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sim driving While real life track time is more exciting, sims rule for cost effectiveness. background Some drivers quickly turn competitive times in cars and on circuits new to them. Even less like me, some folks seemingly launch new apps and comfortably master controls with minimal instruction and tweaking. What follows is less for them than tweakers and incrementalists.. your mileage may vary
Niels Heusinkveld, sim pedal company owner, |
The AccuForce Controller
has a Analog Input (with Molex 0901420008 connector) ...which should address G29 brake pedal nonlinearity... my pinout is 1. orange throttle to DB9-2 3. yellow brake to DB9-3 5. green clutch to DB9-4 7. blue +5V to DB9-6 8. violet Gnd to DB9-1 Connector pin spacing is 0.1", instead of Molex 0901420008, I used Dupont breadboard jumpers with a DB-9 female adapter plate: |
 
|
Ricmotech's Mini-mite
is an AccuForce clone.
on RaceDepartment
shifters
Thrustmaster TH8A shifter mods
$15 fixes
- Problems
- Compared to real cars, *LOTS* of missed shifts with a stock TH8A.
Although sturdy, TH8A throws are too long and resistance is too low.- On track in a real BMW, a lighter knob improves shift feedback.
- Simply shortening shift levers can unacceptably increase effort in some real cars,
but works very well here.
- Project
- Probably available for less elsewhere, a pair of 2 inch cork balls from Amazon
The TH8A has an M9x1.25 thread for shift knobs.
$20 buys a fairly complete tap and die set or $6.30 gets just a needed 10mm x 1.25 hex die
[click for lever shortening details]- Unscrew the knob; fit a wrench on its flats to remove (and eventually replace) the lever
- Screw an M10x1.25 die over existing threads, clamp shaft flats in a vice and cut another couple of inches of threads
- Cut an inch or so off the shaft
- Grind a half inch or so of new flats on shortened shaft end
< img width=640 src=image/flats.jpg>
- Using a 5/16 bit, drill about 1.5 inches into 2 inch cork ball and thread it onto the shortened shaft
- I may eventually shorten the shaft another 1/2 inch or so, but shifting is much improved
- Unscrew the knob; fit a wrench on its flats to remove (and eventually replace) the lever
shifts were still occasionally missed, e.g. reverse, 6 vs 4, or 7 vs 5.
A custom 5-speed H-pattern shift plate was hacked from 6mm delrin:
Thrustmaster's 8-speed H-pattern plate was used as a pattern to drill 3/8" holes
at 5-speed and reverse shift locations,
appropriately connected using a scroll saw.
Delrin yields appreciably smoothed shifts,
and tweaked connecting slots eliminated missed shifts.
DCD WRC Shifter
Ordered Sep 16; delivered Oct 2.Windows 10 recognized and set it up.
SimHub Controls and events Controller status
lists it as DCD_WRC_Shifter
and reports its inputs as B00 and B01
Lost motion is noted when slowly releasing pull,
which occurs neither for push nor rapid releases.
Included were a stack of spacers, screwed together,
2 shifter paddles and a nice braided micro USB cable.
All screws thread thru polymer to metal nuts, which are mostly recessed and captured in polymer,
except for 4 nuts that fasten wheel base flange to shifter body,
which protrude:
That was sorted for my AccuForce
mounted thru 40-8020 T-slotted aluminum profile,
by rubber gasket material already ordered.
Another spacing issue: between shifter body and clone Q1R lever:
... addressed by bending the lever's tip inward a few mm.
- DCD WRC paddles flex; particularly the larger of 2
- shifter body wobbled in the wheel base flange; shimmed.
- the micro-USB socket broke off its controller board;
held on by only solder and hot glue;
... before breaking off, the micro-USB cable connector
stuck straight up, unsupported.
That board could be shifted lower on its 3-D printed housing,
leaving room for a "well" to support the USB cable connector.
- newer DCD paddle shifters
use USB C
and a bolt to better anchor the shifter module,
but USB-C implementation still appears vulnerable:
- Rather than repair that board,
which consumes a USB port for only 2 switches,
add switch support to Arduino Blue Pill
PWM_FullConfiguration sketch and Fake8 SimHub plugin,
converting debounced switch changes
from Arduino Blue Pill USB COM port
to corresponding SimHub property values,
then to vJoy virtual switches.
