Zwifting with the elGato Stream Deck (Release)

Yes, I found out that without protection you get about 2-3 years before needing to replace it :frowning:

My new unit I have covered with wrap.

Hey, I’ve been using your Stream Deck profile for some time now, and I have an issue that I haven’t seen anyone else raise. Basically, I have to restart Zwift Launcher before every ride to get the profile to work. If I don’t restart Zwift Launcher, the profile just doesn’t do anything. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Hi James,
Just some housekeeping items here - Are you on Windows or Mac? Have you updated the Stream Deck (SD) software to the most recent version? Is the SD software running in the background before launching Zwift? Finally, make sure whatever OS you’re on that is relatively up-to-date. Many times this can make a difference when there is some sort of connectivity issue.

SNAG-0538

With the SD app, focus is everything in order to get it to send keystrokes to Zwift. One thing you can do to make sure it works is to go into preferences inside the SD app. Click the “Profiles” tab and select the Zwift profile. Then choose the ZwiftApp.exe application, not ZwiftLauncher.exe. By doing this you’re telling SD to switch and stay on the Zwift profile when the SD window is closed and ZwiftApp.exe is in the foreground. Don’t select “Make this my default profile”. If you only have a single profile; e.g. Zwift, create an empty one to test this out. The empty profile would be the default.

Also, keep in mind there may be another app switching focus without your knowledge. I ran into that issue last year (SD wouldn’t trigger) and discovered a program called “Windows Focus Logger” that sniffs for apps that pull focus.

Give that a whirl and let me know if any of it is helpful. Crossing fingers for ya here.

Thanks for the reply. I’m using Windows 10. My OS and Zwift are up to date, and I already had the SD Zwift profile pointing to zwiftapp.exe rather than Zwift Launcher. SD loads on bootup, so it’s already running when I launch Zwift.

My SD application did need an update, which I’ve installed. I’ll try it now to see if that makes a difference.

Best regards,
-James.

Not sure if this might be part of it for you, but you need to restart Zwift after every update, for the Stream Deck to work. When Zwift updates, it is then running as Administrator, which causes a problem for the Stream Deck. Killing Zwift and restarting opens Zwift as your logged in user, which the Stream Deck can then interact with.

What Zwift should do is restart as the logged in user post-update, but to be honest, it’s not the number one issue with the Zwift updater so I’ll leave it at that :smile:

Hi all

Has anyone tried or considered using the Stream Deck+ ? I was thinking that the knobs would be nicer than the buttons for some cases. Any experience with it here?

Not yet, but I bought the Stream Deck+ and Mini over the holiday and plan on designing new profiles based around each product. I think there is a ton of new opportunity for interactions with the addition of the knobs and I’m attracted to the constraint of 6 buttons in the Mini. Elgato has also iterated on the software that drives the decks so there’s new potential there as well.

Any ideas on what you would like to see in either profile?


I’m glad you can remove the base


Super affordable!

Wow, fantastic. Looking forward to seeing what you can achieve with the Deck+. I would love to be able to increase and decrease the erg resistance % with one of the knobs, that would be a lot easier than with the buttons. Also, maybe the sound volume on one volume?

Knobs could potentially be useful for controlling the view in the drone camera angle. One knob to set zoom level and another for panning around.

Setting workout difficulty via a knob would be good.

Jan 2023 - Release Version .3
Initial release of profiles to control Zwift from a Stream Deck+ and Stream Deck Mini.
Latest release of the profile for the 15-button Stream Deck MK1 or MK2 with minor changes.


Introducing Stream Deck profiles for the Stream Deck+ and Mini

Hardware Features
Stream Deck+
-Larger, brighter buttons
-1200x150 touch-screen with swipe capabilities
-4 notched knobs with push and rotation
-Integrated Wave Link audio mixing support

Stream Deck Mini
-Now just 6 buttons at a fraction of the price!
-What can you do with 6 buttons and a tiny form factor?

Software Features
General
-Stream Deck+ and Stream Deck Mini devices are supported with their own profiles
-The updated profiles take advantage of new hardware and features
-New button designs
-Simplified drone controls
-Added the ability to activate / deactivate the drone
-Added a new random camera function; “Rando Cam”

Stream Deck+
-Optimized functions and button layouts
-Added knob controls to adjust the drone cameras (rotation, tilt, zoom)
-Adjust FTP Bias with the turn of a knob (right for +, left for -)
-Updated screenshot capture for rapid fire snapshots (turn knob left or right or push)
-Custom background image with a tip of the cap to Zwift
-Launch Zwift Launcher within the profile
-Included a control to adjust the brightness of the display
-Independent volume mixing controls for System, Zwift and Discord sounds (PC only)
-Add / Remove audio mix controls to fit the sound application you use
-You get to swipe right … or left if you want

