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

 

[metalnwood]

I am the guy she is referring to. I have printed one slider, and the counter bore isn't deep enough for the longer nut as mentioned. Not sure the difference of the 1605 to the 1604 screw, but you need the shorter nut so it fits right. It appears from her 'catalog' page that the shorter nut is for the 1604 screw. The longer nut is about 7mm too long. Any ideas what the difference is with the SFU 1604-4 screw?

You do not want to get the 1604. The diameter of the leadscrew is represented by the 16 and the pitch is represented by the 04, so a 1604 is a 16mm diam screw that will move the nut 4mm for every revolution.

The project as documented needs the 1605 which will move the nut a different amount, i.e. 5mm for every revolution. Though, if you found you got the wrong one you could get it to work you would be using different settinggs in the servo driver than anyone else and the performance would not be as good, it would be slower.

TLDR, get the 1605 only

 

[Todd Pakiz]

I just checked and mine and they are the correct 42 mm total nut length. It was invoiced as a 1605. (Also, the ballnuts are each labeled 1605) Be careful requesting `1604's!

I think Emily is in error.

Simon, and everyone after seems to have got the correct 42mm nut. Something has changed on their end? They seem to have intermittent issues providing the correct speced ballscrews. Someone else here got them from her with the wrong thread length.....

She just responded to me and said that Simon received the 50mm nut....I will reference this forum.
Emily has been VERY responsive, just having trouble with getting the right product. I hope she fixes this without too much fuss. I guess I should have been more specific with my order than just saying "Simon Says..."
Thanks for the clarification on the part number and "pitch" of the screw.

 

[sjb266]

Ok I have spoken to Emily and reassured her that the ballnut length for the 1605 is 42mm and not 50mm. She was adamant that the ballnuts she sent me and everyone else were 50mm but I measured mine in some images I have of them when they arrived and they are definitely 42mm.

Hopefully there will be no more errors moving forward.

 

[Todd Pakiz]

Thanks sjb266! You guys are all great and so responsive!

 

[MADShootStuff]

42 here too, I asked for the Simon special when I contacted her!

 

[Wmacky]

Ok I have spoken to Emily and reassured her that the ballnut length for the 1605 is 42mm and not 50mm. She was adamant that the ballnuts she sent me and everyone else were 50mm but I measured mine in some images I have of them when they arrived and they are definitely 42mm.

Hopefully there will be no more errors moving forward.

Haha, I sent here the same email 30 minutes ago confirming I got 42mm also!

Definitely a goof up on their end.

 

[TimothyDDX]

Ok, running into some problems like others trying to order at Kinetik from the United States.

• All links are coming up with an error page, thus they hyperlinks do not work from the USA
• The item # for the extrusion does work if you use google translate on the page and search by item number (thankfully)
• M8 Thread inserts is showing up as part not found, can I use an M8 Thread Insert from another company as they are a fairly standard part? If so what are the details of the part (the shopping list is not very verbose)
• The Slot nut (since the link does not work) comes up with about 20 items if you search for it and there is not an item #, what are the details of the part and or the item #?
• Pictures on the Shopping list would be extremely helpful for those of us who are non-German speakers to confirm we are ordering the right part.

I have a GitHub account and would like to contribute to the project documentation to help others, how could I go about doing that? You are more than welcome to send me a message.

 

[RowanH]

Hi @TimothyDDX if you look on this page I've got a hi-res picture of almost all the parts :

https://www.rowanhick.com/2018/12/2...-platform-part-3-actuator-mechanical-assembly

I missed 6 screws and the o-ring out of the photo. Kicked myself when I finished assembly !

 

[RowanH]

... and here was my order to Kinetik. If you emailed them the parts numbers I'm guessing they'd pull an "offer" together for you even if parts are not listed on the website.

 

[TimothyDDX]

Rowan, thanks for the detailed inventory list from your order. It appears they no longer carry the H92RH10M8 Reduction Bush, anyone have suggestions for an alternative source?

Also thanks for your comprehensive and thorough review. It was what pushed me over the edge and I have read it a couple times. That exploded picture of the actuator BOM (Bill Of Materials) is extremely helpful, I would guess the slot nuts are right above the extruded aluminum?

I have the servos ordered along with the internals from Emily (she was extremely helpful and quick to respond to email requests when I asked for the "Simon Special". I recieved my AnyCubic i3 Mega on Monday and did my first test print after I calibrated it so I can start printing while I wait for my parts to arrive. Appreciate everyone's contribution and sharing of knowledge for this project!

 

[anton_Chez]

Yeah they are the slot nuts x 4 above the profile. I didn't order these as I had 1000 left over from the SimLab build. They don't fit perfect but I used some paper towel pushed into the slot to prop the nut up until it caught the bolt, then moved the slot nut up and down the channel a few times and removed the paper out completely. The slot is slightly too deep for the bolts I was using to catch, If you use slightly longer bolts, then you shouldn't need that little trick.

What is the Reduction Bush? I didn't order this. Although this is probably no surprise at this point, that I probably needed it and have finished the build without it. Btw props to the burns I copped a little earlier, I enjoyed those. The only thing I ordered from Kinetic was the 250mm profile x 4 and around 40 threaded inserts, which were awesome. That's it.

