Tutorials

• Companion App Guide
• Haptic Setup EN
• ProVolver Explorer Setup EN
• ProVolver Elite Setup Guide

Companion App Guide

Compatible games and mods Through our collaboration with VR game studios, the compatibility and calibration of our haptic devices are directly integrated into games.   This native compatibility does not require the use of the SteamVR compatibility feature and is present in over 60 titles across multiple platforms including PC, Quest & Pico headsets. This list of native titles is growing continuously.   In addition to these titles, wonderful modders from the community are adding mods to enable native integration into popular games that do not. For games with such a mod, usage of the Companion App SteamVR compatibility feature is not required, just like with native titles. Those mods are only available for SteamVR games (PC).   For PCVR games that are neither native nor have a mod, you need to use the Companion App SteamVR compatibility feature.   For PCVR games that are native, you can use the Companion App to finetune your experience.   Check the native compatiblilities page for more details.

See compatible games on Reddit

Install the Companion App

1. Go on the Companion App Steam page. 2. Add the Companion App to your Steam library. 3. Install the Companion App from your Steam library, like any other game.   4. Use the created shortcut to start the Companion App.

Companion App instruction manual

General preview
Vocabulary Device: The electronic equipment you're connecting to the application. Channel: A reserved space where you can connect your devices and isolate specific received signals. ms: Milliseconds. Preset: A configuration file that contains saved channels and device info.

Left Side panel
Default mode You have some tabs available by default:   Connected Devices SteamVR Native and Mods Haptic Demo Steam workshop	Advanced mode Switching between modes enable/disable advanced features, like assignng custom channels to your device.   Connected Devices (advanced) SteamVR (advanced) Native and Mods (advanced) Haptic Demo (advanced) Valve Index Steam workshop

Haptic demo

Default mode Mainly used to simulate different types of weapons. Sniper : Kick with vibration. M16: Launches a salvo of 3 consecutive kicks. PKM: Continuous burst of kicks and rapid vibration. P90: Continuous burst of rapid kicks. Laser: Vibrates to charge the shots, then kicks after charging.

Advanced mode Start by selecting a channel and tweak your settings from here.  Make sure your device is in the right channel by checking in your channel manager. Identifier: Sends a kick command to the selected channel. Tips: If identifying a channel does not result in any connected device kicking, it probably means that no device has that current channel assigned. A device is considered connected if its battery displays a percentage superior to 0.     Custom Single Shot: Shoots once using specified parameters in brlow sliders. Custom Auto Shot: Shoots using specified parameters and loops based on frequency slider. Kick Power: Controls the kick power for demo mode. Rumble Power: Controls the rumble power for demo mode. Rumble duration: Controls the rumble duration on each shot. Max is 500 ms. Autoshots Frequency: How many times per second you want to shoot with Custom Auto Shot for the demo mode.

