SD2.0ManualPlayerConfig
Player Configuration
Before you can drive, you have to set up the controls for your driver. Speed-Dreams can support as many configurations as you require, and multiple drivers can race simulataneously. This process is only necessary for the 'human' racers (the 'robot' drivers are preconfigured).
During the configuration process you will select a name for your driver, skill level, the type of gear box/transmission they will race with and select the controls which are used to drive. Once the driver is defined they can choose which car to race within the race configuration menu.
By default Speed-Dreams associates a default set of controls, using the mouse to steer and keyboard for throttle and brake. These can be changed in the 'Controls' menu.
Selecting Controls
When started Speed-Dreams inspects the system to find out what controllers are available, any number of these can be used 'in game' and each player is not limited to one controller - for example you could combine a steering wheel/pedals for driving, with a joystick for gear selection.
Enter the 'Controls' menu, where you will be presented with a list of all configurable 'commands'. By default many will not be associated with a controller. Simply select the one you wish to assign (click it with the mouse or navigate via keyboard) and then move the appropriate wheel/joystick or press a button/key. The command will then shows it's association.
Note: Some controls expect to be a 'on/off' command and some expect to be a 'variable' command. As some controllers have pressure sensitive buttons, Speed-Dreams will see both a button press and an axis movement. Speed-Dreams will apply some intelligence to the action sensed, and automatically select the appropriate one. Where a command may be either, each time the command is associated the selected action will toggle between those sensed.
Multiple player configurations may overlap sharing the same controls, which can happen if you have different controllers which you alternatively use. Just set-up different drivers appropriately named (ie. 'Simon (DFP)' and 'Simon (Gamepad)') and select the appropriate one when you start to race.
Calibration
Once all the controls you require have associations, it is likely that you will need to calibrate so that Speed-Dreams know where the limits are and which 'direction' of a axis is used. There are three pages of calibration each for different types on controllers, although not all of them may be required.
Once the calibration is complete click 'Save' and you will returned the previous menu. If you make a mistake during the calibration process the 'Reset' button will restart the calibration process for the current controller type.
Mouse Calibration
This will be required if you have selected a mouse movement to control a command (for steering, throttle or brake). Position the mouse cursor as instructed by the on screen instructions, clicking a button after each action.
Joystick Calibration
This will be required if you have selected a joystick axis to control a command. First place the controller in a 'NULL' position which represents the idle state, then click a button. Position the controller as per the on screen instructions, clicking a button after each.
'Axis to Button' Calibration
When an axis is associated with an 'on/off' command Speed-Dreams splits the range of that axis into selections, when the joystick/dial/wheel is in one of these sections the command will be actioned as if a button was pressed.
Firstly you need to release all of the controller sticks/etc to register a 'NULL' position, this is position when no commands will be actioned. Then following the on screen instructions you will asked to position the axis for each of the commands associated with that axis.
Note: Since pressure sensitive controllers will assert both an axis movement and button press, Speed-Dreams keeps a list of 'buttons' to ignore during the calibration process. This list of 'ignore buttons' is not maintained once the application has been stopped, if you want to recalibrate an 'ATOB' command you will have to reselect the control in the 'Controls' menu.
