What is a SIM Hub and how to use it with your home racing simulator?

If you're building a cockpit or want to get the most out of your racing simulator on PC or console, SimHub and its ecosystemApps are the turning point that makes the difference. From advanced dashboards to smart pedal vibrations, including radars, strategies, and telemetry, today we'll tell you how to put it all together to take your setup from good to spectacular.

In this article we explain what it is SimHub, why it's so popular, how it integrates with mobile phones, Nextion displays, or Arduino, and what are the essential apps that every sim racer should know about, all here and in detail.

What is SimHub and why is it essential for simracing?

SimHub is A PC software that centralizes and controls almost any simracing peripheral you can imagine.: dashboards on monitors or tablets, Arduino and Nextion displays, flag warnings, track maps, gear indicators, body shakers, controller-type vibration motors, and more. Its goal is to add data, feedback, and extra features to your favorite simulators to improve immersion and performance.

The key to its success is compatibility and versatility: It works with a huge range of games (ACC, AC, iRacing, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, F1, and pretty much any title that exposes standard telemetry), integrates native modules for Arduino, Nextion, ShakeIt Rumble and Bass Shaker, and offers a huge library of dashboard templates that you can use, edit or create from scratch.

Setting up SimHub is very simplePlus, it lets you load multiple dashboards at once and send each one to a different device—perfect if you're combining physical displays and overlays on your monitor.

Recent changes and licensing note

The simracing ecosystem is constantly evolving: New overlays, telemetry improvements, more polished templates, and refined vibration profiles arrive frequently. SimHub grows with the community and with developments from the project itself, which aims to keep the hobby accessible and fun.

Note that Certain specific motion-related functions may require an additional dedicated license (“Motion features requires a dedicated additional license”). If you're considering a motion system or plan to expand your cockpit in that direction, review the licensing terms applicable to those features.

The 6 essential simracing apps that best complement SimHub

To get the most out of your simulator, you should Combine SimHub with other utilities ranging from overlays and strategy to training and visual customizationThese are six highly rated apps in the community and how they can help you.

1. SimHub

The cornerstone of many configurationsOn PC, it's practically essential for creating dashboards on screen and on external devices (Arduino, Nextion), displaying flags, maps, alerts, and managing vibration with ShakeIt Rumble and Bass Shaker. It's free, with the option to support the project to unlock advanced features and increased fluidity.

Flexible licensing model: You can use it for free or make a donation to activate the Premium version, which offers benefits such as dashboard refresh at 60 fps (instead of 10 fps) and additional body shaker options. The project's philosophy is that each user chooses the price they want to pay, bringing the software to everyone and supporting its developers.

2. Racelab Apps

If you compete in iRacing, Racelab is a mustIt offers beautiful, minimalist overlays that are easy to read and highly customizable. Its most frequently used overlays include: pit stops, fuel calculator, entry telemetry, flags, track map, blind spot indicator, session timer, and radar.

Free and Pro PlanThe basic version allows up to 10 overlays and limited features; the Pro version costs around €3,90 per month and unlocks the full potential. It also adds streaming tools, car-adaptive layouts, and rich data from iRacing series.

3. CrewChief

Your virtual race engineerCrewChief talks to you throughout your session with updates on pace, position, fuel, wear, car status alerts, and strategic advice (including context-sensitive pit stop recommendations). If you're doing well, he'll encourage you; if you're overdoing it, he'll tell you exactly what you're doing.

Voice recognition and wide compatibility: Allows spoken commands without taking your hands off the wheel and supports iRacing, Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2, and more. Its natural, configurable language brings realism and immersion to every stint.

4. Track Titan

The training and analytics platform that makes you fasterIt analyzes your data and tells you where to gain time, with improvements that often exceed five-tenths of a percent. It also offers a community to share tips and participate in online competitions.

Special offerWith the code "SIMRACINGHUB," you get 30 days free (instead of 14) and a 30% discount. In addition to helping you go faster, it gives you personalized feedback tailored to your style and performance.

5. Lovely Dashboard

One of the most popular dashboards in the SimHub ecosystemFree, versatile, and comprehensive, it can be used as an overlay or on dedicated digital displays. It's used by thousands of sim racers of all levels, from beginners to professionals like Tony Kanaan.

Outstanding compatibility: Works out of the box with ACC, AC, iRacing, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, and F1, and practically any simulator that sends standard data to SimHub. Its information is clear and consistent, ideal for racing and training.

6. Trading Paints

The reference for customizing your car in iRacingIt's a platform where you can create, share, and discover unique liveries, adding a visual identity to your online races. It acts as an active community of artists and drivers.

Free account and paid versionWith the free version, you can create liveries and use basic features; with the premium version, you unlock unlimited livery storage, advanced stats, and access to exclusive competitions.

