New Update: NoLimits 2.2 Released

Written on 22 September 2015.

We recently released a new major update for NoLimits 2 with lots of new features.

Here is a list of the most important changes

Telemetry Server

We are proud to announce that NoLimits 2 now officially includes a telemetry interface. The interface can be used by other programs to communicate with NoLimits for reading out data (e.g. speed, forces, orientation) or remotely controlling the program. In its current state the interface is ready for allowing typical motion platforms or force feedback devices to receive accurate realtime data from the program or allow virtual or hardware control panels to telecommanding the station controls. The interface is TCP/IP based for best compatibility with all different kinds of devices and is also fully documented. The documentation can be found within the shipped help reference.

New Direct3D 11 Renderer

The new DX11 renderer improves performance and compatibility. The main motivation for this new renderer was to replace the existing DX9 renderer with a more reliable solution for Windows 7/8/10 users and stay compatible with the latest decision by Oculus to drop DX9 support for their VR devices. By reducing API overhead the new renderer can also improve framerates by up to 20% on CPU limited systems. The DX11 renderer will automatically be used when available. The old DX9 renderer is still available for XP compatibility and graphics cards not fully supporting at least Shader Model 4.0 and can be forced to get activated using the command-line parameter '--d3d9'.

SLI/CrossFire detection and multi-GPU optimizations

We added detection of multi-GPU configurations for both NVIDIA's SLI and AMD's CrossFire setups inside our new DX11 renderer. When two or more graphics cards are detected, the program will now try to reduced frame-to-frame dependencies resulting in possibly higher framerates in AFR (alternating frame rendering) multi-GPU mode.

Improved Video Export with High Frame Rates

The professional license now includes options for video capturing at High Frame Rates (HFR). 48Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz are the available options. The video above was created using this new feature. Also the film-quality motion-blur effect was improved. Capturing videos using this effect is faster now and will directly display the result while capturing takes place.

Updated Oculus SDK

The new update was compiled against a newer Oculus SDK. The OculusVR Runtime 0.6 or newer is required new. New command-line options have been added to force enabling or disabling VR-support ('--vr', '--novr'). Please note that Windows 10 requires the Oculus runtime 0.7 or newer.

Keyframe playback for scenery objects

Scenery objects using the DAE (Collada) file format can now automatically play back keyframe animation. Keyframe animation can be played automatically (looped with random start option). This allows the creation of complex animations without any scripts at all, but we also added methods to the scripting API for ultimate control.

New Coaster Styles

Two new coaster styles (Infinity 1 and 2) were added. Those are real modern steel coaster trains with 4-seats across created by German coaster manufacaturer Gerslauer Amusement Rides GmbH. They were used with permission from Gerstlauer. Together with the Wing Coaster we added in NL 2.1, the program now comes with a total of 40 coaster styles. We also added two new parks that demonstrate the new coasters. Kudos go to Seth Parsons and James Rivett for contributing the new parks.

New Cross-Tie Spacing

A new option allows to control the cross-tie spacing for each segment. This allows for much more realistic recreations to simulate tracks for lower or higher stress levels. This feature was requested very often by our users.

Last but not least the new update contains bugfixes and is free for all existing customers. We hope you enjoy the new features.

[The NL Dev Team]

New Update: Flat Ride Pack Released

Written on 27 April 2015.

The NoLimits 2 team is proud to announce a new update containing all new scripted rides. This update is free to all NoLimits 2 users. The update (2.1.5.0) adds five professionally modeled and scripted rides to the observation tower released in the last update. Features:

• Professionally modeled with multiple LODs for high performance.
• Drop in and play! All rides are scripted with animation and sound effects ready to go. Just add to your park like any other pre-built scenery object.
• All rides can be ridden! Approach the ride and press E when prompted to board the ride.
• All rides have choice of onboard seats. Press C and V to switch between cars and seats.
• Many cool details implemented found on the real rides we chose for reference.

Marco, our new flat ride designer, did a great job in finding a good compromise between detail and performance. All models have low impact on framerates. He also created 3 new park set objects (bench, lamp, trashcan) that are included in this update. We also added new spine options and prefabs to the Rocket Coaster Style, which can be used to reassemble the modern type of Giga coasters. This was a long awaited feature from our fans. Last but not least this update comes with 2 new parks with 2 new coasters each, adding lots of new options to choose from.

Enjoy! Be sure to share this video and leave us a comment letting us know what you think of the new additions.

[The NL Dev Team]

P.S: We hope you enjoyed our news entry from 2015-04-01 that was meant as an April's Fool joke.

New Height Check Safety Feature

Written on 01 April 2015.

Realism is the top priority for any simulation. When you are simulating roller coasters, safety of the rider is also a top concern especially in an immersive experience like Oculus Rift. To keep our youngest fans safe and make the experience as realistic as possible in Oculus Rift, we have implemented a new height check safety feature. Kids who are too short to ride will be prevented from entering ride mode on selected coaster styles.

Here is an example video showing the new feature in action:

We use a proprietary optical triangulation algorithm making use of the Oculus Rift tracking camera to determine the height of a user. This measurement is then checked against standard height requirements for all coaster styles based on input from the real manufacturers. Do not worry, if your child is prevented from riding, please reassure him or her that this is only temporary until they grow bigger and then help them ride other styles with lower height restrictions.

Thank you for your understanding and for supporting our quest for realism and safety. [The NL Dev Team]

Merry Wing Coaster Christmas

Written on 23 December 2014.

The NoLimits team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The new update 2.1.0.0 with the new Wing Coaster is now available. We are proud to present you this astonishing coaster style implemented in NoLimits 2 using highly detailed 3d models and textures. We also give you two new parks with three new coasters, so you can instantly try out the new coaster style. Kudos to Seth Parsons for contributing another great park file. This is our Christmas present for our great community. We hope you like it as much as we do. [ol]

New Update 2.0.9.0 Released

Written on 11 December 2014.

We released a new update with some important optimizations. We greatly improved the performance of support beam rendering. The support beam engine now scales better with highend graphics cards. Especially wooden coasters should render now with much higher framerates.[ol]