Simhub stuck on searching for device

This is for my fellow sim racers out there that have been running into this issue that has been driving me insane. I’m hoping that Google picks up on this article so that others don’t have to dig through a bunch of discord groups to be able to find the answer they are looking for.

My setup

I’m currently using a Simmagic GT Neo on my Alpha Mini wheelbase paired with Simhub and the Daniel Newman Racing LED plugin. This pairing unlocks some additional lighting functionality for various wheels, and if you have a similar setup, I highly recommend checking out the plugin.

The problem

The GT Neo has a pretty handy feature that allows it connect wirelessly to the base. This is great functionality out of the box, but if you want to use Simhub (which you should), then you’ll need a wired USB connection instead.

I purchased the Maglink connection to make this process easier, but for the last 5 months, I’ve been running into issues where Simhub will constantly show “Searching for device”. I’ve tried different USB ports, an active (powered) USB hub, but still, no dice.

What I think is happening

It seems like the software is trying to prioritize a single connection, and since the wireless connection is built into the wheel + base, it’s automatically picking it up first. There isn’t a way to prioritize the USB connection, so we’re left in this limbo state where Simhub is continuously searching for the device.

The solution

Take the wheel off the base and you’ll find a small copper wifi symbol where the two connect. If you take a piece of electrical tape and cover up that symbol, the wheel will no longer be able to connect wirelessly, and instead will pickup the USB connection instead.

It’s such a simple solution, but I was shocked to see no one talking about it in any of my searches on reddit, or in various discords groups.

Give it a shot, and let me know if it helps.

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