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

 

[phongshader]

just finished my rig and would like to get onto the sfx100 discord so I can get it dialed in...can someone help me out?

 

[darknight26]

Bought, Received and Installed four of the new "no whine" white drivers. Performed a quick power up and connect and so far, no 10khz noise.

They should of designed drives this way to begin with. Now I've got 4 spare.

Source and price?

 

[Brett Horton]

Hey guys, jumping on the SFX game. Couple questions, Are the low whine controllers the way to go? Can you run them on 110V or should I run a 220 line to my sim room (US, Tampa Area)? Anyone have a shopping list for US buyers handy?
Thanks!
Brett Horton

 

[Freeon]

Hey guys, jumping on the SFX game. Couple questions, Are the low whine controllers the way to go? Can you run them on 110V or should I run a 220 line to my sim room (US, Tampa Area)? Anyone have a shopping list for US buyers handy?
Thanks!
Brett Horton

What I recommend is to send an email to Amy at skye@ntl-bearing.com and say you want quote for SFX-100 parts. They sell all the major parts. When I did it a few years ago i might have been able to save a few $ sourcing it from several different vendors but this makes it easier. Just be aware that over the quote she sends you will likely have to pay import/duty charges. At least I did in Canada. They do also sell the aluminum profiles but they are different. Apparently they will also send you the modified STL files. If it was me I would go with item 24 profiles. The modified STL files can be found here https://opensfx.com/mods-item24-extrusion/.

As for the controllers the white ones are relatively new and don't personally know anything about them. However as posted above they do stop the whine. The old ones work with 110v so I assume the new does as well but can't say for sure. You just have to change some parameters in them. I would also recommend shielded cables for the motor. All this is available from Amy.

Last thing I would recommend is that you look into getting an SFX shield. Info can be found here https://opensfx.com/2019/04/09/sfx-100-shield/. You can make your own for pretty cheap if you can solder. There are people that make and sell them if you can find one available. Makes wiring easier and looks better.

Also printning takes the longest so start now even if you don't intend to order right away.

 

[Ninja-]

Hey guys, jumping on the SFX game. Couple questions, Are the low whine controllers the way to go? Can you run them on 110V or should I run a 220 line to my sim room (US, Tampa Area)? Anyone have a shopping list for US buyers handy?
Thanks!
Brett Horton

My servo controllers just arrived today. They can run in 110V, just need to change one of the settings from the menu.
When I placed the order with eRacing Lab, they specifically reminded that there's no such thing as "silent" or "no whine" drivers. The new version just operate at a higher frequency which make it harder for human ear to pick up. Some people will still hear it.

 

[DonDonki]

My servo controllers just arrived today. They can run in 110V, just need to change one of the settings from the menu.
When I placed the order with eRacing Lab, they specifically reminded that there's no such thing as "silent" or "no whine" drivers. The new version just operate at a higher frequency which make it harder for human ear to pick up. Some people will still hear it.

How much was it for each driver?

 

[dean g]

How much was it for each driver?

Hi

How much was each driver if i wanted them and no motors or cables?

Cheers

 

[Ninja-]

Hi

How much was each driver if i wanted them and no motors or cables?

Cheers

US$520 for 4, so US$130 each?

https://eracing-lab.com/collections/diy-projects/products/aasd-15a-pack

 

[Chamilton]

Just ordered from amy. Now need more information for tl surge setup. Can someone help me to join owners discord please?

 

[DonDonki]

Just ordered from amy. Now need more information for tl surge setup. Can someone help me to join owners discord please?

TL kit https://eracing-lab.com/collections/rs-series/products/rs-solo-tl-kit
Surge kit https://eracing-lab.com/collections/rs-series/products/rs-solo-surge

 

[Brett Horton]

Question for the group,
Do you leave your servo controllers powered up ALL the time (Like most do with computers) or remove power from them after each session?

 

[Insert Coin]

I always power off everything after use. Why leave it on? Windows + tools boots in 2 minutes.

 

[Dennis Karlsson]

Question for the group,
Do you leave your servo controllers powered up ALL the time (Like most do with computers) or remove power from them after each session?

Mine are always on.

 

[jcrain]

I am getting ready to start a SFX100 build, but first wanted to understand how difficult it is going to be to get a sponsor to unlock expert mode. I would rather be aware before spending this much money, although I don't think it will deter me either way at this point haha.

How difficult is it to find someone to sponsor you? Any advice before I start the build towards achieving this? Such as publicly document the build in a thread, or something similar? I seem to see a lot of people seeming to be searching for a sponsor with no success, so just looking to hear from other's experience on how they got a sponsor.

 

[Namake_HU]

I am getting ready to start a SFX100 build, but first wanted to understand how difficult it is going to be to get a sponsor to unlock expert mode. I would rather be aware before spending this much money, although I don't think it will deter me either way at this point haha.

How difficult is it to find someone to sponsor you? Any advice before I start the build towards achieving this? Such as publicly document the build in a thread, or something similar? I seem to see a lot of people seeming to be searching for a sponsor with no success, so just looking to hear from other's experience on how they got a sponsor.

Impossible.

 

[drvrn]

Impossible.

Can you explain?
I would like motion also

 

[d69morpwr]

I am getting ready to start a SFX100 build, but first wanted to understand how difficult it is going to be to get a sponsor to unlock expert mode. I would rather be aware before spending this much money, although I don't think it will deter me either way at this point haha.

How difficult is it to find someone to sponsor you? Any advice before I start the build towards achieving this? Such as publicly document the build in a thread, or something similar? I seem to see a lot of people seeming to be searching for a sponsor with no success, so just looking to hear from other's experience on how they got a sponsor.

Just buy the Eracing kit by the time you are done it will cost the same and no plastic parts from them.

I have all the sfx100 in aluminum already if you are in the states. I switched to a 150.

 

[Brett Horton]

Just buy the Eracing kit by the time you are done it will cost the same and no plastic parts from them.

I have all the sfx100 in aluminum already if you are in the states. I switched to a 150.

Totally agree, just received mine a couple days ago, I went with the RS 150 setup, super nice kit for the money

 

[d69morpwr]

Totally agree, just received mine a couple days ago, I went with the RS 150 setup, super nice kit for the money

Really happy with mine and with the Thanos controller it works every time i fire it up. The 4u controller with SRS works even easier too.

 

[Clover11]

Totally agree, just received mine a couple days ago, I went with the RS 150 setup, super nice kit for the money

It looks like the RS is a little smaller and cheaper than the old MEGA Kits but I could not find a ton of info on differences. Can you tell us a bit more about the RS150 setup and why you picked it? I am considering it as well.