable for the Arduino?

 

[HoiHman]

My belt tensioner Arduino has a 3 meter USB cable, but it drops out now and then. It's the Arduino that drops out, not the servo driver. Can anybody recommend me a reliable long USB cable for the Arduino?

https://www.amazon.de/-/nl/dp/B077N4GN1T/ref=sr_1_3?__mk_nl_NL=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=9H8LU0SEPQYE&dchild=1&keywords=usb+3%2C0+verl%C3%A4ngerung+3%C2%A0m&qid=1633961450&sprefix=usb+3.0+%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-3

I run my entire rig. 2 arduinos, AccuForce, GS-5, HE-sprints, 5 buttonboxes, 2 USB screens, Fanatec Handbrake and the HE-shifter through this single 3m extension cable without any issues.

 

[ksero]

Hi guys! I have a question with a Simfeedback software, I donate a few weeks ago and I don't recived any answer, send a email to rauschi.de with same. Have other metod to contact?
Thanks!

 

[Freeon]

Hi guys! I have a question with a Simfeedback software, I donate a few weeks ago and I don't recived any answer, send a email to rauschi.de with same. Have other metod to contact?
Thanks!

Some one has to sponsor you. Your sponsor needs to verify that your build is legit and advise saxxon. You will then be put on his approved list. If your not on his list the donation is usually refunded.