BDH Active Shifter™ – Feel every shift, from clutch engagement to drivetrain load.
Bring manual driving to the centre of your cockpit with the BDH Active Shifter™. This premium sim racing shifter combines mechanical gear engagement with electronically controlled resistance and live SimHub telemetry. Engine vibration, gearbox load and a mistimed shift become sensations at the lever, adding another layer of involvement to a PC racing setup. With H-pattern operation and software-enabled sequential mode, it suits drivers who move between classic manual cars and sequential race cars.
Why choose this product?
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Active gearbox feel: servo assistance changes resistance in response to supported telemetry.
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Meaningful feedback: clutch lock-out, gear grinding and kickback help communicate how you are shifting.
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Two shifting styles: use H-pattern layouts or unlock sequential mode with the current BDH SimHub plugin.
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Adjustable character: configure the gate layout and feedback intensity for your driving preference.
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Rig-focused construction: an aluminium body and flexible profile mounting support a permanent cockpit installation.
Product details
Active force feedback with a mechanical foundation
The Active Shifter retains a mechanical shift mechanism while motors enhance the sensations reaching your hand. Its servo system can vary resistance as drivetrain conditions change. This makes it particularly interesting if you enjoy the physical interaction of moving a lever through a gate and want more information about the virtual gearbox.
Clutch lock-out, gear grinding and torque feedback
BDH's active functions include clutch lock-out, grinding feedback and torque-related resistance. With the appropriate telemetry and configuration, clutch engagement influences the shift feel, while drivetrain load affects gear retention. Kickback and vibration can make a poorly coordinated change more apparent. Available effects depend on the simulator, vehicle data and software settings.
For manual driving, focus on the complete sequence: release the accelerator, operate the clutch, select the gear and reapply power. Start with moderate feedback and practise at a comfortable pace. A setting that lets you identify the shift clearly is more useful than simply choosing the strongest resistance.
H-pattern and sequential operation
Configure four-, five- or six-speed H-pattern layouts to match your chosen car. The current BDH Active software also enables sequential mode through its SimHub plugin. Install the latest manufacturer software and follow its mode-selection instructions before configuring the controls in your simulator.
H-pattern driving encourages deliberate gear selection and clutch coordination. Sequential operation suits cars that use consecutive upshifts and downshifts. Match your control mode to the car you are driving rather than using one layout for every discipline.
Adjust the feel around your driving position
The integrated rotary encoder provides access to gate and feedback adjustments. Tune the response around your preferred cars, then refine it over a few consistent laps. For heel-and-toe practice, first calibrate your clutch input and pedal positions; comfortable foot movement and an accessible shifter position make the technique easier to practise.
Aluminium construction and flexible cockpit mounting
The anodised billet-aluminium chassis is designed for a rigid simulator installation. BDH's integrated clamp supports top, side and reverse mounting on aluminium profile rigs, with positioning for either side of the driver. Check your profile dimensions, available clearance and mounting arrangement against the current installation instructions.
Place the lever within easy reach when seated, with space for your hand throughout its movement. A supported mounting point helps keep the shifter position consistent as resistance changes. Check clearance around the seat, handbrake and any moving components before tightening the installation.
Compatibility and software setup
The active features are designed around Windows PC, SimHub and BDH Active software. Install the current BDH SimHub plugin for feedback and sequential functionality. Simulator support and individual effects depend on the telemetry available from the game; a supported game does not necessarily expose every feedback parameter.
Follow BDH's installation guide, calibrate the inputs, select the desired shifting mode and map the controls in your simulator. Then test the setup with one car before creating additional profiles. When combining equipment from different brands, confirm each device's own PC connection and software requirements.
Recommended products for your manual racing setup
Build around the way you drive: clutch control for manual cars, a handbrake for rally or drift, and wheel feedback to complement the information at the shifter.
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Clutch control for existing Simucube ActivePedal owners: Simucube Co-Pedal can be configured as a clutch in a compatible Simucube pedal setup. Check its required Simucube connection hardware; it is not an accessory that connects directly to the BDH shifter.
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Rally and drift: SIMAGIC TB-RS Hydraulic Handbrake adds a dedicated handbrake control alongside the lever. Plan both positions together so you can reach them naturally from the seat.
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A premium PC cockpit: Simucube 3 Pro Direct Drive Wheel Base is an option for drivers building a high-end force feedback setup. The wheelbase and shifter serve different controls and require their respective connections, mounting hardware and software.
Specifications
Product
BDH Active Shifter™
Shifting modes
H-pattern and sequential; sequential mode enabled through the current BDH SimHub plugin
Feedback
Servo-driven resistance and telemetry-based haptic effects
Feedback functions
Clutch lock-out, gear grinding, kickback and torque feedback
H-pattern configuration
Adjustable 4-, 5- and 6-speed layouts
Adjustment interface
Integrated rotary encoder
Software
SimHub and BDH Active software for Windows
Construction
Aerospace-grade billet aluminium with anodised finish
Mounting
Integrated clamp for aluminium profile rigs; top, side and reverse mounting
Orientation
Left- or right-hand installation
Frequently asked questions
What makes an active shifter different?
The BDH Active combines mechanical engagement with motor-assisted resistance and telemetry effects. It adds information about supported drivetrain conditions to the physical movement of the lever.
Does the BDH Active support sequential shifting?
Yes. BDH's current software enables sequential mode through the SimHub plugin. Use the latest BDH Active software and follow the manufacturer's configuration instructions.
Do I need SimHub?
Yes. SimHub is required for the full active telemetry functionality. Install BDH's current Active software and plugin rather than relying on older product information that says no plugin is needed.
Do I need a clutch pedal?
A clutch pedal completes the experience when driving cars with a manual H-pattern gearbox. The way clutch input affects shifting depends on the car, simulator and configuration. Select pedals with the connections required for your PC setup.
Will every game provide the same effects?
No. Telemetry support varies between simulators and cars. Check the current BDH and SimHub guidance for the titles you use and configure the available effects accordingly.
Can I upgrade a BDH H1 or H2SQ into an Active Shifter?
BDH does not offer an upgrade path from existing models to the Active. The Active uses its own internal mechanism and control system.
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