G25 Logitech (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/news/US/EN,contentid=12020,crid=34)
(http://62.101.36.209/rejsa/rejsa/userimages/_simracing/232-new_2006-05-09-15541_logitech_g25.jpg)
No pedals? Or do most people not use those?
BTW: I've often wondered. If you've got a gearstick like that can you block-shift? I mean can it jump you straight from 5th to 3rd or similar, or does the car on the computer actually make 2 gear changes in quick succession if you try that with the gearstick?
QuoteOriginally posted by Carr0t@May 10 2006, 03:39 PM
No pedals? Or do most people not use those?
BTW: I've often wondered. If you've got a gearstick like that can you block-shift? I mean can it jump you straight from 5th to 3rd or similar, or does the car on the computer actually make 2 gear changes in quick succession if you try that with the gearstick?
[post=126044]Quoted post[/post]
I used to have an Act Labs RS and you could jump straight from 5th to 3rd - sometimes used to lunch the gear box though :D Not sure about the wheels - I liked the fact this wheel is made with better quality materials, ie leather
QuoteOriginally posted by Carr0t@May 10 2006, 05:39 PM
No pedals? Or do most people not use those?
BTW: I've often wondered. If you've got a gearstick like that can you block-shift? I mean can it jump you straight from 5th to 3rd or similar, or does the car on the computer actually make 2 gear changes in quick succession if you try that with the gearstick?
[post=126044]Quoted post[/post]
Depends on the game. GTL supports direct shifting. You assign a key to each gear, and the gear controller then presses that key.
:dribble:
I saw and am very tempted. If you will be able to get them ouside of the states that is. The USA website has info on the new wheel but not the UK one. (I havent checked other country sites.)
....and hope the pedals are good enough.
:D
It won't be released in the US or Europe until later in the year.
Will this give Oldies Mini a new lease of life with six gears!! ;) :whistle:
QuoteOriginally posted by Sn00ks@May 12 2006, 10:12 AM
Will this give Oldies Mini a new lease of life with six gears!! ;) :whistle:
[post=126377]Quoted post[/post]
I've made the move to the Panterra now :D
A piccy with the pedals. (http://www.playfeed.com/index.php/playfeed/article/logitech-g25-racing-wheel-05100150/)
must admit that is pretty cool.. Would even challenge Ron's setup.. :)
QuoteOriginally posted by Ninja_Freak@May 12 2006, 12:31 PM
....Would even challenge Ron's setup.. :)
[post=126406]Quoted post[/post]
Pffft! :eyebrow:
QuoteOriginally posted by Ninja_Freak@May 12 2006, 12:31 PM
Must admit that is pretty cool..
[post=126406]Quoted post[/post]
I reckon they'll fly off the shelves. :thumbsup2: Now we know why DFPs are being sold at bargain prices. <_<
if had i seen this befor buying mine I might have been tempted, but i bet these will retails at 200£ odd.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ninja_Freak@May 12 2006, 11:31 AM
must admit that is pretty cool.. Would even challenge Ron's setup.. :)
[post=126406]Quoted post[/post]
Nah, Rons are the real deal, and his pedals alone probably cost about 3 times what this will sell for. 8)
QuoteOriginally posted by Dewey@May 12 2006, 05:36 PM
..... pedals alone probably cost about 3 times what this will sell for. 8)
[post=126485]Quoted post[/post]
Close, too close! ;)
This may be interesting for some. (http://www.sim-gear.com/794354.html) I've read about it before and it looks to be a solid piece of kit. Very nearly Scotsman proof! :devil:
Wow, after reading this lot and looking at those wheels my Saitek R440 seems rather inadequate. I guess I'll have to invest in some more kit later this year.
Just get yourself on the server mate. :D
You might like to arm yourself with these add-on tracks:
A1Ring
Brands Hatch + trackcut fix
Brno
Kyalami
Misano
Oschersleben
Sachsenring
SilverstoneGP
Thruxton
Virginia
zandvoort
Get them from //www.no-grip.net
The sad got sadder! Just ordered me one of these! (https://edimensional.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=29) :blush:
EDIT: That's better.....I think.
QuoteOriginally posted by Doorman@May 31 2006, 02:52 PM
The sad got sadder! Just ordered me one of these! (https://edimensional.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=29&osCsid=e5129a41700d3b71f7363b185810ae33) :blink:
[post=129713]Quoted post[/post]
Check the link mate... well at least here I get your login.
QuoteOriginally posted by Doorman@May 31 2006, 01:52 PM
The sad got sadder! Just ordered me one of these! (https://edimensional.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=29) :blush:
EDIT: That's better.....I think.
[post=129713]Quoted post[/post]
Which leads me to ask this question: What is/would be the effect of running my Viewsonic 19" TFT @ 70hz. refresh rate? I know the default for these thing is 60hz but....I'm running it at 70hz at the moment as a test and I can only detect a slightly smoother TrackIR sweep. Other than that, no difference.
that new logitech wheel looks a real nice thing specially having the 3 pedals but way to rich for me i'll stick with my Logitech Driving Force Pro it's searvingme well so far :whistle:
QuoteOriginally posted by GizMoTo@Jun 1 2006, 10:09 PM
that new logitech wheel looks a real nice thing specially having the 3 pedals but way to rich for me i'll stick with my Logitech Driving Force Pro it's searvingme well so far :whistle:
[post=129905]Quoted post[/post]
It sure is. Excellent racing tonight Giz. Shame you weren't on TeamSpeak to hear us *cough* praising you ;)
QuoteOriginally posted by Doorman@May 31 2006, 01:45 PM
Which leads me to ask this question: What is/would be the effect of running my Viewsonic 19" TFT @ 70hz. refresh rate? I know the default for these thing is 60hz but....I'm running it at 70hz at the moment as a test and I can only detect a slightly smoother TrackIR sweep. Other than that, no difference.
[post=129723]Quoted post[/post]
I think you've answered your own question ;)
QuoteOriginally posted by BlueBall@Jun 1 2006, 10:48 PM
I think you've answered your own question ;)
[post=129913]Quoted post[/post]
Who? Me? :unsure:
That G25 looks brilliant, :dribble: gear selector-clutch n all, but leather bound???? Do we really need that kinda stuff? It just hikes up the price needlessly in my view, and the price will be a very sore point for me. Not far off £200 quid this side of the pond I expect. Couldn't they have made an addon for the DFP or somethin' afterall I'll bet the wheel's innards are identical in every way.
Incidentally, I already use the clutch via the left rear paddle on my DFP (dunno if anyone else does), it seems to give me a slight advantage
i agree Malcolm price is gona make it well outa my price range the DFP was above my limit but i bribed the wife to get it :whistle:
OH and snap on the clutch 8) is same as i do { did you adjust the release rate of it to give a little slip for the smooth take off } ooooooops letting secrets out there <_<
QuoteOriginally posted by GizMoTo@Jun 2 2006, 03:04 PM
i agree Malcolm price is gona make it well outa my price range the DFP was above my limit but i bribed the wife to get it :whistle:
OH and snap on the clutch 8) is same as i do { did you adjust the release rate of it to give a little slip for the smooth take off } ooooooops letting secrets out there <_<
[post=130054]Quoted post[/post]
I have my clutch on a very fast bite, afterall, I'm only gonna start from standstill the once. (Well, thats what I like to think anyhow :D ). I do a bit of a wheelspin to get moving, then drop the revs and floor it soon as I've got my grip back. The fast bite lets me change gear pretty quickly once I'm on the move.. ooooops letting out secrets there <_<
Just got a DFP. Need to get it set up though
I will get my DFP in about two months time.
QuoteOriginally posted by Malcolm Reynolds@Jun 2 2006, 04:43 PM
I have my clutch on a very fast bite, afterall, I'm only gonna start from standstill the once. (Well, thats what I like to think anyhow :D ). I do a bit of a wheelspin to get moving, then drop the revs and floor it soon as I've got my grip back. The fast bite lets me change gear pretty quickly once I'm on the move.. ooooops letting out secrets there <_<
[post=130059]Quoted post[/post]
Now where have I seen that before? :whistle:
QuoteOriginally posted by JamesB@Jun 7 2006, 07:51 PM
Just got a DFP. Need to get it set up though
[post=130691]Quoted post[/post]
You seemed to come to grips with it pretty quickly I'd say :D Good ennit?