@Mascot the build guide DOES seem a little vague, but once you get through the frustration of the first one you'll fly through the next three. Speaking of...

no Video can prevent you Mount the fixed Bearing upside down

How did you know I did this, too!? That's what happens when you finish one and then think that you can do the rest without looking and need to pull half of the next 2 actuators apart to flip them around......

I was going to offer a small write up of the actuator build to you @Mascot but I'm afraid you might end up with a vacuum cleaner or something else......

 

[anton_Chez]

Does anyone have a logo for the SFX-100 that they can share? I know @sjb266 printed one for his control box. I am having a car skinned for my upcoming V8 Supercars season and I want to replace the Nvidia logo on the back with the SFX-100 logo.

 

[sjb266]

So a bit of an update on the ball nut situation. Emily investigated the situation further and responded with the following:

"Hi Simon, these goods were dealt with by our two batch different worker.We think it maybe that length of the ball screw nut our warehouse former worker sent to you is 42mm, The ball screw nut length of later batch worker is 50mm.Usually, if customer have no special requirement, we will send the 50mm ball screw nut length to our customers"

So it seems it was a happy coincidence that most of us were sent the 42mm... The sim racing gods are looking out for us!

However, I have stressed to her the importance of continuing to send the 42mm and not the 50mm to customers referred to her for the SFX100 -

So please spread the word to ask Emily for the SFX100 package with 42mm ball nut for potential builders... She will know what to send. It's better than "Simon says" like has been mentioned...

Hopefully orders will come through OK..

I'm sorry for those who have purchased and received the wrong items - keep us up to date and if there are any further problems..

 

[sjb266]

Does anyone have a logo for the SFX-100 that they can share? I know @sjb266 printed one for his control box. I am having a car skinned for my upcoming V8 Supercars season and I want to replace the Nvidia logo on the back with the SFX-100 logo.

yeah mate.. you can have what i've got if you want... the flag LOGO is Micha's that i redid in .SVG format... the rest was me using a font named PORSCHE

 

[RowanH]

You're welcome @TimothyDDX Man you've got to wonder how many orders these companies are getting

- Yes t-slot nuts are above the extrusion, those should be really common.
- Those helicoils/threaded insert/reduction bushes (various names) on the other hand, don't seem to be so common at least anything that looks like the Kinetik ones. I had a quick google...

Not sure how a standard helicoil works (engineer chime in..) if you google "self tapping helicoil" you get close to what the Kinetik ones look like.

I suspect you've got to either (a) email Norman convincing him there'll be hordes of simulator builders wanting them and they be better get onto restocking or (b) do some digging trying to find something similar or (c) if you get reeeeeeaaallly stuck look at tapping the holes with an M10 and modifying bearing carriers to suit.

 

[Mascot]

My order has been placed with Emily and I was sure to stress 42mm nut length for the ball screws and the hollow shafts to be cut square and bevelled both ends.
My only concern now is a potential month+ delay if the goods don't get shipped before CNY kicks in, and even if they do, how Chinese post might be affected too. Seems most of China goes into shutdown for a month very soon.
I did do some shopping around and it seems the components can be ordered from eBay UK from UK suppliers for similar prices without the big shipping and customs charges, but I didn't want to miss the CNY dispatch so went ahead with Emily. If I had more time to triple-check the specs then eBay might have been a cheaper option. If Emily advises that she cannot send for a month then I might revisit that option.

 

[sjb266]

Reduction Bush? I didn't order this. Although this is probably no surprise at this point, that I probably needed it and have finished the build without it. Btw props to the burns I copped a little earlier, I enjoyed those. The only thing I ordered from Kinetic was the 250mm profile x 4 and around 40 threaded inserts, which were awesome. That's it.

Reduction Bush = Threaded insert... you're all good!

 

[sjb266]

My order has been placed with Emily and I was sure to stress 42mm nut length for the ball screws and the hollow shafts to be cut square and bevelled both ends.
My only concern now is a potential month+ delay if the goods don't get shipped before CNY kicks in, and even if they do, how Chinese post might be affected too. Seems most of China goes into shutdown for a month very soon.
I did do some shopping around and it seems the components can be ordered from eBay UK from UK suppliers for similar prices without the big shipping and customs charges, but I didn't want to miss the CNY dispatch so went ahead with Emily. If I had more time to triple-check the specs then eBay might have been a cheaper option. If Emily advises that she cannot send for a month then I might revisit that option.

Yeah hard time of the year to be buying anything from across the globe! If it's any consolation I think my order from her only took about 4-5 days to Australia.. so you might get lucky!

 

[Mascot]

Yeah hard time of the year to be buying anything from across the globe! If it's any consolation I think my order from her only took about 4-5 days to Australia.. so you might get lucky!

I just had a note from Emily saying she'll do her best to ship before the CNY shutdown, so it's hopefully just a case of how the postal service/couriers are affected.

 

[anton_Chez]

Once it leaves the country you'll be fine. It didn't take very long for it to get to me from start to finish and I had Christmas in between as well so I think as long as they can pack it up and get it to the international departure, you will miss all the Chinese shutdown, just. China to Aus is probably slightly quicker but remember all you want is for them to leave the country and you're good after that.

@sjb266 Simon if you could PM me that logo I'll see if my teammate can slap it on the car for me. Not sure how compatible it will be but I can at least try. If it's not too much trouble...