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

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

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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

Did you check Axis limiting?

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

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!

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

Ah! It’s the actual data/clock rate in this case and includes start/stop/parity/etc. I come from a background where we always worked in the useable data rates. Thanks!

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

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.

I have made sure of that. SMC3 utility is never running at the same time.

Sorry, I should have mentioned that earlier. I have turned off the firewall. No change

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!!

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

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?