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

No data is sent to USB converters.

Discussion in 'SimTools DIY Version' started by Hmaia, Sep 1, 2015.

  1. Hmaia

    Hmaia Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Messages:
    51
    Occupation:
    Engineer
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Balance:
    133Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN5
    Hi there.

    Today I tried to connect two SCN5's, (the third is on its way) to SimTools.
    I followed the directions stated on the quick start, uploaded the plugin for Assetto Corsa, then assigned the axis, assigned the interfaces, COM8 and COM3. Both SCN5's have ID :0. I ran the game, saw movement on the Virtual Axis. I connected and powered the SCN5'5 and with game turned of, tried to test them. No movement at all. The green lights on the converters never blinked. (They blink when the converters are connected to the powered hub). I was concerned about the converters and ran a loopback test using Hyper Terminal. Text is sent from the keyboard was displayed and the green lights in the converter blink with each keystroke.
    I checked the support forum for the game manager and game engine, without a result that could help me, I am including screen shots of the configuration, and will continue to look for solutions, but any hint or workaraund would be greatly appreciated
    Axis Assign,.PNG Axis Assign,.PNG Axis testing.PNG Capture.PNG Interface 2 assign..PNG Capture.PNGGame Manager.PNG Capture.PNGInterface 1 assign..PNG
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,465
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,626Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    @nclabs may be able to advise, as he is a SCN guru.

    I did notice your speed settings at 10000 are way higher than the SCN guide suggests as a starting point: With the Speed bar you can adjust the speed of the actuator, select a temporary value of 10.000 (value that you can increase after some testing).

    Can I just confirm that you followed the SimTools Quickstart guide and tested the actuator movements in the Output tab of SimTools, as it is not clear to me if you confirmed the actuators are communicating with SimTools or not: http://www.xsimulator.net/simtools-quickstart/
  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
    What happens when you start Game Engine?
    Do the actuators move at all?
    yobuddy
  4. Hmaia

    Hmaia Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Messages:
    51
    Occupation:
    Engineer
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Balance:
    133Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN5
    Thank you very much for the prompt reply and for the suggestion

    I changed to 10.000. No change in behavior.I did test using the Axis testing tool, no movement of the SCN5's and the green lights indicating data transfer never blinked. They do when I test the converters using Hyper Terminal. Game engine is using data from the game, as the Virtual Axis screen indicate changes in all forces and angles.
    Before I tried the Axis Testing tool I ran the game in tuning center and saved the captured MaxMin. Tomorrow I will uninstall and re-install SimTools, and follow the quick install guide carefully, and see if I overlooked any detail, specially in the Game Manager.
    I am including here the schematic for the control box. It shows only one of the SCN5's. I believe there a\are no errors, but would appreciate any comments in the accuracy.

    Attached Files:

  5. Hmaia

    Hmaia Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Messages:
    51
    Occupation:
    Engineer
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Balance:
    133Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN5
    Hello yobuddy,
    No, they do not move at all.
  6. 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
    Have you ever seen them move with any software?
    Just trying to find where to look is all.
    yobuddy
  7. Hmaia

    Hmaia Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Messages:
    51
    Occupation:
    Engineer
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Balance:
    133Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN5
    I have only tried it with SimTools. I looked for XSim 2.0, that I have seen recommended for testing, but it seems to have vanished.
  8. 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
    When you start game engine your scn5's should center you there is no need to go any further.
    It could be something with settings for the adapter I suppose.
    Could you show a screen shot of the properties of the adapter in device manager?
    Other than that, I would check your wiring, and weather ink pin (pin 8 I believe) is switch the right way in order for them to startup.
    Please try one by turning the setting all the way un for each interface, save and restart Game Engine.
    I'm sure we can get them going!
    yobuddy
  9. nclabs

    nclabs Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2012
    Messages:
    165
    Balance:
    196Coins
    Ratings:
    +146 / 0 / -0
    If the actuator doesn't move on the start or with the manual tool in simtools they are not going anywhere. So you have a not working pair of SCN5 and as yobuddy told you, it can be for several reasons. Lets start from zero (even if it seems that you aren't a noob), which kind of converters are you using? Did they came with drivers? Is the installation of the driver gone right? (Even if they respond with the tool you are using, it doesn't mean that they are set for working with simtools)
    • Like Like x 2
  10. abs

    abs Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2011
    Messages:
    331
    Occupation:
    consultant
    Location:
    Montreal
    Balance:
    784Coins
    Ratings:
    +65 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN5
    hello, i was also thinking about the drivers. did you install those drivers ?

    what about the wiring .... try to use the wiring tutorial to connect the converters instead of the one you said have no diods ...

    use devantech usb-rs485 . It works for sure and the drivers work also

    i used to have same issues (way back before) because the divers where not good enough for windows 7x64 few years ago. so use hardware that we know for sure that works.
    good luck
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2015
  11. Hmaia

    Hmaia Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Messages:
    51
    Occupation:
    Engineer
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Balance:
    133Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN5
    Capture.PNG Properties.PNG Capture.PNG USB Serial Port (COM3).PNG
    Hi nclabs,

