Forza Motorsport 7, Forza Horizon 4 and 5 slimax manager pro

[mrpeters]

Forza Motorsport 7 for PC is now providing UDP telemetry data, including support for data output of Velocity, EngineMaxRpm, EngineIdleRpm, and CurrentEngineRpm!  There are still a few obvious things lacking (current gear, for one thing!) but it seems now is the time to provide feedback on missing data that would be helpful in future updates.

More information is available at https://forums.forzamotorsport.net/turn10_postsm926839_Forza-Motorsport-7--Data-Out--feature-details.aspx

I apologize if I have posted this information in the wrong section, but this felt like the most appropriate location to share the news.

I know Forza isn't the most popular title among hardcore sim racers, but it can be a lot of fun and a great casual title to throw on for guests trying out your rig.  I would love to have working shift lights, RPM, and speed available on my SLI-Pro and other devices, and I hope I'm not alone in that!

Thanks for your consideration, zappadoc!

Microsoft/Turn 10 seems to finally be open to working with third-parties on this as they now see the value

[zappadoc]

Hi,
Thanks for your input. I follow this thread since the announcement.
And obviously, I will be pleased to add the support of the game to SLIMax Manager Pro, the plugin for our 6DOF Motion platform software (MotionMax Manager) is already done however, MS need to add some data to their udp structure before I can create a descent plugin for SLIMax Manager Pro. We already contacted them about it and still waiting for a reply. I suggest to all guys interested to post in the Forza topic below to support the request and to get a API worthy of the name faster...

Cheers,
z

[mrpeters]

any news from Microsoft / Turn 10 on the requested enhancements to the available UDP data?  Could a plugin be built as a "beta" using what is available today (speed, current RPM, and potentially some "percentage" based shift lights since current, idle, and max RPM are available) or would you consider this wasted time?  I would hope it is a "head start" on future versions of a plugin for SLIMax Manager Pro, but I suppose if they scrap the entire current format it might be a waste. 

I would certainly get lots of use out of being able to see my speed, RPM on my dash and sadly with the July update release notes out (https://forums.forzamotorsport.net/turn10_postsm937986_FM7-Release-Notes--UPDATED-July-10--2018.aspx#post_937986) it doesn't sound like we will be getting any updates to this feature for FM7, at least.

[zappadoc]

Hi, we need at last gear value to release a Forza 7 (beta) plugins for SLIMax Mgr Pro. just a reminder you can't use it with a dash or a steering wheel like G2x or Fanatec running on the PC due to the limitation of Windows 10 and UWP app they can't use "localhost"... this is a serious issue of Windows 10 and limits the interest on PC platform.
Cheers,
z

[mrpeters]

Hi, we need at last gear value to release a Forza 7 (beta) plugins for SLIMax Mgr Pro. just a reminder you can't use it with a dash or a steering wheel like G2x or Fanatec running on the PC due to the limitation of Windows 10 and UWP app they can't use "localhost"... this is a serious issue of Windows 10 and limits the interest on PC platform.
Cheers,
z

Wow, really?  That's very interesting.  So an SLI-Pro can't take output from the UDP data?  I wonder how SimXperience has achieved it with SimCommander 4.  As far as I can tell, it autodetects the UWP app location and I can gather the packet data to tune my Accuforce and SimVibe.  I know both SimCommander and SLIMax could not be used simultaneously, but I could give up vibrations for working SLI-Pro!

Hopefully they improve upon this in Horizon 4 and Forza 8, I suppose!

[zappadoc]

I wonder how SimXperience has achieved it with SimCommander 4. 

yep, me too, cause today due to the "network isolation" a windows 10 UWP app can't be reached from UDP localhost (IP 127.0.0.1) unless you're using a DEBUG version of the uwp app under the Windows dev environment (Visual Studio). the loopback is not allowed.

So you have to use a slave machine connected to the network to send the data but you can't use the udp stream on the local machine running the uwp app...that's the current rules.

Obviously, you can use "sh*tty cheat" tool to get the pointer of the UDP buffer (memory address of the telemetry data) to workaround the network isolation but sorry I will never use this on my software... or they have a deal with M$ to get the data in another way TCP/Shared memory/etc.

