FOC-Stim: a new approach to DIY stim hardware.

[darthjj]

I can't find a sample rate/delay option in the settings of restim.
Is there some software setting I should change somewhere or ould this be a physical defect in one of my connections?
I am running Linux on my pc, if that is of any relevance.

I'm also using Linux and I haven't noticed any delays. Is it only when moving the output by hand, or are funscripts out of sync, if you use vlc sync for example?

I guess it uses some kind of serial over usb, perhaps you could figure out what speed it's running at. Unfortunately I don't have time to take out my box and run some tests right now, but I might be able to on Wednesday if you haven't already solved your problem by then.

[BurritoZz]

I am using VLC sync, but I notice it in both the funscripts and if I move the output by hand.
I'll see if I can find some time to check it out again tomorrow morning.

[BurritoZz]

Well, I updated python and sat down to check the timings again, and now everything is as it should be.
The output updates near-instantly according to what restim says it should be.

So I'm embarrased to say that this may have just been a mix of inexperience and a not-quite perfectly synced script creating a strange perception in my head.
Either that or updating python solved my issue somehow.

Anyway, thank you very much for the help troubleshooting!

[Forgottenhammer]

I am having issues with figuring out the software side of things. Do i need to copy any of the code from Github or am i just supposed to follow the instructions on the numbered picture Diglet posted? I have never even began to dabble in coding before so forgive me if this is a stupid question.

[diglet]

Download the code from github, then follow the instructions in the picture. It should compile the firmware and upload it to the board.

[saint337]

Hi,
I have decided to have another go at making my own stim device after using 3rdh for over a year.
However, seeing this topic I wonder if that should be foc or standard DIY stereo. So I have a simple (I think) question - is there any reason not to build a FOC? I mean, is stereostim better in any aspect?

[diglet]

If you want to play 'modern' threephase releases, almost all of which come with restim funscripts these days, I think the FOC is better in every way than stereostim. I can't see myself going back to stereostim.

But if you want to play old classics, teases & dual-channel files, the FOC can't do that at the moment. I think it's not a big deal, because new stuff gets released faster than I can play them...

[saint337]

Thank your for your answear! :)
Just a tiny clarificiation - is simple funscript file (which restim can turn into alpha+beta files) enough to run focstim?
Or maybe it has to be focstim oriented several files, like in some cases where I have seen funscripts labeled as "for focstim"?

[diglet]

A simple funscript is enough to sync the FOC-Stim to video. These days there are productions that also control the pulse frequency, volume, and other parameters with funscripts, but you don't need those.

There are also a few simple patterns in the UI, but it's not really made for that.

[Alex69]

Over the past years, I spent a lot of time researching estim theory. It became apparent to me that stereostim boxes have big limitations when it comes to generating precise and repeatable sensations. Recently, I realized that this problem can be solved with cheap hardware that was collecting dust in my drawers.

The result is FOC-Stim: a cheap and efficient signal generator based on a BLDC development kit from ST. Costing only €25, this board is capable of generating the analogue waveforms you love. Software on the board creates current-controlled signals, eliminating variations in sensation due to nonlinear skin resistance, contact area, body position changes and moisture.

Details and build instructions can be found here: https://github.com/diglet48/FOC-Stim

On Joanne's discord, about 5 people have built and tested the hardware with positive results. There are a few minor issues related to vbus and temperature sensing variations between boards.

Hey Diglet! After reading the tutorial, I’ve decided to try and build my first stim box. I think it should be easy enough just knowing how to solder wires, right? And all the components can be purchased at mouser, which delivers to the European Union. So that’s great. They charge 20€ for shipping but… I guess it is worth it.

So, here are some of the questions I have:

-The first thing I notice when checking the first post GitHub website, is that there’s a Version 1 and a Version 3 in development. Is it there a Version 2? Is it possible to purchase the components and build the Version 3 already? Or I have to settle on Version 1?

-The second thing I wanted to ask, is wether I can build it, configure it, load the software, and use it, on a Mac? If I need a Windows machine, then I am out of luck, I am afraid. I only use Macintosh.

-It is a triphasic machine, right? Does it allow me to build it so that one of the probes can be inserted in the ass, for a “ghost fucking” session? Is that possible with the FOC-Stim?