SimHub in depth: key features that make the difference

• Dashboards and OverlaysCreate custom dashboards for any PC or external display, with gear indicators, RPM, delta, maps, flags, and more. You can load multiple dashboards at once and send each one to a different device.
• Native environment for Arduino and Nextion: SimHub integrates tools for compiling and uploading firmware to Arduino devices and natively supports Nextion HMI displays, making it easy to assemble displays without the hassle.
• ShakeIt Rumble and Bass Shaker: Add vibration to your cockpit with controller motors or tactile exciters/bass. Configure effects for ABS, brake lockup, loss of traction, kerbs, gear changes, or bumps, and decide which pedal, seat, or frame they sit on.
• Super wide compatibility with simulatorsFrom the big names like ACC, AC, and iRacing to rFactor 2, Automobilista 2, and the F1 titles, as well as other titles that feature telemetry, support is one of its biggest strengths.

Where to download SimHub and how the Premium version works

The download is free from the official website of the project This is recommended for security and updates. Avoid third-party sources that may include modified installers or malware.

Free vs Premium Version: The free version already offers a lot. If you purchase a license (from €5), you can enable, among other things, 60 fps refresh rate on dashboards (instead of 10 fps) and more controls for body shakers. It's a modest investment that provides great fluidity and extra options.

Getting Started: Dash Studio, Templates, and Mobile App

Dash Studio is the visual heart of SimHubFrom there, you choose, create, and manage your dashboards. The library includes third-party templates and official designs that you can customize to your liking or use as is.

Use smartphone or tabletYour phone or tablet can act as a display. Connect the device to the same local network as your PC, open SimHub, and enter Dash Studio. Then tap "Open in my phone or tablet" to view the IP address and a QR code; scan it or enter the IP address into the device's browser. On Android, there's a dedicated app that can be downloaded from the dashboard link.

Requirements and matchmaking- Android 5.0 or higher is recommended to avoid incompatibilities with recent designs. Once connected, the device is paired and ready to receive the dashboard you select.

Connect multiple devices and choose where to play each dashboard

SimHub allows multiple devices at the same time, regardless of their operating systemThis way, you can have an overlay on your primary monitor, a DDU on a secondary display, and a map on your phone.

How to select output: In Dash Studio, select the dashboard and press play. You'll see options to send it to specific monitors (secondary, tertiary, or window) and any linked devices. Each device appears with an identifier to avoid confusion.

Profiles per deviceNothing prevents you from having different designs simultaneously on multiple devices. It's ideal if you combine detailed telemetry, radar, and vehicle statuses separately, improving readability and focus.

Nextion HMI displays with SimHub

Nextion are affordable HMI touchscreens that are very popular in simracing.They are easy to assemble, natively compatible, and perfect for a compact and clean DDU.

General configuration: Select your Nextion model, load the layout from SimHub, and flash. You can assign pages for different stages (practice, qualifying, race) or cars, and toggle them with physical buttons if your dashboard has them.

Smart Vibration: ShakeIt Motors and Bass Shaker

With ShakeIt you can convert telemetry signals into meaningful vibration. Adds feedback to the pedals to detect ABS, lock-ups, slippage, or loss of traction, and to the seat for kerbs or potholes.

Configuration by event and by channel: Assign effects to each motor or transducer (left/right, brake pedal, gas pedal, seat) and calibrate intensity, thresholds, and mix so that feedback helps without distracting.

Arduino: running displays, windsim, and more

SimHub integrates tools to compile and upload firmware to Arduino devices, allowing you to create gear displays, LED RPM indicators, button panels, or even a windsim that increases flow rate based on the car's speed.

Practical ideasA simple 7-segment display improves braking feedback; LED shift light strips fine-tune shifting; a windsim adds immersion and "tells" you what the straight line is like without looking at the speedometer.

Use SimHub with PlayStation or Xbox

On console, the key is to enable local network telemetry streaming when the game allows it.. Thus, the PC with SimHub receives the data just as if the simulator were running on the PC itself.

Detection and support: Once enabled in-game, SimHub identifies which title is running and automatically adapts telemetry capture if that game is supported.

SimHub in depth: key features that make the difference

• Dashboards and OverlaysCreate custom dashboards for any PC or external display, with gear indicators, RPM, delta, maps, flags, and more. You can load multiple dashboards at once and send each one to a different device.
• Native environment for Arduino and Nextion: SimHub integrates tools for compiling and uploading firmware to Arduino devices and natively supports Nextion HMI displays, making it easy to assemble displays without the hassle.
• ShakeIt Rumble and Bass Shaker: Add vibration to your cockpit with controller motors or tactile exciters/bass. Configure effects for ABS, brake lockup, loss of traction, kerbs, gear changes, or bumps, and decide which pedal, seat, or frame they sit on.
• Super wide compatibility with simulatorsFrom the big names like ACC, AC, and iRacing to rFactor 2, Automobilista 2, and the F1 titles, as well as other titles that feature telemetry, support is one of its biggest strengths.