Cheers,
z

related links:
https://www.bing.com/search?q=windows+10+uwp+app+udp+loopback+issue+network+isolation&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=windows+10+uwp+app+udp+loopback+issue+network+isolation

https://www.google.com/search?q=windows+10+uwp+app+udp+loopback+issue+network+isolation&oq=windows+10+uwp+app+udp+loopback+issue+network+isolation

[zappadoc]

the beta plugin of Forza Motorsport 7 for SLIMax Mgr Pro 64bit is available in BETA Forum (you need to be PRO,  GOLD or Generous donators to get acces to this area):

https://www.eksimracing.org/forum/index.php?topic=4545.0

As already said, API is poor for racing dash rpm + speed and that's all! and Windows 10 "network isolation" of UWP app will certainly prevent to use it...

Cheers,
z

[mrpeters]

the beta plugin of Forza Motorsport 7 for SLIMax Mgr Pro 64bit is available in BETA Forum (you need to be PRO,  GOLD or Generous donators to get acces to this area):

https://www.eksimracing.org/forum/index.php?topic=4545.0

As already said, API is poor for racing dash rpm + speed and that's all! and Windows 10 "network isolation" of UWP app will certainly prevent to use it...

Cheers,
z

Thank you for sharing!  I will look forward to seeing if I can get any results.

Perhaps something like Fiddler's AppContainer Loopback Utility would be a solution?

https://www.telerik.com/fiddler/add-ons

[mrpeters]

Any thoughts on a utility like this one above zappadoc?

Or perhaps using Powershell commands, like this example for Microsoft Edge to disable the loopback exclusion?

https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/en/SSPH29_9.0.3/com.ibm.help.common.infocenter.aps/r_LoopbackForEdge.html

[zappadoc]

Hi, loopback enabler is available ONLY FOR TCP not for UDP. The unilateral "network isolation" is the most stupid thing ever done by MS developers... You waste your time with Forza7 I suggest to use my spreadsheets available in your last topic to create any iRacing car setup. iR is far better than f7...

https://www.eksimracing.org/forum/index.php?topic=4555.0


Cheers,
z

[mrpeters]

@Zappadoc

I know you hate me over this topic, but lots of additional data output was added in the most recent Forza 7 update which should make creating a plugin for SLIMax Manager Pro that uses real values, and not placeholders, a worthwhile investment.

See the updated original thread at https://forums.forzamotorsport.net/turn10_postst128499_Forza-Motorsport-7--Data-Out--feature-details.aspx?= for at least 30 new outputs available in the new "DASH" mode.  Basically anything you see on screen is now being output (speed, gear, position, rpm, etc.)

[zappadoc]

Hi, seriously, a smiley is missing in your first sentence... also, I received ZERO report regarding the F7 plugin available in beta forum. I pushed today a new version with the additional telemetry data. Let see if someone is interested or not by this plugin and if I get some feedback this time...

Cheers,
z

[mrpeters]

Hi, seriously, a smiley is missing in your first sentence... also, I received ZERO report regarding the F7 plugin available in beta forum. I pushed today a new version with the additional telemetry data. Let see if someone is interested or not by this plugin and if I get some feedback this time...

Cheers,
z

Haha, perhaps it did deserve a wink 

I honestly thought I was annoying you with this, so when I couldn't actually get the beta plugin to work I was honestly afraid to come and ask for help because I knew it was just a "placeholder" and I didn't want to waste your time.

I will install the new version tonight and see if I can get data on my SLI-Pro this time.  I want to provide feedback, but I also don't want to be a burden to you.  I'm very confident I configured the plugin correctly and I have over 15 years background in systems administration and am CCNA certified, so I am not a total dummy with this type of thing 

Do you want feedback/requests for support with the Beta plugin here in this thread, or shall I start a new thread if I have issues?