-Do you recommend, given the shipping costs of mouser to the EU, to purchase any extra components in case that one small piece fails, or gets broken, and I had to put another order paying another 20€ for the shipping? Which components of the list, that are relatively cheap, would you buy in excess to have some spare replacements?

-The components not linked to mouser store, are really easy to find in Europe?

Thank you very much, if I have any other doubt, I’ll post here again.

EDIT: The pads that go in touch with my skin, my genitals or a probe for my ass… are not on the bill of materials… Where do I find them? Amazon?

EDIT 2: I also don’t own a 3D printer… does that mean I have to look for a case that could fit the whole machine? Or is it any case already linked that I missed?

EDIT 3: There’s also not any power supply linked to the bill of materials…

EDIT 4: Regarding the way to connect all the components, the 3 fastron inductors aren’t clearly seen where they connect on the board. Seeing the number/letter would make it easier. Also that pinned-numbered board you use in the picture is not listed on the bill of materials…

Thanks again.

[edger477]

They charge 20€ for shipping but… I guess it is worth it.

A great reason to build 2 boxes :)
There is free shipping threshold... I think it was about 50-60 eur (but I'd build 2 anyway to have stereo foc stim :) )

[Alex69]

They charge 20€ for shipping but… I guess it is worth it.

A great reason to build 2 boxes :)
There is free shipping threshold... I think it was about 50-60 eur (but I'd build 2 anyway to have stereo foc stim :) )

Wait wait wait… what? Stereo? I mean… each of this boxes has three poles or phases, right? How would you use two of this?

[edger477]

I mean… each of this boxes has three poles or phases, right? How would you use two of this?

It was a funny pun. I use 2 boxes as 2 triphases, so 3 electrodes each. I normally use one prostate-centered (insertable, pad, ring around cock and balls) and other cock centered (center = common, my favorite are small 2.75cm round pads that I can stick 3 of and dress with shower wound pflasters, so they don't move and there is no difference when growing/shrinking).

I like that dual box setup because I like stimming to be relaxing experience so I can leave intensity on cock lower. Many of my scripts (folder in sig) have "-prostate" scripts, mostly just alpha and volume. If some creations like Kontrol have slaps, then I usually make them only on cock "main" scripts, and on the prostate side I just do small increase of volume around slap to cause that involuntary twitch before slap :)

[diglet]

V2 has the same hardware as V1 but with a nice PCB, it is easier to build V1 so you don't have to go through the PCB ordering process. The V2 board was designed by F12345U, which also put significant effort in development for V3.

We are actively working on new hardware, which will probably be dubbed V4. Public release of the hardware is approximately 2 months out. (Might be longer if we run into major issues).

The build tools and control software are compatible with windows/linux/mac. I only provide binaries for windows. There are many users running Restim on mac, but a minority of users have trouble getting the software to work. You might want to try to run restim on your mac before ordering (instructions on github: https://github.com/diglet48/restim), I think it's pretty simple...

I know mouser has high shipping costs, but the only component you absolutely need to order from mouser are the transformers and the board. All the other components can be found at local shops with much lower shipping costs, if you need extras.


I shop my electrodes at joanne's e-stim webshop, located in UK. I recommend getting a few loops and pads to start with. The rubber lasts quite a while, even the stuff from cheap sources. Don't cheap out on insertable electrodes, only a small number of metals are safe and it's not worth rolling the dice on dodgy imports. Personally I prefer the sensations and easy cleanup of external rubber electrodes, but there are many others that use insertables.

You can fit the components in a "project box", but will have to use double-sided tape or hot glue to mount the board as it lacks mounting holes.

Check your bin of unused power supplies for a 12V, 1A (or higher) model with a barrel jack and double-square symbol (that's a safety rating). I'm sure mouser sells them, but they are also quite easy to find locally.

The board with pins and numbers is called a solderless breadboard. I don't recommend it due to reliability issues. The recommended assembly method is to purchase a normal protoboard (Adafruit 2670 is plenty large) and solder all the components on it. It looks a bit daunting, but if you actually have the components in your hand it's quite obvious how they should be connected

Don't forget to shop some cables.