Complete Controller Software for Sim (Racing) Rigs

[TheBigO]

Hello all,

I have a little Xmas present for you. In the past few months I've been working on a software as an integrated solution to control every aspect of our beloved sim rigs. The basic idea is to put your button box in total control of every aspect of the simulation, including tactile and motion feedback, if available. But you can also control your ingame chat system, launch telemtry software, and so on. The possibilities are endless. But since every button box has only a restriced set of controls, I introduced a layer concept, which allow the button box to implement context-sensitive bindings of control functions to actions.

Beside that, the software can control all your favorite applications and simulation games and combine them into one seamless user experience. But take a look at the main features:

* Connect all your external controller, like Button Boxes, to one single center of control
* An unlimited number of layers of functions and actions, called modes, can be defined for your controller. Switch between modes simply by pushing a button or switch a toggle on your controller.
* Modes are defined and handled by plugins, which can be implemented on your own using an objecct oriented scripting language.
* Configurable, visual feedback for your controller actions
* Define your own Button Box visual and integrate it with the Simulator Controller using the simple plugin support. Depending on configuration, this window will popup whenever an action is triggered from your controller, even during active simulation.
* Code your own functions to be called by the controller buttons and switches using the simple, object-oriented scripting language
* Configure all additional applications to your taste, including the simulation games used for your virtual races
* Start and stop applications from your controller hardware or automatically upon configurable events
* Add splash screens and title melodies using a themes editor for a more emotional startup experience
* Full support for sophisticated application automation - for example, start your favorite voice chat software like TeamSpeak and automatically switch to your standard channel
* Several plugins are supplied out of the box:
* Support for Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione already builtin
* Fully customizable plugins supplied for total control of SimHub and SimFeedback - change your settings while racing using the dials and switches on your favorite Button Box
* Send your predefined kudos and rants to the ingame chat without touching the keyboard
* Additional support to trigger every function and action from external sources like a voice or gesture recognition software to always keep your hands on the wheel
* Builtin support for visual head tracking to control ingame viewing angle

Every aspect of the Controller software can be configured using graphical tools:

The software is free for anyone for non-commercial use. You can download the latest build at GitHub. Also take a look at the very extensive documentation, including lots of stuff for developers.

And now - have fun. Happy Xmas, a good start into the next year and stay healthy...

TheBigO

 

[TheBigO]

This release bring you the integration of Azure Cognitive Services speech recognition - no April joke. The recognition algorithm is no longer pattern-based here, but delivers the spoken text exactly. The advantage of this is that the recognition does not have to adhere to a strict grammar. This allows me to use the Sørensen-Dice coefficient (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sørensen–Dice_coefficient) to intelligently determine the best matching voice command.

What does that mean? Currently you have to formulate the command exactly according to the defined grammar. For example you have to say:

"Can you simulate the race in 10 laps?"

when Cato should predict the possible development of future positions according to your own pace and consistency and those of your opponents.

The grammar for this command looks like this:

[Simulate the {race, standings} in (Number) laps, Can you simulate the {race, standings} in (Number) laps, What will be my position in (Number) laps, What is my position in (Number) laps]

The grammar for the above command therefore has fixed variants that must be adhered to in the case of pattern-based recognition.

With the continuous text recognition and a lot of calculations according to Sørensen-Dice the following commands are now also accepted:

"Simulate the race in 10 laps." or "Calculate my position in 10 laps."

This type of voice interaction is very flexible and comparable to typical modern voice assistants such as Alexa or Cortana. However, this only works with the new cloud-based speech recognition. A positive side effect: the recognition quality is excellent, even for country-specific dialects such as Schwyzerdütsch. And since Azure provides 5 hours of audio transcription time per month for free, the service is free to use in most cases.

Another big improvement concerns the initial installation and configuration. There are now ready-made presets in "Simulator Setup" for common and some less common configuration variants.