Yes, I can see it being a big improvement. Thanks for your help, I think I'll have to buy you a beer!
BE WARNED>>
My DFP Arrived today!!! SWEET
This is what it's like driving with a DFP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lof_r2nB52g)
Note the full use of elbows when correcting a slide. Marvelous!
EDIT: Video done gone :-(
Can someone tell the uninitiated exactly what DFP stands for?
Quote from: WordanCan someone tell the uninitiated exactly what DFP stands for?
Driving Force Pro. Logitech make 'em.
Ahh, I thought that, but arn't those for play stations?
Quote from: WordanAhh, I thought that, but arn't those for play stations?
They also work for PC, despite the box saying PS2 :flirty:
Quote from: WordanAhh, I thought that, but arn't those for play stations?
On the advice of the guys here I bought one of those for my PC - it is an excellent wheel :)
Quote from: BlueBallOn the advice of the guys here I bought one of those for my PC - it is an excellent wheel :)
And it'd be nice if you used it once in a while. :flirty:
:biggrin:
Quote from: DoormanAnd it'd be nice if you used it once in a while. :flirty:
Fair point well presented :happy:
G25 has arrived:
http://www.gameseek.co.uk/pd/Multis556hcgkrfv/
Quote from: Dewey;160370G25 has arrived:
http://www.gameseek.co.uk/pd/Multis556hcgkrfv/
And it's getting good reviews from hardcore simmers. I won't be giving up my Frexified DFP anty time soon though.
Just when you thought the spending had stopped! Sounds interesting (http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?p=3347264#post3347264)
Driving Force Pro is available HERE (http://www.darkplanets.co.uk/ps2/logitech-driving-force-pro.asp?ref=frg&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=PPC) The price looks right and they SAY they have stock. Grab one while you can.
Haha - I ordered it from them about 40 mins ago, glad it was the same guys, would have been annoying if you'd found an even cheaper one! Apparantly they are mostly quick too so may even have it arrive tomorrow if I'm lucky :yahoo:
Quote from: EarlHaz;197254Haha - I ordered it from them about 40 mins ago, glad it was the same guys, would have been annoying if you'd found an even cheaper one! Apparantly they are mostly quick too so may even have it arrive tomorrow if I'm lucky :yahoo:
Terrific. You realise that you've taken the first step to a wasted life.
You'll love it! Just shout for tips on setting it up.
Well, it's arrived and that shop will be getting a pretty good review from me! Everything works and have installed the Wingman Drivers off thier site but unfortunately I can't seem to get the pedals to show up on the Logitech Profiler - they definately work but can't get them to respond in the Profiler program - if that makes sense?!
I didn't use the profiler stuff, just went with the normal drivers. Windows Control panel showed them as AOK.
Now, get ready to get ALL crossed up with all that ability to play a game of "Is my steering wheel centred on the grid"
Lol - Panic over now it seems, checked the LFS forum and found a solution so all ready to spin off at that first corner when I confuse myself later tonight with this new gear (though spinning the mini is probably harder than getting it around). Time to get in some practice I think.
Oops wrong info. Sorry/
Doorman.. Where did I put those setups again? I need to fix the shifter..
Speaking of shifters THIS (http://www.sim-gear.com/794354.html) is a seriously good piece of kit. Favourably priced against the Frex offering.
Viewsonic VX1940W on its way. I wanted 1680x1050 resolution but small enough screen so that I could use a fresnel lens with it, that I bought some time ago.
Nice. Post some pictures when you set it up. :)
Going back to the first post. I notice the G25 is now listed on Logitech's site (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstation_3/devices/131&cl=us,en) as a Playstation 3 accessory. Does anyone know if it works with the 360 as well? Currently I don't have any system other than a PC, and i've never bothered with a good wheel and pedals because I don't play many racing games on PC (or at all, *currently*... I just can't get the hang of using a joypad). I'd be able to justify to myself getting a good wheel and pedals and a copy of LFS in a few months if I could also use it when I get a 360 to play the more arcadey type racers. Logitech's site only mentions the PS2, PS3 and PC, and interesting doesn't mention support in LFS, though it does mention other PC games that support it...
Also, same question for the Driving Force Pro (i.e. would it work with a 360 as well as the PS2 and PC), and is there any real point in me getting a G25 as opposed to a Driving Force Pro? I'm considering slipping one of these two into my upgrade come Feb-ish, but i'm loath to spend £145 vs £60 on a wheel if I then find i'm not that into LFS and it's not going to work for pretty much any other racing game i'd want to buy on the system i'm likely to get it for. I also don't want to try LFS with just the keyboard in case it colours my view of it as being too hard or whatever. Catch 22 and all that.
Is a 360 (whatever that is) a Sony product? If so I'd be surprised if it didn't work with it. The G25 works with a PC, so if the 360 has usb connections it should be OK. Too good a bit of kit to be used on Need for Speed though. :norty:
Doorman: Xbox 360.
Carr0t: Unfortunately I don't know. But: "I also don't want to try LFS with just the keyboard in case it colours my view of it as being too hard or whatever." Maybe you could try it with mouse control, I did, and I was totally hooked, so I bought a wheel, and a license. That was a year ago. Oh my god, so long ago? *screen fades into flashback*
Aye, XBox 360. You'd think, what with the 360 being a Microsoft product, it'd work, but i'm not sure.
Mouse control. Hmm, I might give it a go. Didn't realise it could work like that.
THIS (http://www.play.com/Games/PC/4-/3434692/Thrustmaster-RGT-Force-Feedback-Pro-Clutch-Edition-Steering-Wheel/Product.html) may be worth taking a closer look at. Price is right. I'll see if I can find out any more about it.
Found one review (http://hardware.gwn.com/reviews/review.php/id/64/p/1/title/RGT_Force_Feedback_Pro_Clutch_Pedal_Racing_Wheel.htm), it doesn't seem like a piece of complete poo
Quote from: romus;214833Viewsonic VX1940W on its way. I wanted 1680x1050 resolution but small enough screen so that I could use a fresnel lens with it, that I bought some time ago.
That never happened, bought a 22" el-cheapo Benq T221WA instead. It had the worst default colour settings I've ever seen, but I got it better after adjusting it manually.
Quote from: romus;215985That never happened, bought a 22" el-cheapo Benq T221WA instead. It had the worst default colour settings I've ever seen, but I got it better after adjusting it manually.
With freznel lens?
Quote from: Doorman;215993With freznel lens?
No, I decided to do without the lens.
I have used my lens with the old 15" lcd screen (now I dare to admit that I've been using such a screen this far). The lens gives a great immersions to the game, as instead of focusing on the surface of the display your eyes focus to almost infinity because of the trick that the lens does to your eyes. Also of course as it increases the size of the screen from 15" to about 30" or so, it makes everything look so much more real.
This is my lens:
http://www.3dlens.com/shop/large-fresnel-lens-f330.php
But I never had a permanent installation and with that focal length I would have needed to sit a bit too near to the wheel. So to make my cockpit permanent I decided to forget the fresnel for now.
But the 1024x768 resolution was just not enough, so I am happy for the change, even though I lost a bit of the immersion. I have not found a big enough fresnel for the 22" screen, but I would definitely get one if I would find it. I know that there are lenses of old people to magnify the TV screen, so somewhere I should find it. Those do not give as good sharpness as these ones from the 3Dlens, but the immersion should be there still.
Quote from: romus;215996....I know that there are lenses of old people to magnify the TV screen....
:roflmao:We 'younger' people simply go out and buy a 42" plasma jobbie! Nothing wrong with OUR eyes!
That doesn't seem to cost much. How do you mount it? Does it come with a mounting (a leg like in a monitor?)?
Quote from: Aquilifer;216000That doesn't seem to cost much. How do you mount it? Does it come with a mounting (a leg like in a monitor?)?
For a permanent installation something like this: http://forum.rscnet.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=311171&stc=1&thumb=1
My temporary installation was made of cardboard and tape.
