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

d69morpwr · Sep 29, 2018

hugo bokhorst said:
I’m also planning to add more actuators in the future so I asked in the german forum and the creator Michael said he is currently testing a version of the software that supports up to 8 actuators using two Arduino controllers. He uses the software to control seatbelt tensioner and RTL if I remember correctly and as soon as it’s stable it will be available to the public. I’m not sure how it will work, but I’m hoping to build 8 total actuators, 4 for the corners, 2 for front and rear traction loss, 1 for surge and 1 for seatbelt tensioner. But I’d wait until more is known about the double controller and apparently they intend to make a smaller version of the actuator for TL etc. that don’t need the same lifting spec.

Ill be looking forward to updates on this. This looks to be the next osw wheel for sim racers. An affordable motion rig that you don't need to feel guilty about buying.

d69morpwr · Sep 29, 2018

To the guys with 3d printers. Is there an affordable printer that works well? At least for what we need for this project. Id be tempted to buy one but don't want to drop 1000 dollars on a printer not being sure how much id use it. The other option is for those of us without printers would someone on here be willing to make the parts needed for this project?

sjb266 · Sep 29, 2018

https://all3dp.com/1/tevo-flash-3d-printer-review/

sjb266 · Sep 29, 2018

I've managed to source most of the bits from China.. Including MIGE servo motors

From my calculations the spend will come in around $2000USD incl shipping (I'm in Australia though) - if you need a 3D printer add $300-700USD **That's TOTAL cost for all 4 actuators and all the electronics...!**

I will order it all in the next couple of days.. should be here within 2 weeks

Moxley6969 · Sep 29, 2018

d69morpwr said:
To the guys with 3d printers. Is there an affordable printer that works well? At least for what we need for this project. Id be tempted to buy one but don't want to drop 1000 dollars on a printer not being sure how much id use it. The other option is for those of us without printers would someone on here be willing to make the parts needed for this project?

Cheap printer's have Very cheap components ( whole printer for 179$ Not sure what else you expect) high wear components dont last too long and also tend to require a Lot Of mods for it to even print remotely ok.

where are you located, I would entertain printing for guys.

d69morpwr · Sep 29, 2018

Moxley6969 said:
Cheap printer's have Very cheap components ( whole printer for 179$ Not sure what else you expect) high wear components dont last too long and also tend to require a Lot Of mods for it to even print remotely ok.

where are you located, I would entertain printing for guys.

That's not what I meant exactly. I get that cheap stuff is just that and you cant expect much for that. But if something in the 400 dollar range could work well id go that route like the one posted above. Maybe id use it more if I had it and it worked well.

Im in the states. New York to be exact.

Stevie_007 · Sep 29, 2018

Cr10s is a good printer for price, easy to mod and is around 380usd, plus it has a good community for support

HoiHman · Sep 29, 2018

I do not recommend tapping the 10.2 and using M12 bolts. Don't not drill out the printed parts, they will loose their strength.

Mounting the helicols is not that difficult. Use a long bolt and a iron saw to check if it's straight before mouting all the way in.

HugoB · Sep 29, 2018

This was just posted on the German forum:

He demonstrates the strength of the actuators. And you can see the movement and hear the noise level. Halfway through he ads the TL and belt tensioner, both traditional stepper motor actuators and you can clearly hear the sound difference.

He says he’s tried all the other motion platforms at the Sim Racing Expo last month, he likes this one most (the four corner rig actuators). Not bad.

anton_Chez · Sep 30, 2018

Damn the noise level is so much worse with the other acutators activated. The noise of just the ones in the corners is barely noticeable. With a set of earbuds or even a decently turned up speaker you would be hard pressed to even notice the thing at all. That's awesome.

sjb266 said:
From my calculations the spend will come in around $2000USD incl shipping (I'm in Australia though) - if you need a 3D printer add $300-700USD **That's TOTAL cost for all 4 actuators and all the electronics...!**

Mate, worst case, that's around $4K AUD. The same price as the V3 platform. That's amazing. I'm getting really giddy about this project now. The only thing that makes me nervous is I can't be arsed to source and make these things myself. I'd end up hating the project and wish I never started.

With the total spend amount not looking too much more than the potential sale price of the V3, I forsee someone almost being able to pay their DIY acutators off with a source and build fee I'd be willing to pay. The potential performance increase and totally different feel compared to a seat mover for this price is simply too good to pass up.

For me, cost is not a problem. Simon, I hope your project goes smoothly and I have a buddy willing to do the heavy lifing for me. Seeing as my rig is completely bolt on ready for these things, nothing else needs to be touched apart from getting a couple of guys to help me mount them for the first time. Then comes the software compatability. I feel for the beginning we will miss some of the titles that offer motion in the V3, but still as long as the main ones do (the ones I race in league, AC, ACC in future, rF2, R3E) then it's all good. The rest will come in time.

I personally wouldn't bother with the tensioner, it's hard enough to drive smoothly now with the brake force in the V3 pitching the car forward and I feel I am disadvantaging myself compared to others setting times without motion entirely. The traction loss would be intersting, but I'd be tempted to leave that out too, for space reasons and also to not have so much motion going on that it all feels a bit muddled together.

HoiHman · Sep 30, 2018

anton_Chez said:
Damn the noise level is so much worse with the other acutators activated. The noise of just the ones in the corners is barely noticeable. With a set of earbuds or even a decently turned up speaker you would be hard pressed to even notice the thing at all. That's awesome.