SimHub MIDI plugin
tactile feedback haptic transducers AKA exciters or shakers
- "super pucks" Low Frequency Bass Speaker Transducer 3.75"
- SRS ShakeSeat padding
- 4 years later: ShakeSeat cushion -> PuckSeat modifications
for ShakeSeat:SimHub ShakeIt Bass Shakers
(confusingly, one less K than SRS product) is/was free software,
since integrated into SimHub, and somewhat comparable to SRS' licensed app.
Without "Bass Shakers", "ShakeIt" is about rumble motors.
Based on game telemetry, SimHub ShakeIt Bass Shakers generates audio signals
which are amplified to power haptic pucks, exciters and shakers.
A SimHub license enables more support..
SimHub ShakeIt used to be distributed and supported from RaceDepartment, but no more..
Downloaded SimHub from http://www.simhubdash.com/ and installed per 2Old4Forza's video.
ShakeIt GitHub: https://github.com/SHWotever/SimHub
Support is most active on discord... Invitation
SimHubWPF.exeis neither Steam nor Assetto Corsa app;
it needs launching separately and optionally starts with Windows..
It can be (and has been) configured to launch Content Manager instead of Assetto Corsa
Installed on Aurora @E:\my\SimHub
PayPal'ed license was received promptly and also stored there.
ShakeIt Bass Shakers Output selection required Custom channel map,
moving all [ON] settings from channels 3,4 to 5,6 respectively.
Cannot show all settings at once; cannot drag box height
There are 2 "Advanced output settings", which at least need some context..
Looking at Effects Profile, first selecting a game seems appropriate,
since some say "not supported on the current game",
but effects ideally should be configured forAny Game.
Assetto Corsa configured automatically;
"Game config" seemingly has nothing to do with ShakeIt effect settings..
... except that SimHub remembers what profile was last used for each game
and will switch to that last-used profile when reselecting a game.
New profile starts empty; can only add one at a time; cannot tell if supported until after adding
"Add group" is another minor mystery; here is an example.
Existing effects can be dragged into a group,
which can be a convenience for copying effects from one profile to others.
SimHub appears to save settings automagically..
Tactile Immersion - General Discussion - Hardware & Software
Every effect has various controls to manipulate the output: amplitude, frequency, etc.
Both amplitude and frequency can be changed based on the incoming telemetry.
Sadly, amplitude cannot be changed independently of frequency, e.g. wheel load vs slip.
This motivates a SimHub MIDI plugin to send MIDI based on
e.g. wheel load to change amplitude of SimHub-generated wheel slip haptic effect.
Effects can be configured as mono, divided front-rear, left-right, or 4-corners.
- ShakeIt's wheelslip effects were updated
- ShakeIt 2-4Hz effect to simulate lateral Gs
- Some tuning hints
- HOLY
Shamolee - The Long Requested / Buttkicker Gamer 2 / Simhub Tactile Effects Thread
- ShakeIt V3 Wiki
- license:
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: SimHub
- isolation:
When tactile transducers are NOT directly stimulating a sim racer,
then energy is unavoidably wasted on whatever that transducer is attached.
So much as possible, such mass should be minimized.
That typically involves isolating shaken masses from others,
ideally using underdamped springs, which may be simple elastomer bushings
or more elaborate spring and damper assemblies, e.g.:
... but in instances where isolated mass (e.g. seat) must also resist forces in some direction,
then e.g. suspension arms are wanted to resist those forces while isolating tactile energy in other directions.
G-force modulated 4 corner tire slip
Background and disclaimers
My sim driving experience is with an office chair, wheel stand and mostly Assetto Corsa.
I have no experience with the full SRS ShakeKit, which may offer a superior experience.
Without a harness to keep one's back contacting them,
back transducers in ShakeKit Plus seem of debatable benefit.
Already using SimHub with available motherboard 7.1 sound
and obsolete Denon surround receiver,
a ShakeSeat pad was ordered because:
* Sim Racing Garage review
* Dayton TT25-16 pucks were, at the time, in short supply elsewhere
An equivalent can be made using Dayton pucks with e.g.
