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

 

[sberns]

Anyone with 120V AC have recommendations for a 3000watt step up converter? The Simran version recommended earlier uses fuses instead of breakers and doesn’t have great online reviews. Thanks.

 

[Flag Ghost]

Anyone with 120V AC have recommendations for a 3000watt step up converter? The Simran version recommended earlier uses fuses instead of breakers and doesn’t have great online reviews. Thanks.

I just ordered this one. I ended up going with a 5K watt unit just to be certain.. probably a bit overkill. Seemed OK based on everything I could locate online.. which wasn't much. It uses a breaker.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GQTXS0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[sberns]

I just ordered this one. I ended up going with a 5K watt unit just to be certain.. probably a bit overkill. Seemed OK based on everything I could locate online.. which wasn't much. It uses a breaker.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GQTXS0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks. Do you need a 20amp breaker for the 5000w version or can I use it on a 15amp breaker?

 

[sjb266]

@anton_Chez

The shifter knob arrived today... Man it's amazing... Now I just have to make and print an adapter!

Thanks for the referral!

 

[jimbraj]

Anyone with 120V AC have recommendations for a 3000watt step up converter? The Simran version recommended earlier uses fuses instead of breakers and doesn’t have great online reviews. Thanks.

ive been on the simran 3000 for a few weeks now with no issues.

 

[Flag Ghost]

Your breaker doesn't care what the transformer's maximums are it just matters how many amps the SFX draws under true maximum load. I'm not even sure of my breaker rating at this point.

 

[anton_Chez]

Awesome work Simon, I had no idea you actually bought one! Yes I'd love a bloody nicer print for the HE seq shifter I am using it on.....................

........................

Mine is crooked! Drives me insane even in VR.....!

I think I ordered a few extra inserts upon Simon's advice but I don't remember seeing them anywhere now that I think about it. I might have even tossed them seeing as there was no use for them once they were all in. I think I ordered 4 extra, one I needed (I think) but the others I didn't use. I'll have to have another look.

 

[sjb266]

Awesome work Simon, I had no idea you actually bought one! Yes I'd love a bloody nicer print for the HE seq shifter I am using it on.....................

........................

Mine is crooked! Drives me insane even in VR.....!

My first iteration is looking good... close.. printing second iteration now..

I'll send you some pics and if you like it I will send you one.. save you the stress of the crooked one!

 

[anton_Chez]

Legend mate. He sent me 3, all were slightly off and pretty similar to each other. I can tell when I'm screwing it on that the knob isn't spinning on a perfect axis. I tried the others and they all gave off that little bit of imperfection. I try to line it up so that the slight bend faces forwards rather than to the side, but it's there and yeah, you notice it. 120 odd bucks for a shifter knob you want the bastard to be straight mate.

 

[Furnace Inferno]

Ok I’m prepping to jump in on the SFX-100 club after seeing this thread and people switching from the NLRV3 which I had my sights on.

Assuming I’m starting from ground zero could someone list everything I need including tools, grease etc. I’m on my phone at the minute and can’t see the whole of the SFX buying list guide!

The only tools I currently have are hex keys, wrenches and a drill that I can think of.

Mascot sent me this list:

Bolts and washers


I bought all the nuts,bolts washers from https://www.accu.co.uk/en/



£26 including postage for a full set of stainless steel items. They do a good deal on shipping for first time buyers.



SSC-M8-40-A2 M8 x 40mm Cap Head Screws (DIN 912) - A2 Stainless Steel 0.608Kg £0.2500 32 £8.00


SSC-M4-25-A4 M4 x 25mm Cap Head Screws (DIN 912) - A4 Stainless Steel 0.04512Kg £0.0800 16 £1.28


SSC-M6-25-A2 M6 x 25mm Cap Head Screws (DIN 912) - A2 Stainless Steel 0.12144Kg £0.1100 16 £1.76


SSCF-M5-20-A2 M5 x 20mm Full Thread Cap Head Screws (DIN 912) - A2 Stainless Steel 0.09624Kg £0.0700 24 £1.68


SSC-M6-85-A4 M6 x 85mm Cap Head Screws (DIN 912) - A4 Stainless Steel 0.3344Kg £0.4700 16 £7.52


HRDW-M6-A2 M6 AFNOR M-Type Flat Washers (NF E 25-514) - A2 Stainless Steel 0.0368Kg £0.0300 32 £0.96


HPW-M8-A2 M8 Form A Flat Washers (DIN 125) - A2 Stainless Steel 0.048Kg £0.0300 32 £0.96


Total Nett Weight: 1.29Kg


ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATE: Mon 15 October, 2018


COMPONENT TOTAL £22.16


SHIPPING TOTAL £2.95


TOTAL TAX £4.43


[GBP] TOTAL £26.59


(I actually got all of mine cheaper from a local fasteners supplier)


Arduino computer board


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BT1LL38/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_3p_dp_1



Breadboard connector block


https://www.amazon.co.uk/ELEGOO-tie...560228&sr=1-7&keywords=elegoo+breadboard&th=1


(I used WAGOS instead)



STOP button


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079QY57LN/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_1


Found a cheaper one on eBay.



Jumper wires to connect Arduino to servo controllers


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EV70C78/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_2



DB25 DSUB 25-pin Male Adapter RS-232 Breakout Board Connector x 4


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DB25-DSU...=item520019fe43:g:NJQAAOSw~gRV6vdM:rk:31f:0


… £9… but from the UK



Or



https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DB25-25p...=item4b57143338:g:tAEAAOSwMjpcB4rE:rk:36f:0


… £2 each from Hong Kong… but possibly longer delivery.



