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

metalnwood · Dec 16, 2018

No limits 2 roller coaster sends telemetry and has VR. I was going to look at making a plugin but at this point dont want to spend the $$ to buy it just to make a plugin. I asked the developer but the demo does not support telemetry.

AlexP37 · Dec 16, 2018

Found it, sucks that the demo does not support telemetry

Ah well was worth trying. Maybe in the future i'll pay for it.

Thanks

HugoB · Dec 16, 2018

I bought the game, it’s proper fun in VR. With motion it should be so much more convincing! It was the only game my wife asked about when she heard I was building motion and she was bummed that I couldn’t offer her a ride in a rollercoaster. But maybe one day someone will crack the code.

We could maybe collectively raise money to buy it for @metalnwood so he can make a plugin?

anton_Chez · Dec 17, 2018

I use No Limits 2 with motion.....???

Edit: Re read. The V3 software has support. Does Simtools need a plugin for it to work, does it?

metalnwood · Dec 17, 2018

@anton_Chez Simfeedback doesnt have a plugin for it yet, I imagine it's just a matter of time for people to get around to doing something for their favourite game and simfeedbacks support for titles will grow like other motion platforms.

@HugoB save your money for your own copy, it will get done at some point

MADShootStuff · Dec 17, 2018

Alrighty, got the Arduino, wiring, Wagos, etc. Still waiting on the screw shields from Seed. Is there anything I can do with the electronics before the motors arrive? I'm planning on printing an enclosure for the breakout boards and Arduino once the printer arrives but wouldn't mind getting anything done that I can while I wait...

Steve D · Dec 17, 2018

Once all the wiring is done, is it okay to set up and flash the Arduino in preparation, without the motor controllers being connected to the D-Sub breakout boards?

Cheers!

C64 · Dec 17, 2018

Steve D said:
Once all the wiring is done, is it okay to set up and flash the Arduino in preparation, without the motor controllers being connected to the D-Sub breakout boards?

Cheers!

It is

Antracing · Dec 17, 2018

This enclosure arrived today from Germany for £42 plus postage - everything fits a treat - link here for anyone interested. Does need some drilling etc to mount the parts, took me a couple of hours to relocate everything. - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/173665825253

Wmacky · Dec 18, 2018

Antracing said:
This enclosure arrived today from Germany for £42 plus postage - evetrything fits a treat - link here for anyone interested. Does need some drilling etc to mount the parts, took me a couple of hours to relocate everything. - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/173665825253

View attachment 281882

Fantastic idea! I'm going to purchase this one https://www.ebay.com/itm/6U-Basic-I...h=item3d7716545f:g:hDQAAOSwviFbxGB3:rk:1:pf:0

metalnwood · Dec 18, 2018

I am also looking at a rack. My amp for transducers is a 19" 1u, I could throw in the simucube hardware, the servo drives and the wind sim electronics. A bit of room left over for anything else that might pop up.

6U or 12U. 12U would give me a lot of space and once it's already got the footprint on the ground I dont really care how tall it is.

anton_Chez · Dec 18, 2018

I bought a plastic tub on the weekend from the hardware store, for $5 AUD. I feel slightly outdone now....

Hopefully it fits everything. I didn't know how big to get it but if I can avoid making my own out of timber then I'll be happy. Saving money on these non performance items is also nice since I decided I needed to buy a third arcade fight stick over the weekend, just cos.....

Oops.

C64 · Dec 18, 2018

anton_Chez said:
I bought a plastic tub on the weekend from the hardware store, for $5 AUD. I feel slightly outdone now....

Hopefully it fits everything. I didn't know how big to get it but if I can avoid making my own out of timber then I'll be happy. Saving money on these non performance items is also nice since I decided I needed to buy a third arcade fight stick over the weekend, just cos.....

Oops.

