Gettin my butt-kicked! Go on, I know you want to ...

[CMDR Bravo Zulu]

On the hunt for further VR immersion, I am taking a magical journey with you guys on the forum. Inspired by the reviews here I ordered a buttkicker G2 from Germany - it arrived yesterday.

Everything bolted on to my chair and hooked up every easy using headphone jack and splitter. I have had to ditch the USB headset for now and use a separate USB mike and 'phones for VoiceAttack.

I switched on, and fired up my Eagle ... WOW! WOW! WOW! .... At the LOWEST volume setting, I can feel every thrum of the engines, my teeth rattle and my floor shakes. I inch forward the throttles ... oh joy what a feeling.
Landing gear up - CLUNK!

I get underway ... minutes later my other half is yelling that she cant hear the TV in the living room bellow - my chair on the thin floor is acting like a giant woofer downstairs and she is feeling everything! When I hit the discovery scanner the house shook and the windows rattled. Combat shots and explosions rocked me.

While this is amazing it is OTT and unsustainable. Not suiable for a small house with neighbors or anyone in a flat. I thought I would have to sell it on, or so I thought - I have however been experimenting and have found a set up that works for me, the missus and the neighbours.

While the DK2 adds a new dimension that has to be experienced to be understood, IMHO the same applies to the BK-G2.If you have taken the risk getting a DK2 and enjoy the experience do yourself a favor and give a BK-G2 a try, and get yet another dimension. They are in demand so no problem reselling if you dont like it and best yet this 'mod' wont impact your PFS!.

Here are my tips :-

Use the office chair clamp if you want the FULL the teeth rattling experience and have a suitable environment.

Otherwise, don't bolt it on to the chair, put the BK-G2 between two pillows inside a pillow case with the wire sticking out, then sit directly on top of the pillows, using cushions at the sides if necessay for comfort. This muffles a lot of the vibration through the chair and sends them up into your body at whatever intensity you desire. The missus can watch TV now, relatively undisturbed and I can shake rattle and roll to my hearts content and my body will allow.

By far the most brutal vibrations are generated by the discovery horn. Using VoiceAttack, I bypass the horn blast completely by firing a VoiceAttack macro mapped to a button on my hotas. The macro fires weapon 2 (press and hold f) pauses 4 seconds to get the wind up, fires nircmd.exe to cut sounds (incl horn) pause 2 more, then release F, and nircmd.exe again to reenable the sounds. I find scanning a tranquil pleasure now.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd.html

I am still learing to get the hang of my Warthog, almost mapped correctly. I recommend that anyone use VoiceAttack joystick macros and skip target until you know what you want.

Fly safe and shoot straight commanders.
B-Z OUT!

 

[SlackR]

Thanks for this... Got to test my buttkicker out in full today...
The missus said it feels like an earthquake everytime it goes off! (She's on the other side of the room)
Enough said!

 

[Yololo69]

Welcome to the BKG2 Club!

I live in an old house so here what I did to avoid any vibration on my wooden ground. I removed the seat from the central foot of my office chair and set 4 pieces of...what's the name in English? Rubber? not sure, this is piece used to eliminate any vibration when suspending a ventilation (E.g. fan for water room, restroom, etc.). You can see them on the pictures. So vibration stay on the seat and nearly don't go down to the ground. Then I added a metal bar to attache the bkg2, i bought a "foot" that you usually buy per 4 for kitchen furniture (I'm sorry, my everyday English is not terrible, hope you understand)

And voila! Before doing that the whole house was vibrating and hearing a strong bass sound (not me with the headset), now it's quiet, and wife is happy

Some pics:

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

Now I dream SimVibe will manage Elite Dangerous one day. Using only the bass chanel is cool, but having a profile where you can change any settings is awesome, I use it for car simulator like Asseto Corsa and rFactor 2 (I switch the BKG2 on my car seat with wheel, shifter and pedals in the same gaming room when I drive) and that's really cool.

 

[Khyber GT]

simvibe really needs to get support out for ed for transducers so we can have proper support. As of right now it's just bass that comes through a transducer and not actual telemetry causing them to vibrate.

http://simxperience.com/en-us/products/simvibe/simvibesoftware.aspx most racing sims are supported. just need them to support ED/SC!

