Automobilista 2 Force Feedback Overview & Recommendations

I see some pretty ingame damping settings at the start in this thread. Are those levels like 50-75 still recommended?

 

I’m using the settings recommended by Asetek, AMS Default+, in game the ‘Simucube’ or ‘Generic’ game profile – everything is disabled and it feels really great, except that the sensation of weight transfer when braking could be a bit stronger. I can’t really feel any difference between damping levels 0 and 100. So why is asetek on 0 and reiza recommends still bigger values?

 

If you can't tell the difference in Damping, do you have the Direct-Input for Damping disabled in the WB settings? You should certainly notice changes in steering response characteristics. I'm not familiar with the Asetek software, though.

 

not sure what you mean with "Direct Input", there is no such setting in Aseteks base software

 

It might be called Game FFB or something like that. Direct Input is the FFB API used in racing games although, there are other ways to produce tactile and force effects for FFB and other devices (telemetry, audio, etc.). Some wheel-base software provides settings for Direct-Input levels (Game FFB) / Wheelbase Direct Effects / Telemetry, and more.

 

I am aware of only one direct-drive wheelbase that allows the DirectInput FFB signal to be reduced by a percentage via a slider and mixed—as desired—with telemetry-based FFB: the model from VNM. The Simucube 3 also offers this capability now, though it operates on a different principle and relies "only" on telemetry effects. All other direct-drive wheelbases modify DirectInput FFB using filters—typically friction, damping, and inertia—and Asetek is no exception. However, if he notices absolutely no difference when adjusting the damping from 0% to 100%, he is definitely doing something wrong or simply cannot feel it.

 

What could you possibly do wrong? I just don’t notice any damping at all; even the damping in the Asetek software doesn’t make a difference. But when I use Daniel’s custom settings, I do notice the damping – everything feels much smoother. And there’s a noticeable difference in LMU too.

 

If you set the in-game damping to 0%, some games block the damping signal entirely, causing the RaceHub settings to be ignored.
Try setting the in-game damping to 10–15% and keep it there. Then, test 0% and 100% on your wheelbase to see if you can clearly feel the damping again.

 

Hi Danielkart, I have the SC3 Pro and I can assure you that there are tuning options for the Direct Input signals. They are called FFB shaping tools and can be adjusted on a graph like an audio EQ. The SC3 options for Telemetry effects are fairly limited, at least when compared to those of SimXperience.

 

Yes, I am familiar with the Simucube 3 by now, and I have tested it head-to-head against the Simucube 2 using the same wheel.

 

Interesting you mention, I've finally noticed why I've kept chasing bogus settings on my ffb, and why my DD1 is consistent across titles, it has very aggressive native filtering algorithms hence my gut feeling to avoid all software filters from this brand.

From what I've heard, the new VRS DFP15 5-pole design is one of the most raw DI systems but Simucube can give you both raw or filtered because of their software, VRS uses a quicker signal path but Simucube uses dual processors.

Even on very low inertia Simagic Alpha Evo Ultra, or most brands in general, I've learned each brand has their own underlying algorithms "interpreting" the ffb, and not everything we get is 100% what's coming from the source.

I've wanted to upgrade for a very long time due to noticing the shortcomings but I'm very weary of any product and all the influencer hype, etc. It's all "perception" and a wheelbase can feel sharper with some algorithm trick but that doesn't mean that sharpness is actually better (or worse), or that the ffb signal what you're getting.

Right now I can only think of these 3 wheelbases, while VNM "next gen telemetry ffb" is a nice idea on paper, making everything work in real use case scenario is a different story.

 

Yeah, there are a lot of options in the DD-wheel market right now. I'm very happy with my SimuCube system and no longer feel the need to explore further options. I used one of the first AccuForce DD-wheels and extensively tested the many parameters on offer for altering FFB signals. Over time, it cemented my understanding of what is possible with FFB and what my personal preferences are. The main reason I moved on from the AccuForce was the stepper-motor vs. a servo-motor system. Otherwise, the SimCommander software was (and may still be) the most complex and powerful compilation of FFB tuning options ever created (although, too complex for most users).

 

Yes, I always try to keep things linear and as neutral as possible, avoiding filters or using them very sparingly. If a simulation has good FFB, such interventions are rarely necessary.
Indeed, there are very few influencers who provide truly neutral and fair reviews; often, their products are sponsored. Furthermore, new technologies have emerged in the Direct Drive (DD) sector that would have been unthinkable five years ago. Today, you can get the same experience from a $500 base as you can from a $1,500 one. Of course, there are differences, but I think few people actually need them or have the ability to properly configure a complex base. The best example is the Simucube 3: it requires an immense amount of setup and is very complicated for "average users." It also suffers from a loss of that "raw" driving feel—due to its reliance on filters and the "Digital Twin" concept, where the software constantly calculates how the motor should react, causing some of the raw mechanical sensation to be lost. It is also affected by high-frequency issues. In my opinion, the Simucube 3 still has a long way to go. For AMS2, I clearly prefer the Simucube 2 because it is more mature.
The situation is different with rally games; the Simucube 3 shines there and, combined with VNM hardware, offers the best experience I’ve ever had. The VNM setup has its weaknesses, too—you have to accept that the base is constantly evolving and is also complex to use. As you can see, every base has its pros and cons, yet the downsides are rarely discussed. Beyond the FFB performance of these bases, there are, of course, many other factors to consider, such as the ecosystem, price, accessories, and so on.

 

Hi Daniel, i retried your custom ffb 1.5. Its very good. But I am not sure if i like putting at 10 the throttle sentivity

 

Drive a few laps with 10% throttle sensitivity and then with 50%, and decide based on how it feels to drive. Of course, the throttle curve setting also plays a role (provided your pedals support this); try it first with a linear throttle curve and then with your preferred curve (progressive).