FAQ and Troubleshooting

I want to set up my 2 devices for SteamVR Make sure Advanced mode is disabled (the button should be gray). Make sure both of your devices are connected to your PC by going into the side panel option "Connected Devices". If you see 2 cards with a battery percentage above 0, you're set. Now, go to SteamVR tab below. There should be 2 toggle buttons present on the menu. Make sure they're ticked "on". Enable the SteamVR tab's toggle button. Fine-tune your SteamVR settings. Create new presets and save them through the preset manager (top right) if you want to keep your settings for your next sessions. I want my 2 devices to kick separately in Steamvr mode   Make sure both of your devices are connected to your PC by going into the side panel option "Connected Devices". If you see 2 cards with a battery percentage above 0, you're set. Enable the Advanced mode. The "Connected Devices" panel becomes "Channel Manager". You can manage signals by channel. Go to SteamVR tab below. Disable the listen events on "All" channel. If you didn't change manually your channels, your first 2 devices are going to be in RifleButt and RifleBolt (1 device per channel). Make sure you have only 1 listen event side (right or left) enabled on each Channel setting (eg. RifleButt only has Left-hand controller and RifleBolt only has Right-hand controller). If your left device shoots on right events:  Enable SteamVR tab's toggle button Swap the listen event between the 2 channel settings. You should be all set up. If your devices still don't kick, although they display percentages: Note in which channels you just enabled your parameters. Assuming you are still in Advanced mode, navigate to "Channel manager" tab. There is an orange button under each of your devices. Ensure that each device's assigned canal corresponds to the ones you just set up in the SteamVR tab. How can I reduce the kick or rumble of natively compatible games or mods using the companion-app? Launch the Companion App first, then your game. If you didn't set channels manually, go directly to the "Native and Mods" tab. Adjust the sliders until you have a good result while testing in-game. Save your configuration as a preset so you can keep it for your next session. Pistol1 is not always Left hand Pistol1 may not always be set as the left hand, and which gets assigned to it depends on which device paired first to the game.   Games that have Pistol1 + Pistol2 usually have an "invert channel" or "swap hands" option in the settings allowing you to change which hand your 2 ProVolvers are assigned to. More than 2 devices kicking at the same time impossible It is only possible to use a maximum of 2 devices at a time.   If one tries to pair 3 devices or more, only the first 2 devices paired to a game will receive informations. The remaining will receive nothing even if they pair to the game.   In some games, paring more than 2 devices will result in interrupting the pairing process of the "additional device". More than 2 devices and game crashes with Companion app Some native or modded games simply don't work with the Companion App at all when using 2 devices.   If the Companion App is already running, affected games may crash or won't launch properly.   If one launches the Companion App after a game is running, it may still crash, or haptic device constantly pair over and over.   Even if none of these occur, any changes made to the game's haptic events will not apply no matter what. Device history with modded games To use any mod on PC, you must have a maximum of 2 devices paired for a game to transmit haptic signals to a devices properly.   The game cannot know if your paired devices are on or off. So there is a risk that a signal is sent to an off device. To be safe, unpair any unused devices from the Bluetooth menu. bHaptics & ProTubeVR haptics on PC   The ForceTube and ProVolver only work with Bluetooth 4. They are not compatible with Bluetooth 5 dongles. They can work, according to some customers, on Intel chipset WiFi+BT (specifically AX200, AX210, AX220) which can be found directly on some motherboards, or bought as PCIE adapter cards. Also, they do not work well with Realtek chipset in any capacity. There is always a risk that those do not work, so be aware.   The Bluetooth 4.2 dongle we provide runs a Qualcomm chipset. It does not have the capability to let you run both a ForceTube or ProVolver & a bHaptics product simultaneously.   Newest bHaptics products come with a Bluetooth 5 dongle that runs on a Realtek chipset. They used to come with a Bluetooth 4 dongle that let users run both ProTubeVR and bHaptics devices simultaneously.    bHaptics products still work with BT4.0 (according to their website).   The solution is to find a Bluetooth dongle that can let both ForceTube/ProVolver & bHaptics work at same time. DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that none of the solutions proposed under are certified to work. The provided Bluetooth 4 dongle we provide is certified to work with any ProTubeVR's haptic devices. bHaptics being a different company and using a different technology, we ask you not to expect a magical working solution.   1 -  Get which Bluetooth 4 dongle bHaptics used to provide with their products and aquire it.   2 - Find a Bluetooth 4 dongle that is not Realtek. It may take tries and errors to find one that works well with both ProTubeVR and bHaptics devices. Asus USB-BT400 and TP-Link UB400 dongle has been reported to work!    3 - For users with onboard Bluetooth from motherboard or PCIE Card that is Intel Chipset AX200, AX210, or AX220. Make sure to install WiFi antenna even if you don't use WiFi, because it boosts BT signal strength.   Note: Bluetooth transmitters have a limit on how many devices can be actively paired simultaneously. This means it is not possible to use every single bHaptics product while also using 2 of our haptic devices (ForceTube+ProVolver, or 2X ProVolver).

Haptic Setup EN

INTRODUCTION

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The ForceTube and the ProVolver use the same Haptic technology, so all the following instructions are similar for both. If there are any differences, we will let you know.
As the ForceTube is the original product, all the haptic devices are called “ForceTube” on the Bluetooth pairing and on the Companion app.

1 - HAPTIC DEVICES

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ForceTube
ForceTube Gen2 Discontinued	ForceTube Explorer	ForceTube Storm

ProVolver
ProVolver Explorer Discontinued	ProVolver Elite

2 - BATTERY AND LED

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

There are 2 LEDs inside the haptic device:

• The first little one is always red and means the module’s microcontroller is on.
• The second one is the battery level LED, it changes accordingly:
• White: 80 to 100%
• Green: 30 to 80%
• Red: <30%
• Orange: Haptic device is plugged and charging.
  It blinks red very quickly (3 Hz) if you have a battery cell with a too low charge level to work. In this state, the module will not work and needs to be charged.
• Blue: Haptic device overheat. The module will lock itself and won’t work for a while, until it has cooled down. Once the blue LED is off, you can use the module again.