 

[Beavis Tingleball]

I guess my chair is just too heavy.. I ordered the BK lfe mini 4 0hm and must say I'm a little let down. based on every review i read, the lfe mini was a GREAT shaker. It leaves much to be desired. It slaps loudly at 16hz and and barely registers in-game sounds above 40hz. it is possible i'm doing something wrong. any thoughts on this?

 

[Asp Explorer]

I'm curious about what these BK things do, and what sensations they generate. I've had sound crossovered to bass combo's, and separate amps and cabs. With the volume up (when no neighbours around) it absolutely knocks your guts around - an amazing experience. Does a BK do the same thing without the volume?

One project I am still (slowly) working on is to take USB output from gaming lights and relay them into reptile heating-lamps, so you can actually feel the intensity of a star even while wearing a DK2. It's a long way to go yet, but promising.

 

[Beavis Tingleball]

I'm curious about what these BK things do, and what sensations they generate. I've had sound crossovered to bass combo's, and separate amps and cabs. With the volume up (when no neighbours around) it absolutely knocks your guts around - an amazing experience. Does a BK do the same thing without the volume?

One project I am still (slowly) working on is to take USB output from gaming lights and relay them into reptile heating-lamps, so you can actually feel the intensity of a star even while wearing a DK2. It's a long way to go yet, but promising.

yes..well they're supposed to. i'd imagine if you bolted a BK mini to an average computer chair it would rattle the poop right out of you. sadly, my sim/pit seat weighs around 250 lbs. and a single mini doesnt seem to do much. gonna buy the BK advanced or the full size lfe after i sell the mini i just bought.

- - - Updated - - -

One project I am still (slowly) working on is to take USB output from gaming lights and relay them into reptile heating-lamps, so you can actually feel the intensity of a star even while wearing a DK2. It's a long way to go yet, but promising.

That's freakin' awesome!! gonna use the USB signal to trigger a relay for the heat lamps?

 

[CMDR Holycow]

Here's my butt kicker:

 

[Asp Explorer]

That's freakin' awesome!! gonna use the USB signal to trigger a relay for the heat lamps?

Yup, kind of. I can have it working perfectly on intensity, but I cannot make it work positionally, which leads to all sorts of confusion. I'd need a matrix of 3 x 3 x3 lights at the very least, and even that is a terrible draw for your average household circuit using reptile lamps.

 

[Beavis Tingleball]

Yup, kind of. I can have it working perfectly on intensity, but I cannot make it work positionally, which leads to all sorts of confusion. I'd need a matrix of 3 x 3 x3 lights at the very least, and even that is a terrible draw for your average household circuit using reptile lamps.

IMO i think getting them to fire at the right time is enough.. I would use 3 lamps (L,R and overhead) and fire them in unison. directional would be really cool but just feeling warmth when aproaching a star would make me smile.

 

[Asp Explorer]

If intensity is all you want - you can manage that with one IR lamp tied to primary fire USB to power circuit switch will cost about $4, all you need to do is load the driver and bind the button

Your IR device will still need it's own power supply, the USB cable simply tells an optical relay to switch on and off.

Actually - that is a wonderful idea.

I would use 3 lamps (L,R and overhead)

Solves a whole lot of complication, removes the nonsense of feeling heat sources through a massive hull, and massively reduces power costs, the need to continually render most non-visible heat sources, and offer optimum positioning for both triple-screen and Rift users - thankyou!

 

[Zephyriel]

I just bought a second hand Gamer 2 kit and I think there is something wrong with it.
By plugging it on the subwoofer output, I hardly get any vibration at the maximum power setting and maximum volume on the PC, even with all the filters disabled...
So I plugged it in the stereo output and now I get some vibrations, however I still have to set the power at a high level before anything happens.
For the kit to even turn on, there needs to be a strong enough audio output from the computer when I press the on button, otherwise it turns back off right away. So basically, O need to put some loud music, turn the BK on, quickly crank up its volume so it starts vibrating, then I turn it down to a less powerful level... not very user-friendly.
I'm using 5.1 mini-jack plugs to wire it to the PC, not the official ones but ones I bought from amazon (because the guy I bought it from had lost them), do you think this could be the issue? Or is the amplifier just (almost) dead?

