1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules

Question 2DOF Sim Tools data not getting to Arduino. Can anyone help?

Discussion in 'SimTools DIY Version' started by Jamin01, Nov 12, 2017.

  1. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Hi,

    My son and I are building a 2DOF sim using the arduino and moto monster board and SMC3 sketch.

    Working through a number of issues we have finally got it to a stage where the SMC3 utilities program run the motors individually, however the Sim Tools won't operate the motors.

    The game iRacing is patched to Sim Tools 2. Using the virtual axis we can see the data coming from the game into Sim Tools. The output testing doesn't do anything either.

    I know it is going to be something really easy... as I keep getting told Sim Tools is easy so it can't be that ;), but we are struggling to find a solution. I have posted some screen shots of settings, the SMC3 utilities data etc, etc.

    I will install the entire project onto my own computer next weekend and see if that does anything, but if anyone has some advice it would be appreciated. Below is an excerpt from another post but I am not sure if it was public. It has more info.

    I am beginning to think maybe there is a firewall setting, or com port setting that is getting in the way. I have look at as much as I understand but to no avail
    Axis Default.PNG Axis iRacing.PNG Game running.PNG Interface1.PNG output test.PNG SMC3 Utility Motor1.PNG SMC3 Utility Motor2.PNG

    *****************************************************************************************

    Hi again,

    We have managed to find some time to get some headway on the project. As above and thanks to James Robbie, I relieved the motors of their earths, learnt more about the SMC3 utility and now I am able to work the motors independently using the utility.

    Moving to Sim Tools, the iRacing patch has been installed and I have used many options for the "Interface Output" settings. Looking at the virtual axis area I can see the motion signals (the sliders) moving when playing the game, however still no action at the motors. When playing the game the Game Engine says Game on and the button is blue and the Manager says game running and also blue.

    As a refresher:
    2DOF (wiper motors)
    SMC3 Arduino setup (Arduino + 1x H Bridge motor driver(moto Monster), powering the two wiper motors)
    Sim Tools 2
    COM Port 3 connected to Arduino
    Win 10
    Clubsport V2 Pedals
    Fanatic Porsche GT3 wheel

    We'll still battle away, as there is some weekend left, but once again any help would be appreciated.

    Cheers
    Richard
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    You say it is a 2DOF but in the Interface Settings you have defined 3DOF.

    You need to set up a full Default profile and test that the sim moves correctly in Output Testing, this is what SimTools expects: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/which-way-to-set-simtool-axis-movements.230/

    Here are the full steps to creating and refining a motion profile: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/steps-to-create-a-motion-profile.228/

    You do need to capture the base values in the Tuning Center, which is one of the steps in creating a motion profile, as the current Tuning Center values you have for iRacing are way too high: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/set-base-tuning-motion-values-in-the-tuning-center.122/

    Are you running a firewall and if so what is it?
  3. yobuddy

    yobuddy Well-Known Member Staff Member Moderator SimAxe Beta Tester SimTools Developer Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2007
    Messages:
    5,133
    Occupation:
    Computer Technician
    Location:
    Portland, Oregon - USA
    Balance:
    47,913Coins
    Ratings:
    +5,027 / 16 / -0
    Maybe try: "[A<Axis1a>][B<Axis2a>]" for Interface output.
    I'm sure we will find what is keeping it from communicating.
    yobuddy
  4. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2013
    Messages:
    3,013
    Location:
    Switzerland
    Balance:
    30,409Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,088 / 31 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    Did you check Axis limiting?
    • Like Like x 1
  5. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Thanks gents for all the info. I am back from a week away so will get stuck in again in the morning.

    I'll supply an update asap.

    Cheers
    Richard
  6. Zed

    Zed VR Simming w/Reverb Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2017
    Messages:
    1,044
    Location:
    USA
    Balance:
    5,828Coins
    Ratings:
    +1,042 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK
    You mention using Arduino so I’m curious about that 500000 bits per second data rate.

    Arduinos have an application to compile and download code. Does that work and what are the comm port settings in that? If you can successfully talk to Arduino with the utility, I’d use the same settings in SimTools until you get motion working.