And, last but not least, the Spotter begins warning you not before the race has been started. This is supported for all simulators.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-402
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

This week brings a so-called quality release - above all, a lot of bug fixes and many small improvements. It was just about time to sweep through and dust off. You can find the details in the release notes.

Functional extensions:

1. The Race Spotter can now provide a range of information on the current race situation (lap times, position, distances to the cars in front and behind, etc.). These were already available from the Race Strategist, so it's more of a complement to the possibilities.

2. More presets in "Simulator Setup". A big thanks to everyone who has contributed here.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-402
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Todays release is the last one in a series of fix and tweak releases, which improve quality, stabilty and performance in all areas of Simulator Controller. From next week onwards, you will again see major functionality additions like improvements for the "Setup Advisor".

But also today we have a special gift for all users of Stream Deck. Thanks to Martin Moser, a member of our community, you get a very stylish icon set with over 150 icons, which cover almost every configurable action of Simulator Controller. The icon set is also available as a preset in "Simulator Setup", so that you don't have to create the action bindings on your own.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-406
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

After some fix n tweak releases in the last few weeks, there is another exciting new functionality today. The "Setup Advisor" can now read in setup files and apply the recommendations based on the problem descriptions to this setup and write back a modified setup file. Of course, there are still a variety of ways to influence and adapt the changes.

This function is implemented for ACC for the time being, support for other simulations will follow as long as I understand their internal file format for setups.

There are also smaller innovations in all other areas, you can find the details in the release notes.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-406
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Today there are many improvements for the Spotter. The warnings for vehicles at the rear have been expanded and the Spotter tries to predict which side an attack will take place on. Furthermore, it provides tactical information for upcoming overtaking maneuvers and the periodic distance information for the positions in front of and behind your own position has also been expanded (Note: On tracks with very different speeds in the individual sectors, this calculation is still partially incorrect, but this will change soon).

Further improvements have been made to the "Setup Advisor" with more vehicles implementing special rules, and the handling of formation laps and post-race laps has been expanded in strategy development.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-412
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Measured by the length of the release notes, today's release is the most extensive in a long time. As always, you can find a complete overview in the release notes. But I would like to introduce you to one of these extensions here. In the "Race Center" it is now possible for each driver to store their personal tyre pressures for one or more reference conditions in team races, since the required cold pressures can vary greatly depending on the driving style. This means that "Race Center" is able to adjust the pressures accordingly when a pit stop is due, so that every driver can drive in their optimal window.

Another notable new feature is the ability to ask the race engineer how much fuel is left, and once again special rules for additional cars are included in the "Setup Advisor".

And a final note: I am currently building a series of video tutorials on our Discord. The first video is already online and the next one will follow next Monday. After that, another one every week...

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-414
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Today we have some improvements in the "Race Center" and also for the Spotter, which now mutes all other assistants when urgent warnings come in. A new lap time report is available in "Race Reports" and support for automated pitstops can now also be activated in practice sessions.

Since the last version, which I forgot to mention here, there are already significantly faster spotter warnings, more precise strategy simulations in various borderline cases and more temperature-related information in various reports in the "Race Center".

For the upcoming release next week, I can already announce a few additional tactical hints from the spotter, as requested by the Discord community.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-417
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Unterstütze das Projekt: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

As requested by the community, todays release brings a revised spotter with more accurate delta calculations and some new situation-specific tactical advice. In addition, the "Setup Advisor" has been expanded to include four additional vehicle-specific rules, making it almost complete now for the current GT3 lineup.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-418
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Thank God, it's Friday.

This time we have some improvements for the Assistants:

- The Spotter has learned a lot about race tactics and shares this knowledge with you, when it detects a situation where special tactics can be applied.
- I'm still working on the accuracy of the delta information in ACC. Since these are updated asynchronously by ACC (all other sims are in sync here), there are still spots where the spotter might give you wrong deltas. But I've smoothed the data with a little statistical voodoo and it's getting better.
- The Strategist will give you a detailed analysis of your performance at the end of a race session. Since this analysis can be quite honest, you can disable it in the configuration.