Quote from: romus;216026For a permanent installation something like this: http://forum.rscnet.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=311171&stc=1&thumb=1
Up periscope :D
Does it defrost stuff and go ding when the race is over?
I'm currently just dreaming, but it requires dreams to make it happen - a few links:
A pretty cheap G25 wheel add-on: http://forum.racesimcentral.com/showthread.php?t=294212
A digital external dash from Frex:
http://www.frex.com/gpshop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=30
The price is just too high, but does anyone know if something similar exists but with cheaper price? Or can outgauge be used to output that data to second screen? I would like to stop using ingame gauges, because sometimes I have to use too high FOV just see gauges on the screen.
Then this might add something:
http://www.cluboverclocker.com/reviews/sound/Buttkicker/page2.htm
A pretty cheap equipment, and according to review an excellent addition to gaming gear.
Even better for racing, but without proper support for LFS at the moment:
http://ivibe.com/default.htm
It would be nice to hear what you have done to improve your racing environment. Do you use any of these equipment? I know some of you are using high quality shifters and TrackIRs, but what else do you use that has made your simracing experience better?
I've not done much yet, except that I've build me a cockpit from MDF and have a dedicated PC just for LFS. That means that I can use every minute available for just racing, no time is lost in putting the wheel in place or changing settings on the PC. I'm getting a real car seat this week, from Saab 9000, to replace the old modified office chair in the cockpit. When installing it I will also make a place for the G25 shifter and start testing it.
Mmoss seems to have a winner on his hands if only he could get it into production
I've mentioned my cockpit a few times. I made it first december 06 and have been improving it slowly. Latest improvements are the shifter on place and modified G25 pedals. They really are a lot better now, especially with the Nixim brake mod installed.
EDIT: added some pictures here
1st picture: Pedals. Now as I've started using the shifter, the position of the throttle makes heel and toe possible. I must admit that I'm not changing gears like a pro quite yet. =)
Total costs for the cockpit this far is around 150â,¬. The seat was 100â,¬ with shipping, it's from Saab 9000, and the 28mm thick MDF around 50â,¬ and then a few cents for the rest.
It is very strong construction, and very heavy as well. With a regular table the force feedback from the wheel was shaking the table, and I was thus losing some feedback to my hands. Now as the cockpit is so strong, it's moving only an few millimeters when the wheel is shaking hard, I get all the feedback directly to my hands. I think it makes steering a bit more accurate as well.
Edit nov-2008:
Added three new pictures and had to remove some old ones.
Keyboard finally got a proper stand/arm. I have kept it on my lap or on the chair just beside the cockpit. New shifter in place (go to http://www.sim-gear.com/794354.html for more information.) Three displays are a nice upgrade from the earlier picture. They also required a strong stand. Displays on sides are cheap, the other one is our first LCD display from 2003 and the white one I got for free from work.
Next things to do with the cockpit is to improve the ergonomics. I've noticed now after starting with the shifter that I cannot 'dance' on pedals as easily as I would want to. Earlier I just kept the left foot on the brake pedal and the right one on the throttle. Now I'm moving the right one a lot all the time between the throttle and brake, and I should be even trying to press both at the same time sometimes!
Good looking job on the pedals. It must have taken a moment of faith to have disassembled them! :ohmy: Oops! There goes my warranty! More pictures.
Looks great. That is more realistic as the pedals are not coming from the floor now.
The only excpetion I have ever driven IRL is the old VW beetle where the pedals actually raise from the floor and driving it felt tiring to my ankles when you kept the loud pedal floored long :norty:
Particularly like the accellerator offset- easier heel'n-toeing?
Quote from: Aquilifer;222648The only excpetion I have ever driven IRL is the old VW beetle where the pedals actually raise from the floor and driving it felt tiring to my ankles when you kept the loud pedal floored long :norty:
Replace the words 'ankles' & 'loud pedal' with wrist and mouse respectively.:D
Quote from: Lameduck;222651Particularly like the accellerator offset- easier heel'n-toeing?
That was a must after I started using the shifter: I was used to left foot braking, but now I'll try to learn heel'n toe.
Quote from: Doorman;222640Good looking job on the pedals. It must have taken a moment of faith to have disassembled them! :ohmy: Oops! There goes my warranty! More pictures.
OK, some pictures added:
http://www.deadmen.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=222617&postcount=72
Thats a superb mod, its amazing that we are always looking to make improvements to help with our qest for the perfect setup!! well done top job..:D
Quote from: romus;223134OK, some pictures added:
http://www.deadmen.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=222617&postcount=72
I'd be falling off of that chair with the amount of leaning around corners I do. :D
Quote from: OldBloke;223142I'd be falling off of that chair with the amount of leaning around corners I do. :D
Safety first! Buckle up Oldie!
Nice setup. I'm not into racing games but I do compair it to Doormans setup.
What's the next thing on your setup? Airbags? :flirty:
Good job Samu, now just tidy up the wires and you're good to go! :thumbsup2:
:yahoo:wow cant wait to get home tonight, the wife has just called to say my racing chair has come, hopefully will be racing in it tonight if i can get home in time, the wife can stop nagging me now for using the dinning room chair.
i put some pics on as soon as i can.:yahoo:
Quote from: DuVeL;223143Safety first! Buckle up Oldie!
Nice setup. I'm not into racing games but I do compair it to Doormans setup.
What's the next thing on your setup? Airbags? :flirty:
Well, perhaps a proper shifter, two more LCDs for side views and probably a bass shaker under the seat.
Quote from: Doorman;223148Good job Samu, now just tidy up the wires and you're good to go! :thumbsup2:
Yep, that's planned, I'll do it after I've painted the cockpit. For the colour I've though of orange and black. Orange like in the flag of Netherlands.
Quote from: romus;223154Yep, that's planned, I'll do it after I've painted the cockpit. For the colour I've though of orange and black. Orange like in the flag of Netherlands.
You'll have the Finnish government down on you like a ton of bricks! Blue and white surely? :yahoo:
Quote from: romus;223154Yep, that's planned, I'll do it after I've painted the cockpit. For the colour I've though of orange and black. Orange like in the flag of Netherlands.
Paint? Why? It looks good like that. If you really want some paint, take it to a spray artist (those who paint art pics on cars) who can paint a nice checquered flag or something (I guess your wife doesn't like if you get a pic of a pit girl on it) :)
Quote from: romus;223154Yep, that's planned, I'll do it after I've painted the cockpit. For the colour I've though of orange and black. Orange like in the flag of Netherlands.
The Dutch flag contains; Red, White and Blue.
Orange is the colour of the Queensfamily and such.
For the rest what aquilifier said
Quote from: DuVeL;223169The Dutch flag contains; Red, White and Blue.
Orange is the colour of the Queensfamily and such.
For the rest what aquilifier said
:D so it goes, I was thinking their football shirts and somehow figured that same colours should be in their flag as well.
is there a patch that improves the graphics for lvs, or am i better sticking with the standard game?:g:
Quote from: spudgun55;223610is there a patch that improves the graphics for lvs, or am i better sticking with the standard game?:g:
I'm not aware of anything such, but there are some texture packs that you can install.
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?p=656014#post656014
I'm using standard Y patch, and graphics are horrible.. :sad:
You can also check out this thread: http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=30474
trying to find the hi res track and sky patches but the links seem to be dead ends, does anyone have the patches
Quote from: spudgun55;223713trying to find the hi res track and sky patches but the links seem to be dead ends, does anyone have the patches
If you haven't found them yet see me at the lan.
ok will do, thanks
I'm VERY interested, :norty: In fact the thing between me and a G25 is/was the lack of buttons CHECKIT (http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=317978)
Quote from: Doorman;233874I'm VERY interested, :norty: In fact the thing between me and a G25 is/was the lack of buttons CHECKIT (http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=317978)
Quite a many buttons there. I would like to have buttons for Ventrilo, pit speed limiter and for left and right views that I currently have, so I'd like two extra buttons. That should be pretty easy to make withouht such an expensive addon.