Mate, worst case, that's around $4K AUD. The same price as the V3 platform. That's amazing. I'm getting really giddy about this project now. The only thing that makes me nervous is I can't be arsed to source and make these things myself. I'd end up hating the project and wish I never started.

With the total spend amount not looking too much more than the potential sale price of the V3, I forsee someone almost being able to pay their DIY acutators off with a source and build fee I'd be willing to pay. The potential performance increase and totally different feel compared to a seat mover for this price is simply too good to pass up.

For me, cost is not a problem. Simon, I hope your project goes smoothly and I have a buddy willing to do the heavy lifing for me. Seeing as my rig is completely bolt on ready for these things, nothing else needs to be touched apart from getting a couple of guys to help me mount them for the first time. Then comes the software compatability. I feel for the beginning we will miss some of the titles that offer motion in the V3, but still as long as the main ones do (the ones I race in league, AC, ACC in future, rF2, R3E) then it's all good. The rest will come in time.

I personally wouldn't bother with the tensioner, it's hard enough to drive smoothly now with the brake force in the V3 pitching the car forward and I feel I am disadvantaging myself compared to others setting times without motion entirely. The traction loss would be intersting, but I'd be tempted to leave that out too, for space reasons and also to not have so much motion going on that it all feels a bit muddled together.

HoiHman · Sep 30, 2018

Imagine guys, watching that last video and knowing you have all the parts in house to build this awesome project.

Makes you wanna get out bed early and start building, so that's what i did when i woke up at 4:30 this morning.

anton_Chez · Sep 30, 2018

Stop teasing...

HoiHman · Sep 30, 2018

anton_Chez said:
Stop teasing...

Even if you do not speak a word of German, rewatch the video posted by Hugo: at 11:50 see the drivers response

That 's a universal sign of excitement

sjb266 · Sep 30, 2018

HoiHman said:
I do not recommend tapping the 10.2 and using M12 bolts. Don't not drill out the printed parts, they will loose their strength.

Mounting the helicols is not that difficult. Use a long bolt and a iron saw to check if it's straight before mouting all the way in.

Awesome.. thanks for the info..

sjb266 · Sep 30, 2018

anton_Chez said:
Damn the noise level is so much worse with the other acutators activated. The noise of just the ones in the corners is barely noticeable. With a set of earbuds or even a decently turned up speaker you would be hard pressed to even notice the thing at all. That's awesome.

Mate, worst case, that's around $4K AUD. The same price as the V3 platform. That's amazing. I'm getting really giddy about this project now. The only thing that makes me nervous is I can't be arsed to source and make these things myself. I'd end up hating the project and wish I never started.

With the total spend amount not looking too much more than the potential sale price of the V3, I forsee someone almost being able to pay their DIY acutators off with a source and build fee I'd be willing to pay. The potential performance increase and totally different feel compared to a seat mover for this price is simply too good to pass up.

For me, cost is not a problem. Simon, I hope your project goes smoothly and I have a buddy willing to do the heavy lifing for me. Seeing as my rig is completely bolt on ready for these things, nothing else needs to be touched apart from getting a couple of guys to help me mount them for the first time. Then comes the software compatability. I feel for the beginning we will miss some of the titles that offer motion in the V3, but still as long as the main ones do (the ones I race in league, AC, ACC in future, rF2, R3E) then it's all good. The rest will come in time.

I personally wouldn't bother with the tensioner, it's hard enough to drive smoothly now with the brake force in the V3 pitching the car forward and I feel I am disadvantaging myself compared to others setting times without motion entirely. The traction loss would be intersting, but I'd be tempted to leave that out too, for space reasons and also to not have so much motion going on that it all feels a bit muddled together.

Yeah I will likely buy a whole bunch more if the parts are good.. then offer a 'complete' system to those who don't want to DIY! I am going to start building and selling aluminium rigs as well... It's been long planned but life got in the way!

anton_Chez · Sep 30, 2018

sjb266 said:
then offer a 'complete' system to those who don't want to DIY!

I'm customer #001, thank you good sir. I've already made peace with it. Considering the price of the parts, this is just a no brainer even when having someone such as your good self construct them for me. I COULD do the DIY but I would rather it this way. Same as the OSW. We could have built that, but I didn't, and we could have designed and sourced parts for the 80 20 chassis but didn't.

I can't wait now, to be honest. Really excited to be thinking about a full motion chassis with parts that look like they can provide quickness and strength equal or above the V3 platform.

Mascot · Sep 30, 2018

HoiHman said:
Even if you do not speak a word of German, rewatch the video posted by Hugo: at 11:50 see the drivers response

That 's a universal sign of excitement

I'm not about to see a sim racer get a boner, am I?

sjb266 · Sep 30, 2018

Mascot said:
I'm not about to see a sim racer get a boner, am I?

Well if that doesn't work... what will?!

Ringorian · Sep 30, 2018

sjb266 said:
Yeah I will likely buy a whole bunch more if the parts are good.. then offer a 'complete' system to those who don't want to DIY! I am going to start building and selling aluminium rigs as well... It's been long planned but life got in the way!

@sjb266 since you linked the Github in the first post you should have seen the part License in this wiki. Check that if that matches what you think you wanna do ..
It´s DIY and therefore well documented. If you have sources for getting the parts in your country , make a list and add it to the wiki for example ..