Interfacing CKAS 6DOF with SimTools - Possible?

Hello,

I recently installed a CKAS Thruxim 6DOF unit in my home for flight training (I'm a private pilot IRL).

The unit comes with software CKAS calls "SimCor" which has native support for Prepared3D and X-Plane and works quite well.

However, when not flight training, I would love to race.

I have been messing with X-Sim which SimCor will interface with. Played Grid 2 and it was fun. However.... X-sim has been very buggy for me.

Has anyone had any experience using SimTools with CKAS?

I'm curious if the topology is the same as X-sim; i.e. Will SimTools act like the X-sim Extractor by "pulling" the data from the game and then "pushing" it to SimCor to translate the input into motion?

Any info appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

This is where my lack of knowledge comes to play....

I know that CKAS's software works with the X-Sim Extractor with no modification from X-sim needed; I just need to enter the IP address of where SimCor software runs (same computer in my case).

I assume that the X-Sim output data stream is then read by SimCor.... so, again from a completely lay-person perspective, I was hopeful that this output is somewhat standardize telemetry that programs such as SimCor would implement into motion.

My thought was maybe the "output" from SimTools could be used in the same way... but that probably just shows my ignorance in this subject.

Thanks,

Paul

yes, it's the same principle

Normally any interface with X-sim can be translated easily in Simtools (USB or Ethernet), you just need to use the correct syntax.

Post screenshots of your Xsim interface setup, we'll tell you what to use in Simtools.

Hey Mat,

So with X-Sim, the only interface setup I need to do, generally, is enter the IP address of my system and it connects with my SimCor (CKAS's interface between X-sim and the motion hardware).

Here is a link to the CKAS manual which discusses interfacing the SimCor with X-Sim:

https://1drv.ms/b/s!As2pBWO_84FVgY8HDoWOGctN0lDQ7Q

I spent the weekend trying to get SimTools to connect to the SimCor software but had no luck.

Hopefully if you have the time to look at the linked PDF, you might see something that would help to get SimTools connected.

GREATLY appreciate the help,

Paul

To drive a 6DOF CKAS:

but there is a lack in the documentation about UDP protocol awaited by SimCor.
You should ask them about this. We'll figure out this. Maybe @yobuddy would help on the next step?​

To drive a 2DOF CKAS, it looks rather simple:

This method only works with a CKAS 2DOF (2 degree of freedom) Motion System (such as the T2s, T5 or T10) because X-Sim cannot handle specific complex inverse
kinematics calculations to translate complex motion system geometry into individual actuator movements.



try to convert these axis into Simtools syntax: ~a01~ into <Axis1a>

values shown are appropriate for CKAS T2s, may need to be adjusted slightly for other motion systems through experimentation​

You guys are awesome for helping me with this.

I have another piece of the puzzle that might help. This link is to a manual that is titled "CKAS Generic UDP Interface Manual". Within it is a download link for what I believe is an emulator which enables testing of software that plugs into the CKAS SimCor software.

I can't seem to get SimTools to connect to it yet, but it is most likely because I am not entirely up to speed on SimTools (reading as much as I can).

I've been in contact with CKAS about this. They really are a great group of people and have been very responsive. On SimTools connectivity, they currently have not tried it, but if I get this going, they'll want to offer the functionality to their customer base which, I assume, would be good for SimTools.

Anyways.... here is the link to the document. The link to the emulator software is in the doc:

https://1drv.ms/b/s!As2pBWO_84FVgZNil2GFJ0VXondghg

Thanks again!

Paul

Here are some pictures of the current setup. Still tweaking, and I'm sure not as good as some of the amazing home-brew stuff I've seen, but for a *completely* non-handy guy like myself, an off-the-shelf-solution has proven itself perfect for my application:

How did you go? I'm looking to interface my 6DOF CKAS to DCS.

The new CKAS software (SimCor DX) has built-in DCS support and it works great!

Cheers... I'll get onto Chris about an update.

I just sent you a PM at the other forum with a link to the software.

Enjoy!

Paul

Thanks Paul,

I went to login this morning at the other forum and my account has gone. Not realising my platform is considered commercial, I donated 30 euro for a key and received a blunt message in return. Not sure how these things get so serious and political. I only wish it was commercial, I've poured my blood, sweat and credit into my HOBBY. , Perhaps I should set it up on the footpath like a lemonade stand and charge the kids for a ride.... Oh wait.... No kids, They're all inside playing x-box... : (......
Thanks for you efforts though... Spoke with CKAS and they are sending me a link... Had to check to see if the unit was Gen 3... I purchased in 2015...

Sadly... the world is full of small-minded petty people. Just look at who my President is!

I'll PM you the link here just in case it takes Chris a bit to get back to you.

Paul

Thanks Paul. Hearing you. Between family, work and flight simming, I watch MSNBC on YouTube. It's jaw dropping. I feel for you. I've stopped catching up on SNL as the point was lost when reality was in fact a parody of itself. Troubling times. Thank goodness we have our distractions.

This is all my fault. My bad. Apologies. I never considered my expensive toy, a commercial product. I'm feeling like the kid that gets picked last for sports now but I'll get over it, meanwhile, a nun with a bell will follow me wherever I go.... "DING DING DING...SHAME"