Getting started

Introduction

The SimHub Motion Addon is an addon that takes advantage of the wide range of simulators supported by SimHub. A dedicated license is required to use the addon in addition to SimHub licence.

For evaluation purposes, limited-time sessions are available so you can test it and judge for yourself.

Enabling the addon

The SimHub motion addon can be enabled in a few simple steps

Download and install the latest Simhub from https://www.simhubdash.com/download-2/

Once SimHub is installed and running go into "Add / Remove features" in the left menu

Enable the motion addon

The motion Add-on is now enabled, you can find it in the left menu !

Addon licence activation

If you already own a SimHub and an Addon licence you can follow the instructions here to activate it

Geometry and controller(s) choice

It's now time to configure your platform.

Go into the motion addon

Click on Configure your platform

The configuration assistant will now start

Choose your platform geometry

The platform is described as a primary geometry and "accessories." At this stage, even if your setup uses multiple controllers or devices, just select all the options you own (e.g., 3DOFs + traction loss + belt tensioner) and click OK.

A few examples:

An Eracing Lab RSMEGA+ is a 3DOFs 4-corner platform.
A DOF Reality H3 platform is a 2DOFs left/right setup with a dedicated rear traction loss axis.

To maintain correct geometry, only a single primary geometry (3DOFs/2DOFs) is supported. Stacked setups, such as a seat mover on top of a 3DOFs platform, are not supported.

Choose your primary controller

A list of standard controllers will be displayed. Pick the one you need. If you require multiple controllers, select the first one you need and validate (you can add more controllers later).

Some additional controller presets are available separately for warranty or licensing reasons. You can download them from https://github.com/SHWotever/SimHubMotionPresets.

If you own any discontinued Thanos controllers (MDBOX, Nano, etc.), please use the Thanos AMC Open Hardware Controller.
Dof Reality M2/H2/H3/P2/P3 are using a standard SMC3 controller.

Congratulations ! You have now "created" your motion platform. It's time to give it the informations it needs !

Setup Essentials

It's now time to complete the last essential steps before getting your platform running.

Controller configuration

The following instructions may vary slightly depending on the specific controller used and its features. The steps must be repeated for each controller.

If needed add more controllers

If your setup requires multiple controllers, you can add them now using the "Add new controller" button.

Select the serial port for your controller

Most controllers use a serial port for communication.

If you're unsure which port to use, simply unplug and plug back your controller's USB cable to see which port appears and disappears.

Assign all the axis

Click on "Edit Axis Assignment" and assign each output of your controller to the corresponding axis and direction (reverse if necessary).

If you're unsure about the direction of an axis, you can test it in the next step.

Test your axis by clicking on test all platform axis

It's extremely important to verify the directions of all the axes on this screen.

During testing, they must move in the direction specified in the legend. SimHub assumes you configure them correctly. If any directions are incorrect, close and adjust the reverse direction in the previous screen, then try again.

Pay special attention to the directions of the TRACTION LOSS, SURGE, and 2DOFs Left and Right axes (e.g., seat movers).

Geometry configuration

It's now time to specify your platform and actuators dimensions. This step ensures two main objectives:

Accurate reproduction of real angles and distances.
Avoidance of frame over-constraints: incorrect geometry and dimensions can "twist" your simulator, which we want to avoid!

Actuators and frame dimensions

For all parts of your motion platform, ensure the dimensions and actuator stroke are set accurately.

All dimensions are expressed in millimeters !

The belt is a special axis that only works in percentages, so no dimensions are required. A specific calibration assistant is provided.

Your first moves

Enable motion

You can now activate your motion platform by clicking "Enable Motion".

At this point, nothing will move. SimHub will only connect to the controller and check the configuration integrity.

Manual testing

You can now open the manual control panel and test all your orientations,Pitch, roll, belt, heave ...

If any axis moves in the wrong direction, please revisit Assign all the axis

Success !

You can now, close all the dialogs

Before your first game launch

Reduce the gain at first

Before taking your first "ride", it's highly recommended to reduce the gain to 40~50%. The motion will be intentionally dampened, but it's easier to handle weak motion than motion that's too strong.