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

 

[Peter Koslowski]

Expect delay ranging from 1 month to 3 months... there is unbelievable backlog...

Some parts I ordered from Shenzhen on Jan 18 didn't ship until yesterday, which are not actual shipped, just created shipping label waiting for pick up etc... its unknown how hong it might take!!!

View attachment 352258

But the parts can no longer wait!

Expect delay ranging from 1 month to 3 months... there is unbelievable backlog...

Some parts I ordered from Shenzhen on Jan 18 didn't ship until yesterday, which are not actual shipped, just created shipping label waiting for pick up etc... its unknown how hong it might take!!!

But the parts can no longer wait!

 

[Freeon]

I just received my 3d printer and filament and have a few questions.

1. Are there any parts I can start printing without having the other parts yet. As I understand the sliders should be test fitted before doing a full print. What about the rest?

2. I downloaded Cura for slicing, should I be printing with default settings or are the specific settings I should change? SFX website does mention some but they don't use the same software and some settings appear different.

3. For these long prints do you guys leave your printers unatended and go to work or do you pause it every time you leave the house?

 

[Peter Koslowski]

I just received my 3d printer and filament and have a few questions.

1. Are there any parts I can start printing without having the other parts yet. As I understand the sliders should be test fitted before doing a full print. What about the rest?

2. I downloaded Cura for slicing, should I be printing with default settings or are the specific settings I should change? SFX website does mention some but they don't use the same software and some settings appear different.

3. For these long prints do you guys leave your printers unatended and go to work or do you pause it every time you leave the house?

Long story short: Make test prints, make failures, make test prints....
I needed one week with Creality Ender 5 for finding the settings and the best PLA-filament...
Maybe my printer is a...

 

[eSEA One]

I am doing a bit of researching on ordering the PCB for the SFX-100 Shield by Patrick Moynihan

Are there any of you in Europe (I live in France) who would be interested in these if I order more than I need?
I would only charge you the unit price, the shipping cost per unit (if I order 10 the total unit cost will be around €1.85 or €1.43 for 20 ) and the shipping from me to your location

 

[C64]

Some comments on recent posts

When I ordered ITEM24 profile early last year in the UK it arrived 2 days following the order - I ordered a single 250mm length, their customer service was excellent.

A friend of mine ( SFX owner ) is the financial director for a firm that imports large quantities of chinese "stuff", he said that approx. 60% of factories are closed and of the rest most have less than 20% of their workforce... so you will be lucky if stuff arrives without a serious delay.

I have some bare SFX100 shield boards + all components to populate them ( bought from digi-key ), shipping to USA/Canada is approx £10, to europe approx. £5, bare board + components £17.50. You will need to solder the components on yourself.

 

[Kieran527]

Some comments on recent posts

When I ordered ITEM24 profile early last year in the UK it arrived 2 days following the order - I ordered a single 250mm length, their customer service was excellent.

A friend of mine ( SFX owner ) is the financial director for a firm that imports large quantities of chinese "stuff", he said that approx. 60% of factories are closed and of the rest most have less than 20% of their workforce... so you will be lucky if stuff arrives without a serious delay.

I have some bare SFX100 shield boards + all components to populate them ( bought from digi-key ), shipping to USA/Canada is approx £10, to europe approx. £5, bare board + components £17.50. You will need to solder the components on yourself.

when you say all components, you mean the switch terminals, 4 x D sockets and the 4x connectors for the Arduino.
or do you mean the Arduino included as well?

 

[eSEA One]

Some comments on recent posts

When I ordered ITEM24 profile early last year in the UK it arrived 2 days following the order - I ordered a single 250mm length, their customer service was excellent.

A friend of mine ( SFX owner ) is the financial director for a firm that imports large quantities of chinese "stuff", he said that approx. 60% of factories are closed and of the rest most have less than 20% of their workforce... so you will be lucky if stuff arrives without a serious delay.

I have some bare SFX100 shield boards + all components to populate them ( bought from digi-key ), shipping to USA/Canada is approx £10, to europe approx. £5, bare board + components £17.50. You will need to solder the components on yourself.

What will you charge in total to send the board and parts to France? I will be interested Better still My mother in law is in london and I am coming over in April so shipping will be less ?

 

[ThugUK]

when you say all components, you mean the switch terminals, 4 x D sockets and the 4x connectors for the Arduino.
or do you mean the Arduino included as well?

