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

 

[Scotchy49]

My SFX100 is making a strange "cycling" noise when holding position.
Should I be worried ? It must come from the motors since it does it when there is no motion at all.

 

[arminglf]

Just stopping by to say thanks @saxxon66, thank you and everyone else that worked developing this project and for sharing it for free so anyone can enjoy. You guys are bloody legends!!!

 

[gigq]

Anyone ran into an issue where an SFX-100 motor is constantly running backwards? I had one of my corners sound like it was squeaking and noticed it was staying up most of the time. I tried swapping the cables and the behaviour stayed with the motor, so I took it apart and find that no matter which controller it's plugged into the motor runs backwards all the time at about 1 turn per second. I'm not sure what it could be but I'm hoping this doesn't mean I have to replace the whole motor. Any help is appreciated (perhaps there is an offset I could enable in the controller to counter this, other than SFX-100 I don't have much experience with midge moters and their controllers).

 

[SkyyGeeese]

Try tighten the coupler, but clean the motor spindle/shaft and coupler first with alcohol. Remove any burrs or fillings. And join https://m.facebook.com/groups/531482314375037/

 

[SkyyGeeese]

My SFX100 is making a strange "cycling" noise when holding position.
Should I be worried ? It must come from the motors since it does it when there is no motion at all.

Try tighten the coupler, but clean the motor spindle/shaft and coupler first with alcohol. Remove any burrs or fillings. And join https://m.facebook.com/groups/531482314375037/

 

[gigq]

Try tighten the coupler, but clean the motor spindle/shaft and coupler first with alcohol. Remove any burrs or fillings. And join https://m.facebook.com/groups/531482314375037/

Hmm tightening the coupler would make sense if it just wasn't making contact with the rod and the weight was causing the unit to drop down on that side correct? That's not what's happening here though, here I've disassembled the whole unit so just the motor is by itself and with just the motor plugged in it spins at a constant rate when plugged in. It feels like some kind of interference or something but swapping cables to a different servo controller made no difference.

 

[gigq]

Try tighten the coupler, but clean the motor spindle/shaft and coupler first with alcohol. Remove any burrs or fillings. And join https://m.facebook.com/groups/531482314375037/

Ah you were right. It ended up that the constant turning of the motor was the controller trying to calibrate it. After tightening up the coupler it was able to grip enough to fix the issue. Thanks for the help.

 

[SkyyGeeese]

Ah you were right. It ended up that the constant turning of the motor was the controller trying to calibrate it. After tightening up the coupler it was able to grip enough to fix the issue. Thanks for the help.

No problem, we seen all these issues before... that's why when you build it yourself .. you can fix it yourself

 

[thenic123]

Does anyone have the dimensions of the Slider or aluminium 100mm x 100mm profile for the Kinetik branded profile? Kinetik don't have the profile listed anymore on their site.

I'm thinking of buying these POM sliders from Aliexpress but not sure if they fit?

 

[rolles]

Does anyone have the dimensions of the Slider or aluminium 100mm x 100mm profile for the Kinetik branded profile? Kinetik don't have the profile listed anymore on their site.

I'm thinking of buying these POM sliders from Aliexpress but not sure if they fit?

You could open the original slider (which works using kinetik) in CAD and get the dimensions of that to compare with.

 

[HoiHman]

New SimFeedback releases with expert function unlocked on any PC with a 2030+ end date.

Release SimFeedback 00.09.08e – License Update 2023 - expert mode + volume license · SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo

License changed to include expert mode and does not have any restrictions on your Hardware. Enjoy to install it on as many PCs as you like, I call it volume license. Plus the license will expire af...

github.com

Release SimFeedback 00.10.01 - experimental version · SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo

This is my latest version. I call it experimental because it is more a sandbox, a playground but I think some of you may want to try some new stuff and if you like just give it a try. Should be sta...

github.com

No sponsor or donation required

 

[jkn87]

WoW great!!

 

[Moxley6969]

New SimFeedback releases with expert function unlocked on any PC with a 2030+ end date.

Release SimFeedback 00.09.08e – License Update 2023 - expert mode + volume license · SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo

License changed to include expert mode and does not have any restrictions on your Hardware. Enjoy to install it on as many PCs as you like, I call it volume license. Plus the license will expire af...

github.com

Release SimFeedback 00.10.01 - experimental version · SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo

This is my latest version. I call it experimental because it is more a sandbox, a playground but I think some of you may want to try some new stuff and if you like just give it a try. Should be sta...

github.com

No sponsor or donation required

Hey Henk, Anyone experiencing any issues with Scaling the app Window on a 4k monitor. Seems the App is not listening to the scaling factor set by windows and defaulting to 100% scale when i have it set to 150%

If i go into windows and jump to 200% it simple increases the App by 50% like it was bugged out to only listen to New Scaling inputs VS look to windows to see what scale should be first.