Serial Cable 25 Pin Male to 25 Pin Male D-SUB DBM25 Cable Lead 2m x 4


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392038875299



Anti-vibration pads


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CDNQB2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1



8 way gang plug – choose cable length to suit you


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071P9DL55/ref=pe_3187911_185740111_TE_item



Cable tidy Velcro strips


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074VWN2SN/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_1

So obvious additions are the motors and aluminium profile, what about a housing for all the bits? Do I need plugs for the servos?

An idiot proof UK buying guide would be very helpful. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[sjb266]

Legend mate. He sent me 3, all were slightly off and pretty similar to each other. I can tell when I'm screwing it on that the knob isn't spinning on a perfect axis. I tried the others and they all gave off that little bit of imperfection. I try to line it up so that the slight bend faces forwards rather than to the side, but it's there and yeah, you notice it. 120 odd bucks for a shifter knob you want the bastard to be straight mate.

I think this one is pretty straight. What size thread have you got? Mine is M20

 

[MeNoMoney]

Anyone know uk supplier for the H92RH10M8 please, because Im going to need atleast 2 more after my screw ups and kinetic want €15.00 delivery with min order of 12 or they charge a €10.00 low order fee on top if ordering 1-11 of them..

 

[Mascot]

Anyone know uk supplier for the H92RH10M8 please, because Im going to need atleast 2 more after my screw ups and kinetic want €15.00 delivery with min order of 12 or they charge a €10.00 low order fee on top if ordering 1-11 of them..

How many do you need mate? I've got a couple left over from my build and can pop them in the post if you want. Not sure how many i've got, might be just 3 or 4.

 

[Mascot]

Ok I’m prepping to jump in on the SFX-100 club after seeing this thread and people switching from the NLRV3 which I had my sights on.

Assuming I’m starting from ground zero could someone list everything I need including tools, grease etc. I’m on my phone at the minute and can’t see the whole of the SFX buying list guide!

The only tools I currently have are hex keys, wrenches and a drill that I can think of.

Mascot sent me this list:



So obvious additions are the motors and aluminium profile, what about a housing for all the bits? Do I need plugs for the servos?

An idiot proof UK buying guide would be very helpful. Thanks in advance for any help!

That list was sent to me by a C64 here and I found it very useful.
The 'official' shopping list is useful https://opensfx.com/shopping-list-and-sourcing-parts/#shopping
Drill-wise you want an 18v impact drill. My 12v cordless deWalt couldn't cope and neither could my 600 watt deWalt hammer drill. You can wind the inserts in by hand though, it just takes time and effort.
The servos and drivers come with link plugs and cables. You'll need to buy 4no DB25s cables from your board to the servo drivers.
Any suitable box for the servo drivers will do. I've got mine in a big plastic storage tub at the moment because it fits nicely in a cubbyhole in my sim room. Looks rough, but does the job.

 

[MeNoMoney]

How many do you need mate? I've got a couple left over from my build and can pop them in the post if you want. Not sure how many i've got, might be just 3 or 4.

Wow, Yet again Mascot and others on here go out of there way to help.
Thankyou yet again.

Mascot,
I need atleast 2, maybe more after find a way how to remove the 13 I put in wonky. Waiting for a mate to bring his drill hex bits around in few days and try. I tried on 1 of them but Allen key just not good enough and just spins, so need the drill hex bits.

 

[Mascot]

Wow, Yet again Mascot and others on here go out of there way to help.
Thankyou yet again.

Mascot,
I need atleast 2, maybe more after find a way how to remove the 13 I put in wonky. Waiting for a mate to bring his drill hex bits around in few days and try. I tried on 1 of them but Allen key just not good enough and just spins, so need the drill hex bits.

Are the 13 'wonky' ones all the way in? If so they've likely straightened up as they went in and you might cause more harm than good by trying to get them out.Try a long M8 bolt in them and if it screws in straight and doesn't bind too badly, and the bolt is secure (ie the insert isn't turning) then they should be fine.
Never be tempted to use a wrong-sized Allen key, you'll just round the hex.
Got a photo?

 

[wajdi]

Any one has suffered from motion sickness in combination with VR?
I had a little of motion sickness with VR in the first 2 days at the beginning but after that I had no problem,

 

[MeNoMoney]

[

Are the 13 'wonky' ones all the way in? If so they've likely straightened up as they went in and you might cause more harm than good by trying to get them out.Try a long M8 bolt in them and if it screws in straight and doesn't bind too badly, and the bolt is secure (ie the insert isn't turning) then they should be fine.
Never be tempted to use a wrong-sized Allen key, you'll just round the hex.
Got a photo?

Will message ya pics mate because enough my rubbish on here messing up the thread.

 

[Mascot]

[


Will message ya pics mate because enough my rubbish on here messing up the thread.

Post them here mate, it's what this thread is for: suppport - they might help someone else who has similar concerns.

 

[leeroy605]

For a complete amateur what is easier to work with? The breadboard or Wago connectors?

Also can anyone give me a list of recommended oils to be used in the build as I will need to source these. They have been listed in this thread but many many pages ago!

What oil did people use for installing the helicoils? And are there any other oils/lubricants needed elsewhere? Thanks all