    But I’m not familiar with the SM3 utility so maybe this is good. Good luck!
  7. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2013
    Messages:
    3,013
    Location:
    Switzerland
    Balance:
    30,409Coins
    Ratings:
    +3,088 / 31 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    DC motor, Arduino, 6DOF
    500000 bits per second data rate in SimTools is correct. It's different from baudrate
    http://www.electronicdesign.com/communications/what-s-difference-between-bit-rate-and-baud-rate
    • Informative Informative x 1
  8. Zed

    Zed VR Simming w/Reverb Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2017
    Messages:
    1,044
    Location:
    USA
    Balance:
    5,828Coins
    Ratings:
    +1,042 / 4 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, JRK
    • Like Like x 1
  9. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Okay. I have tried setting up the one profile using surge only, changed the interface output to reflect 2DOF (I thought the program being designed for 3 I may have needed that reference...trying anything at this stage). Tried doing an autocapture, all to no avail.

    One thing I would have thought would happen, is that, when everything is switched on, and if the game was talking to the Arduino, I would get some sort of repositioning of the motors, even if it was all out of kilter. But this has never happened. Just "crickets"... not even a duty cycle noise, which happens when using the SMC3 Utility.

    @noorbeast , when you say the Tuning Centre settings are too high, the photo is showing "Output Testing" values which were the original settings. When I select iRacing they are quite low, as per pic. If I select iRacing, and then try to do an output test, the tuning centre reverts to the "Output Testing" profile. Is this normal, because I am not sure how I can select iRacing to do output testing, or am I not understanding this correctly?

    The firewall being used is the default for Windows 10. I think I have allowed as much as I can. I might try turning it off completely... just for S41Ts and giggles. I have attached a pic as well, showing SimTools settings

    iRacing Tune.PNG Firewall.PNG
  10. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    • Agree Agree x 1
  11. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    I had set the default as instructed in your instructions, starting with surge, and nothing else. Pic attached. Nothing happens in output testing.

    I am understanding more and more thanks to your assistance. Apologies if I am frustrating you. I am sure it's something stupid.

    Axis Surge.PNG
  12. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Just checking, can you please confirm that you are not running the SMC3 utility and SimTools at the same time.
  13. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    I have made sure of that. SMC3 utility is never running at the same time.
  14. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Great, then please kill the firewall and any anti virus software and try Output Testing.
  15. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Sorry, I should have mentioned that earlier. I have turned off the firewall. No change
  16. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Some SUCCESS!! After a break, disconnecting the USB feed to the Arduino, reconnecting it, opening up Sim Tools, I held my breath and nearly jumped out of my seat when the sim moved sliding the Surge slider in Output Testing.

    Only the left motor worked though. Shouldn't both be operating?

    I am a little confused with the (a) and (b) axis because the interface output line reads [A<Axis1a>][B<Axis2a>]. I haven't done anything with the (b) Axis assignments. I will set that to the surge figures I have for (a) and see what happens

    But I am excited we have progress!!
    • Winner Winner x 2
    • Like Like x 1
  17. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Nice work, you are on your way :thumbs

    You don't need b allocations in your interface settings.

    Swap out your USB cables and change the USB port and see if that makes a difference to the other motor.
    • Agree Agree x 1
  18. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Haha... that didn't last long. I set up the b allocations and now nothing works again.

    Trying another USB cable, with some finessing of the box I have the Arduino in. *insert "fingers crossed" emoji here :D
  19. Jamin01

    Jamin01 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Location:
    Australia
    Balance:
    282Coins
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino
    Changed the USB port... but then I got SMC3 utility up and running again and gave both motors at the same time a good work out and they responded very well.

    Its a mission to change over the cable, as it's sort of built into the case, but I am not convinced that if it works well on the utility program that it is a cable with the issue. Thoughts?
  20. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,463
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,614Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    As I said in the previous post you do not need the b allocations, just a.

    It may not be a cable but you need to systematically exclude any possibility of something interfering with the communication between the Arduino and SimTools.