    The converters i am using are shown in the link below.

    http://www.banggood.com/USB-To-RS48...cpc&utm_content=saul&utm_campaign=xie-US&ebay


    The driver installed, 2.12.0.0 was selected by Windows.
    The driver details are listed on the screenshot.
    I checked power on the power connector of the scn5 and I see 24V between pins 1 and 2 and 19V between pins 2 and 8 .
    . Capture.PNG Driver details.PNG
    The schematic of the control box is shown in one of the posts above, in PDF form.
    Thank you guys for all the suggestions and tips. I should receive a scn5 this week and will try again. If it works , I might have a problem with the scn5's. If not I will order the Devantechs.
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2015
  12. f1iceman

    f1iceman Why So Serious ? ( The Joker )

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2015
    Messages:
    832
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    791Coins
    Ratings:
    +390 / 2 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF, SCN5
    I had this type of thing, try the latest ftdi driver for your usb converter but i also noticed is there a 5v used for scn5 as thats what i have and was wondering if these usb interface work or not as i have to change mine.
    Thats why i ask about the 5v if its needed
  13. f1iceman

    f1iceman Why So Serious ? ( The Joker )

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2015
    Messages:
    832
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    791Coins
    Ratings:
    +390 / 2 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF, SCN5
    I asked this earlyer if you can run 3 wire not the 4 wire with 5v im really intrested if this will get working on 3 wire without the 5v as these are alot cheaper usb converters for me to buy as i need two as my vscom comi will not work with the simtools.
    If you get this working i will order some tomoz :)
  14. 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
    Please try checking the 'serial printer' option for the converter and try Game Engine again...
    let me know how it goes!
    yobuddy
  15. nclabs

    nclabs Active Member Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2012
    Messages:
    165
    Balance:
    196Coins
    Ratings:
    +146 / 0 / -0
    I'm using the Digitus RS485 converter (that have 4 wires) but I'm using only 3 of them, so I think you can!
  16. f1iceman

    f1iceman Why So Serious ? ( The Joker )

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2015
    Messages:
    832
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    791Coins
    Ratings:
    +390 / 2 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF, SCN5
    nclabs

    Brilliant !!!
    Thanks for that at least i can get some now with abit of confidence.
  17. Hmaia

    Hmaia Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Messages:
    51
    Occupation:
    Engineer
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Balance:
    133Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN5
    Hi yobuddy,

    I tried with serial printer checked, and no response, even after i downloaded and installed the latest FTDI driver (2.12.6.0 ) for the chip in the converter. . I will order three Devantech USB to 485RS today. Simtools seems to configured right. The Virtual axis tool shows two interfaces in action, sway moves left and right when in turns, and surge moves a under breaking, acceleration and gear shifts. I measured the voltage between TRx+ and TRx- on the USB converter and it show 0.6V Voltage between ground and TRx+ is 1.3V, and between TRx- and ground is 1.23V. I don't know what I should expect in terms of voltage for the converter. Anyway, to eliminate the possibility that these converters do not work with SimTools, I am ordering the Devantech converters.
    I have a schematic here. It is a downloadable file. I have traced this schematic a zillion times, and seems to be right. If you can have a peek at it, and see if is correct I would appreciate it greatly.

    Thanks again for your help, it is appreciated very much.

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Sep 3, 2015
  18. f1iceman

    f1iceman Why So Serious ? ( The Joker )

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2015
    Messages:
    832
    Location:
    UK
    Balance:
    791Coins
    Ratings:
    +390 / 2 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF, SCN5
    I would give these guys on here abit more time to see if they can solve the issue with youand help before you start spending, i did notice a 5v jumper on the usb converter and are the jumpers set right for whats needed ... ect just trying to push all avenues ;-)
    Im prob not the best to give advice atm but i would keep trying as things like this can be a very silly tiny little things.
    Im sure these guys on here love a good challenge tho :)
  19. Hmaia

    Hmaia Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Messages:
    51
    Occupation:
    Engineer
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Balance:
    133Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, SCN5
    I have ordered three Devantech USB to 485RS converters. After they arrive, together with the third SCN5, I will unninstal an re-instal SimTools, follow the Quick start guide and see what happens. It would be great if any of the experienced members here would have a look at the schematics I posted above and see if I didn't do anything wrong.
    I cannot detect anything out of the ordinary The photos show the control box. In the photo on the right, a partially wired box is shown. Black wires in the terminal strip are connected to GND (-) of the power supply and the anode of the 27V Zener and to and from the terminal strip to terminal 2 of the SCN5. The red wires in the terminal strip are connected to +24V in the power supply and to the 2.2 kOhm resistor, and through the terminal strip to terminal 1 of the SCN5. The tree short blue wires are connected to the junction of the resistor and the cathode of the Zener diode and to the bottom terminals of the contactor (which is triggered by the kill switch) The top terminals of the contactor are connected to terminal strip and to terminal 8 in the SCN5.
    y IMG_5686.JPG IMG_5684.JPG rotated.jpg
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2015
  20. 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
    @Hmaia,
    Have you tried to startup with the kill switch on and off?

    yobuddy