I found these:
http://www.f1design.us/04_Sim_Racing/G25/index.htm
http://www.jlvrh.de/JL_Wheel_UK.htm
I've been thinking of mounting the G15 display on G25 wheel and adding two extra buttons. Would the G15 display be usable without any G15 buttons? Are the buttons essential?
Quote from: romus;233879. Would the G15 display be usable without any G15 buttons? Are the buttons essential?
Er......pass :sad:
Quote from: Doorman;233891Er......pass :sad:
What do you mean? :boxing:
http://www.eaglevision.nu/z10_ded.php
Quote from: romus;233916What do you mean? :boxing:
http://www.eaglevision.nu/z10_ded.php
Oh THAT? Now it all makes sense. :blink:
Best price I can find for G25 (and they're in stock! (http://www.microdirect.co.uk/%2834929%29Logitech-G25-Racing-wheel.aspx)
Quote from: Doorman;233874I'm VERY interested, :norty: In fact the thing between me and a G25 is/was the lack of buttons CHECKIT (http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=317978)
Ron!
Please check out something called Touchbuddy or something similar. I haven't check it out so I'm not sure what it is, but I think it is some program that can run on your PC and communicate with a touch screen by your wheel. It then works as a configurable button box. It looks like you can have several screens and design your own layout.
Do some searching on google and youtube
Edit: Found link
http://www.touch-buddy.com/forums/faq/18-master-faq.html
http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=308661
Touch screen looks like an option but the problem remains of hooking up my Frex pedals and shifter. That G25 mod looks like a nightmare to sort out!
I'll sit and 'ponder' for a while. :g:
found this button mod for the g25 over at rsc
http://forum.racesimcentral.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=449653&d=1206856095
http://forum.racesimcentral.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=449654&d=1206856095
quite cool :)
i have contacted him for more details
Quote from: delankster;234991found this button mod for the g25 over at rsc
http://forum.racesimcentral.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=449653&d=1206856095
http://forum.racesimcentral.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=449654&d=1206856095
quite cool :)
I have contacted him for more details
Looks good. Not sure the top and bottom of the plate need to be that big though.
Only if you have buttons and knobs and stuff like
(http://www.core77.com/corehome/ferrari_steering_wheel.jpg)
Quote from: BigFatCat;235002Only if you have buttons and knobs and stuff like
(http://www.core77.com/corehome/ferrari_steering_wheel.jpg)
Let's see, top left: :), top right: :(. middle left: "Blue flag n00b!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
middle right: shift R, Bottom left: soz dude, Bottom right: setup plz.
Dunno what the rest are for cos they're gay. :lmfao:
Quote from: Doorman;235014Let's see, top left: :), top right: :(. middle left: "Blue flag n00b!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
middle right: shift R, Bottom left: soz dude, Bottom right: setup plz.
Dunno what the rest are for cos they're gay. :lmfao:
Ron! Ron! Sum l33t geezer as nicked yer PC m8 :devil:
Quote from: Doorman;234994Looks good. Not sure the top and bottom of the plate need to be that big though.
Yes Plate is far too big , but it is basically what ive been looking at doing , will keep you posted on my progress
I managed to adapt my wheel to my Sparco and just retained the two buttons. Not the ideal answer but at least I've got my worn in wheel back :)(http://www.finnglish.co.uk/Stuff/wheel.jpg)
Quote from: Doorman;236680I managed to adapt my wheel to my Sparco and just retained the two buttons.
Good work Ron!
nice :)
My project has taken a step back ! as of all the overtime i've been doing!
hopefully will get back on it in a wk or so :)
i found this mod for G25 a carbon fibre back plate , apologies if you have already seen this but i got a bit exited when i stumbled across it, not a bad price either:g:
http://www.cxcsimulations.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CS&Product_Code=LGSLI
Quote from: spudgun55;236980i found this mod for G25 a carbon fibre back plate , apologies if you have already seen this but i got a bit exited when i stumbled across it, not a bad price either:g:
http://www.cxcsimulations.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CS&Product_Code=LGSLI
It's a bit limited though isn't it?
its a gadget:woot2: ? it looks cool and i am sure it will be useful for something, let me think, no its gone:g:, i will have to come back to you on that one? yeap thats it the flashing lights :yahoo: just to reassure that i am in the right gear and changing at the right time , arrh i already can do that lol yeap your right just a waste of monies.
I've been thinking of adding buttons to G25 wheel for quite a long time already. For a few weeks ago I bought a small aluminium box which I was going to attach to the wheel and get 4 extra buttons, but after working with it today for a few hours and seeing that it was gonna be pretty ugly, I went for this solution (see attachment). It adds only two extra buttons, but that's enough: I'm gonna use them for Ventrilo and Pit Speed Limiter.
For these two buttons I'll be running a new wire through the steering column and connect it to the external USB button box. The inner diameter of the steering column is about 5mm and the original wire that goes trough is only about 2mm thick so there's plenty of space for extra cables. Or possibly I'll make all wheel buttons and paddles use the same cable.
I'll be back racing when this is finished, which could mean a few weeks. :)
Doorman
Did you get the brake mod for the G25.? And if so how is it?
Not yet. :angry: They're not the most efficient company on the internetz! :sideways:
I'll keep you posted. 371
Finally received my brake mod. :eyebrow: My impressions: Installing it was a breeze. :) At the first try it was far too 'solid'. :sad: Took the rubber insert out and cut 3mm off and tried again :g:Bingo! The pedal feel is brilliant! :D Romus said to me that he was able to modulate the brakes, I concur. With the standard setup it was all to easy to lock up but now...First class. :thumbsup2: If you have a G25 I have no hesitation is recommending this mod.
Two provisos: One, NIXIM's service leaves a lot to be desired. You may find otherwise. Two: It is desirable to have your pedals fixed firmly to the floor...or something. With the extra pressure you may find they'll tip up.
Quote from: Doorman;241300: It is desirable to have your pedals fixed firmly to the flood...or something. With the extra pressure you may find they'll tip up.
More heavy rain in Essex?
Makes "use yer anchors" an apt phrase.:)
This may be an answer. I know that every so often my wheel buttons don't want to play ball, this could be the reason. Worth a look though. http://forum.racesimcentral.com/showthread.php?t=326943&page=2
Quote from: Doorman;243142This may be an answer.
Superb find Doors.
I take the liberty to post the important bits originally posted by Mr.Hitman here directly.
----
There could be an answer in disabling power management on the USB root hubs.
What you need to do is to turn off the power saving option for your USB Root Hubs. In the Device Manager (rightclick My Computer => Properties => Advanced Tab => Device Manager) you'll find several USB Root Hubs under +Universal Serial Bus Controllers. Uncheck all power saving options for each one on the Power Management Tab (doubleclick each Root Hub). This will prevent XP from turning off the USB Controller, which is what I think causes the problem.
----
Quote from: Doorman;241300Two provisos: One, NIXIM's service leaves a lot to be desired. You may find otherwise. Two: It is desirable to have your pedals fixed firmly to the floor...or something. With the extra pressure you may find they'll tip up.
Agreed. However it's easy enough to attach them more firmly. All I did was to screw the pedal base onto some pieces of wood which I then cut to shape. Easy! Plus, I can just put something underneath to change the angle of the pedal base. (Although in my case I'm limited by the power socket. :) )
(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2277/dsc02028e.jpg)
(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9403/dsc02031q.jpg)
I've done more or less the same thing although I've got a carpet floor and have attached carpet grippers underneath the plinth. Works well.
As I mentioned online tonight I've been having some problems with framerates dropping when using Ventrilo. It causes the game to stutter for a few seconds every now and then, particularly in the beginning of a race. My PC is kind of outdated anyway, so I normally set LFS to "high priority" in Windows to prevent any interference with other running processes. However when using Ventrilo I can't do this, as it will cause Ventrilo to shut down (that's what happened last week if anyone remembers)
So I figured it was time to crunch some numbers and see where my problems are at, and what I can do to fix them. Therefore I decided to fire up the replay from last Thursday's race, place myself in Obsolum's car, and roll the first 60 seconds of the replay. I did this a number of times with different graphics settings and with/without FreeTrack running in the background. Here's the results:
(http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6640/fpsgraphah6.th.png) (http://img233.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fpsgraphah6.png)(http://img233.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
As expected, the framerates are at their minimum at the very beginning of the race, with 20 cars and lots of action.
