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

Antracing · Dec 12, 2018

Cheers guys i'll have a play tommorrow.

sjb266 · Dec 13, 2018

A little bit of branding and a preview for my driver box.. still waiting on the laser cutting..!

AlexP37 · Dec 13, 2018

sjb266 said:
A little bit of branding and a preview for my driver box.. still waiting on the laser cutting..!

Thats cool, i was thinking doing the same at some point but then with 3d printed letters/numbers. In the end decided to go with carbon wrap, still had that lying around.

MADShootStuff · Dec 13, 2018

Alrighty,

I've started ordering! Internals from Simon's supplier, bits and pieces from Amazon, and the 3D printer are ordered. Working on a payment issue on the motors and waiting for a reply from Kinetik about ordering to the US!

Still need to get the bolts and washers - I've been able to find the bolts without issue but I cant seem to find the specified washers on a site in English. does anyone know the dimensions of the two washer types (or a US supplier that has them)?

I'm excited.

AlexP37 · Dec 13, 2018

The washers aint nothing special, just go to your hardware market and buy M8 and M6 washers.

Dunno how its called in the US but they have a 8mm and 6mm hole.

anton_Chez · Dec 13, 2018

Yep washers shouldn't be an issue any hardware store will have them. Take the bolts if need be and match them up. As long as you know the bolt size they will give you the washer to suit.

Kinetic took around 2 full days from me placing the initial order to issuing me an invoice to pay. I was hoping it wouldn't be too long and it wasn't too bad. Hopefully they get them out ASAP as they are most likely going to be the last things that arrive if what everyone else has said holds true.

GEEDOGG · Dec 13, 2018

Hey guys I will be starting my assembly tomorrow and was wondering what kind of grease to use for the ball nut screws and the linear bearings? I purchased some grease nipples and some multi purpose lithium grease #2 will this be OK? One of my ball nut screws had grease in the grease hole but the other three are empty so I'd like to grease them up before assembly.

GEEDOGG · Dec 13, 2018

sjb266 said:
A little bit of branding and a preview for my driver box.. still waiting on the laser cutting..!

That looks nice!!!! Great minds must think alike lol. I was thinking of branding mines also.

AlexP37 · Dec 13, 2018

@GEEDOGG just google on ball bearing grease.
Nowadays you cant go wrong with a brand but to be safe go with shell, esso, kroon oil, exxon, interflon for example.

MADShootStuff · Dec 13, 2018

AlexP37 said:
The washers aint nothing special, just go to your hardware market and buy M8 and M6 washers.

Dunno how its called in the US but they have a 8mm and 6mm hole.

anton_Chez said:
Yep washers shouldn't be an issue any hardware store will have them. Take the bolts if need be and match them up. As long as you know the bolt size they will give you the washer to suit.

Kinetic took around 2 full days from me placing the initial order to issuing me an invoice to pay. I was hoping it wouldn't be too long and it wasn't too bad. Hopefully they get them out ASAP as they are most likely going to be the last things that arrive if what everyone else has said holds true.

Thanks, I didn't figure they were too specialized, just didn't want to get something with an outer diameter too large. I've probably already got suitable one lying around.

anton_Chez · Dec 13, 2018

If you get the regular M8 washer, the outside is normally pretty relative to the inside hole. If you don't actively look for a specialist washer, i.e more expensive than normal, then you should end up with the right ones by default.

AlexP37 · Dec 13, 2018

Hi guys, as you may know i cant race yet because i am still waiting for heusinkveld's.
But i could not resist the temptation to fire up the SFX-100, and so i did

Man did this put a huge smile on my face.

Let the AI drive in AC and was adjusting settings on the fly, just too see what it all does.
I've been in a d-box rig before and this comes really really close or maybe its better.

Its unbelievable that this is possible.

Thank you Saxxon for this great DIY project and your effort of creating and sharing this with the sim racing community.

This is something i wanted for years and you made it possible.

I will share more feedback when its all done, now to go to heusinkveld.nl en tap my F5 button

HoiHman · Dec 13, 2018

Gefeliciteerd Alex

AlexP37 · Dec 13, 2018

Dank je Henk

GEEDOGG · Dec 13, 2018

AlexP37 said:
Hi guys, as you may know i cant race yet because i am still waiting for heusinkveld's.
But i could not resist the temptation to fire up the SFX-100, and so i did

Man did this put a huge smile on my face.
Let the AI drive in AC and was adjusting settings on the fly, just too see what it all does.
I've been in a d-box rig before and this comes really really close or maybe its better.

Its unbelievable that this is possible.

Thank you Saxxon for this great DIY project and your effort of creating and sharing this with the sim racing community.
This is something i wanted for years and you made it possible.

I will share more feedback when its all done, now to go to heusinkveld.nl en tap my F5 button

Thanks for the oil recommendations also in your test with the AI was that a replay you were using ?

AlexP37 · Dec 13, 2018

@GEEDOGG nope not a replay, just press ctrl-c in AC and the AI will take over your car.

GEEDOGG · Dec 13, 2018

AlexP37 said:
@GEEDOGG nope not a replay, just press ctrl-c in AC and the AI will take over your car.

Thanks, I didn't know you could do that.

GEEDOGG · Dec 13, 2018

Hey Guy's do the 2 washers or inserts that come with the FK12 fixed bearing need to be removed or do you leave them on?

Moxley6969 · Dec 13, 2018

i Do Not suggest using AI to do any motion profile tuning. Ai Dont drive like a human does, with the Twitchy inputs and in general sketchy nature of the AI controls your asking for a Skewed profile.

It never lead to any good profiles on SimTools and i will gander its the same here.