40cm square zippered cushion covers and EVA foam floor tiles
Standard SimHub ShakeIt tire slip does not consider tire loading.
For example, an inside tire may be fully unloaded during cornering,
so very high slippage, but no perceived sensation in actual driving.
This attempts to approximate track sensations from street tires,
when securely harnessed in a fitted racing seat.
Usefulness of such haptic feedback may vary widely among users
* e.g. Niels Heusinkveld indicated that seat feel is overrated
.. and he cued more visually off horizon movement.
IMO, this feedback is less compelling than that from 2DOF harness tensioners,
but reduces a sense of "something missing".
Unambiguously directional haptic cues seemingly involve substantially direct stimulation of
body parts, e.g. left and right thighs, lumbars and/or sit bones.
Sensations to be simulated here:
squeal for small slippage, transitioning to moaning with more slippage,
then shuddering near breakaway,
with much less feeling from lightly loaded tires (rear when braking, inside when cornering).
Implementation embellishes SimHub Wheels slip effect using Custom Effects
1. latitudinal and longitudinal acceleration properties
2. loaded tire slips, products of tire slip properties times accelerations
Recent SimHub versions provide Acceleration properties
that had been estimated from changes in speed and yaw samples to proxy G force.
Earlier SimHub versions sampled speed and yaw slower than Assetto Corsa sample updates,
resulting in some changes 2x others, which code here detects and mitigates.
Left channel Lateral G-force proxy:
Longitudinal acceleration (right channel) is similar, substituting speed for yaw// lateral acceleration proxy var y = $prop('OrientationYaw'); const tc = 3; // IIR smoothing factor const noise = 0.01 // non-linear filter threshold // initialize IIR filter history if(null==root["yaw"]) { root["yaw"] = $prop('OrientationYaw'); root["delta_y"] = 0.2; } if (null==root["Gyb4"]) root["Gyb4"] = 0.5; var dy = y - root["yaw"]; // change between sample intervals // yaw flips at +/- 180 if (Math.abs(dy) > 180) { // yaw went +/- 180 if (Math.abs(root["yaw"]) > 150) dy = -(y + root["yaw"]); } root["yaw"] = y; y = root["delta_y"]; // previous sample change // mitigate delta spikes from missed samples var my = 1; // sample interval if ((Math.abs(dy * y) > noise) // missed sample? && (Math.abs(dy) > Math.abs(1.8 * y))) dy /= (my = 2); root["delta_y"] = dy; // IIR low-pass filter var Gyb4 = root["Gyb4"]; // IIR output Gyb4 += my * (dy - Gyb4) / tc; // low-pass IIR root["Gyb4"] = Gyb4; return 50 + (50 * Gyb4); // range 0-100 // 50 corresponds to no G force
Loaded tire slip corner effects use products of tire slips and G force proxies:
These two CUSTOM EFFECTS could be combined,return .01*$prop('GameRawData.Physics.WheelSlip01') *($prop('ShakeITBSV3Plugin.Export.proxy_G.Left'))*(90-$prop('ShakeITBSV3Plugin.Export.proxy_G.Right')) // since this multiplies two properties with 0-100 ranges, // results must be reduced by 100 to return the same range // left vs right G-force distributions are applied to wheel slips // by (proxy_G.Left) and (100-proxy_G.Left), // while front-to-rear G-force distributions are by // ( proxy_G.Right-10) vs (90- proxy_G.Right) // to reflect that, while inner wheels may become fully unloaded in corners, // track cars are expected to fully unload neither nor rear wheels
except that G-force proxy properties are also used by
a Custom serial device for 2DOF harness tensioning.
The complete SimHub profile is available here along with a revised version
After awhile, SimHub can accumulate too many profiles; here are mine.SimXperience SimVibe
A pioneer in converting sim telemetry to bass shaker audio,
that is now also available from (free) SimHub as well as SRS' ShakeKit.
SimXperience has since integrated SimVibe with Sim Commander 4,
which also drives their AccuForce direct drive steering wheel (acquired).
SimXperience warns that multiple identical sound adapters can be problematic.
