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[Steering]

Hi,

It has been a long time since I want to build a proper controller for GP Bikes.
I create this thread to share with you what has been done and the next steps of development.
The controller I want to build should allow riders to control more realistically the different bikes by using Steering Torque as an input and Bike Angle as an output.

Here are the main characteristics:

Steering	Direct Steer Torque
Front Brake	Pressure sensor input
Throttle	Fly-by-wire quick throttle
Rear Brake	Thumb lever
Clutch	No clutch at the moment
Rolling	Bike lean angle to drive a Servomotor
Gears	Push buttons switch

Further development:

• Controller to be implemented on full size structure
• Foot pegs controls (Gears and rear brake)
• Clutch implementation (if necessary)
• Launch control feature (experimental)

I will update this post regularly.


03/03/2019: Project introduction

Please keep in mind that the controller is only a prototype for the moment. The parts and design are subject to change. The servomotor is obviously undersized.

Quick video showing the Rolling Angle used as an input for the the servo motor.

On the video the bike is controlled via a Bluetooth keyboard as the main purpose is to show the servomotor driven by the bike angle.
The data is received via UDP and sent via Wi-Fi to the microcontroller. An Ethernet connection will be probably used in the future.
The servo control program code is still "under construction" for obvious safety reasons.
For now:

• if the bike crash the servo goes to its initial value at a given speed
• angle limit is +/- 60 degrees

To be done:

• limit rotation speed
• other safety issues

As soon as the handlebar will be mounted on the structure, I will post a video showing how the Direct Steering Torque works. For the moment, calibration is needed.

The next big task is the sizing and selection of the the servomotor.


23/03/2019 : Rig and Direct Steering Torque introduction


First version of the rig made of aluminium profiles.

The rig will probably be redesigned in the future. For now, I need something convenient I can easily modify. Stability plates will be added.

Steering Torque input:
For the moment the handlebar is fixed on the rig and has no DOF.
A first "rough" calibration has been made to set the basis. It is a good starting point to evaluate the needed input.

Quick video showing Direct Steering Torque with fixed handlebar.

I put two LEDs to give a basic preview of how the torque is applied. Those LEDs turn on when torque is applied; the brightness is also relative to the torque. It's not really representative but I hope it makes it easier to visualize.

Feedback from my side so far:

• At low speed the bike is out of control. I need to understand how to handle it as it seems that I will need to modify my software for this specific condition.
• Direct Steer Torque mode works fine until the bike reach a "high" lean angle. As soon as you release the amount of torque on the handlebar, the virtual rider stops to lean left/right and it leads to a crash.
• Surprisingly, using the "normal" steering mode is really intuitive using torque input. I'm looking forward to try it with the servomotor installed.

Next tasks are:

• mounting the servo on the rig.
  
• upgrade the controller (new material to increase rigidity)
• add seat and tank on the rig

[huge]

Hi,

I recently got myself into GP Bikes VR.
The potential is huge however I would like to make a request.

Would it be possible to have a parameter allowing us to set the camera into an "absolute" position.
The head movements would be in control of the cameras at all times.

Example:
When I'm using a VR heaset (seated on a chair) and I brake in GPB, the camera is moving as my head would do in real life even though my head didn't move because I am comfortably sitting.

In this case, I would like the camera to follow my non-motion and stay "fixed".

It should be pretty much the same for turns.

I would like to use this parameter in a motion simulator.

Thank you.

Hi,

I'm trying to write a plugin (based on this one: http://www.gp-bikes.com/downloads/gpb_example.c).
At first I would like to create a .txt file and write something in it.
I don't know why but it's not working...I mean it works sometimes and I still don't know why.

Here what I did:

-Create new DLL project in Code Blocks (C++)
-Copy gpb_example.c in the main.cpp file I have
-insert extern "C" for every function
- add this code (nothing fancy)

Code Select Expand

/* called when bike goes to track. This function is optional */
extern "C" __declspec(dllexport) void RunInit(void *_pData,int _iDataSize)
{
    FILE * fp;

    fp = fopen ("test.txt", "wt");
    fprintf(fp, "test");
    fclose(fp);
SPluginsBikeSession_t *psSessionData;

psSessionData = (SPluginsBikeSession_t*)_pData;
}

- Then I built the project and copy the DLL from bin/Debug into GP Bikes plugins folder and modified the extension in .dlo

But after running the game and going to the track, nothing happened...

I tried to install GP Bikes in C: instead of Program Files (I thought writing in Program Files was not allowed) but I still have the problem.

So, I'd like to know if using debug mode in Code Blocks (with host application "core.exe") is possible.

(Also I use Windows 10).

Thanks 

Hi,

It seems that you guys are interested in motorbike controller and/or motion simulator for GPB (more than I expected  )

My project was to make a full motion simulator (for myself at first and maybe for professional use if it works well) but I will also do a "desk" version.

Before doing the hardware part, It's better for me to know what you would like to have in an "desk" version and for what price range.

I'm making a list with what I see and I'll update it with what you would see or what you want:




- 2DOF handlebar (1DOF as a real motorbike (counter steering) and one for motorbike roll angle)
- ForceFeedBack (for counter steering and/or motorbike roll. Using servomotor)
- Throttle
- Front brake (using spring)
- Clutch
- Buttons (Reset/ECU Mode/Pit Limiter)
- Dashboard ? (RPM leds, LCD screen)
- Rearsets (gear shift lever, rear brake)


All suggestions are welcome! 

Hello,
Is there any way to get the Roll Velocity (m_fRollVelocity) data in the logdata CSV file ?
Thank you