SimShaker alternatives?

[AEthelraedUnraed]

I'm contemplating buying a SimShaker, however I'm a bit hesitant given the current global situation (Russia/Ukraine). I'm worried that if war breaks out during the delivery period (which can be rather lengthy, I've read), I'll never receive my order, either because it's stopped at the border, the parcel gets lost somewhere or because with a breakdown of international relations, there's really no reason for a Russian shop to fulfill their contractual obligations with the "enemy".

 

Is there any good alternative, or a non-Russian shop that sells SimShakers?

[Youtch]

I am on this exact same train. Tempted by it but putting all on-hold while monitoring how situation evolves.

 

While I am convinced of Andre being professional and doing his best, I fear more the disruption of payment system and post office services in time of crisis.

[SCG_Tzigy]

Consider starting w the Buttkickers,  i have two, one on the chair, one on the Wheel Stand. Its awesome

[Guest deleted@83466]

 I think there is confusion because Simshaker Wings is downloadable software and OP might think he needs a Jetseat to use it, instead of just a bass shaker like a Buttkicker.  (As far as the Simshaker software itself, don’t know if there is an alternative in general, but my guess it’s the only one that reads telem from IL-2 specifically)

 

 

Edited February 22, 2022 by SeaSerpent

[AEthelraedUnraed]

On 2/22/2022 at 10:36 PM, SeaSerpent said:

 I think there is confusion because Simshaker Wings is downloadable software and OP might think he needs a Jetseat to use it, instead of just a bass shaker like a Buttkicker.  (As far as the Simshaker software itself, don’t know if there is an alternative in general, but my guess it’s the only one that reads telem from IL-2 specifically)

Indeed, I meant the JetSeat. I'm sorry for the confusion. Yes, I'd want something that really reacts to in-game events. As I understand, Buttkicker is much simpler and only has one vibrating motor, right?

 

In any case, it seems I won't buy anything Russian anytime soon...

[Honeymonster]

I built this many moons ago, two Rockwood bass shakers wired out of phase (so they don't cancel each other out) connected to a Class D amp and 24v PSU. Works truly great and surprisingly I've had absolutely no issues with the PLA 3D printed brackets whatsoever. I do use Simshaker Wings though and also Simhub. You are tied to Russian Software and Sims from every angle regardless. I must admit I'd be worried about getting stuff shipped. I paid for my last order with BitCoins... 

[Donik]

On 2/24/2022 at 6:05 AM, Honeymonster said:

I built this many moons ago, two Rockwood bass shakers wired out of phase (so they don't cancel each other out) connected to a Class D amp and 24v PSU. Works truly great and surprisingly I've had absolutely no issues with the PLA 3D printed brackets whatsoever. I do use Simshaker Wings though and also Simhub. You are tied to Russian Software and Sims from every angle regardless. I must admit I'd be worried about getting stuff shipped. I paid for my last order with BitCoins... 

 

 

How do you like 2 on one chair?  Can you feel left/right channels like that?  I've been considering getting a second buttkicker for my chair, for specific air frame signals.  I have noticed that too many signals to 1 buttkicker cancels others out. obviously.

 

Really interested in your feedback here.

[Honeymonster]

On 2/25/2022 at 11:57 PM, Donik said:

 

How do you like 2 on one chair?  Can you feel left/right channels like that?  I've been considering getting a second buttkicker for my chair, for specific air frame signals.  I have noticed that too many signals to 1 buttkicker cancels others out. obviously.

 

Really interested in your feedback here.

They are effectively one unit, wired out of phase so when the left one pulls the right one pushes and so forth. This is Mono, you'll struggle to do Stereo on a chair well, it's hard enough on a full Simrig. The advantage is with this much power you can separate the effects quite easily by volume (and frequency depending on software). The main interest to me is the stall effect which comes in very obviously allowing me to keep the plane on the limit. I can feel all the effects nicely though, engine, WEP, flaps, ground bumps, guns etc. To be optimal I should really mount the unit higher on the chair but it's most convenient to have it here. Also notice the rubber Roller Blade type wheels which increase isolation from the floor giving even more rumble. I'm very happy with the performance, also playing FPS games using Voicemeter Banana is a truly humbling experience. This is especially true when you add either the Razer or Corsair Haptic headphones to the fold. When a grenade goes off your teeth rattle and you feel truly in the game... ?

[Dugieboy041]

I’ve got a similar question but just for the software part of the problem. 
 

I have a 2 Chanel 100W amp, Dayton Audio Transducers all set up wired and ready to go on my flight sim chair and cannot download Simshaker Wings app to run it due to the Ukraine sanctions. 
 

Are there any options for alternative software to run this for IL-2 and CLOD Blitz? Even as temporary fix?  Even if it isn’t ideal I’m open to suggestions. 
 