 

[Beavis Tingleball]

If intensity is all you want - you can manage that with one IR lamp tied to primary fire USB to power circuit switch will cost about $4, all you need to do is load the driver and bind the button

Your IR device will still need it's own power supply, the USB cable simply tells an optical relay to switch on and off.

Actually - that is a wonderful idea.

Solves a whole lot of complication, removes the nonsense of feeling heat sources through a massive hull, and massively reduces power costs, the need to continually render most non-visible heat sources, and offer optimum positioning for both triple-screen and Rift users - thankyou!

This game is turning us into tech weenies and nerds..

 

[NoshDaMinsk]

simvibe really needs to get support out for ed for transducers so we can have proper support. As of right now it's just bass that comes through a transducer and not actual telemetry causing them to vibrate.

http://simxperience.com/en-us/products/simvibe/simvibesoftware.aspx most racing sims are supported. just need them to support ED/SC!

Agreed - IRacing and other racing titles are excellent with SimVibe and my 4 shaker system. Transducer / shaker sets ups need to vibrate on what you should 'feel', not what you should 'hear'.....

I have posted on the simvibe forums about this as well - lets hope Berney gets ED!

Nosh

 

[djbordie]

anyone want to elaborate on settings for bk gamers 2 and ED, windows, general?

ive only managed to get it to vibrate strongly though windows speaker test.

ive seen youtube video saying windows 7 must be setup properly, quad, 5.1, 7.1, etc.
actually for simvibe it says use quadrophonic windows 7 setup, even if you are 5.1 or 7.1. i have no idea why...

i think you can do more with simvibe even though there is no ED profile?
or clean up the sound a bit so its clearer to the gamer 2?

 

[CMDR Bravo Zulu]

I am still experimenting of course but here are my initial settings and observations if anyone finds then helpful.

Warning long post.

I am sitting directly on the BK to get max effect at the lowest volumes - normal swivel office chair with arms.

I don't have any fancy suround sound, so use stero headphone out on generic PC sound card, y splitter to bose headphones, and BK with the phones to BK splitter to AMP. I have found the connectors to be very sensetive my headphone jack doesn't work all the way in, I need to back it out a fraction to get a good connection, otherwise volume is very low. I am going to replace the cables with some high quality components. If you aren't getting a good signal to the amp that's first place to go look.

Windows 7 - headphone volume at 75 percent, Elite at 100 percent in generic windows mixer.

In game - audio - optimize dynamic range - BOOST. Effects on MAX and music is MUTE.

The amp BKA-130-C is harder to read and setup as there is no volume dial or meter. With low filter cut off in, HCF cut off out and dial at 40 (lowest). Start the game, go into SC and blast your discovery scanner - this is the loudest effect in the game and is like an earthquake at high volume. Turn up the volume by pressing up of down - short presses not hold - until you start to feel the BK start thumping and the green signal light starts to flash - this could need several pushes before you get any response at all. If the green light is flashing you are getting a signal the BK should be thumping. If the red light flashes you are 'overdriving' the amp - this is OK as long as it is not constant only for volume peaks. Adjust the volume until you find a comfortable setting for your bum.

The amp doesn't remember last settings, just start from lowest and work upward until I find the level I want. The power button on the front takes a second to activate - tap the button then wait for power up it is not instant when cold.

Sitting directly on the BK is not the most comfortable experience but it is woth it to get every rumble of the engines. The pillows work well and you can move it all around, I have it placed horisontal under my thighs and I feel as if I am now in a fighter pilots seat. I feel connected to my ship in a way I never imagined.

When tuning your rig you need another person to provide feedback on level opf sound and vibration they experience at different proximities. When you are on the chair you feel everything, even the computer announcements. In the sitting room bellow where previously the room shook there is now only a muffled rumble.

