> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.researchanddesire.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# User Guide
> Learn how to operate your OSSM, navigate the interface, and use stroke engine patterns
This guide walks you through operating your fully assembled OSSM. You'll learn how to power on, navigate the menu system, and control stroke patterns.
This guide covers the wired remote interface. If you're using a wireless remote, refer to the [Research and Desire guides](https://researchanddesire.com/guides) for wireless-specific instructions.
## Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
* A fully assembled OSSM (complete all [build guide](/ossm/guides/getting-started/build-guide/step-0.0_introduction) steps)
* Either a wired remote or wireless remote connected
* A sufficient power supply (24V, 5A minimum)
## Powering on and homing
Plug your OSSM into a sufficient power supply. The controller should power on and display the startup screen.
The OSSM automatically begins the homing sequence. The actuator moves slowly to find its home position.
If homing is too slow or stalls, see the [troubleshooting guide](/ossm/guides/getting-started/user-guide/troubleshooting#homing-is-too-slow).
After homing completes, the main menu appears on the wired remote display.
## Main menu options
The main menu provides the following options:
| Option | Description |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Simple Penetration** | Basic operation with speed and stroke controls |
| **Stroke Engine** | Advanced pattern-based control with depth, stroke, and sensation settings |
| **Streaming (experimental)** | External control mode for funscript playback and third-party applications via BLE |
| **Update** | Check for and install over-the-air firmware updates (requires WiFi) |
| **WiFi Setup** | Configure wireless network connectivity |
| **Get Help** | Display a QR code linking to setup documentation and support |
| **Restart** | Restart the controller and re-home |
Use the encoder to scroll through menu options. The menu wraps around—scrolling past the last item brings you back to the first.
## Using Stroke Engine
Stroke Engine provides the most control over your OSSM's behavior. Select it from the main menu to enter pattern-based operation.
You may see a "speed is too high" warning when entering Stroke Engine. This safety feature activates when the speed potentiometer isn't at zero. Turn the left knob fully counterclockwise to clear the warning.
### Display layout
The Stroke Engine interface shows:
* **Left bar** — Speed (0–100%), controlled by the left knob
* **Right bars** — Three stacked indicators for depth, stroke, and sensation
* **Center** — Currently active pattern name
### Controls
Use the **left encoder** to adjust speed from 0% to 100%.
* Turn clockwise to increase speed
* Turn counterclockwise to decrease speed
The **right encoder** controls three parameters:
| Setting | Description |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Depth** | How far "into" the body the actuator travels at its deepest point |
| **Stroke** | How far the actuator retracts "out" from the deepest point |
| **Sensation** | A pattern-specific modifier that changes behavior |
**To adjust settings:**
1. Press the right encoder once to cycle between depth, stroke, and sensation
2. Turn the right encoder to increase or decrease the selected value
**Hold the right encoder for 3 seconds** to perform a rapid stop. This immediately halts movement and returns you to the main menu.
Emergency stop may cause the OSSM to lose its homing position. You may need to restart and re-home after using this feature.
### Changing patterns
Press the right encoder **twice quickly** to open the pattern selection menu.
**Available patterns:**
| Pattern | Behavior |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Simple Stroke** | Balanced acceleration, coasting, and deceleration; sensation has no effect |
| **Teasing Pounding** | Speed shifts with sensation setting; balances faster strokes |
| **Robo Stroke** | Sensation varies acceleration from robotic to gradual |
| **Half'n'Half** | Alternates between full and half depth strokes; sensation affects speed |
| **Deeper** | Stroke depth increases each cycle; sensation sets cycle count |
| **Stop'n'Go** | Pauses between strokes; sensation adjusts pause length |
| **Insist** | Modifies stroke length while maintaining speed; sensation influences direction |
Scroll to your desired pattern and press the encoder to select it. The pattern changes immediately.
## Streaming mode (experimental)
Streaming mode is experimental and not recommended for general play. Only use streaming with trusted applications.
Streaming mode allows external applications to control your OSSM in real-time via Bluetooth. This enables synchronized playback with video content using funscript files.
### When to use Streaming mode
* Playing funscript files synchronized with video
* Using third-party control applications
* Developer testing and integration
### Getting started with streaming
1. Select **Streaming** from the main menu
2. The OSSM will home and wait for external commands
3. Connect using the [Funscript Player](/ossm/tools/funscript-player) or a compatible application
4. The external application controls motion—local controls are not active during streaming
For detailed streaming documentation, see [Operating Modes](/ossm/Software/getting-started/operating-modes#streaming-mode-experimental) and the [BLE Protocol](/ossm/Software/communication/ble) reference.
## Next steps
Diagnose and resolve common issues with your OSSM.
Explore community-built extensions and modifications.
Play funscript files synchronized with video (experimental).