[zappadoc]

no no (as written in the download page in beta forum) here is perfect.
Normally, SLIMax will not be able to communicate with the game if you are not admin and full owner (in sense of Windows permission) of your files and if you do not deactivate the network isolation of Forza7.
Cheers,
z

[mrpeters]

no no (as written in the download page in beta forum) here is perfect.
Normally, SLIMax will not be able to communicate with the game if you are not admin and full owner (in sense of Windows permission) of your files and if you do not deactivate the network isolation of Forza7.
Cheers,
z

I have full admin rights, and do believe I set SLIMax Manager to run as Administrator long long ago, but I will verify.

I've disabled the network isolation with this command in Elevated Command Prompt:

CheckNetIsolation.exe LoopbackExempt -a -n=microsoft.apollobasegame_8wekyb3d8bbwe

[zappadoc]

normally, network isolation can be altered with a debug version of UWP only and not a release version so I hope this windows 10 rule has been changed...

UDP port must be configured as usual and you should receive a firewall prompt the first time slimax communicates with F7.
Cheers,
z

[zappadoc]

A remote config can also be tested not sure if this is working but:

install slimax on a remote PC/laptop (connected to your LAN)
plug the slipro on this remote pc
and change the settings in game and slimax to the corresponding IP
(remote PC ip for the game; main F7 IP for slimax)

F7 on the main will send UDP packet to this remote PC and SLIMax should read them and you should see something on your sli-pro...

[mrpeters]

New plugin installed, but same issues as previous.  I'm just endlessly stuck with "Startup" in SLIMAX Manager.

Config, and confirmation that I'm running as admin included.

I need to dig out another wheel rim to test with a remote PC to see if I get any better results.

[zappadoc]

Hi,

attention, no space in attachment name.

"Startup" means the plugin is loaded and running but not related to udp communication.

A new version of the plugin is available in beta forum, download and replace the plugin and do your tests with the SLIMax Debug Console window opened (see the scripts menu). The new plugin indicates the paused/unpaused state and the number of bytes received in console. if you do not have those indications or bytes = -1 then SLIMax doesn't receive any udp packet...

optional: grap a pc tool (or another dash app) to check if the udp port of forza is opened and check if there is another app using this 7777 port to change it if there is a conflict.

Cheers,
z

[mrpeters]

Hi,

attention, no space in attachment name.

"Startup" means the plugin is loaded and running but not related to udp communication.

A new version of the plugin is available in beta forum, download and replace the plugin and do your tests with the SLIMax Debug Console window opened (see the scripts menu). The new plugin indicates the paused/unpaused state and the number of bytes received in console. if you do not have those indications or bytes = -1 then SLIMax doesn't receive any udp packet...

optional: grap a pc tool (or another dash app) to check if the udp port of forza is opened and check if there is another app using this 7777 port to change it if there is a conflict.

Cheers,
z

Thank you!  I will give this a try, and also break out Wireshark to see if I can see any data attempting to be transmitted on port 7777.  I'm not aware of anything that would be using the port, but you never know!  Just to be clear -- the plugin doesn't care about the port number, provided it is clear and open and configured to the same value in FM7 and in the plugin configuration.  In theory, I could use something like 33993, as long as FM7 and the plugin are listening on that port, right?

[zappadoc]

I could use something like 33993, as long as FM7 and the plugin are listening on that port, right?

yes, however using the default port 7777 of the game is always recommended in case you are using apps or other device drivers stuck to default values.

[mrpeters]

I could use something like 33993, as long as FM7 and the plugin are listening on that port, right?

yes, however using the default port 7777 of the game is always recommended in case you are using apps or other device drivers stuck to default values.

Absolutely understood.  My thought was to grab something outside of the "Well Known" port range (0 - 1023) and probably should even go outside of the Registered port range (1024 to 49151) just to be absolutely sure it wasn't in use just to be sure things are working.

I'll give this some more work tonight and report back.  Thank you for all of the assistance and updates to the plug-in!

[zappadoc]

SLIMax Mgr Pro will not recognize the game in the remote configuration, so we have to launch an app like the notepad.exe renamed ForzaMotorsport7.exe on the remote PC when FM7 is running on the main PC... a little bit complicated, it's obviously better to have a local config running with localhost settings... in attachment the Notepad++.exe renamed to be extracted on desktop and used as an alias of the FM7 app.