 

[Panzerlang]

9 hours ago, Dugieboy041 said:

I’ve got a similar question but just for the software part of the problem. 
 

I have a 2 Chanel 100W amp, Dayton Audio Transducers all set up wired and ready to go on my flight sim chair and cannot download Simshaker Wings app to run it due to the Ukraine sanctions. 
 

Are there any options for alternative software to run this for IL-2 and CLOD Blitz? Even as temporary fix?  Even if it isn’t ideal I’m open to suggestions. 
 

 

I downloaded it ok and as far as I can see he'll still take payments but has to be Western Union or crypto (?).

I'd already purchased mine in 2020, DL was just to get a new copy as I'd stopped using it some time ago.

[Honeymonster]

9 hours ago, Dugieboy041 said:

I’ve got a similar question but just for the software part of the problem. 
 

I have a 2 Chanel 100W amp, Dayton Audio Transducers all set up wired and ready to go on my flight sim chair and cannot download Simshaker Wings app to run it due to the Ukraine sanctions. 
 

Are there any options for alternative software to run this for IL-2 and CLOD Blitz? Even as temporary fix?  Even if it isn’t ideal I’m open to suggestions. 
 

 

You can use Voicemeter Banana. This is sound based rather than telemetry based but if you set a really steep lowpass filter it works surprisingly well. This is what I use on anything without telemetry shaker support. I haven't tried it with IL2 as I have SSW but I suspect you won't get a good stall effect which to me is very important. You'll certainly get engines, guns, hits etc. Which should be a step up until availability improves.

[DragonDaddy]

I downloaded SimShaker Wings today, March 20, with no problem. 

[Dugieboy041]

Update on mine. 
 

I'm able to use the Simshaker wings demo and used it to test the bass transducers using the Demo option from Andre’s app. 
 

So I know the system works for testing and demo. 
 

I’ll try the voice meter banana as a temporary measure. Thanks for the info on that Honeymonster. 
 

I tried to purchase the full Simshaker app on Andre’s website too. I got the Bitcoin or western union transfer as only way to complete the transaction. I don’t do either. 
 

Too bad we can’t do the honor system with Andre, get a license and pay him once the transactions are allowed.  I'm sure this has put him in a hard spot. 
 

D

[DragonDaddy]

On 3/20/2022 at 8:20 PM, Dugieboy041 said:

Too bad we can’t do the honor system with Andre, get a license and pay him once the transactions are allowed.  I'm sure this has put him in a hard spot. 
 

 

Please see my post under this topic. SimShaker Wings is available again. 

On 3/19/2022 at 7:41 PM, Dugieboy041 said:

I’ve got a similar question but just for the software part of the problem. 
 

I have a 2 Chanel 100W amp, Dayton Audio Transducers all set up wired and ready to go on my flight sim chair and cannot download Simshaker Wings app to run it due to the Ukraine sanctions. 
 

Are there any options for alternative software to run this for IL-2 and CLOD Blitz? Even as temporary fix?  Even if it isn’t ideal I’m open to suggestions. 
 

 

Please see my post in this forum. SimShaker Wings is available again. 

Edited March 22, 2022 by DragonDaddy

[Dugieboy041]

Ok I’ll check it out. 
 

Andre responded to my direct email yesterday and confirmed that bitcoins was the only way to do a transaction. Western Union was shut down the same day. 
 

update on Honeymonsters suggestion:
 

I’ve set up Voicemeeter output with the steep low pass filter on the output 25-60hz. 
 

works ok on BOS but much better with CLOD Blitz.   Must be the grittier engine sounds. 

fun fact:

the Banana Voicemeeter 25-60hz with a steep low pass filter works good on Tank Crew. Must be the low range engine and tank sounds. I’m rumbling around and cannon and MG fire register on the transducers. 
 

I also came across an article on MSFS article where someone routes Simshaker wings and the low pass filter to the Simshaker output. 
 

sounds like you can get the best of both options. 
 

Cool. 

In Voicemeeter they have a button on the output for the EQ = or equalizer.
 

Here is my EQ for the output to filter out any sounds over 60hz.  It took me a bit to figure out what a steep low pas filter looked like 
 

[Dugieboy041]

In Voicemeeter they have a button on the output for the EQ = or equalizer.
 

Here is my EQ for the output to filter out any sounds over 60hz.  It took me a bit to figure out what a steep low pass filter looked like. 
 

Update on my update ; )

 

tried the beta Simshaker wings as Dragon daddy suggested. 
 

it works, woot woot!

 

 I’m totally ok with buying this once the license situation is resolved. 
 

thanks guys, I really appreciated the pointers here. 
 

Thanks to Andre too.  
 

