DIY motion platform for racing and flight sims - building the SFX100 actuators part 1

In this video I will share with you how I built the SFX100 actuators for the DIY motion platform. The platform moves on four actuators, allowing for Roll, Pitch and Heave as well as simulated Surge and Sway. The actuators are powered by 750watt servo motors. 3000 watts total.
In order for the actuators to move, some free software called SimFeedback receives physics from the game and translates them into actuator positions. The games currently available are:
Assetto Corsa
iRacing
Project Cars
Dirt Rally
Raceroom
F1 2018
rFactor 2
No limits 2 roller coaster
DCS (in alpha build via the Discord channel)
X-Plane (unofficial plugin from X-Plane forums )
You can write you own as well - the framework is open source
These are the links referred to the in video
opensfx.com/
opensfx.com/build-process-sfx...
opensfx.com/3d-printing/
mattshub.com/blog/2017/04/19/...
github.com/SimFeedback/SimFee...
[e-mail]
www.kinetikmsystem.de/
[e-mail]
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Servos
90ST M02430 servo drivers and motors
Aliexpress - David Shen
ebay search terms
31cm Long 25mm Diameter Stainless Steel Wire Tube Cleaning Brush
M3 M5 M6 M8 M10 Metric Hex Socket Cap Head Screw Bolt Black Alloy Steel DIN912
419 Piece Rubber O Ring Assortment Kit Metric Automotive Grommet Rubber Ring Set
3pcs/set 1/4 Inch Hex Magnetic Bit Screwdriver Extension 60mm 100mm 150mm
Mini Grease Gun Manual Pistol Grip With 3OZ Cartridge Flexi Hose & Coupler

[@bwm9637]

Nice video! I already made this a year ago thus finding this video is great for people that want to start

[@DMAX_DIY]

6DOF, thanks for posting. I finally built my rig and posted a bunch of videos. I use a 810 amp battery to get away from all the Power supplies. I have maxed out at about 25 amps on the amp clamp reading so I am ok so far. Using the IBT-2 motor controllers. I would not have been able to build my rig without your channel (even though my rig is 3DOF) I totally appreciate you and your channel. Take a look if you get time. DMAX

[@sixdegreesofflight7765]

Nice work!

[@abtechgroup]

In north america, we have 110 V at most of the outlet sockets (electric stove and water heater are usually connected to the 220) because the incoming 220 volts to the house is split by a grounded neutral; you can run a 220v power cord from your panel to your rig and connect the 220 volt equipment. Short run if your incoming panel is nearby - but less convenient if you're upstairs and the panel is in the basement.

[@aluphapple4713]

Thank you sir it is very helping

[@lee986]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@sixdegreesofflight7765]

Glad you liked it!

[@Anonnymouse53]

I'm exploring making an SFX-100 rig myself at the moment, but I'm not sure I want to go down the route of 3d printing since it would be completely new to me (though I am undecided). Do you know of anywhere that the dimensions of the mounts are published? I'm trying to evaluate the option of fabricating using metal where I'm more comfortable, I've seen a couple of people that went this route. Anyway, great videos and really useful - looks fantastic and I look forward to joining the party some time next year!

[@yaronskp]

Looks amazing. Why didn't you use SimTools?

[@MadDogPE]

Hi there ! Awesome platform, congrats ! Thanks for sharing your work. I was wondering what's the max weight this actuators (with specs like yours, servos and everything) can actually lift for a 4DOF flight sim like yours. Thanks !

[@sixdegreesofflight7765]

Hi the SFX100 platform has four actuators but this doesn't mean it is 4DOF - it is actually only a 3DOF platform :) While I don't think anyone has tested an actuator to its limit, I would guess that each one would lift between 30-40kg max. Consider they are made with 3D printed components. For example, some builders have successfully mounted the Next Level Racing V3 seat mover (2DOF) on the platform which weighs approx. 30kg. Add to that the pilot/driver weight of say 100kg and the weight of the aluminium frame of say 20kg equates to roughly 150/4 = 37.5kg per actuator. Hope that helps ;)

[@MadDogPE]

@@sixdegreesofflight7765 thanks for the lightning fast reply !! It sure does help, however I thought it was going to be a higher number ... :D ... anyways, keep up the great work and thanks again !

[@mentalterbelakang]

ball screw 1605 250mm, is that 250mm total lenght or only the screw part..??

[@netgeek3010]

Just a heads up if you go to function "MOD BUTTON 0083" 83 you can change the voltage level from 200 to 100 and run it on 110 volts AC on the servo. Currently working on my own setup with my own actuators and platform. The difference again is you use more current IE power "3 amps up to 6 amps" at 110 double but less voltage. The upshot is you will not need to use a boost/buck converter to get to the right voltage. Another thing I have heard but not really will to try just yet is that if you have access to 220 volts "US AC" that you can tie that to the 2 HOT wires to the controller and "1 and 2" and ground and still get it to work because of the way the voltage is 180 degrees out of phase the neutral sits 90 in the center of the transformer tap so there should be no problem getting it to work? The recommended fuse is around 30 amps on 110 but should have no issues at 20 amp again not tested. The actuators I am working on I am shooting for 12 inches of travel. I milled my own parts to save time.

[@sixdegreesofflight7765]

Thanks Philip. I wasn't aware that such an option existed! Great that you have it working. As you say, it will draw more current but use the same power. So it would be important to get the wire gauge right. As an example, 14 gauge wire can be used up to 15 amps whereas 12 gauge can be used up to 20 amps.

[@netgeek3010]

@@sixdegreesofflight7765 Yes using 12 gauge all around. EE and did work on large data storage systems. For people wondering about ratings look at charts for extension cords they detail levels for each gauge wire. You have to run 12 gauge wire.

[@errolfeistl1705]

Hey mate, can you remember roughly when you purchased the motors and what the shipping was? (approx.). Just looking to purchase a set now and shipping is $160 PER motor... Just wondering if thats because of Covid or if thats normal? Cheers

[@sixdegreesofflight7765]

Hi I got them at the end of June 2019 and they cost me $934US for four motors with controllers (90ST-M02430 220V)

[@borg010564]

I am wondering if you can get the aluminium profile anywhere in australia . I cost too much to get from germany.

[@user-fl9tq5iv8x]

can i increase the actuator stroke more than 250 mm?

[@leonsplaylife]

Can some of the parts be cnc machined?

[@horsepowerrev7928]

hi mate..may i get your plan too? i planning to buid it for my rig..

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

How fast do these operate in mm per second?

[@sixdegreesofflight7765]

Approx. 250mm/sec

[@menoname3594]

Thank you so much for your informative video. I am in Australia. Could I contact you, maybe on SKYPE?