Stream Deck Mini
-Complete overhaul of the button layout and functions to best serve the 6-button constraint
-Grouped the “Action Menu” feature and its navigation controls into an “Actions” folder
-New “Function Group” folder houses all app functions
-Emotes are now categorized by those that make “Sounds” are “Gestures” or just “Messages”
-“Ride On” is now on the main screen and the “Bell” location has been prioritized

Stream Deck MK1 & MK2
-Reorganized the emotes group
-Categorized emotes into “sounds”, “gestures”, and “messages”
-New camera icons
-Added “Rando Cam” and “Activate Drone” functions to the camera group
-Launch Zwift Launcher from the profile

What’s missing?
-Profiles for MacOS users
-The icon library is available in the base Stream Deck profile and can be copied over if needed for these devices
-Removed the independent camera selection buttons in both Mini and Plus profiles because of button constraints and general organization
-Moved “HUD” and “Watt Graph” controls into Settings on the Mini

Installation
There is a profile for each Stream Deck found in the .zip archive. If you’re using the Stream Deck+ you’ll want to import the Stream Deck+ profile for use.

Considerations
-Profile support is only for the PC version of Zwift. The MacOS version is coming soon.
-This is a pre-release. I’m seeking input on the profile and will be evolving it over time
-I’ve mapped all the commands that have key combinations in Zwift. If there is one missing let me know!
-The Stream Deck software must be up and running for the functions to work
-App focus is everything. Zwift doesn’t communicate with the Stream Deck so it must be the active app to receive input from the Stream Deck
-You may want to have your mouse handy
-The “End Ride” function skips Ride Summary
-“Close Popup” function closes any window
-Not all functions are applicable when at a starting gate grid
-As before, you can modify the profile to fit your needs - these are just accelerators to get you started
-Backup your profile before updating an existing profile
-I’m not responsible for any loss of data

Thoughts?
Reply in the thread or via PM. Thanks for checking this out - it’s a labor of love!

Ride On!

What do I need to get it to work?
Stream Deck Mini, Stream Deck MK1 or MK2 or Stream Deck+

Stream Deck Software (free download)

Stream Deck downloadable profile

Optional: USB 3.0 Extension Cable / A-Male to A-Female

Optional: Garmin Edge Universal Phone Adapter (e.g. KOM Cycling)

This sounds fantastic!! Thank you
I will try it ASAP.

Hi Michael, I am still using the old version and I am very thankful for its existence. Any plan on updating the MAC profiles?

Hi Izra, I do have plans to update the Mac profiles. When I was working on it there were a few issues with the maturity of the StreamDeck software on Mac that led to the knob functionality of the StreamDeck + to not work as intended. So I held off until it was resolved.

Additionally, with the "This Season on Zwift” Spring/Summer 2023 releases coming I’m holding out until we’re through that to see if there are new commands or functionality affecting the existing profiles.

Maybe by the end of August. If the StreamDeck + issues persist I’ll just hold that profile back for Mac and do a big update across both platforms.

Hey Michael! Thank you for your great work. I’m using one of the old versions and it is so good. Is there an update on the next version you were holding back in june?

Hi Justin, I appreciate the kind words. I’m happy the mac profile works for you! I put together a new update so MacOS and Windows versions are at functional parity across Stream Deck models.

Additionally, I made a few minor icon revisions, slight layout changes for MK1, MK2, Mini, Plus, added a new function, a new emote, and will introduce support for the Stream Deck XL. The latter IMHO is the best way to experience the profile - but still testing its use.

re: the Stream Deck+ The issue (multiplier control for the knobs) is not yet addressed but I hear Elgato is going to provide a solution in a later software release. As a result, I moved functions around so buttons are used instead of knobs when necessary.

Coming soon!

Now, if I could just get Zwift to add key commands for all actions in the game that could make these profiles even better.

This looks awesome! And yes, I agree. Some things would be really nice. Like a key combination for bike changes. At least one to get into the garage. Would make it some seconds faster.

Can’t wait for the release. Notifications for the thread are on. Keep up the good work.


In context

Wow, a bit more of an update than I expected. Profile support for all Stream Deck hardware devices are in place. You now have full MacOS support and are in functional lockstep with their PC counterparts. This suite of profiles is going to be on the Elgato Marketplace - so there’ll be an official, single place to download, sync future updates.

I’m making this release candidate available prior to the marketplace release. If you come across anything, PM me or leave a message in the thread.