Notice how anti-aliasing and anisotropic filtering has nearly no effect, except in the last part of the replay. This seems to confirm my suspicion that the CPU is the problem, as AF/AA are computed by the GPU alone. (correct me if I'm wrong..!) Moreover, enabling FreeTrack causes a slight but noticeable drop in framerates, which corroborote this.
Adding Ventrilo to the mix will of course increase the CPU usage slightly. I've also read that Ventrilo's CPU usage sometimes spikes (i.e. it's not constant). So since I'm already pushing my system to the limit this could very well be the source of my framerate issues.
Yesterday a new version of FreeTrack was released, which allows one to use a Wiimote instead of a webcamera for tracking. This allegedly reduces CPU usage dramatically. So I'm going to try to get that. (I'm bidding on a Wiimote on Ebay right now.. ;) )
However for the time being I'm afraid I'll just have to do without Ventrilo, at least on the official races, like tomorrow. :(
And, ultimately, this just makes me one step closer to buying a new PC. :flirty:
Quote from: Gnomie;246892...this just makes me one step closer to buying a new PC. :flirty:
More than one step I reckon. Break out the credit card! :norty: You have at least proved to yourself what is common knowledge, LFS is CPU dependent if you want it pretty.
1920x1200 - you're monitor's too big for your PC :flirty:
Quote from: OldBloke;2469041920x1200 - you're monitor's too big for your PC :flirty:
I know.. my neighbour had to sell his one year old 24" monitor a few weeks ago, so he offered me to buy it at 1/3 the price. It was too good a deal to let down. And it's purrty. :dribble:
The only thing holding me back from buying a new computer is the fact that I'm most likely going to move abroad next year, and it would be quite a hassle to transport the PC. (I know how parcels are treated in the mail, and it's not nice..)
Anyway, I just read through my post again, and realised it was a load of rambling, and probably not very useful for others.. except that it shows that if you're CPU limited, using FreeTrack will cut your FPS by about 5.
Quote from: Gnomie;246911Anyway, I just read through my post again, and realised it was a load of rambling, and probably not very useful for others.. except that it shows that if you're CPU limited, using FreeTrack will cut your FPS by about 5.
Thats good for me to know because I don't have any extra FPS to play with.
Quote from: Toddshooter;246953Thats good for me to know because I don't have any extra FPS to play with.
I should have added that I'm using 800x600 resolution on my webcam. I suspect that the framerates would improve if I used a lower resolution, although I haven't tried this yet. I'll experiment some more with this and let you know.
Yesterday a new version of FreeTrack was released which supports the use of a Wiimote instead of a webcamera for tracking. Besides providing even better tracking, the Wiimote allegedly also has a far lower CPU usage. Check this (http://forum.free-track.net/index.php?showtopic=1173) thread for details.
From the manual: "The Wiimote has no significant CPU usage because it only sends the point coordinates to the computer and not the bandwidth hungry video stream."
By the way, maybe it would be better to make a new thread about FreeTrack..?
I'm not sure I'm understanding this correctly. I just ran LFS and TrackIR. Looking in the Task manager processes I see that TIR uses no CPU but 11,800k memory usage. :g: What does that say?
Quote from: Doorman;246958I'm not sure I'm understanding this correctly. I just ran LFS and TrackIR. Looking in the Task manager processes I see that TIR uses no CPU but 11,800k memory usage. :g: What does that say?
My understanding is that TrackIR comes with a separate unit that does all the calculations, so that's why the CPU usage is 0. FreeTrack, on the other hand, uses some CPU because it's using a webcamera for tracking. Now for people with multi-core processors that won't matter at all. I'm just trying to determine how it affects the framerate for people with crappy-ass PCs, like me. ;)
Anyway, I did some more testing. (All of these graphs show the averaged results from two runs in succession, by the way) Turns out that reducing the resolution of the video tracking gave precisely the same quality of tracking (same responsiveness, no jittering/stuttering) while improving the framerate by about 5 in the start of the race. :yahoo:
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/7206/fpsgraph3freetrackresolpu7.th.png) (http://img361.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fpsgraph3freetrackresolpu7.png)
I also ran some tests with the other graphics settings, to see what affects the framerate the most in LFS. It turns out that the most important thing is the car detail settings. There's a whopping 8-10FPS difference between the highest and lowest settings! Unfortunately reducing the car detail level also makes it look like crap, so I'm going to set this to ~0.6.
(http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1127/fpsgraph2settingsdm8.th.png) (http://img375.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fpsgraph2settingsdm8.png)
Here are the settings for the graph in the middle:
(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7664/settingslowbu3.th.png) (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=settingslowbu3.png)
Conclusion: reducing the webcam's resolution for FreeTrack improved framerates by ~ 5 with no impairment to the quality of tracking. Playing around with the graphics settings in LFS has an even bigger importance on the final framerate.
Phew! Thank goodness THAT'S sorted! :D
He could've ordered a new PC in half the time it took to do all those tests :flirty:
Quote from: OldBloke;246996He could've ordered a new PC in half the time it took to do all thoses tests :flirty:
Whist on the subject of new PC's, can you recall if I mentioned to Doorz that I'd ordered a new computer? :poster_oops::getmecoat:
Quote from: Lameduck;247016Whist on the subject of new PC's, can you recall if I mentioned to Doorz that I'd ordered a new computer? :poster_oops::getmecoat:
:g: Not that I can recall.
simulator for sale,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=250310349442&Category=11051&_trksid=p3907.m29
Ooohh.. that looks awesome! Real pedals and stuff. :woot2: To be honest I'd have thought it would be more expensive than that.
Some of you Brits should head over and at least have a look!
Not sure if this a right topic to post, but I have been looking for this racing for some time and would like to try. But how heavy is the LFS for computer ?
I have an old driving wheel + pedals in the closet, but my new pc doesn't support the old game input. And I'v read that adapters won't work with that driving set I have. So I'm thinking about running the game with my old setup when I get the router(for shared internet connection) I want :)
lfs is a processor dependant game so as long as your old setup as a reasonable chip in it you should be able to run it
About the input: you can buy a little adapter that trasnforms it into a USB plug. Don't know what it's called, but they are cheap and you can get them at Clas Ohlson for example. :)
Quote from: Lexander;248010Not sure if this a right topic to post, but I have been looking for this racing for some time and would like to try. But how heavy is the LFS for computer ?
I have an old driving wheel + pedals in the closet, but my new pc doesn't support the old game input. And I'v read that adapters won't work with that driving set I have. So I'm thinking about running the game with my old setup when I get the router(for shared internet connection) I want :)
Do you mean it's a game port device? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_port
If you have free PCI port you could put in an old sound card. You should be able to find one for free or almost for free if you ask geeks around you.
Your PC should be ok if you play other games with dMw.
THIS (http://leobodna.dot5hosting.com/products/DFPG25conn/) may be what you're looking for.
just bought myself one of these, had the game seat chair before but with the nixim break mod and a back problem due to the seating position decided it wasnt really the best setup(peddles would slip). so decided on a gameracer elite
http://gameracer.co.uk/detail.aspx?ID=109
Ted at gameracer is a really decent chap, i went to the gameracer workshop and tried different options, they are very solid with no flex on the frame quite a heavy unit and a great seat to,
as soon as i have it all set up i will take a pic and place on forum.:yahoo:
Quote from: spudgun55;248238just bought myself one of these, had the game seat chair before but with the nixim break mod and a back problem due to the seating position decided it wasnt really the best setup(peddles would slip). so decided on a gameracer elite
http://gameracer.co.uk/detail.aspx?ID=109
Ted at gameracer is a really decent chap, i went to the gameracer workshop and tried different options, they are very solid with no flex on the frame quite a heavy unit and a great seat to,
as soon as i have it all set up i will take a pic and place on forum.:yahoo:
Cool! Make sure to share your experiences -- I'm sure there are others who consider buying a seat, too.
