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

 

[Stevie_007]

I bet this is pretty amazing. Any chance of posting some videos from different angles of the SFX100 and NLMv3 working together in different scenarios (with game audio off, naturally)?

dammm i was just about to sell my v3 now i have spent the last 2 days changing everything to accommodate the v3. hopefully mrs sdubbin wont notice

 

[HoiHman]

So who will be the first with the video Steven or Simon, come on make me regret i sold mine

 

[Antracing]

Still waiting for actuators :-( stuck in Hong Kong.......

 

[HugoB]

Bummed by Fanatec’s announcement today that the DD is delayed again, to April next year.. Any OSW users here? How well does OSW work with the SFX100? Any grounding or EMI problems?

 

[C64]

No problems with my small mige OSW and SFX100 - it's a great combination.

 

[C64]

Still waiting for actuators :-( stuck in Hong Kong......

 

[Stevie_007]

anyone got any good profiles to share, there are very few on the discord channel-

 

[Ringorian]

Would ne nice To Share on discord... So all Users can have em .. also asked thus in VR Forum, Somebody startet a Thread There .. keep it Central on one Channel, Please Just Post it in The Game Channel , we Pin it ..
If its jumping Like a kangaroo Please give a short warning

 

[Ringorian]

anyone got any good profiles to share, there are very few on the discord channel-

Since it is mostly Personal taste there ist no good or Bad .. just Post em in discord ... People can try and maybe learn something

 

[RaceNut]

Bummed by Fanatec’s announcement today that the DD is delayed again, to April next year.. Any OSW users here? How well does OSW work with the SFX100? Any grounding or EMI problems?

The SimuCube-OSW's seem to have few - if any, EMI issues. You may even find used DD-wheels from time to time in various forums.

 

[Stevie_007]

Would ne nice To Share on discord... So all Users can have em .. also asked thus in VR Forum, Somebody startet a Thread There .. keep it Central on one Channel, Please Just Post it in The Game Channel , we Pin it ..
If its jumping Like a kangaroo Please give a short warning

Yes one location is best I’m just having problems understanding the profiles and how to set them up, I tried to recreate What Henk posted but couldn’t work it out, I can create the grid but cant make the lines double clicking doesn't work

 

[anton_Chez]

Bloody hell, now I am contemplating doing this myself......................

Simon, save me...... @sjb266

 

[sjb266]

Bloody hell, now I am contemplating doing this myself......................

Simon, save me...... @sjb266

It's worth doing yourself.. it's good fun!

 

[HoiHman]

Bloody hell, now I am contemplating doing this myself......................

Simon, save me...... @sjb266

Just do it, you know you're gonna eventually

@sdubbin Just click and drag the dots to adjust them. Double click anywhere on the grid to create and extra dot.

Make sure that the graph does not exceed the new parameters of the adjusted grid. If it does, you will not be able to adjust it. Drag the dots inwards and then adjust them in the new graph.

Hold shift + mouse click to select multiple dots and use DEL to delete them if necessary.

I just shared a couple of profiles on discord, i hope more will follow.

There's no good or bad profile, so i hope that doesn't hold anybody back from sharing. I think we can all learn from each others profiles to help us further to make this platform even better.

 

[Steve D]

Bloody hell, now I am contemplating doing this myself......................

Simon, save me...... @sjb266

It's a bloody sickness I tell you, a sickness!

One minute you're contemplating the 'possibility,' the next you've worked your way through the shopping list and everything is suddenly 'winging' it's way to you. Have to say it was remarkably straightforward sourcing the parts required and Ali Express and the German suppliers were really quick and easy to deal with. Plus when I was stuck due to an out-of-stock, some fine chaps on here recommended other suppliers. When I total everything up this really is, as I think @HugoB once said in a previous post, "the steal of the century."

I'm certainly no DIY'er or electrician but I'm reading as much as I can and taking it on board and everyone has been so helpful and encouraging that I'm confident I can do this. It'll actually be good when I have everything in front of me so that I can picture the build and plan accordingly.

Just itching to get started now and there's an outside chance everything will have been delivered by Christmas Day! However I think I will be single by New Year if I'm assembling actuators whilst my good lady is slaving on the festive dinner in the kitchen so I'll be a good and attentive chap and wait until Boxing Day!

 

[anton_Chez]

Haha, I'm going to do it, that's not up for debate. It's how I have it done that's the question.

@sjb266 any chance you can PM me with the shopping list and sources you've used? If you've already done the leg work for the Aussie folk here I'd love to scab the hard yards from you, in true Aussie spirit, of course.

The only thing is the 3D printing. I seriously can't be bothered to learn it all. Anyone have any suggestions outsourcing the parts we need? Depending on the cost, it may or may not be worth just buying the printer for the project and selling it on later. I would be great if I can just get it down to an assembly level rather than manufacturing anything myself. I'm sure a 3D printer is good fun but I'd rather be in the cockpit!

 

[anton_Chez]

Or perhaps I could read page 1.......................

?

 

[Antracing]

View attachment 280501

Yeah I know it needs some stiffening, I've a mate who owns an aluminium extrusion business but havn't had time to go take a visit yet. It isn't as flimsy as the photo suggests though.
Appreciate the input though.

 

[sjb266]

One of the best parts of this whole exercise for me has been discovering 3D printing..!

That alone was worth it... now whenever i need a part I just design and print it..

It's also made me work on my 3D modelling a bit.. been busy doing a few models for an upcoming project.. all of them from scratch..

 

[BrassEm]

Okay, I've been bitten too... It just has to be the SFX100.
I've got a g-seat with belt tensioners but the heave didn't quite cut it. I am certain the SFX100 will solve that. Just getting my head around all the details first before ordering and building in Aus. Any tips greatly appreciated.