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HFS

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Next Level Racing HFS Software

Product Overview

HFS (Haptic Feedback Software) is Next Level Racing’s proprietary PC application designed to manage and deliver fully customizable haptic feedback across the HF8 and HF8 Pro pads. It centralizes effect control, enabling a dynamic, immersive touch experience tailored to racing and flight simulation.

Available Variants

There is a single unified HFS software platform across both HF8 and HF8 Pro hardware—meaning no separate “Pro version” of the software exists. However, the HF8 Pro features an upgraded iteration of the software capable of higher fidelity and responsiveness.

Specifications & Capabilities

  • Motor Control: Manages eight independent haptic motors, each configurable for distinct effects.
  • Game Effects Mapping:
    • Racing: RPM, braking, downforce, suspension, ground effects, etc.
    • Flight: Flaps, G‑force, air brakes, turbulence, stalls, APU/JFS operations.
    • Customizable per title.
  • Performance (HF8 Pro):
    • Operates at 75 fps—up from 15 fps in earlier versions—ensuring ultra-low latency responses.
  • Integration: Supports SimHub for advanced customization and scripting.
  • Profiles & Sharing: Users can create, save, and share custom profiles for specific games or simulate styles.
  • Expansion: The software receives periodic updates expanding its game compatibility and effects library.

 

Adjustments

HFS provides full control over each motor’s intensity, effect mapping, and timing. No physical adjustments are needed, as all fine-tuning is handled via intuitive software sliders and dropdowns.

Troubleshooting

No Feedback in DCS:

In order to get your HF8/Pro working with DCS through the HFS software, please follow these steps:
 
1.  Connect the HF8 gaming pad to the PC (either via USB or the 3.5mm audio jack)
2. Ensure that the HF8 is connected to AC Power and is switched, and the light is showing on the Control Box (solid LED for USB mode & flashing LED for Audio mode)
3. Open the HFS program and ensure that the HF8 is showing as "Connected" and that the correct "Mode" is selected.  You can also test the motors here, if you like.
 
 
4. Navigate to the profile of the desired game and click on the thumbnail.  This will bring you to the effects page for this profile.
 
 
 
5. Ensure that the desired effects are turned on (showing green) and that their strength is set as desired. You can also click the arrow at the far right to further customise which motors will respond to that effect.
 
 
The Game Settings "IP Address & Port Number" will only be necessary for setting port forwarding rules when using other telemetry-based software/hardware when playing DCS. If you are only using the HF8/HFS then you shouldn't need to worry about this.
 
Additionally, there is a check-box option within the 'Misc.' section of the DCS menu for "Force Feedback" and you'll need to ensure that this option is NOT checked.
 
You should now be getting vibration feedback from the HF8 pad.
 
 
How to use VSC (Virtual Sound Card):
 
This can be toggled by clicking on the "Audio Mode" text within the HFS software, and ensuring that it is RED in colour. 


 

Alternatively, you would need to make use of the "Virtual Sound Card", which will use the audio signal from the game to provide feedback through the motors.  This can be done by navigating to "Other Games" from the drop-down menu, then selecting the "Virtual Sound Card" thumbnail and ensuring that the effect has been turned on.

 

 

HFS Not Opening:
 

1. When installing the HFS software, please run the install file as administrator.

2. Once the HFS installed, are you able to search in Windows for "HFS" and does the below image appear?

3. If you run the HFS software once installed, does an icon appear either on the Windows taskbar or in the bottom right of the taskbar?  See below for images for your reference:

- If the images appears on the Windows taskbar, if you hover over the tile does the below image appear?
 
If the image above does appear, we recommend trying the below steps. The issue may be that the HFS software is appearing off screen and needs to brought back into the display area:
 
- Hover over the HFS tile on the Windows taskbar
- Right click at the top of the tile that appears where it says "HFS" - please see the previous image for reference.
- Select the "Move" option from the menu that appears - this should be the second option from the top.  Once selected, do not move your mouse or you will have to repeat the steps above! Please see the picture below for reference:

- Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, try holding down the left or right arrow key to see if the HFS software appears onto your screen.  You may need to hold it down for 3-5 seconds before it appears (this is assuming that it is off the screen).

- If the HFS software doesn't appear back on screen, then you may need to try in the opposite direction.
 

FAQ

Can I control feedback per motor?
Yes—on PC, each of the eight motors can be customized individually for fine-tuned haptic immersion.

Is there support for console usage?
Console users (e.g. PlayStation) do not require HFS, as vibration is driven via audio output—resulting in simultaneous activation of all motors.

What if my game isn't supported?
Users can request support for missing titles by contacting Next Level Racing, and the software also allows using SimHub to bridge compatibility gaps.

Compatibility

  • Hardware: Fully compatible with both HF8 and HF8 Pro haptic pads.
  • Software Tools:
    • PC titles (racing and flight sims) with telemetry support.
    • Console gaming via audio pass-through.
    • Integration with SimHub for extended functionality.
  • Ecosystem: Designed to complement other immersive technologies like motion platforms and bass shaker systems.

Instructions & Video Links