I'm still waiting for my Rinoseat to arrive.. it's been, what, 7 weeks now since I ordered it??? Apparently it was stuck in customs for a few weeks and is due to arrive any day now. But still, that's just WAY too long. :ranting2:
Quote from: spudgun55;248238http://gameracer.co.uk/detail.aspx?ID=109
Tightwad! :lmfao: Nice one. :thumbsup2:
well a good nights racing and i can say that it has made a big difference, really pleased with it
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31642398@N03/2965398216/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31642398@N03/2965398216/).:D
Quote from: spudgun55;248325well a good nights racing and i can say that it has made a big difference, really pleased with it
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31642398@N03/2965398216/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31642398@N03/2965398216/).:D
I'd need binoculars from back there :D
Looks cool. :thumb:
Quote from: spudgun55;248325well a good nights racing and i can say that it has made a big difference, really pleased with it
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31642398@N03/2965398216/.:D
Lovely job
||||||| :)
That looks great! :) And you even got it in time for the long race too -- perfect timing! I like the custom gearknob, too.
The gear knob came from autocare, not much modification required, i always felt the standard g25 gear knob felt to small and looked a bit plastic compared to the rest of the unit.
i just need to get a couple of wheel buttons that will fit the 2 holes on the momo wheel as the standard g25 buttons are too large.
I've been trying (at variable degrees of success. :P) to use heel&toe ever since I got my G25. I found this to be nearly impossible with the stock pedals, so I've tried several modifications. I just thought I'd share my experiences with my latest G25 pedal mod.
A few weeks ago I moved the gas pedal a little closer to the brake, and elevated the brake pedal using washers. (the nixim mod is of course still installed) I've now become fully accustomed to it, and I have to say it is miles better this way!! Heel&toe is much easier now, because when I depress the brake my foot is almost precisely level with the gas pedal, so I just have to twist my ankle slightly to heel&toe. Since this makes the heel&toe motion less "violent" than it used to it even allows me to drive wearing socks rather than shoes, which also improves my "feel" a lot. (I used to drive wearing some thick-soled moccasins which made it pretty hard I think) Threshold braking a breeze now, and I can maintain a set brake pressure while heel&toeing, so that I don't lock my wheels. :yahoo:
Here's a few pictures:
The block I used to move the gas pedal:
(http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8194/dsc02071nq9ck1.th.jpg) (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02071nq9ck1.jpg)(http://img227.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Seen from the front:
(http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3268/dsc02074ay1hm5.th.jpg) (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02074ay1hm5.jpg)(http://img227.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Seen from above:
(http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7408/dsc02075qd8tv5.th.jpg) (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02075qd8tv5.jpg)(http://img227.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Each of the three mods are pretty good alone (washers + nixim + moved pedals) but together they really shine. So if you've got a G25 and are less than satisfied with the pedals I suggest you consider this. They're all completely reversible, and only the nixim mod will void your warranty.
My motto is: if you ain't got no money, be creative with what you've got. :D
Excellent job! I do like to see innovative work-arounds. :)
Quote from: Doorman;248969Excellent job! I do like to see innovative work-arounds. :)
Well at least it scores pretty well on the "added immersion pr £ invested and minute-spent-making-it" scale. :D
I'll give it a go.
First step: lower the throttle or raise brake pedal, because heel and toe is a pain at the moment.
Brake force seems appropriate the way I use the set (socks, carpet and if I brake too hard my chair slides back, so here is threshold braking :))
I even have to increase brake force in my sets because I can not reach 100% braking easily with this config...
Second step should be bringing throttle closer to the brake, because the gap is too wide for my small feet.
Thanks for the links and info.
You're welcome! :) Just ask if you have any questions.
How many washers you add is up to you, of course, depending on how much you want to lift the brake pedal. But you shouldn't buy longer screws than you think you'll use, because if they're too long they'll come in conflict with the red "spring casing" beneath the pedal. Oh, and be sure to get countersunk screws! (type E in this picture)
(http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/3629/400pxscrewheadtypessvg5rc6.png) (http://img112.imageshack.us/my.php?image=400pxscrewheadtypessvg5rc6.png)
Good luck!
I was thinking of removing the plastic spacer under the throttle first - it seems doable. Have you tried that?
You don't often get a good screw on this forum! :norty:
Quote from: Doorman;249121You don't often get a good screw on this forum! :norty:
M4 screws only, you won't feel much anyways :rolleyes:
Quote from: Mille Sabords;249122M4 screws only, you won't feel much anyways :rolleyes:
Cue chorus of 'No change there then'. :whistle:
Welcome Mille btw :byebye:
Quote from: Mille Sabords;249120I was thinking of removing the plastic spacer under the throttle first - it seems doable. Have you tried that?
No I haven't tried that, but I fear that the screw will come into conflict with the red plastic cylinder.. worth a shot, though!
Quote from: Gnomie;249138No I haven't tried that, but I fear that the screw will come into conflict with the red plastic cylinder.. worth a shot, though!
Are you able to get me the length of these M4 screws? I'm at work (hehe) 70km (15 of which are littered with snow and I have summer tyres on...) from the wheel, but here there is a huge workshop and I may get my hand on some M4s (although anything under 8 is rare here).
Thanks
The ones I use are 40 mm long. I think that's just fine, but you might want to try some shorter ones (like 35 or something). That's just personal preference, though. If you're in doubt you might pick up two of each. :)
I have to confess: I have been to http://www.sim-gear.com/794354.html and pressed that orange button below the Black anodized thing. I'm gonna fly with that turbo stick! It's gonna make me an über alien for sure. :yahoo:
QuoteJingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
wow thats super, good value as well, once you get it post some pics and feedback:D
Not racing sim hardware as such, but I found something that could help a few guys wanting to race/play games with a Laptop.
Its some kind of docking station with a performance graphics card.
As I understand it, it attaches to the PC via the expresscard slot.
http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=11426
Quote from: vobler;251624Not racing sim hardware as such, but I found something that could help a few guys wanting to race/play games with a Laptop.
Its some kind of docking station with a performance graphics card.
As I understand it, it attaches to the PC via the expresscard slot.
http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=11426
Looks like a good product, but feels more like a product that's never gonna be sold.
Have you found any resellers? I remember when that was first hyped, about two years ago. I thought I would buy it for my laptop and play LFS with it. But the launch was delayed and I bought a proper gaming PC a year ago. Now it was finally "launched" in May this year, but I still cannot find any shops selling it. I tried to find with Google, idealo.de, pricerunner.co.uk, but there seems to be only previews or some rare reviews about it.
I read about the XG station a while ago too, and I think this kind of product could be a terrific thing in the future! It sure has potential. Especially now that laptops seem to get smaller and smaller, it's hard to fit powerful components inside. (especially GPUs) So a solution with a small, light laptop with good RAM and CPU, and an external GPU which you plug in when you get home, would be a terrific idea in theory!
Today I got my Rinoseat!! :yahoo: I've only played for a few hours, but my first impression is terrific. It's just so incredibly comfortable! There's loads of more things I must try (you can adjust almost everything, like wheel height/distance, pedal tilt, seat back tilt +++), but I've kept it in the same setting all day and it feels perfect. I read a review somewhere where the guy said it feels like floating on air, and I agree! Actually I was surprised at the comfort -- it looks kinda thin and flimsy, but it feels soft while still giving you great support.
A very cool thing is how the most powerful vibrations of the wheel (like, when you cross a sharp curb or hit a wall) get transferred down the wheel tube and into the seat itself, so you can feel it in your legs. It's a subtle effect, but it's there, and it feels great.
Right, now I'm off to do some more driving! :D See you on the server tonight.
I've updated my post about my cockpit:
http://www.deadmen.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=222617&postcount=72
Wow, impressive cockpit! :) That looks terrific.
I've had my seat for about a week now, so you can expect a "review" soon-ish. These days, when I'm supposed to be studying for final exams, it's suddenly gotten very tempting to do all kinds stuff other than studying.
