irFFB2026

Initial public release of irFFB2026 1.0.1

Disclaimer:
irFFB2026 is an experimental iRacing FFB enhancement tool provided AS-IS with no warranty. It may cause wheel oscillation, hardware stress, or unexpected behavior. Test carefully in practice sessions, start with conservative settings, and calibrate your wheel in iRacing. The author(s) assume no liability for any damage or issues arising from its use.

irFFB2026 is an enhanced Force Feedback (FFB) tool for iRacing inspired by Grok and is a significant rewrite of irFFB2022. The original irFFB that is found at github/nlp80’s repository gave a great start at producing enhanced FFB effects that gave us the “Seat of Pants” feel. irFFB2022 did not change the core calculations for FFB. irFFB2026 is a major redesign and replacement of those core calculations. The irFFB2026 user interface (UI) may look and feel similar, but the experience of the FFB effects is significantly better. If you want to learn more, just ask @grok about the Pacejka Magic Formula and about irFFB2026 use of the formula.

irFFB2026 uses the famous Pacejka Magic Formula — a proven physics model used by real car manufacturers — to create exceptionally realistic force feedback. It accurately calculates self-aligning torque (SAT), the natural force that tries to straighten the front tires when cornering, giving you clear feedback about grip, oversteer, and understeer. What’s making an even bigger difference for many drivers is the vertical component of the formula, which models how up-and-down forces and changing tire loads affect steering feel. This allows you to feel weight transfer, suspension movement, and body roll in a very natural way. The combination of SAT and these vertical effects results in a much richer and more immersive steering experience that connects you better to the car.

The irFFB2026 user interface still keeps the original look at feel but the configuration is significantly reduced. Quick Tips replace the numerous sliders so that people should almost be able to launch and go. We all know iRacers just want to race and not deal with complex software.

The irFFB2026 SimHub integration has been updated as well with a new SimHub Connector DLL and SimHub Overlays. The SimHub Connector provides for three new properties of AutoTune, OversteerIntensity and UndersteerIntensity. OversteerIntensity and UndersteerIntensity properties can be used to drive the LFE Haptics (Shakers) for front and rear indication of oversteer and understeer conditions. The AutoTune property is for future overlay development.

The Connector DLL adds a new button binding control that allows for the toggling of the AutoTune function. This allows the user to disable the AutoTune function while the car is on the track. The NextFFB button binding control replaces the two buttons used to select the FFB mode to reduce the number of button bindings.

The irFFB Dash and Status overlays have been updated as well. The Status Overlay has been updated to include the status of AutoTune. Red is off and Green is on.

The irFFB Status overlay has been updated to include a Clipping Indicator next to the Max Force Value. If it is red, the FFB is clipping and green indicates no clipping.