Tutorial How to convert your Frex SCM to SimTools - Updated

And SUCCESS! MasterYoda, please update your thread with this info. It will be a HUGE help with anyone trying to do this conversion. The method of using x-sim to change the ID won't work right with the newer software and the Devantech converters, however this method will WORK.

First you need to determine which actuator has the wrong ID. I achieved this by using the TBVST Visual Setting tool. Run the program, and choose the COM port of one of your actuators. It will poll the actuator and list the Axis number (Device ID) in the upper left. If it shows a 0, then this actuator is already on the correct Device ID. Repeat this with the COM port of your other actuator. If it reads 1, then this is the one you need to program.

IMPORTANT: Disconnect the actuator that is properly programmed at this point.

You will need to download and install the SCN5 programming software package from http://www.automation4less.com/servact1.htm


I had to install this in compatibility mode for Windows XP and run the installer as administrator under Windows 7. I also needed to install VB runtimes from microsoft. You can get them here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/vb50pro/utility/1/win98/EN-US/Msvbvm50.exe


Now, you will want to run the MVST ServoMotor Configurator:


Click Next

Click Set Axis Number



Choose 0 and then hit Next



Click Write to controller. This will write the new Axis ID to the actuator. You can then click Data Close.

Go back into your Sim Tools, and configure the Interface settings. Restart SimTools and your actuators should both jump to life!

Don't know what you talking about, m8! Maybe you are the one too much in other forums that makes you think other meanings for my typo?!? ;-)

Hi! Mif,

Glad you fixed it, it is already listed in the T/S tips to use this software... Hope you read it! ;-)

finally was able to make my frex SCnc5 work with sim tools . did not use my frex seat mover for the last 3 years . never like the jerky motion .
but with simtools . i must admit a very smooth motion . as a 2 dof rig . now i need to find a way to make my SCN6 work . so i can test my other non seat mover rig .
does simtools support rear lost of traction ?

Thanks for the feedback, Patritti!

As for the rear tracktion, yes, its supported.
I don't have it, so I don't know much details, but I guess you can use yaw input to control that axis!

I had a question.
and although it is not possible simmtools only one adapter to use what both scn 5 hanging?
Be absolutely one adapter per Scn needed?

i use one adapter for each scnc 5 . with simtools .
i have also a simcraft rig and all 3 SCN6 are connected with only one RS 485 adapter
so it may work with one with simtools to .

Not sure, the way you set the axis with Simtools, they are dedicated COM ports, which are bind to each actuator adapter... Just my c$2...
Would need the input from the developers to be sure.

Thanks a bunch for the tutorial works like a charm!

Changing the ID of one of the actuators made it work. You will have to remember the id number of the actuator if you want to revert to Frex, because with both actuators at ID zero the frex simconbase won`t work.

Hi all, as I see the photos mine just got the different wire as a photo shows on the first page. So is that I just it it and place in it?
Further I got a Simcon motion box seems is connecting to the power supply. Do I have to cut it out?
Below is the rs485 that I brought in HK also the wire photo.
I had been struggling for my rig for the 3rd week.

Thanks in Advance for helping me out.

It seems to be that the photos on the first post seem to be missing, at least for me. I ordered an extra set of the wires from Frex so as to not cut mine off. You will have to cut the wires off the simcon motion box, then strip the wires, and connect them to your RS adapter. If I recall, + is WHITE, - is GREEN, +5V is RED, and GND is BLACK. Let me know if this helps!

I fixed my last post to have the correct colors, as seen in the attached.

Thanks @Mif. Thanks for the info and is helpful.
One more question to be more clear.
So just just need to cut that 2 wire in the motion and stick those wire to the RA485 then it done right?
The photo that i post (the below show) doesn't need to cut right?
Coz I don't think I'm gonna order another motion box for that. Hehehehe thanks

Correct. Only cut where I showed in my picture. Do not cut on the scn actuator side. That way you can still disconnect and reconnect for maintenance. If you want post a photo of your cables I can let you know if it is correct.

Thank you MIF. Since I'm at work now, I'm gonna try it out tonight. Then will show you the photo.
Coz my place is GMT+8(Macau time) hehehhe

Thank you so much

Getting started. Let's see tomorrow I can start my motion. Heheh. Thanks again @Mif

Thank you very much! Finding this post and the info that all SCN actuators actually have to have ID=0 was worth gold and saved me a lot of time!