Quote from: romus;252661I've updated my post about my cockpit:
http://www.deadmen.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=222617&postcount=72
That 'book style' foot rest is the in thing at the moment. I'm thinking of upgrading my setup to that. :lmfao:
Time for a review of my Rinoseat. :)
(http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/7601/dsc02117ou4.th.jpg) (http://img392.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02117ou4.jpg)
Shipping
I was very unlucky with the shipping. I made the payment on September 3rd, and I didn’t receive the seat until November 20th!! Apparently there was a big problem with the whole shipment (60+ seats), so they had to send me a new one. Once they sent the second seat it only took three weeks to get here.
I can only assume that my situation was a one-off.
Packaging and assembly
The seat was packed in a compact cardboard box. Each part was wrapped in plastic or cardboard for protection. The box also includes all you’ll need for assembly, including tools. A nice gesture!
Assembly was not very difficult, but I took my time since I wanted to get it right. The instructions were OK, but with some ambiguities. If I were to do it again now I could probably do it in less than 15 minutes.
Disassembly/storage
My room is very small (10m^2) so I have to partially disassemble it after use. This is very easy! After removing a couple of screws it will fold like this:
Unfortunately you’ll need to use tools to tilt the seatback. I think this could have been done with some handles or something instead. It’s not a big deal, though.
(http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2347/dsc02109pe2.th.jpg) (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02109pe2.jpg)
Build quality
The seat it covered with artificial leather. All the seams are high quality and seem very well done. The metal parts have a nice paint cover, and all the welds and joints appear solid.
Use
Now, on to the fun bit. Is it comfortable to use? The short answer is yes. The long answer is yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees. :D
I was totally amazed at the comfort!! It’s hard to put a finger on what exactly does it, but the whole feel of the seat is extremely good. The mix between soft cushions and still good support works very well indeed. Once you’ve adjusted the distance to the pedals correctly, the base of the seat will provide excellent support to your thighs. Also the way the seat is constructed, a lot of your body weight is held up by your legs, so there’s less weight on the seat itself. Since your body weight gets distributed over a large area it feels like you’re “floating on air”. (I stole that expression from some other review. ;) ) Together, this means that even after long hours of racing I don’t get tired at all.
(http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/4454/dsc02122hk0.th.jpg) (http://img392.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02122hk0.jpg)
I’m using the Nixim mod, which requires me to use quite a lot of force when braking. I was slightly worried that this would cause the whole structure to flex and bend when I’m driving. However this is not the case – it feels very stable and solid.
Some words about adjustability: I was a little concerned about whether or not the seat would be big enough for me. I’m quite tall (2 meters) so I was wondering if the pedals could be shoved far enough away from the seat. (The pedals are connected to the seat base by a metal tube) And indeed they can! The distance from the seat and the pedals can be selected from about a million different positions, so this should work for everyone. Moreover the height/distance to the wheel, the angle of the pedal base and the seatback angle can all be adjusted as you please.
Now on to some of the negatives. Some people have expressed concern that the wheel isn’t supported all that well. And it’s true – the wheel support will flex some when you’re driving. This has both a negative and a positive side to it. Some people might think that it feels a little weird that it moves around like that, but on the other hand it means that the vibrations from the wheel get transferred into your seat. So when you hit a curb or something you’ll actually feel a thump in your legs. While subtle, I think this effect adds a little bit to the immersion, but the wobbliness of the wheel is a tradeoff that not everyone will be willing to make, I suppose.
One minor thing at the end – the legs are quite “pointy” and leave quite deep depressions in the linoleum on my floor. I’ve fixed this by placing some thin plastic discs underneath the legs, so it’s not really a problem, but anyway.. it’s the sort of thing that could easily be fixed by the manufacturer.
Overall
All in all, the Rinoseat is just what I was hoping it would be. The quality is great, and it can be adjusted to a lot of different positions to fit your fancy. It’s small and can be stored easily, but even though it’s small and looks kind of flimsy it’s very comfortable and stable. The only exception is the wheel support which flexes a little more than some might like. Personally I don’t think this is a problem, though, and all in all I’m very happy with the seat. It’s a little bit on the expensive side, though, but the value is great still.
I’m even thinking about making some extensions on it so I can use it for flight sims as well, which shouldn’t be too difficult considering the modular nature of the construction.
Nice review. I'm gonna send the link to my brother, because he would like to start simracing but doesn't have room for a permanent cockpit.
Could you have some soft of clamps on the table that you could use to give extra support for the wheel so that it would not wobble? I think my streering accuracy improved somewhat when I got the cockpit so strong that the wheel does not move more that about 5mm even when the action is hottest. You could then get bass shakers to get extra immersion to the chair. (I've considered bass shakers, but can't imagine they would bring anything that would really make the experience better.)
Yes, that would probably be possible. If it were bothering me much I guess I'd try that, but for now at least I'm happy with how it is. A bonus is of course that none of the vibrations get lost to sound or anything -- it's all either going to your hands, or your legs. I guess clamping it to the table would change that..
I have been toying with the Vista speech recognition a few days now and I am impressed. Not as a tool to dictate e-mails and forum post, but as a sim command tool.
Both LFS and iRacing can be controlled by it and it is quite simple to use. So in LFS if someone logs on I just say "press F6" and a Hi message is sent. If I say "press F9" it shows my tire display and so forth. But sadly I cant get it to dictate a message after I say "press T". But of cause I can say "Press h" and "press i" to "type" a message letter by letter but that is cumbersome. But to use it as a virtual button box is very nice. So for exsample if I need to enable repairs in LFS I say "Press F12, Press down, Press down, Press right, Press F12". Simple and without taking your eyes of the track!
If you have Vista take half an our to set it up and train it and try for your self.
That is really neat! I didn't know that was possible. I don't have Vista, but I'd imagine this could be pretty useful for those who do. Nice find! :)
:yahoo: wa-hey !! vista is actually good for something !!! :yahoo:
great find m8, have a new install looming and might even take the plunge !!:D
I'm going to a car boot sale tomorrow. One of the items going is my Logitech Driving Force Pro (http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=5761) because, as Ron says, I never use it.
If anyone wants to make me an offer (including postage costs) before 11pm tonight I'll keep it back for you otherwise it goes to the boot sale tomorrow.
I'm not sure a car boot sale is where you'll get the best price.. if I were you I'd try eBay or something. :)
Quote from: Gnomie;253888I'm not sure a car boot sale is where you'll get the best price.. if I were you I'd try eBay or something. :)
Can't be bothered, too much hassle.
Quote from: vobler;253856I have been toying with the Vista speech recognition a few days now and I am impressed. Not as a tool to dictate e-mails and forum post, but as a sim command tool.
Both LFS and iRacing can be controlled by it and it is quite simple to use. So in LFS if someone logs on I just say "press F6" and a Hi message is sent. If I say "press F9" it shows my tire display and so forth. But sadly I cant get it to dictate a message after I say "press T". But of cause I can say "Press h" and "press i" to "type" a message letter by letter but that is cumbersome. But to use it as a virtual button box is very nice. So for exsample if I need to enable repairs in LFS I say "Press F12, Press down, Press down, Press right, Press F12". Simple and without taking your eyes of the track!
If you have Vista take half an our to set it up and train it and try for your self.
Funnily enough I had been thinking about something similar myself last week. I have a Dutch version of Vista which doesn't have speech recognition, so I can't use that. Instead I thought of using Game Commander 2. That's a neat little app that was released quite a few years ago and isn't being developed anymore. I remember using it in Counterstrike back in the day and it worked flawlessly.
So I grabbed a trial version off the internet, installed it and tried it. It worked well, only problem is Ventrillo wouldn't detect my mic when Game Commander was running. That, and it doesn't have a "push to talk" option, so even if I were able to use both Ventrilo and Game Commander, every time I'd say something on Vent the app would try to recognize a command and maybe accidentally execute one. So... I uninstalled it again (http://www.easysmileys.com/img/shrug2.gif)
Do you have the same problem, that Vista is continuously "listening", even when you're just talking on Ventrilo for example?
Quote from: obsolum;253941Do you have the same problem, that Vista is continuously "listening", even when you're just talking on Ventrilo for example?
In Vista you just say "Start listening" and "Stop listening" to enable/disable the recognition software. Usually its off, so if I speak on Vent its not doing anything. To give commands I have to say "Start Listening" before giving the commands. When Finished giving commands I say "Stop Listening".