Both Aurora motherboard and Samsung Odyssey+ sound identify as Realtek:
Intel and NVIDIA audio are presumably about HDMI. Despite nomenclature,
Windows 10 Sound Blaster X-Fi support appears to be only stereo.
Realtek motherboard audio is enabled only after plugging into 1/8 phone jacks.
Realtek USB2.0 device disappears when Odyssey+ HMD sleeps,
reportedly confusing SimVibe/Sim Commander 4 (SC4),
which evidently keys off sequence in list of available devices.
Since Assetto Corsa already loses access to G29 and TH8A
unless launched after Steam and Content Manager,
inserting SC4 launch may also be problematic.
"You have to select the audio-source in SC4 while the Odyssey is running."
Then launch SC4 after SteamVR and activate the profile last, so don't launch games with SC4.
I would prefer a fix, but once you got used to it, it's not a game-breaker,
because in window-mode you can launch SC4 while the game is loading.
If the headset falls to sleep mode, the output in SC4 is dead and you need to re-launch it the next time.
The first bullet for Sim Commander 4: "Simple To Use"
https://simxperience.com/en-us/products/software/simcommander4.aspx
* if true, users would notice without it being pointed out.
* as is nearly always the case, emphatically untrue,
if "use" means anything other than launching a default
or something useful [but painfully] configured and debugged..
* Consider it a fair warning that, on the same page, Tutorials require Flash.
- first (for installation) should be skipped - applied to SC3 and is flat misleading
- second may be still somewhat relevant, but requires much homework to correctly fill blanks
- last SimVibe could be valuable, if still accurate
At least on my Windows 10 64-bit Home PC,
pop-up windows essential to Sim Commander 4 installation were hidden beneath
the main setup window, resulting in no progress until raised from the taskbar.
Sim Commander license code displayed online was truncated;
fortunately, gif was fully visible after download (to USB1TB/Sim).
After initial setup, Sim Commander splash window plays obnoxious drum solo,
which can be stifled by clearing Background Music in Control Center.
Rerunning Auto Search found Assetto Corsa, but not games inE:\my\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common
.. which were added manually, but still do not show up on SC4 splash screen.
REALLY need to find getting started documentation!!
Configuring SC2 launch by Content Manager was doomed;
no Output Mixer and seemingly no ShakeSeat output.
This was cured by adding a fresh Sim Commander profile
(using big + at bottom of main screen) and selecting Assetto Corsa,
then duplicating and changing game to Content Manager.
After that, even the original Content Manager profile has an Output Mixer...
SimVibe Tuning guide https://simxperience.com/Portals/0/Files/SimVibe/SimVibe%20Tuning%20Guide.pdf
SimVibe chassis appears to support neither traction loss nor ABS,
but has estimated wheel lockup (mono), oversteer and "custom simvibe effect"
Good news: switching from single screen to openvr in Content Manager
launched from SC4 did not lose SimVib, but did lose remapped mouse buttons
until logging out and back in, then launching CM from steam,
THEN launching (really, just attaching) CM/AC from SC4,
at which point SimVib and mouse buttons both worked.
Somehow overnight, SC4 loses all profilesexcept Forza 7 and AC from scratch..?
SC4 still launches a useless black abomination that is presumably its so-called Dashboard
After fiddling with Sim Commander 4 SimVibe- it is more about simulating road feel than haptics feedback to help drive
- documentation sucks and effect names are unhelpful SimHub ShakeIt Bass Shakers is a better choice for me..
VR HMD
Samsung HMD Odyssey+
Miserably documented and barely supported (sold only in the U.S.)wants to install HMD Odyssey Home on C:
.. but not enough space
Plugging in launched Mixed Reality Portal,
which reported that HMD was sleeping, but [wake] button would not..
Eventually, things started happening.
I have no idea how anyone is supposed to navigate WMR portal outhouse.
Going into Windows 10 Start menu revealed both
Samsung HMD Odyssey Setup
Samsung HMD Odyssey+ Setup3D Viewer was installed
360 Viewer was installed
I uninstalled 'Samsung HMD Odyssey Setup'...
Launching 'Samsung HMD Odyssey+ Setup',
it prompted to install firmware version 1.0.2;
having read of problems,
I first killed Mixed Reality Portal, then update succeeded.