D

[Gleisner]

On 3/23/2022 at 1:08 PM, Dugieboy041 said:

Ok I’ll check it out. 
 

Andre responded to my direct email yesterday and confirmed that bitcoins was the only way to do a transaction. Western Union was shut down the same day. 
 

update on Honeymonsters suggestion:
 

I’ve set up Voicemeeter output with the steep low pass filter on the output 25-60hz. 
 

works ok on BOS but much better with CLOD Blitz.   Must be the grittier engine sounds. 

fun fact:

the Banana Voicemeeter 25-60hz with a steep low pass filter works good on Tank Crew. Must be the low range engine and tank sounds. I’m rumbling around and cannon and MG fire register on the transducers. 
 

I also came across an article on MSFS article where someone routes Simshaker wings and the low pass filter to the Simshaker output. 
 

sounds like you can get the best of both options. 
 

Cool. 

In Voicemeeter they have a button on the output for the EQ = or equalizer.
 

Here is my EQ for the output to filter out any sounds over 60hz.  It took me a bit to figure out what a steep low pas filter looked like 
 

This is a highly resonant filter. Not just steep

[paul_leonard]

I am beta testing CLoD Blitz VR and would really like to get Simshaker working as well.  Are you using Simshaker with CLoD or just routing regular audio to a second sound card through Voicemeeter and running that to a Buttkicker.  I have both Jetseat and Buttkicker so can do one, the other, or both.  Really interested in what you are doing. Paul

On 3/22/2022 at 8:08 PM, Dugieboy041 said:

Ok I’ll check it out. 
 

Andre responded to my direct email yesterday and confirmed that bitcoins was the only way to do a transaction. Western Union was shut down the same day. 
 

update on Honeymonsters suggestion:
 

I’ve set up Voicemeeter output with the steep low pass filter on the output 25-60hz. 
 

works ok on BOS but much better with CLOD Blitz.   Must be the grittier engine sounds. 

fun fact:

the Banana Voicemeeter 25-60hz with a steep low pass filter works good on Tank Crew. Must be the low range engine and tank sounds. I’m rumbling around and cannon and MG fire register on the transducers. 
 

I also came across an article on MSFS article where someone routes Simshaker wings and the low pass filter to the Simshaker output. 
 

sounds like you can get the best of both options. 
 

Cool. 

In Voicemeeter they have a button on the output for the EQ = or equalizer.
 

Here is my EQ for the output to filter out any sounds over 60hz.  It took me a bit to figure out what a steep low pas filter looked like 
 

I am beta testing CLoD Blitz VR and would really like to get Simshaker working as well.  Are you using Simshaker with CLoD or just routing regular audio to a second sound card through Voicemeeter and running that to a Buttkicker.  I have both Jetseat and Buttkicker so can do one, the other, or both.  Really interested in what you are doing. Paul

[Dugieboy041]

I am using track IR because my graphic card cannot support VR, however that wasn’t your question. 

 

 

I am using  Voicemeeter to combine the Simshaker Wings output + the output with the low pass filter on the same output. I saw someone recommended that on a MSFS thread. 

 

I don’t have to switch between one or the other both are on at the same time. 
 

Tank crew, CLOD and BOS all have bass vibrations. BOS has both running at the same time with no extra hardware.  

 

The sounds are comparable for CLOD and tank crew however not as precise as SimShaker.
 

The only odd part is that if you haven’t started your plane with your canopy open,  the low pass filter picks up the sound from neighbouring planes mixing sim shaker for BOS and routing the low pass filter. 
 

I will take a screenshot of Voicemeeter with the active connections in orange for clarity. 
 

 

And here’s the settings for the A3 physical output EQ in a better resolution than the first time I uploaded it. 

To use Voicemeeter you have to change your input and output on Windows to use it as the speaker output. 
 

screenshot of the windows 10 sound settings. 
 

 

 

[DragonDaddy]

Dugieboy: I’m curious about what you have gained by combining SSW and VM. Does using VoiceMeter and SimShaker Wings together enhance the feedback and give you more vibrations? Is combining the two better than using SSW alone in IL2?

[Dugieboy041]

It seems to be about the same. 
 

Both signals go to the same physical output. And you can tweak the bass, treble and intensity of the signal. 
 

If anything I had to scale back the V1 input for the normal sound to A3 physical output directly to the Simshaker dedicated sound add and amp because the transducer was starting to reverb/shake. A bit of tweaking fixes that. 
 

I set Voicemeeter up as my default sound application. 
 

Literally no negative except Voicemeeter is now a pop up when I start my computer. 
 

I’ve attached screenshots of the thread where I got the idea from. 
 

Plus the great help from the people on this forum. 

[DragonDaddy]

Thanks, Dugieboy. I appreciate the feedback. 