I did the same as you Anton... except I paid 0$ and used an old recycling container. I cut a piece of MDF to size to fit in the bottom and screwed the controllers to that. I tie wrapped all the cables coming out to the edge of the container to provide strain relief should any of the multitude of cables exiting the box get snagged.

anton_Chez · Dec 18, 2018

Nice @C64. I measured my container and it ended up being 250mm high, 420mm wide and just under 400mm in depth. It's not completely square, and has a lid that completely removes and just places on the top, it's almost shaped like a dinner tray. I intend to put the OSW control box on top of that. It should hold the weight of it no problems. I am hoping to be able to use some Velcro strips to attach the electronics to the underside of the lid if possible, rather than use screws. Alternatively, I could do what you suggested with the ply or MDF board at the bottom of the container and just do the same for the underneath of the lid, with some Velcro as it's obviously upside down. Then screw the electronics boards to that. The bottom board can just sit on the bottom no problems. Cool thing is that it's like a weave for the body construction of the container, so if needed, there is heaps of ventilation for it as well.

I've had some parcel notes left at my door step the other day so things are starting to arrive. For anyone that ordered from Emily regarding the internals, I've had an email from Alibaba.com stating that the seller has yet to meet their agreed shipment time and has not posted the items out. Is this something I should be following up or have others had the same message with no ill effects on their shipping time? As far as I know, the motors are on their way and I've had an update, in German that needs to be translated, from Kinetic regarding the profiles. So it's all happening.

sjb266 · Dec 18, 2018

Send her an email directly and ask if they’ve been shipped. If you have any issues let me know I’ll see what’s happening.

anton_Chez · Dec 18, 2018

Thanks Simon. I've actually just forwarded the email I received to her and asked her for clarification. My profiles are with DHL now and are being transported to destination country. I'd hoped to get the internals before the profiles since those seem to be the longest wait out of all the parts. I'd hate to have things coming after the profile gets here as that would mean I'm back at work and having to juggle the build when I could have had it hopefully completed by then if all my date allowances match up.

Hopefully she can confirm they have at least left their warehouse.

Wmacky · Dec 18, 2018

Strange you got a message from Alibaba.com, Aren't you dealing direct with Emily? I can tell you it took several days until my order shipped, but then came very fast. Emily just sent me a follow up Email asking if everything arrived in good order, so that was nice. So far, she has been the best vendor to deal with! BTW, the bored rods were all finished well, with bevels. Simon, that company was a good find.

My profiles shipped quick but, it has been days since the last tracking update. Though they were the first ordered, they will be the last to arrive as others have reported!

anton_Chez · Dec 18, 2018

The payment advice was sent to me via Alibaba website. That's how I paid the invoice.

Steve D · Dec 18, 2018

I'm at the actuator preparation stage now

so @HugoB, can I ask what you mean exactly by the bit I've highlighted in bold below, which I've taken from a previous post of yours. Thanks.

"Also get a bottle of isopropyl alcohol to clean the shafts that need to be coupled. I also roughened them up with sandpaper (thanks HoiHman) and grooved them with a file. Hope they grip forever now."

HugoB · Dec 18, 2018

Steve D said:
I'm at the actuator preparation stage now so @HugoB, can I ask what you mean exactly by the bit I've highlighted in bold below, which I've taken from a previous post of yours. Thanks.

"Also get a bottle of isopropyl alcohol to clean the shafts that need to be coupled. I also roughened them up with sandpaper (thanks HoiHman) and grooved them with a file. Hope they grip forever now."

Yes, that's about the shaft from the motor, the shaft from the ballscrew and the shaft coupler. I've read in the German forum that this construction is prone to slipping, so I went ahead and did what I could to prevent that. I used isopropyl alcohol to clean the motor shaft:

the ballscrew shaft:

and the inside of the shaft coupler:

Then I used rough sandpaper to roughen up all these surfaces.

And afterwards I even took a file like this:

to make grooves along the shafts and also the inside of the shaft coupler, along the length of the shaft, to maximize the grip:

Now, just before coupling the shafts, I cleaned them with isolpropyl one last time (fingers have some grease too), and then tightened the shaft coupler as strong as I could without breaking the screw. This has held like a weld so far! I could feel the grip being massively improved compared to just the smooth shaft and coupler, even when just slightly tightening it, there is zero slippage.