One screen 'Get to know your controller' provided names for 6 controls,
but not how or when to use them.
Touchpad, Menu, Grab << wtf
Trigger - Select << what??
Thumbstick - Teleport, rotate << how ??
Windows button - Go to Start << what 'Start', to start what?
Without HMD, used mouse to launch SteamVR,
which has its own useless and pointless outhouse.
that offers 'help', but really doesn't.
Launched Assetto Corsa, but it was not in VR.
Amazon Odyssey+ page has both installation and user PDFs,
but installation PDF is mostly wrong, and
12/2017 user PDF is older than 07/2018 manual at Samsung site.
Odyssey "Optimize for performance" Experience Option in Update 2004
HP Reverb G1
While Odysseey+ is better for dark details, HP's Reverb has usefully higher resolutionand seemingly higher contrast, at least for daytime driving in Assetto Corsa.
Issues with earlier headsets were addressed in serial numbers xxx931xxxx or higher,
which indicates week 31 of 2019. XXX005XXXX is week 5 of 2020.
As should be expected with M$ software,
Windows Mixed Reality incorporates idiosynchrocies indistinguishable from bugs.
Combined with Nvidia graphics drivers, unambiguously buggy behaviors can occur:
These were eventually addressed for GTX 1080Ti by reverting to Nvidia 456.55 driver.
Nvidia graphics driver crashes
Many recommend removing all traces of Nvidia driver installation, using DDUwheel base (AccuForce DIY model no longer available)
Sim driving by VR HMD without video passthru means not seeing physical controls,unless video capture of controls is reinserted in 3D view,
without which controls on steering wheel are IMO useless, simplifying direct drive options.
AccuForce has a good reputation, with $599 DIY details here
and Assetto Corsa force feedback tuning here,
where consensus seems to be programming Device (Accuforce controller) settings,
then NOT running Sim Commander, just tuning in AC:
Secrets of the SimXperience AccuForce Pro
Accuforce Hybrid Stepper Motor:
DIY non-standard 14mm shaft (shared with Lenze MCS 09)
Similarly priced Simagic M10 also used hybrid stepper motor
with better signal connection design, but is no longer available from authorized U.S. source,
having been replaced by also compact Alpha Mini.
70mm steering wheel adapter @ $27 from Ascher Racing is no longer available.
Installation:
14mm diameter shaft extends 55.4mm from motor case,
which has 69.5mm center square spacing of mounting holes (6mm??)
AccuForce DIY motor appears to be NEMA 34:
.. for which $10 brackets are available:
With DIY model no longer available, consider instead Your Way,
which includes a 14mm-to-70mm PCD hub, then remove its bulky case.
Doomed first attempted 14mm wheel adapter
|
14mm flange and 70mm hub adapter from Amazon for less than $25, along with a low cost MASO quick release, which nicely fits 320mm steering wheel: Improvised an undersize blue set screw, drilled hub adapter for 14mm flange and assembled:  Enlarged 6 MASO holes for 70mm hub screws. |  |
MASO quick releases seemed OK;
Sim Racing Garage liked one adapted for Thrustmaster:
.. but elastomer buttons compress,
allowing rattles if wheels are left attached.
wheels
Logitech G29
Refurbished Logitech G29 arrived April 2018seemingly unblemished with original contents and dividers in unoriginal plain brown box.
Single sheet of instructions (one side) of inaccurate diagrams
and URL: www.logitech.com/support/g29
.. wildly contrasts to TH8A book (8 pages x 18 languages).
Actual URL:
http://support.logitech.com/en_us/product/g29-driving-force
Downloaded & Installed seemingly generic gaming software,
which launched and added itself to Taskbar notifications after reboot.
Launching it was completely uninformative and confusing until after plugging in G29;
before that it seemed to assume there was some backlit keyboard...
Firmware 89.0.25 is up to date.
Set Assetto Corsa profile to be default but not persistent (application can change).
NOT in instructions:
"You must select your gaming platform before you connect
the G29 racing wheel to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, or PC.
PC: Set the mode switch to PS4.
NOTE: You must install Logitech Gaming Software (LGS) 8.70 or later
on the PC for full functionality. Once you've installed LGS,
all buttons and accessories will function in the games that support them."
