# Outputs

The **Outputs** tab is where you connect DR Sim Manager to your motion hardware, VR motion compensation, and diagnostic tools. Each output sends processed motion data to a specific controller or destination.

You can run **multiple outputs simultaneously** — for example, a Thanos controller for your platform, a Virtual Tracker for VR motion compensation, and Teleplot for real-time debugging, all at the same time.

***

## Choosing the Right Output

### I have a commercial motion platform

| Platform                  | Output to Use                                                                                          | Connection          |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------- |
| DMover (4 or 6 actuators) | [DMover Controller](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/dmover-controller) | USB / Serial        |
| Motion4Sim (M4S)          | [M4S Controller](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/m4s-controller)       | USB / Serial or UDP |
| Thanos AMC or 4U          | [Thanos Controller](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/thanos-controller) | USB / Serial        |
| VNM                       | [VNM Controller](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/vnm-controller)       | USB / Serial        |
| YawVR                     | [YawVR](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/yaw-vr)                        | Network (TCP + UDP) |

### I have a DIY or custom controller

| Controller Type                                  | Output to Use                                                                                     |
| ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| SMC3 (Arduino-based)                             | [SMC3 Serial Output](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/smc3-serial) |
| Custom serial device (Arduino, Sabertooth, etc.) | [Serial Output](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/serial-output)    |
| Custom network device                            | [UDP Output](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/udp-output)          |

### I need VR motion compensation

Use the [**Virtual Tracker**](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/virtual-tracker) to generate virtual tracker data for OXRMC or OVRMC. This eliminates the need for a physical tracker and provides more precise motion compensation.

### I want to debug or visualize motion data

Use [**Teleplot**](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/outputs/teleplot) to stream real-time telemetry, axis positions, and actuator values to a live charting dashboard.

***

## Adding and Configuring an Output

1. Navigate to the **Outputs** tab.
2. Click the **+** tab to add a new output.
3. Select your output type from the list.
4. Configure the connection settings (COM port, IP address, etc.).
5. Map your sim component axes to the output channels.
6. The output connects automatically once a valid port or address is configured.

***

## Common Concepts

### Axis Mapping

Most outputs have an **axis mapping** section where you assign sim component actuators to output channels. For each channel:

* **Device** — Select the sim component (e.g., your hexapod, seat mover, or other hardware configured in the Sim Config tab).
* **Actuator** — Select which actuator from that device to send on this channel.

The available devices and actuators are determined by your [Sim Config](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/sim-config) setup.

### Output Rate

The output rate (in milliseconds) controls how frequently position updates are sent. Lower values mean faster updates. Most controllers default to **2 ms**. Only change this if your hardware documentation recommends a different value.

### Connection Status

Each output tab shows its current connection state. When a valid port or address is selected, DR Sim Manager automatically attempts to connect. If the connection is lost, it will automatically attempt to reconnect.

### COM Port Selection (Serial Outputs)

For serial-based outputs, select the COM port your controller is connected to. Click **Refresh** to rescan for available ports if you connected your hardware after opening DR Sim Manager. You can find your device's COM port in **Windows Device Manager** under **Ports (COM & LPT)**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Only one application can use a COM port at a time. Close any other software using the port (Arduino IDE Serial Monitor, other motion software, terminal programs) before connecting in DR Sim Manager.
{% endhint %}

For more serial troubleshooting, see [Serial Output Not Working / COM Port Issues](https://docs.departedreality.com/dr-sim-manager/general/frequently-asked-questions/serial-output-not-working).