And we have a new tool in "Setup Advisor". You can now compare two setups and you can even merge the properties of two setups to create some kind of hybrid, for example for an endurance race with varying weather conditions.

There is also a new report in "Race Reports" and "Race Center" with which you can analyze the consistency of a given driver.

Last, but not least, I have added another couple of car specific rules in "Setup Advisor" as always.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-419
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Today comes the first version of the integration for the venerable Assetto Corsa. The Race Engineer is fully implemented including automated pitstops. Furthermore, the "Setup Advisor" can read, modify, compare and merge setups from AC. The integration for the Strategist and the Spotter are still pending. I could use a little help here, because I'm not sure how to acquire some of the necessary data. So if you have any idea about the AC APIs (especially UDP) and want to help, please feel free to contact me.

Other improvements:

1. The frequency of the Spotter's yellow flag warnings has been reduced, in which yellow flags that are valid for less than 2 seconds are no longer reported at all.
2. The wording of the Spotter for sector information has been revised.
3. The latest version of metadata (vehicles and tracks) has been integrated for RaceRoom Racing Experience.

And:

There is a new method for handling the Pitstop MFD in ACC that does not require any image search. However, since this is a critical change, this mode must first be activated manually for tests. If you are interested in participating in the test phase, please contact me via Discord.

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Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-420
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Just in time for the weekend there are again a large number of extensions and improvements.

1. The new procedure for handling the pit stop dialog in ACC, which does not require any image search, is now the standard after no more errors were found in various tests with the community. However, there is a possibility to continue using the image recognition method if this is desired.

2. A large part of the other changes concerns the handling of tyre wear by the assistants and all other applications.

- If the simulation provides the tyre wear during a running session (actually not really realistic), this can be requested from the race engineer.
- This data is then also stored in the telemetry database and can be used in the "Strategy Workbench" and in the "Race Center".
- If the simulation only provides the information after a pit stop (e.g. ACC), the tyre wear for the dropped tyre set can be documented in a report afterwards.

3. There is a new Launch Pad that allows quick access to all Simulator Controller applications.

4. The spotter's delta calculation has been improved again for ACC.

5. The opening of the ACC mandatory pit stop window should now be announced correctly in all cases.

A final note: I am stiil struggling with the Spotter integration for AC, but made some progress the last days. There is hope.

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Download: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller#latest-release-build
Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-421
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

The release of this Friday brings the following major changes:

1. Full implementation of the Spotter and the Stratgist for Assetto Corsa, incl. support for the telemetry-based strategy development and team races with "Race Center".

2. The pitstop handling for Automobilista 2 has been completely renewed, so that the Race Engineer can handle the new structure of the ICM, which was introduced by one of the recent updates auf Automobilista 2. Strategy and driver swap can now be dialed from your Button Box or Steering Wheel.

3. The database used to store the telemetry data, tyre pressure data, and so on, has seen a major reorganization in order to prepare for the storage of data of multiple drivers. This will be used to implement export and import of data (incl. data from real cars) and also the driver-specific handling and analysis of data in all tools (coming with the next releases).

Further additions:

1. Improved handling of automatic updates.
2. Assistants can be muted and unmuted by command.
3. Improved grammatic flexibility of many command phrases for the Assistsnts.
4. The new USA tracks has been included into the track meta data for Assetto Corsa Competizione.

Please note, that the Team Server has seen an update as well. If you are running your own Team Server, you have to redeploy it, before connecting with the new client. The server in Azure managed by me have been updated already.

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Download: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller#latest-release-build
Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-422
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Today there are more powerful features for professional teams or race engineers who supports multiple drivers. Since Release 4.2.2, data in the telemetry database has been provided with a reference to the driver who originally generated this data. From now on, the "Race Center" collects the data from the entire race and saves it accordingly in the databases all participating drivers. This creates a telemetry database for all drivers involved. However, it is also possible to export data from one driver's database and import it into another user's database, while retaining all driver references. In all relevant tools ("Strategy Workbench", "Race Center"), the data analysis can then be limited to individual drivers. In the strategy simulation, drivers can now also be specified in advance for the individual stints, so that the individual lap times, tire wear, etc. are included in the simulation.