 

[Clover11]

Anyone have any advice on monitor placement with motion. I'm originally thought I could just lift my freestanding triple monitor stand but it does not have enough height on the vertical stands, so I built basic blocks and set my monitor stand on them. But I ran into clearance issue with my button box, fans, and was worried about pitch and my wheel. That now has me thinking I should maybe switch to an integrated triple monitor mount but did not know how well monitors stood up to being connected to motion. I know I have seen it in a couple videos but though some of. you had better guidance. I thought I was getting so close to adding motion, and now I'm considering an overhaul that I don't really know if it is a good idea.

Is integrated triples a good idea for SFX-150/100 builds or should I figure out clearance for a freestanding monitor stand? Seems like there would be benefits to trying the monitors to the motion if they can stand up to it.

I have a P1-X and was just thinking of adding Sim-labs integrated monitor stand for my three 27" monitors if that impacts any decisions.

Thanks

 

[HoiHman]

Hey Henk, Anyone experiencing any issues with Scaling the app Window on a 4k monitor. Seems the App is not listening to the scaling factor set by windows and defaulting to 100% scale when i have it set to 150%

If i go into windows and jump to 200% it simple increases the App by 50% like it was bugged out to only listen to New Scaling inputs VS look to windows to see what scale should be first.

Sorry Nick, can't help you out with this one. I have all my settings displayed through a simhub dashboard and almost never use SFB to change things.

Anyone have any advice on monitor placement with motion. I'm originally thought I could just lift my freestanding triple monitor stand but it does not have enough height on the vertical stands, so I built basic blocks and set my monitor stand on them. But I ran into clearance issue with my button box, fans, and was worried about pitch and my wheel. That now has me thinking I should maybe switch to an integrated triple monitor mount but did not know how well monitors stood up to being connected to motion. I know I have seen it in a couple videos but though some of. you had better guidance. I thought I was getting so close to adding motion, and now I'm considering an overhaul that I don't really know if it is a good idea.

Is integrated triples a good idea for SFX-150/100 builds or should I figure out clearance for a freestanding monitor stand? Seems like there would be benefits to trying the monitors to the motion if they can stand up to it.

I have a P1-X and was just thinking of adding Sim-labs integrated monitor stand for my three 27" monitors if that impacts any decisions.

Thanks

It all depends on how intensive your motion profiles are. The monitors will hold up, but you need to reïnforce the mounting points.

 

[Moxley6969]

Sorry Nick, can't help you out with this one. I have all my settings displayed through a simhub dashboard and almost never use SFB to change things.

No worries, Maybe this is a good excuse to grab the Streamdeck i've had in the box for a few years. lol

 

[WingsUp]

Hi All, I have just set my SFX100 up. I flashed the Audrino and followed the test of "start" and "stop" and the rig raised and lowered correctly. I then went into iRacing and loaded a test session. I conducted about 3 laps and then the motion came to a stop.

Has anyone had a similar experience and can suggest any solutions. I have reset the car and it doesnt help. I basically have to restart the PC, and then I only get another 3 /4 laps before it stops.

Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide.

 

[Insert Coin]

Hi All, I have just set my SFX100 up. I flashed the Audrino and followed the test of "start" and "stop" and the rig raised and lowered correctly. I then went into iRacing and loaded a test session. I conducted about 3 laps and then the motion came to a stop.

Has anyone had a similar experience and can suggest any solutions. I have reset the car and it doesnt help. I basically have to restart the PC, and then I only get another 3 /4 laps before it stops.

Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide.

Try a different USB cable to the Arduino. Arduino and USB cables is hit or miss. I had to try three different brands of cables before it worked reliably.

The servo power cables are not shielded, so keep them away from the Arduino and other equipment as they can interfere with them.

 

[tofod]

New SimFeedback releases with expert function unlocked on any PC with a 2030+ end date.

Release SimFeedback 00.09.08e – License Update 2023 - expert mode + volume license · SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo

License changed to include expert mode and does not have any restrictions on your Hardware. Enjoy to install it on as many PCs as you like, I call it volume license. Plus the license will expire af...

github.com

Release SimFeedback 00.10.01 - experimental version · SimFeedback/SimFeedback-AC-Servo

This is my latest version. I call it experimental because it is more a sandbox, a playground but I think some of you may want to try some new stuff and if you like just give it a try. Should be sta...

github.com

No sponsor or donation required

This is why I did a donation rencently despite the fact I cannot find a Sponsor .. I didn't try hard to be honest but from Montreal there is no much candidate .

BTW I didn't look at the whole thread posts but for the one can be interested in I have the 4 jacks connected to a single 115V outlet ( 15A) on a power bar without any problem since more than 2 years, No Emi, no sound feedback or whatever side effect I ve seen reported. Playing most of the time AMS2 on VR

 

[tofod]

btw .. if anyone want to be a sponsor for me .. please send me a msg .. I m would like to try DCS but the plugin is only available on discord channel you need to be a member to access ;(