Fantastic plug-n-play controller for SFX-100 setups
For AMC-AASD15A servo motion controller
I purchased this controller as my primary interface for a DIY SFX-100 build. Shipping was quick, and the board arrived ready to use. Online documentation and links to drivers is provided here on the description page for Tindie. In sum, this is a fantastic alternative to the native Arudino for SFX-100 builds. There's many advantages of this controller:
1) The AMC-AASD15A controller has built-in safety. It auto-calibrates each actuator on startup, and knows the absolute position of each. Unlike the Arduino, this controller ensures the sliders won't be driven into the ends of the actuator. This has happened on SFX-100 builds, and has broken parts.
2) You can set actuator stroke as part of setup. SFX actuators are capable of 110 mm, which I'm using on my setup. The Aruduino build is currently hard-coded to 100mm.
3) This controller uses Simtools. Simtools is extremely flexible, with many tuning options. There's a large community supporting this (see XSimulator.net). Simtools is also open source, unlike the restricted software on the standard SFX-100 build.
4) The AMC-AASD15A controller is truly plug-n-play. No wiring. You just hook up to your PC via USB, and your controllers via DB25 and you're working. It also has independent test capability built-in, so you can test your SFX setup during the build without the need to hook up or download anything to your PC.
5) The AMC-AASD15A controller has a lovely 2-line LCD display, that let's you know if you're online, recieving data, etc. In addition, it has easy-to-use controls, including a button "pad" and 2-way dial/enter button. Super-helpful for setup and testing. He also has a fantastic 3D printed case, to fit his controller; STL files are avilable from his github.
6) This controller is programmed in assembly language, and capable of very fast updates to the motors. This is good for capturing very fine details, etc. The "tactile" sense I get from his controller is uncanny, much like the fast updates on a DD wheel.
7) This controller supports up to 7 axis, with 6 ready-to-go right on the board. If you want to add traction loss or a seabelt tensioner, it's all ready for this, including Simtools support for these functions. Alternately, you could use 2 extra axis for a seat-mover in addition to the SFX actuators. I've done my SFX setup with my older NLR v3 motion chair, and the combination is fantastic. I know folks have said they prefer SFX w/o the chair, but my extensive testing has shown the chair is a nice addition, handling surge and sway very realistically with a greater range of motion than the SFX can provide to these forces.
8) This controller has auto park and ready functions, and included a flexible safety switch to return the platform to the parked position, even with telemetry data being transmitted, no need to interrupt the game or interfere on the software side at all.
In sum, I'll simply state the Thano's controller has worked flawlessly with my SFX build for well over about 40 hours of use in the last month. It's been rock solid, and the display provides a constant update on the status of my system. Highly, highly recommended.