[mrpeters]

Based on debug, I think SLIMax Manager and FM7 are communicating!  I just see nothing on my SLI-PRO, and I'm wondering if the problem is that there is no entry in the autosetup.cfg for the slipro for the Forza plugin?

My selected plugin in SLI Max Manager Pro is "slipro_default.cfg" before I launch FM7.

I'm also wondering if the "Session Ended" for every device, including SLI-Pro indicates a problem here.  That happens as soon as the game is launched, but all of my buttons and shifters on the SLI-PRO still work.

You may note I am using an AccuForce, but please know I am NOT running SimCommander 4 as I attempt to get this working, as I know they would conflict.

[zappadoc]

Hi, I don't know how you do your screenshots but they are in very low res and the text is not really readable.

autosetup is not activated for FM7 yet

yes, the udp packet with 311 bytes seems to be received

Attention, this is UDP protocol you CAN'T use more than ONE STREAM, if you want to test your sli-pro you need to shutdown all other devices using the same udp protocol. A proxy server is needed to use multiple devices with one UDP stream.

"Session Ended" msg is normal here

I will check if the api structure is 311 bytes and why it's not parsed...

EDIT: Checked the size of packet structure is exactly 311 bytes and it should be parsed without problem...

do the test with FM7 in windowed mode
and check if the unpaused or paused message in debug console correspond to your car state:  IN track / OUT Track.
thanks

[mrpeters]

Hi, I don't know how you do your screenshots but they are in very low res and the text is not really readable.

autosetup is not activated for FM7 yet

yes, the udp packet with 311 bytes seems to be received

Attention, this is UDP protocol you CAN'T use more than ONE STREAM, if you want to test your sli-pro you need to shutdown all other devices using the same udp protocol. A proxy server is needed to use multiple devices with one UDP stream.

"Session Ended" msg is normal here

I will check if the api structure is 311 bytes and why it's not parsed...

Sorry, I run a 1440p resolution, so I've been downsampling to make sure I fit the filesize limit.  I'll keep them full resolution next time, and use a little compression on the JPG if needed.

I don't know what other devices would be using the UDP stream.  As I said, I know I cannot use SimCommander, thus am relying only on FM7 in game FFB.  SLIMax Manager Pro is the only app open, other than FM7.

[zappadoc]

EDIT: Checked the size of packet structure is exactly 311 bytes and it should be parsed without problem...

do the test with FM7 in windowed mode
and check if the unpaused or paused message in debug console correspond to your car state:  IN track / OUT Track.
thanks

[mrpeters]

EDIT: Checked the size of packet structure is exactly 311 bytes and it should be parsed without problem...

do the test with FM7 in windowed mode
and check if the unpaused or paused message in debug console correspond to your car state:  IN track / OUT Track.
thanks

i am running window mode, and the 311 message does toggle on and off when i hit the escape key, so I do think that is working as expected.  It recognizes me moving in and out of pause.  I noticed that earlier.

As for the device list -- I guess I need to update that somewhere.  I no longer own an SLI-F1, Logitech, or Thrustmaster wheel.  I just have the Thrustmaster shifter and Fanatec V3 Pedals, along with the SLI-PRO in my wheel.  I do have a tablet for emulator, but it's powered off.  I can test with SLIMax set to not check for emulators on startup, however.

[zappadoc]

be specific:

paused is showed up as soon as you exit session / OUT car (esc key) and unpaused msg when you enter session / IN car ?

[mrpeters]

be specific:

paused is showed up as soon as you exit session / OUT car (esc key) and unpaused msg when you enter session / IN car ?

exactly

The first message is "Unpause" when you "take control" after FM7 does its little camera look around sequence and the 3-2-1 countdown.

Next, I hit escape to pause, causing the first "In Menu 311" followed by clicking "Resume" which marks another unpause 311.  See the clock, and small difference in speed of car here -- 59mph at pause, 46mph unpaused and another screenshot taken.  Another pause of course occurs when I tab out to save the screenshot.