- Logitech's Gaming Software (LGS) nowhere admits its version,
but filename includes it:LGS_8.98.234X64_Logitech.exe
- Undocumented icon for Overwolf, which evidently
defies explanation
- LGS documentation
avoids device-specific information;
ends up being mostly useless..
Bottom line:
Settings icon has Profile tab (which I set to default Assetto Corsa),
G29 tab (which I allowed Game to adjust force settings),
Must double-click relevant control in Profile tab
Create/edit/delete G29 profiles
Someone consolidated Logitech LGS & G29 info in one PDF
Video: Assetto Corsa G29 steering configuration
Advanced: Gain 100, Filter 0, min Force 20, Kerb 12, Road 35,
Slip 13, Gamma 1.00 Filter 0.00 Speed Sens 0.00, Brake Gamma 2.40
Enhanced Understeer & Combine checked; Half FFB unchecked.
*** G29 completely not detected by Assetto Corsa
Run
joy.cplGame Controllers Advanced - Select the device you want to use with older programs
G29 dominates; TH8 works when G29 is unplugged
Typically get to
joy.cpl on Windows 10 by old Control Panel(Not Windows Settings) > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers
TH8 is under Multimedia Devices > right-clock icon and
select Game Controller Settings > Properties to test input
When G29 USB is connected without running Logitech Gaming Software (LGS),
G29 is under Unspecified in Windows Devices control panel
- Logitech Gaming Software (LGS) G29 button mapping
- LGS includes a G29 AC button profile
- G29 wheel LUTs
- Alternatively,
RasmusP's LUT Guide for G27/29
refers to Logitech Profiler,
which seemingly is replaced byLGS,
which seems worthwhile for G29 mainly to set rotation degrees and 'sensitivity'.
Not sure what is meant by sensitivity, except nominal clutch engagement point.
for which a shortcut was added toDesktop\more\Sim\ - Mauro Ciacchi Logitech G29 force feedback settings tutorial for Assetto Corsa and Content Manager
Updated May 2020 (no cc) 3:53 - Checking buttons, pedals and wheels wants
joy.cpl,
for which a shortcut was added toDesktop\more\Sim\
- Map G29 buttons to AC keystrokes: antimicro
"you can unlock the D pad and assign any other action
with Content Manager/Install Custom Shaders Patch
... then check 'Stop AC from using POV in Pit App'
under Custom Shaders Patch/General Settings..."
You will thereafter need to assign the look left/right etc under the controls section...
AC "Start Configuration Wizard" greyed out:
"Problem solved. In Steam Big Picture controller settings, generic controller support was checked. "
After installing figure 8 track mod and switching E30M3 to it, lost TH8A manual shifting..?
Automatic shift is hidden in Content Manager under "Tire Blanker" on "Drive" page
Thanks to Phil Mabole for that tip.
Two G29 wheel issues:
1) small diameter
- probably reasonable for single seater racers...
- $25 320mm eBay wheel rotational inertia would likely overwhelm its motors
2) weird feedback, occasional cogging, arbitrary excessive resistance,
goes 'molasses' and unresponsive when cornering limits exceeded.
wheelstand
Clamping G29 wheel to computer cart compromises computing;pivoting desk chair to wheel stand makes more sense.
Harbor Freight clamping work bench:
...can be repurposed as a wheel stand.
Ratchet strap secures desk chair to improvised wheel stand.
5/4 yellow pine scraps salvaged from beach house rennovation clamped to work bench legs
mount G29 wheelbase and TH8A shifter;
fan and Odyssey+ HMD perch on top:
Repurposed Adcom ACE-515 distributes power to sim equipment,
including amplifiers for ShakeSeat cushion controlled by SimHub.
TH8A shifter plate is rotated slightly ccw to reduce missed shifts.
Windows 10/11 sound
My Aurora R7 has 7.1 channel audio available on the motherboard.To configure discrete surround channels:
Press Windows key + R to open a Run window and type
mmsys.cplRealtek Speakers / Headphone must be set to 7.1 or 5.1,
NOT Quadraphonic, which matrixes from stereo.
Denon POA-8300 failed to drive front pucks from speakers A,
but B works.