The bigger LED blinks when the haptic device is not connected to an application (not to be confused with not paired) and is steady when connected. 

After unboxing, the first thing you will need to do is charge your device. It arrives on low charge and takes about 6-8 hours to full charge*. You will know it is charging by the yellow/orange LED when plugged in. To charge it, use the provided cable on a PC USB port, or 500mA USB charger. Again, if you do not see a yellow/orange LED when plugged in, it is not charging, and you will need to try a different power source.
*After full charge, unplug the module without too much delay. Overcharging is the best way to damage batteries and shorten their lifespan.

Important: trying to use a USB-C-to-USB-C or an electrical outlet instead of your PC can result in the module not receiving any charge or damaging the battery cell. You should use it as instructed above for it to charge!

The battery level LED turns orange when the module is charging. After 6 to 8 hours of charging, your Haptic device will be fully charged. You can check it by unplugging it (restart it if it shuts down when unplugging) and check that the battery level LED is white.

We also recommend that you charge your device every 5-6 months if it is not actively in use.
Also, charge it only when the battery is low (battery level LED becomes red), avoiding the battery cell to be damaged.

Important notice: It is best to keep the battery level between 20 and 80% to assure a longer battery life.
So only green battery level.
Also, it is recommended to store the module with a battery over 80% when not used for over a month. Avoiding the battery to be damaged.

3 - BLUETOOTH PAIRING

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To use the Haptic device, you first need to power it on and pair it with Bluetooth on your OS (Android for Meta Quest and Windows for PC HMDs).

3.1 - On Windows
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

If your computer does not have Bluetooth 4, plug in the provided Bluetooth dongle, and enable Bluetooth.
(If you have BT5, you will need to disable it on the device manager first, then plug the provided dongle)
To pair it to Windows 10, power your module on and make sure it is not connected to another computer/phone/Meta Quest before (the batteries level LED should blink). 

Windows 11 user, please check those settings first:

• In "Bluetooth & other devices > Devices" (Bluetooth & other devices>view more devices) change the option "Bluetooth devices discovery" to "Advanced".
• Click on the "More Bluetooth settings" and check the "Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC" box.
  

Windows 10 user, you can skip to those following steps directly:

1. Open the Windows settings.
2. Click "Devices".
3. Click "Bluetooth and other devices".
4. Turn on Bluetooth if it isn't done.
5. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device".
6. Click "Bluetooth".

   

7. All the haptic devices are called “ForceTube” on the Bluetooth pairing and on the Companion app.
   Your module should appear with numbers aside. It’s your module’s unique ID. 
   

8. Click on your ForceTube.

9. Wait a few seconds while your module is pairing to Windows. It may ask to check a code, just skip and proceed. 
   

Troubleshooting:

If your Haptic device is paired on Windows but cannot connect to games or the Companion Application, it may be due to a pairing with the bad Bluetooth transmitter (mainly Windows problem).

Windows OS can only allow one Bluetooth transmitter, but all devices ever paired to one transmitter cannot be paired to another from the same computer at the same time.

This problem can occur if you have different Bluetooth transmitters installed or even if you moved your Bluetooth dongle to a new USB port and Windows had difficulties recognizing it, assuming it is a new Bluetooth dongle even if it isn't.

So, you should try to remove the ForceTube from your Bluetooth devices to pair it again.

If you have difficulties to remove it:

1. Go to your Device Manager.
   
2. Click on "View".
   
3. Click on "Show Hidden Devices".
   
4. Open the "Bluetooth" tab.
   
5. In this "Bluetooth" tab, uninstall all unconnected devices (they have lighter icons) by right-clicking them and selecting "Uninstall device" and restart your computer.
   
6. Once done, try to pair again your module on Windows.

If you accidentally remove a device, you should not, try to unplug it, restart your computer, and plug it again.