For that price the Arduino will most certainly not be included.
I, along with many others bought my board off C64 and can vouch he is genuine.

 

[Freeon]

Finished my first print(SFX shield box) and it came out OK except it's not very smooth. Is this normal. I don't mind as far as looks. I'm just worried that pieces like the slider won't slide properly.

 

[Racerr 87]

Some comments on recent posts

When I ordered ITEM24 profile early last year in the UK it arrived 2 days following the order - I ordered a single 250mm length, their customer service was excellent.

A friend of mine ( SFX owner ) is the financial director for a firm that imports large quantities of chinese "stuff", he said that approx. 60% of factories are closed and of the rest most have less than 20% of their workforce... so you will be lucky if stuff arrives without a serious delay.

I have some bare SFX100 shield boards + all components to populate them ( bought from digi-key ), shipping to USA/Canada is approx £10, to europe approx. £5, bare board + components £17.50. You will need to solder the components on yourself.

Can I buy one?

 

[Kieran527]

For that price the Arduino will most certainly not be included.
I, along with many others bought my board off C64 and can vouch he is genuine.

I don’t doubt he’s genuine, I’ve seen him post a lot so I’ve no concern there.
I was asking about the Arduino, as I didn’t know if it was one of the cheaper copy versions with it, as I know the proper Arduinos are about £25 when I was looking

 

[Peter Koslowski]

Finished my first print(SFX shield box) and it came out OK except it's not very smooth. Is this normal. I don't mind as far as looks. I'm just worried that pieces like the slider won't slide properly.View attachment 352679View attachment 352680

Looks ok! What´s your printer?

 

[Freeon]

Looks ok! What´s your printer?

creality ender 3 pro

 

[ThugUK]

I don’t doubt he’s genuine, I’ve seen him post a lot so I’ve no concern there.
I was asking about the Arduino, as I didn’t know if it was one of the cheaper copy versions with it, as I know the proper Arduinos are about £25 when I was looking

I bought one of the cheapo arduinos for about £8 and it works fine, if you were thinking of buying one.
I know you weren't questioning C64, but just thought I would add that in case others were on the fence.

 

[Peter Koslowski]

Looks ok! What´s your printer?

I bought a slicer program named simplify 3D (named in the open SFX document), step by step my prints get better. Before I used the standart Creality software, it makes good prints but with simplify 3D you have more options to optimize the print. It is a little bit expensive, but offers a lot! The next step will be to stabilize the 3D printer. I will print and install some struts. With this I hope to prevent some layers from moving.

 

[_hagenaar]

Guys, I ordered the servomotors on January 25th and I'm done with all the other parts. Everything has become very nice and accurate! Now I can not stand it anymore! The motors have to come here!
I know, the corona virus paralyzes everything!
Is there anyone who ordered the servo motors around January 25th and is also waiting. Maybe you have information that I don't have. HOW MUCH LONGER!!!

I ordered the 29th and also waiting.......
I also ordered the couplings but the processing time timed-out..... so i have to order different ones...

 

[_hagenaar]

Maybe somebody can help me with the slicing/printing of the Item slider.
it keeps braking in 2 pieces..... after removing the support settings in prusa slicer i think i found why.
is this a fault in the stl file or in the slicer settings?

 

[Dennis Karlsson]

Maybe somebody can help me with the slicing/printing of the Item slider.
it keeps braking in 2 pieces..... after removing the support settings in prusa slicer i think i found why.
is this a fault in the stl file or in the slicer settings?
View attachment 352940

Wow, that doesn't look good. I have no idea what's wrong. Have you tried Ultimaker Cura?

 

[HoiHman]

Maybe somebody can help me with the slicing/printing of the Item slider.
it keeps braking in 2 pieces..... after removing the support settings in prusa slicer i think i found why.
is this a fault in the stl file or in the slicer settings?
View attachment 352940

STL is fine, there have been literally hundreds of 3D prints and a lot of them have been done using the prusa Sli3er.
So i advise you should re-check your settings. Are you using a prusa printer with prusa Sli3er?

The slider can be printed without support if the orientation is correct.

 

[Spikar]

need some EMI help with my servo motors.
Getting some interference through the monitors when motors are online
What's the best way to shield them?
Would something like this be enough? Shield each cable individual.

Anything else that I should consider doing?

I looked into replacing the cables but not really keen on splitting cables etc

Should I be grounding anything else after applying the tape?