Jan 2024 - Release Version .35

  • Available on the Elgato marketplace soon!
  • Support across devices for navigating the Action Menu
  • Stream Deck XL profile to control Zwift
  • Stream Deck Plus profile to control Zwift on MacOS
  • Minor updates to profiles for the Mini, MK1 and MK2
  • Canned messages for Stream Deck XL

Stream Deck Mini, MK1 and MK2

  • Updated drone icons for rotation, zoom and tilt
  • Updated Capture Screen icon
  • Added new “Gap” message
  • Profiles for MacOS and PC are updated and in sync

Stream Deck Plus

  • MacOS now supported with a cleaner layout
  • Updated icons supporting the new layouts
  • Added Video Screenshot button - MacOS only
  • Added a Settings button
  • Moved Action Menu from a button to a knob
  • Reorganized Emote Menu knobs to buttons
  • Added a new message called “Gap”
  • Added buttons for drone rotate, zoom and tilt on MacOS profile
  • Windows profile reorganized to be in sync with MacOS

Stream Deck XL

  • 32 button layout
  • Massively streamlined operational flexibility
  • A new button layout specific to the XL
  • 32 new canned messages with technical callouts, affirmations and responses

Canned Messages
Trying something new by creating messages meant to capture a moment in a ride where you want to emote. The messages are based on common events in a group ride, race or solo trek; e.g. In the paddock, on start, hitting a big climb, gaps forming, the final push, finishing. These messages can be customized by you, for your purpose, in your voice - I provide some to get your started. I believe there’s a place for this style of interaction, sans mice and keyboards. Let me know what you think.

What’s missing?

  • No support for mobile or tablet.
  • Replaced the “Action Menu” button with “Up / Menu” to support menu access and navigation Zwift released last year. Vertical lists are looping and usually short, so you really only need a single button for vertical submenu navigation.
  • Removed knob support for drone controls on the Stream Deck+ in MacOS as it is too sensitive. There is a fix coming via Elgato. I will update once released.
  • Removed knob support for gestures and sounds in the emote menu - moved the actions to buttons in the emote menu.
  • Renamed the “Close Popup” button to “Close”.
  • Moved knob interaction on Stream Deck+ for drone to buttons on PC profile. For consistency.
  • PC profiles don’t include the “Video Screenshot” functionality. No Zwift key command exists on PC.
  • Removed “End Ride” across all devices. Zwift removed the “End Summary” screen when pressing the ESC key.
  • Removed the brightness functionality from Settings.
  • Removed Zwift Launcher functionality from Settings.
  • Removed the swipe functionality on Stream Deck+ for access to Settings.
  • Tilt controls for drone controls have been removed on the SD Mini profile.

Considerations

  • This is a pre-release. I’m seeking input on the profile and will be evolving it over time.
  • I’ve mapped all the commands that have key combinations in Zwift. If there is one missing let me know!
  • The Stream Deck software must be up and running for the functions to work.
  • Update to the latest Stream Deck software, if you run into any issues.
  • App focus is everything. Zwift doesn’t communicate with the Stream Deck so it must be the active app to receive input from the Stream Deck.
  • Press “Close” button to clear focus on “Menu” button. This focus state can negate button interactions.
  • Sending messages - if “Menu” button has focus you may have to click the message you sent again.
  • Drone “Tilt Up” triggers the Action Menu, press “Close” to remove it.
  • The Stream Deck profile is not designed to control UI elements inside modals or windows in Zwift.
  • On the SD+ knobs the primary action is always clockwise, secondary action is counter-clockwise.
  • You may want to have your mouse or trackpad handy, just in case.
  • “Close” function closes any menu, modal or window.
  • Not all functions are applicable when in a starting grid / paddock.
  • As before, you can modify the profile to fit your needs - these profiles are accelerators to get you started.
  • Backup your existing profile before updating to this new version(s).
  • I’m not responsible for any loss of data.

Thoughts?
Reply in the thread or via PM. Thank you for checking out the profiles - it’s a labor of love!

Ride On!

Installation

  1. Select PC or MacOS and download the appropriate .zip file
  2. Inside the .zip are profiles for all the supported devices. e.g. If you’re using the Stream Deck Mini you’ll want to import the Stream Deck Mini profile within the Stream Deck profile interface.
  3. It’ll load and be ready to go.

Download Stream Deck Profiles .35 for PC

Download Stream Deck Profiles .35 for MacOS


XL Main Screen


Plus Main Screen


Mini Main Screen


MK1 and MK2 Main Screen


Camera


Drone Controls

Great. I have it running on an XL and an old iPad with the mobile version. Thank you very much!

Thank you for the feedback! It’s great to hear how it’s being used. If you don’t mind me asking … did you buy mobile version, pay monthly or use the free version?