The picture shows 2 important things:

1. There are two Bluetooth transmitters. Here, "Generic Bluetooth Radio", is the one provided with your product. The other one needs to be disabled.
2. The elements in light blue (transparent) are paired devices but are not connected.

Additional Connection Troubleshooting:

If after the troubleshooting steps you still cannot get the haptic device to connect to the companion app or games, or perhaps to be seen by Bluetooth to pair, here are some more steps to try:

1. If you have an Android phone:

• Download the APK on our GitHub.
• Install the ForceTube’s Android application APK on your phone.
• Try to pair the haptic device to your phone (like a normal Bluetooth device) with the application.
  • If you see it and the module is pairing, then the problem is somewhere on your computer.
  • If it still does not connect, contact our Customer service on our website.

2. If the problem is on your computer, the first thing to check is the Bluetooth dongle.

• If you were using one you already had, try uninstalling it and using the provided one.
• If you were using the provided dongle, try uninstalling it, unplug it, restart your computer, and plug it on different USB ports (on the front of the PC is best). 
  
  • If after trying various USB ports it still does not work, then the issue is likely the Bluetooth dongle. Contact our Customer service on our website to have your Bluetooth dongle replaced.
  • Alternatively, simply acquire another Bluetooth dongle to test. It must be 4.2 Bluetooth compatible or less.

 3.2 - On Meta Quest
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

To pair a haptic device on Meta Quest:

1. Power on the module and the Meta Quest. The haptic module’s battery LED should blink.
2. On the Meta Quest, access the Bluetooth settings.
3. Start the process of pairing a new device and look for the device named “ForceTubeVR #######”.
4. Click on the device and wait until the “Pair” button shows, then click on it.
5. Your module is now paired to your Meta Quest standalone HMD.
6. At this point, the module’s LED will continue blinking, showing that it is not connected.
7. The module will only “connect” and have a stable LED once a compatible game is launched (refer to part 4.1 below).

4 - PLAY

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.1 - Native integration in games
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Some games integrate the haptic device to be natively compatible.

List of compatible games (Reddit post)

You can refer to this Reddit post to see the list of all natively compatible games.
This list show which games can be played with our haptic devices without needed an external app.
It also explains which game has which feature (rifle, handgun, both-handed handguns or multi device supports).
It also tells on which platform the compatibility is supported (represented by a link to the related platform’s store).

You are invited to read everything from this post, as every information is crucial.

For PCVR users (Steam), some games have mods that allow native compatibility.
Some manipulation is required, so please refer to the list of native mods (Reddit post).

These natively compatible games only need you to keep a paired module when you launch them, and it will automatically connect.
You can adjust the power and duration of haptic feedback using the Companion Application, but this application is not mandatory for those games.

For more details, go to section 5.

4.2a - Backward compatibility with SteamVR
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Other (non-natively compatible) games will work with the haptic devices if you launch them via SteamVR and use the Companion Application.

For more details, go to section 5.

4.2b - Playing with an Oculus/Meta Quest standalone Headset
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

When playing with Meta Quest headset using the Quest link/Air link/Virtual Desktop/Steam Link, if the Steam game has an OculusVR Mode, Steam may start it with this mode by default, so you need to make sure Steam uses SteamVR (OpenVR):

• Find the game’s .exe file.
• Right click -> Properties -> Compatibility.
• Check “run compatibility mode” option and select windows 7.
• Check “run this program as administrator”.
• Apply the changes.
• Go to your steam library.
• Right Click -> Properties -> General.
• Write “-openvr” in the launch options.

Be sure to launch your games from SteamVR, especially if using Virtual Desktop (do not launch games directly from it).

5 - STEAM COMPANION APPLICATION (FOR WINDOWS)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The companion application allows our haptic devices to work with any games launched through SteamVR to have haptic feedback. Even those that are not natively compatible.
For more information, and how to use it, please refer to the Companion App documentation.

You can download the Companion App (Steam) here.

Have fun!

ProVolver Explorer Setup EN

You got your hand on a ProVolver. With this, you will increase your immersion while playing.
The ProVolver allows you to feel the handguns in your games. You can use it with one hand or with two hands with the front extension.

 Setting up your ProVolver should take 10 to 20 minutes.

First, make sure you work in a clear area and be very careful. Some parts can get lost easily.