So I mentioned the discovery horn - the volume for me became annoying quickly. My fillings started to ache with each blast, so I had to fix that. My VoiceAttack macro for scanning calls command line utility 'nircmd.exe changesysvolume -40000' to lower from 75 percent to about 5% for the duration of the blast then bring it up again.

Press down F key
Pause 5 seconds
Run application 'nircmd.exe ' with parameters 'changesysvolume -40000' and wait until it completes
Pause 4 seconds
Release F key
Pause 1 second
Run application 'nircmd.exe ' with parameters 'changesysvolume 40000'

If anyone has anything else to add or hints at tips please add your comments.

I truely recommend this to anyone who wants to feel the game - not just look at it, or be in it with a DK2. The combination is mind blowing. I have crosswind pedals on order to complete the kit - then upgrade CPU, RAM and MoBo. I dont have room for a gaming chair or simpit but maybe someday. CV1 or eqivalent if available first is on my Christmas list ... ... who knows what this game will drive me to next in my quest for further out of body experiences.

Nanu Nanu Commanders.
B-Z

 

[djbordie]

thank you

 

[neo1874]

I pushed my wife out an air lock. Now I can play at full volume to my hearts content.

 

[CMDR Bravo Zulu]

So, after a week of BK-G2 + DK2 piloting a vulture, I am literally blown away.

I can now appreciate what an amazing effects soundscape this game has. I love the soundtrack but have it muted most of the time now so I can focus on the feel of my ship. There should be an in game on/off switch like a car radio.

Like the feeling you get when driving a high performance sports car - you know when to change gear because of the engine pitch, and the deceleration when using engine braking into a twisty bend. You feel and hear every change in pace and every bump in the road - your car is alive and you are one with it. Top down and admire the amazing road trip and scenery.

The BK-G2 + DK2 puts me in that zone.

I can hear and feel the ship respond around me - I can appreciate the beauty and power of my thrusters as they ROAR, the body wrenching transition to hyper drive, the blast of the scanners, the silence and calm of space in FA off ... boost, landing gear, cargo scoop - CLUNK. Combat just has to be experienced - deploy weapons - CLUNK - fire pulse laser - THUD-THUD-THUD, launch missile WOOSH - BOOM... BOOOOM - target destroyed. I feel as if I have more fine control now and can make better speed adjustments by feel and feedback.

Everything is improved with the added sense of being able to feel. If you have a DK2 and are not being transduced (new word) at the same time you are missing out. I am having to take a break for a while, a few says in the saddle and my body needs a rest, Elite Dangerous has become a physical activity for me now

I hope this post helps inspire anyone on the edge of making a decision and pushes you over - if you can afford it - get one, you won’t regret it. You may need to hunt in UK, but remember if you are in EU no duty and taxes if you order from Europe. I paid 197 Euros including delivery - 140 pounds from Belgium - relatively low cost enhancements that can be justified when compared to other peripherals HOTAS etc.

If you get BK-G2 problems post them here. In my experience this community forum has many diverse VR experts and is great at problem solving, very supportive and a great group of people who share an enthusiasm for Elite Dangerous and what it has enabled for the cutting edge of VR experiences.

Thanks for reading.

B-Z

 

[CMDR Bravo Zulu]

I just bought a second hand Gamer 2 kit and I think there is something wrong with it.
By plugging it on the subwoofer output, I hardly get any vibration at the maximum power setting and maximum volume on the PC, even with all the filters disabled...
So I plugged it in the stereo output and now I get some vibrations, however I still have to set the power at a high level before anything happens.
For the kit to even turn on, there needs to be a strong enough audio output from the computer when I press the on button, otherwise it turns back off right away. So basically, O need to put some loud music, turn the BK on, quickly crank up its volume so it starts vibrating, then I turn it down to a less powerful level... not very user-friendly.
I'm using 5.1 mini-jack plugs to wire it to the PC, not the official ones but ones I bought from amazon (because the guy I bought it from had lost them), do you think this could be the issue? Or is the amplifier just (almost) dead?

Getting the volume right can be tricky ... you may need to pre-amplify the signal to the BK, but I'd check the adaptors and cables again first.

Good Luck ... it is worth it when you get it working.
B-Z