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3. Operation

FSX or X-Plane must first be running before starting the BFF Shaker software. To run the BFF Shaker software double click the .exe in your Shaker software folder.

The software will start and will then prompt for a configuration containing the vibration settings to use. When the configuration file has been opened the software will proceed to check comms with your flight simulator (via FSUIPC or WideFS for LAN operation), open the comms with the BFF SHKR-1 or BSH-DRV-1 card and await further user instructions.

The name of the configuration file can be added as a command line parameter if preferred. This allows the file selection step to be bypassed when the software is used with the same configuration file all the time. The easiest way to use this feature is to create a shortcut to the Shaker software .exe and then to add the configuration file name to the end of the Target field contents in the shortcut's properties (under the Shortcut tab). (Note that the filename should be added after the existing final inverted comma in the Target field eg

 .....BFF_Shaker_Beta22"  myfilename.cfg ). The software should then be started by clicking the shortcut.

The Vibration Amp and Freq display area shows the live vibration output for each of the three vibration "channels" available. These are the amplitude (range 0 - 255) and frequency (CPS) levels for channels Engine, Runway and Turbulence.

The Engine channel carries solely engine steady running vibration effects and is active when the aircraft is both in the air or on the ground.

The Runway channel carries steady runway noise effects and is mainly active when the aircraft is on the ground. This channel also carries landing gear transition noise effects and gear motion stop shudders when the aircraft is airborne.

The Turbulence (Flaps/Stall) channel carries air turbulence vibration effects when the aircraft is in the air. These are stall, flaps, spoiler and extended landing gear turbulence noise effects.  When the aircraft is on the runway this channel carries the random runway bump effects and engine start/stop shudders.

Buttons & Controls -

ON_OFF – Toggle the vibration demand output on/off - vibration demand will ramp up to the active level when switched on. The progress bar next to the ON_OFF button shows the on/off level.

NOTE - a flight must be ACTIVE for vibration to be generated. If a flight is not active then the Shaker software will automatically release the vibration demand. Conditions that will cause auto-release are - selecting a menu item in FS, crashing or entering slew mode. Loading will also release when the settings are saved using the Update button.

CLOSE – release the vibration and close the application.

Master Gain (Slider) – Slider to adjust the overall level of the vibration output.

The adjustment range is from 0 to 200%. This can be useful if you wish to change the vibration output level without changing the relative levels of the individual vibration components.

Although the adjustment will be seen in the vibration output straightaway, changes will not be saved until the Update button in the settings area is clicked.

To change the individual component strengths click the Settings button and adjust the individual settings as required.

Settings – Toggle the display of the detailed settings area of the window.

V Supply and Demand bars show the status of the voltage supply and output demand of the connected BSH-DRV-1 card.

Program status log files are held in the /logs subfolder – these are re-written each program session.

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