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Wireless setup

tcfshcrw edited this page Dec 4, 2024 · 9 revisions

The wireless setup is a new way to connect pedals that's simple to configure, requires the fewest cables and can also be the easiest way to connect your pedal(s). All control boards are wireless capable, although gilphilbert's PCBA is the easiest option as it features pedal assignment switches. Wireless connectivity leverages a USB-connected Wireless Controller that provides connectivity to the pedals and provides a Joystick device for Windows, with each pedal represented by different axes.

Architecture

The parts you will need are simply the pedal(s) and a wireless controller. The wireless controller (or "Bridge") is a small device that plugs into your PC and provides a way for your PC to access the pedals over a wireless connection. The currently supported devices for the wireless controller are

Pedal Assignment

Wireless is enabled on the Control Board once the pedal has been assigned a function (throttle, brake or clutch)

Hardware Pedal Assignment

gilphilbert's control board has built-in hardware switches that set pedal assignment. The switch settings for each mode are printed on the back of the PCB but are also included below for reference. Set the switches to the pedal type you want the pedal to be.

Tip

Hardware assignment does not need to be changed or reapplied after a firmware update

Software Pedal Assignment

The V3, V4 and SpeedCrafter control boards must have their pedal assignment over the USB connection, and requires a pedal config to be sent to the pedal to enable wireless:

  • Connect the pedal via USB and connect from the DIY FFB Pedal Plugin
  • In the SimHub plugin, assign the pedal a function (throttle, brake, or clutch)
  • Click "Send config to to pedal"
  • Click "Reboot pedal" or manually cycle power to the pedal
  • Disconnect the USB cable and change the pedal setting in the plugin to "Wireless connection"

Important

When using Software Pedal Assignment, is necessary to reapply the assignment over USB after every firmware update

Connecting the Wireless Controller to Simhub

  • Plugin the Wireless Controller (whichever board you selected). For boards with two USB-C ports, make sure to plug both ports into your PC.
  • Open the the SimHub DIY FFB Dashboard and enable Advanced Mode
  • Open the Wireless tab in the advanced area below
  • Connect to the COM port of the Wireless Controllaer (should display as a CH3434 Enhanced Serial Device)
  • You can have the plugin automatically connect to the Wireless Controller when SimHub starts by enabling the "Auto Connect to Bridge" option
  • Make sure you enable "Wireless Sync to Pedal" for each pedal that you have connected. Enabling this option will tell the plugin to connect to the pedal through the Wireless Controller and not directly to the pedal over serial.

Joystick output

The Wireless Controller creates a joystick controller with the following axes:

Axis Function
Rx Brake
Ry Clutch
Rz Throttle
X Rudder
Y Rudder left brake
Z Rudder right brake

The joystick should appear automatically in various simulators, you just need to assign the axes to functions.

Troubleshooting

The wireless technology used for this feature is ESPNow, a capability of the ESP32 family of processors used in the control boards. You may see errors in the logs if the Wireless Controller isn't working, these are detailed below.

Error codes

Error Code Description
11 Servo Tunning parameter is updated, restart servo
12 Servo lost connection
101 ESPNow config payload type error
102 ESPNow config version error
103 ESPNow config CRC error
111 ESPNow action payload type error
112 ESPNow action version error
113 ESPNow action CRC error

Bridge connect LED status - Waveshare ESP32S3 N8R8 board

Color Connected status
White no Pedal connected
Red Clutch connected
Orange Brake connected
Cyan Clutch and Brake connected
Yellow Throttle connected
Blue Clutch and Throttle connected
Green Brake and Throttle connected
Purple Clutch, Brake and Throttle connected
Flashing Red Bridge in pairing mode

Bridge connect LED status - Custom Dongle

Color Connected status
White no Pedal connected
Red Pedal connected