Parts list

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Content of the box
x1	x1	x1	x1	x1
ProVolver haptic Module	ProVolver rear controller mount (cup)	ProStrap	Charging cable USB to USB-C	USB Bluetooth dongle

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

If you took the front extension
x1	x2	x1	x1
Front magnetic bracket	M4x12 screw	Controller mount (cup)	ProStrap

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

	Tool bag
	x1	x1
	Hex Key 0,4cm	Hex Key 0,25cm

   

Step 1: Slot the controller into the rear cup

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Quest
	Slide the controller into the Cup. If you chose the right-handed version, put the right controller in and vice versa.
	For Rift S, Quest 1, 2, 3, 3S & Pro, you need to press the trigger to introduce and remove the controller from the cup.

For Valve Index
	Detach the strap’s string from the controller and put the cup into the controller’s handle, like shown in the picture above.
	Just clip the controller in the cup and put back the strap’s string through the cup and controller.

Step 2: Attach the Main cup to the ProVolver

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Make sure the clamps are loosened (see picture above). Place one side of the female rail on the male rail.	Then clip the other side of the female rail (it can be a little tricky at first since the piece is not shaped yet).

Clip the first clamp. Use the provided Allen key to loosen the screw and adjust the tightness.
Do the same on the other side to lock the module.

If you got the ProVolver for Valve Index, there will be a magnetic add-on provided. You will need it only if you choose to use it with a gunstock or with a stock extension. You can fix it forward or backward or in the middle, as you prefer.

Note: if you install it before trying to fit the controller in, you will not be able to. Neither will you be able to remove it.
You will need to remove the magnetic part beforehand.

Congratulations! Your ProVolver is now ready to use.

If you use your ProVolver single-handedly, you can refer to the Haptic documentation to connect it to your wireless Headset or PC.

If you took the front magnetic bracket in option to use the ProVolver as a two-handed weapon, keep following this tutorial.

(note to Tao: pay attention to each image in this section, none of the red indicators are present)

Step 3: Attach the front extension

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

	For this last step, you will need the front magnetic bracket and both M4x12 screws.
You can place the bracket on either position 1 (higher) or position 2 (lower) as shown above depending on your appreciation.	Screw it in place using the smaller Allen key and both screws.
Put the front cup on the Magnetic support.	Loosen the thumbscrew to adjust it. Slot the controller in the cup. Adjust your front hand in game and tighten the screw back.

Congratulations! Your ProVolver is now ready to be paired.

You can now follow the Haptic documentation to connect it to your gear and enjoy the recoil in your favorite shooters!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ProVolver Elite Setup Guide

Hello, fellow gamer!

If you are reading this, it means that you laid your hand on a ProVolver. You will increase your immersion while playing. We will help you set it up!

The ProVolver Elite allows you to feel the handgun in your games.

We invite you to join our Discord community for any question or directly contact us through our support service on our website.
This tutorial is also available in video on our YouTube channel.

Setting up your ProVolver should take 1 or 2 minutes.

---

INSTALLING THE CONTROLLER IN THE MOUNT

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Place the top of the controller inside the mount and hold it in place with one or two finger.	Line up the wrist strap with the hollow.
Press the bottom of the controller while still holding and aligning the top.	Slot the wrist strap through the whole on the bottom of the mount.
Make sure to use your wrist strap at all time.       You’re all set. You can now enjoy your ProVolver Elite!

---

Standalone mode

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When the ProVolver Elite is not connected to a game or the companion app, you’re able to use it in Standalone mode.
This allows you to feel the game, even if you’re not playing a compatible game.
Fire will not be synchronized with in-game shots, but with your trigger finger. This lets you have haptic feedback with all and every game you play.

The Power button, being the only button, is the key to this feature.
Depending on how many times you quick-press on it, the selected weapon will change, and you will have the corresponding firing rate and power.

N° of quick-press	Weapon		Firing mode	Firing rate
1	Pistol		Semi-automatic	N/A
2	M16		Three-round burst	800 rounds/m
3	PKM		Fully automatic Strong	650 rounds/m
4	P90		Fully automatic Fast	920 rounds/m

/m: per minute

---

Bluetooth mode

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When the ProVolver Elite is connected to a compatible game or the companion app, the Standalone mode (trigger) will be disabled, and you will be able to use the game’s native feature.

You can refer to the Haptic setup documentation available on our website to learn about this mode.