[amadeusdemarzi]

There’s u-shake6 which is an alternative. App supports IL2 apparently as well:

 

https://www.simracingstudio.com/product-page/srs-ushake6-includes-srs-license-for-bass-shaker

 

Supported games are listed here:

https://www.simracingstudio.com/download

Edited January 20, 2023 by FTC_amadeusdemarzi

[Youtch]

1 hour ago, FTC_amadeusdemarzi said:

There’s u-shake6 which is an alternative. App supports IL2 apparently as well:

 

https://www.simracingstudio.com/product-page/srs-ushake6-includes-srs-license-for-bass-shaker

Seems like a nice product. I m curious if anyone has tried it with IL2 and how it works in term of software.

[Skelthos]

2 hours ago, Youtch said:

Seems like a nice product. I m curious if anyone has tried it with IL2 and how it works in term of software.

I use sim racing studio with Il2 DCS  MSFS and other titles. The software works well, and is hardware independent. It provides a single software solution to drive your shakers (supports up to 6 with the ability to tune each individually)  wind machines for open cockpits, motion platforms belt tensioners etc.  It also offers the option to key off button pushes for guns and missile launches.    I do want to note that the software was written first and foremost for racing sims, flight sims where added as a secondary thought so if you only use it for flight sims it may not be the best solution .  I cannot compare it to Sim shaker since I have not used that software.

Edited January 20, 2023 by Skelthos

[Youtch]

Thanks for youe answer. You do not use it with il2?

[Skelthos]

I use it for all my sims including IL2.

[Youtch]

49 minutes ago, Skelthos said:

I use it for all my sims including IL2.

Sorry I had misread. Are you happy with it?

[Skelthos]

23 minutes ago, Youtch said:

Sorry I had misread. Are you happy with it?

Overall yes I am happy with it.  

[Charlo-VR]

9 hours ago, FTC_amadeusdemarzi said:

There’s u-shake6 which is an alternative. App supports IL2 apparently as well:

 

Supported games are listed here:

https://www.simracingstudio.com/download

 

4 hours ago, Skelthos said:

I use sim racing studio with Il2 DCS  MSFS and other titles. The software works well, and is hardware independent. It provides a single software solution to drive your shakers (supports up to 6 with the ability to tune each individually)  wind machines for open cockpits, motion platforms belt tensioners etc.  It also offers the option to key off button pushes for guns and missile launches.    I do want to note that the software was written first and foremost for racing sims, flight sims where added as a secondary thought so if you only use it for flight sims it may not be the best solution .  I cannot compare it to Sim shaker since I have not used that software.

Oh good, they added IL-2! Does their provided shake profile read all of the telemetry data from IL-2? Or, did you create your own shake profile that you may be willing to share?

 

(I am very satisfied with SimShaker Wings and the JetPad these last two years, so would want at least that level of telemetry output if I were to buy a U-Shake 6 at $429 to see if it can add even more immersion.)
 

One other question - over a longer gaming session of an hour or two do you find the U-Shake 6 transducers get hot?

[Skelthos]

On 1/20/2023 at 12:46 PM, Charlo-VR said:

Oh good, they added IL-2! Does their provided shake profile read all of the telemetry data from IL-2? Or, did you create your own shake profile that you may be willing to share?

For the most part I use the built in profile, it does allow you to make adjustments per plane if you want.  One example is in DCS when flying the A-10 in DCS I crank up the amount of vibration firing the gun causes. If there is anything it is not reading I am not aware of it. 

 

On 1/20/2023 at 12:46 PM, Charlo-VR said:

One other question - over a longer gaming session of an hour or two do you find the U-Shake 6 transducers get hot?

I built my own shaker setup using Dayton Audio shakers off a USB 5.1 sound card so I can have different parts of my cockpit shake for different things. I do not use their Seat pad. 

[Geleitzug]

On 1/22/2023 at 9:37 PM, Skelthos said:

For the most part I use the built in profile, it does allow you to make adjustments per plane if you want.  One example is in DCS when flying the A-10 in DCS I crank up the amount of vibration firing the gun causes. If there is anything it is not reading I am not aware of it.

 

 

Is that also the case for IL-2 ? Are all the telemetric data been read and used to simulate gun vibrations, g-forces, turbulences etc. as well ?

[c19580]

Has anyone else used Sim Racing Studio software to drive bass shakers and have a good experience with it?

[dgiatr]

5 hours ago, c19580 said:

Has anyone else used Sim Racing Studio software to drive bass shakers and have a good experience with it?

I use sim racing studio for driving my motion platform and for motion compensation and i am very happy with it.

 

But especially for driving bass shakers i use simshaker because i think its more dedicated to flying simulators with more effects and more customizable than sim racing studio.

 

 

Edited August 14, 2024 by dgiatr