At this point I would like to thank all my patreons and supporters who make this project possible. And it's not just the donations that help me to cover the costs of the project, but also the valuable feedback on our Discord server. It's great to create something together that makes SimRacing a better experience for all of us.

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Download: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller#latest-release-build
Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-423
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/simulatorcontroller
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

The release of this Friday brings a full integration for another legacy simulation, Project CARS 2, incl. support for all the bells and whistles of the Race Assistants and all other tools of Simulator Controller. And "Race Center" now offers live track maps, which give you an overview for the current race situation:

But the most compex addition is the introduction of a new meta model for tyre compounds, which supports all simulators. You can now configure, which tyre compounds are available for your favorite cars and this information is used in all applications of Simulator Controller. Please read the documentation carefully, you don't want to miss this feature.

As always, there also a couple of minor changes and additions. Please consult the Release Notes for more information.

Last, but not least, I want to mention the new YouTube video channel, which already provide 10 different videos. They help you to master the broad functionality of Simulator ControllerV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjSu-SW9asyWa3fnPeVupwg

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Download: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller#latest-release-build
Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-424
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/simulatorcontroller
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[TheBigO]

Automated adjustmentts of in-car settings depending on your current location on the track are here. Simply click on a location on the track and specifiy the keyboard commands that should be send to the running simulation at this specific location. Typical changes which can be made this way are adjustments to traction control, ABS, brake balance and so on. Beside sending keyboard commands, you can even launch a Windows executable or script to execute at this location:

The second major change for this release is full support for track mapping incl. track automation for iRacing. With this, all simulators are now supported with automated track mapping.

Other (minor) changes and additions:

1. Extended pitstop rules in strategy simulation.
2. Improved handling in reports in various edge case, where data is incomplete.
3. Changes in the handling of the ACC UDP connection. Still buggy, but more stable than before.
4. The Spotter is now able to tell you whether a car is at your rear end in iRacing.

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Download: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller#latest-release-build
Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-425
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/simulatorcontroller
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6

 

[dval78]

Do you have any how to / tutorial videos on youtube?

 

[dval78]

Do you have any how to / tutorial videos on youtube?

I found the answer to my question.

https://youtube.com/channel/UCjSu-SW9asyWa3fnPeVupwg

 

[TheBigO]

Here is a short video with an introduction and explanation for track mapping and automation incl. a demo session with a short race:

 

[TheBigO]

Do you have any how to / tutorial videos on youtube?

More than 10 hours ov videos available, and > 400 pages of documentation. But nobody reads these days

 

[TheBigO]

Today is the last major feature release until early September as the project is now on a summer break. But before we pack our bags, there are a number of new functions and, above all, a large number of bug fixes this time.

1. Brake temperatures and brake wear are now available as a report in the "Race Center":

2. The current values of the brake temperatures and brake wear can also be requested from the Race Engineer via voice command or via controller action.

3. Icons on the Stream Deck for currently unavailable actions are now greyed out.

4. Major improvements in race reports specific to rFactor 2 and RaceRoom Racing Experience.

5. A number of bugs in the generation of the track maps for Autombilista 2, RaceRoom Racing Experience and rFactor 2 have been fixed. The already existing cards will be generated again.

6. A bug, where only every second automation point were used in track automations has been fixed.

7. The action points of a route automation can now be moved with the mouse on the route.

8. Lots of new tire metadata for all simulators, new vehicle metadata for the "Setup Advisor", and, and...

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Download: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller#latest-release-build
Release Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Release-Notes
Update Notes: https://github.com/SeriousOldMan/Simulator-Controller/wiki/Update-Notes#release-426
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/5N8JrNr48H
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/simulatorcontroller
Support the project: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7GV86ZPS95SL6