Introduction
This article aims to help you get Sim Commander 4.5 installed and introduce the basic concepts that you'll use regularly within Sim Commander. To keep this document brief, links will be provided to more in-depth / optional topics.
Installing Sim Commander
Prerequisites
You'll need the following to install Sim Commander 4.5:
- Sim Commander 4.5 Software Installer
- All SimXperience devices connected and powered on
- Device drivers installed for all SimXperience devices
Running The Installer
Once you've downloaded the Sim Commander to your PC, simply double-click it to begin the installation process.
Software Dependencies
If your system is lacking any necessary frameworks, such as the DirectX runtime, Visual C++ Runtime and/or .Net Framework, the installer will attempt to install them for you by launching them individually. Keep an eye on your task bar for other sub-installers to pop up and require intervention. If a sub-installer does appear, simply click 'next' on it to continue installation. Do NOT cancel installation of these dependencies.
Choosing a Sim Type
The sim type is essentially a device template. It will determine what devices are available in Sim Commander. Knowing the sim type allows us to simply tuning for you and also improves performance by not loading unnecessary devices, etc..
If you have an AccuForce, G-Belt and/or SimVibe, you will select the motionless sim type.
If you have a GS-5 G-Seat you will select the GS-5 sim type. This will also accommodate any combination of AccuForce, G-Belt and/or SimVibe along with your GS-5.
If you have a Stage Series Motion simulator, you will select the correct Stage 1-4 option as your sim type. This will also accommodate any combination of AccuForce, G-Belt and/or SimVibe along with your Stage Series motion simulator.
If you have a Stage Series Motion simulator + GS-5, you will select the correct Stage 1-4 option as your sim type that includes the GS-5 in the title. For example, you could choose 'Stage 3 & 4 + GS-5' This will also accommodate any combination of AccuForce, G-Belt and/or SimVibe along with your GS-5 + Stage Series motion simulator.
Completing Installation
After you have selected your sim type, you will be presented with sim type specific configuration wizard screens. For example, if you have a Stage Series motion simulator, you will be asked to tell Sim Commander which actuator serial numbers are to be mapped to the left/right and rear actuation functions.
If you have an AccuForce, simply check the checkbox to enable AccuForce functionality in the AccuForce page of the wizard.
If you have SimVibe Chassis mode (4-transducers, one at each corner) you will enable it with the checkbox and tell Sim Commander what sound card to use for the outputs.
If you are using SimVibe, but not in chassis mode, you will enable SimVIbe extensions mode with the checkbox and tell Sim Commander what sound card to use for the outputs.
When you arrive at the Install-N-Drive wizard screen, simply press the auto-detect button. Sim Commander will detect any games that are installed in the default location and automatically create profiles for them to display on the main screen.
Finally, complete any personal preference sections of the wizard and complete the wizard.
Basic Tasks
Launching a Game/Profile
To launch a game/profile, simply hover your mouse over a profile on the Sim Commander home screen and click the launch button.
Basic Navigation Overview
This section will give you an overview or legend to the Sim Commander user interface.
Main Screen
- Auto-discover, create or import profiles with the 'add button'
- Reset the home screen view to defaults
- Toggle showing only your favorite profiles on the home screen
- Toggle display of the game/car/track filters
- Open the visual lap analyzer
- Open the Sim Commander settings screen
- Select your preferred language
- Sim Commander background music volume control
- Sim Commander version & update offerings
- Voice Control Toolbar
- Open voice control settings
- Issue a voice command
- A profile (sometimes also referred to as a sim setup button)
- Cloud designator icon indicates the profile is "cloud tuned"
- Profile filters allow you to filter the list of profiles by game/car/track
Profile Settings Screen
To get to the profile settings, simply hover your mouse over a profile on the Sim Commander home screen and click the 'Settings' button.
The 'Basic Settings' tab provides the ability to change the profile name and other basic information.
When you initially open the 'Output Mixer' tab, you will be presented with a list of your devices that are in the profile. The 'Output Mixer tab is where you can manage device level intensity and smoothing settings.
You can further drill down into a device to see effect-level settings.
The image above shows the SimVibe Chassis device expanded to show the effect list. You can alter the intensity of each effect if you wish.
Finally, you can drill down into an effect to see detailed effect settings.
The image above shows us drilled-down to the detailed engine vibration effect settings within the SimVibe Chassis device.
Sim Commander Settings Screen
Sim Commander settings are overall settings that are not specific to a profile. To open the Sim Commander settings screen, click the settings gear icon (#6 in the legend) from the Sim Commander home screen. 
The Sim Commander settings screen consists of 5 expandable/collapsible sections. Each section is titled in a self-explanatory manner.
The image above depicts the Sim Device Manager in the expanded state with the SimVibe chassis device selected. The Sim Device Manager is where you set any device level settings and enable or disable devices.
Tuning Options Overview
It's best to use a cloud-designated profile when possible because it's a spot-on experience and effortless. However, there are some circumstances where it makes sense to utilize some of our other tuning options. Learn more here: Sim Commander Tuning Quick Start Guide
Additional Resources
Additional Documentation
In additional to this quick start guide, a substantial amount of documentation and videos are available for Sim Commander. You may find these links helpful:
Product Support
If you have concerns that are not addressed by our documentation section, please reach out to our customer support team here: SimXperience Help Desk