Today on the server I mentioned a new wheel by Fanatec. From what I gather it's identical to the "old" Porsche wheel on the inside, but it's got a new grip made from Alcantara leather. The main thing about it, though, is the pedals. It's got fully customizable Clubsport pedals with a load cell and vibration on the brake pedal! You can find more info by navigating to "products" on their website (http://www.fanatec.com/). It's called the GT3 RS.
The price isn't all bad either. €290 for the wheel and pedals combined! The pedals alone are €200.
Oh, and here (http://www.fanatec.de/download/pwgt3rs_bilder/pwgt3rs_photo_bundle.zip4) is a bundle of images for you to drool at. ;)
Hopefully there should be some reviews up shortly. :)
Quote from: Gnomie;254332It's got fully customizable Clubsport pedals with a load cell and vibration on the brake pedal! You can find more info by navigating to "products" on their website (http://www.fanatec.com/). It's called the GT3 RS.
Pretty interesting. The wheel has 11 buttons and it's belt driven and pedals seem to be better than G25's. But for G25 owner it might be better to upgrade to CST pedals instead and just be happy with the G25 wheel.
Another product I feel deserves attention is the new Logitech G13 controller. It has 22 programmable G-keys and LCD display compatible with all software written for G15. I think it would work well as a button box and then would work with the LiveForG15. Review here: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2336956,00.asp
Doubtless they are good wheels but I simply couldn't cope with twirling a Porsche wheel whilst driving ANYTHING other than a Porsche! It would really do my head in. :sad: Pedals do look good though.
Lovely looking kit, and you can always prise the Porsche logo off or bung a Hillman sticker over it.
I KNEW I could rely on you to come up with the definative answer. :rolleyes:
really for those whom like a gadget, i play RFactor F1 CDTP 2006 / GTR EVO alot and came across this for sale on the mods website, this LCD display shows fuel,speed,gear, ect 75 euros
http://www.f1mods.com/
http://forum.racesimcentral.com/showthread.php?t=333712 more details
Is it for real?
http://www.planetadejuego.com/nuevo-logitech-g27
Quote from: vobler;259374Is it for real?
http://www.planetadejuego.com/nuevo-logitech-g27
No, a hoax.
Quote from: Doorman;259378No, a hoax.
How do you know?
This picture does not look like a hoax.
http://www.lfsforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=75367&d=1231868099
AFAIK we don't really know anything yet. There's been rumours milling around about a new Logitech wheel sometime this spring, but no announcements have been made. So far it's only speculations. Those who wait will see. :)
Quote from: vobler;259387How do you know?
This picture does not look like a hoax.
http://www.lfsforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=75367&d=1231868099
To be fair, I got my info from the LFS forum (http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=51016&highlight=Logitech+G27) (yeah, I know!) but I didn't get any further than post #32. No doubt there will be a #G27 on a Logitech product at some time, but who knows?
Quote from: Doorman;259404To be fair, I got my info from the LFS forum (http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=51016&highlight=Logitech+G27)
Yeah, I found that thread after I started digging around a bit. Thats where I found the image that looked like a real photo.
I'm interested because my G25 is due for replacement soon.
The G27 is a fact, it's been announced to Logitech retailers and it should be released somewhere this year. However, Logitech haven't released any official info about it, so until then I would consider any pictures as mere speculation.
Quote from: vobler;259417Yeah, I found that thread after I started digging around a bit. Thats where I found the image that looked like a real photo.
I'm interested because my G25 is due for replacement soon.
If I were you I'd definitely consider the new Fanatec wheel (GT3 RS). I know, I've talked about it elsewhere too, but it looks like an awesome product from what I can tell ATM. SRT is going to do a review soon.
Quote from: Gnomie;259477If I were you I'd definitely consider the new Fanatec wheel (GT3 RS). I know, I've talked about it elsewhere too, but it looks like an awesome product from what I can tell ATM. SRT is going to do a review soon.
I heard a while back that they had problems with Vista 64. Is that still an issue? And do you know where I can get it in Norway?
Quote from: vobler;259501I heard a while back that they had problems with Vista 64. Is that still an issue? And do you know where I can get it in Norway?
I haven't heard of any Vista issues, but then again I haven't really been searching for any info about that since I'm not a Vista user myself.
Here (http://www.deadmen.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=254332&postcount=183) is my post about the GT3 RS on the previous page in case you missed it. (it's not the same as the 911 Turbo)
I think you have to order it online from Fanatec's webstore.
Some pictures:
(http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5364/porsche911gt3rs03dr9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/porsche911gt3rs03dr9.jpg/1/w800.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img229/porsche911gt3rs03dr9.jpg/1/)
(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/2485/porsche911gt3rs07zp4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/porsche911gt3rs07zp4.jpg/1/w800.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img81/porsche911gt3rs07zp4.jpg/1/)
Quote from: Gnomie;259536I think you have to order it online from Fanatec's webstore.
yeah, and they don't ship until mid march anyway. I just calculated the price to abt 400 euro plus shipment. (with shifters and better desk clamp)
We'll see....
Quote from: Gnomie;259536I haven't heard of any Vista issues, but then again I haven't really been searching for any info about that since I'm not a Vista user myself.
I did some digging on their support site just now, and found this:
--- IMPORTANT! --- (only for Vista 64 systems)
Before the installation re-boot the PC and press “F8†for advanced boot options. Then select “Disable Driver Signature Enforcementâ€. This must be carried out at every boot of your system! So there is some driver signature issues at least.
Hm... well hopefully they'll sort that out with this new wheel. Sounds pretty cumbersome to have to do that at every restart!
go to you tube and type in = Inside Sim Racing Episode 36
or web site = http://www.insidesimracing.tv/
you may already have watched this on youtube but i thought i should share, an american show that reviews all racing sims and hardware, this week is a sim motion chair, a small netkar pro preview there will be a full review next month, also lots of iracing news, well worth a look,:D
Quote from: Gnomie;253085Time for a review of my Rinoseat. (...)
I can't praise this seat highly enough. The past week or so I've been simmin' pretty intensely. (gotta love the lazy weeks at the beginning of the semester, with nothing much going on! :D) I think I have to buy an alarm clock or something, because the seat is just so comfortable that I don't get tired at all, so I tend to forget what time it is. Suddenly when I glance at my watch it turns out I've been at it for hours! Honestly it's a world of difference compared to my old setup with an office chair and a rickety-rackety table. I'm sure there are other good racing seats out there as well (Obutto and others) which might be worth checking out if you're interested, but I'd warmly recommend you to consider getting some kind of racing seat if you can!
Gaah! My G25 pedals are acting up -- again. :crying: I've had problems with spiking before, and I was able to fix it by just vacuuming them. (!) However that didn't work this time. So I'll have to either a) find a way of cleaning the POTs properly, b) find some replacement POTs or c) buy some new pedals.
I'm very happy with my pedals in all other ways, but I'm getting tired of having to spend hours cleaning them every couple of weeks. Such poor design.. and I even make sure to clean my socks before driving to minimize the amount of dust!
Dammit.. I didn't need this now.. :sideways:
Quote from: Gnomie;261363Gaah! My G25 pedals are acting up -- again. :crying: I've had problems with spiking before, and I was able to fix it by just vacuuming them. (!) However that didn't work this time. So I'll have to either a) find a way of cleaning the POTs properly, b) find some replacement POTs or c) buy some new pedals.
I'm very happy with my pedals in all other ways, but I'm getting tired of having to spend hours cleaning them every couple of weeks. Such poor design.. and I even make sure to clean my socks before driving to minimize the amount of dust!
Dammit.. I didn't need this now.. :sideways:
Take them back to your dealer and you will get a new set of pedals. If the dealer wont give a new set right away, then call to Logitech support and tell that you cannot wait for a few weeks in the middle of the league, and they'll probably send you a new complete set of G25. Try it at least.
That's the first time I hear of that problem. I almost never clean my pedals and they're still working fine *touches wood*. I vacuum then now and then, but that's it.
You can try romus' suggestion though I'm not sure if that will work. Worth a shot, I guess. Keep in mind, though, that once you take the pedals apart to clean the pot's, your warranty's void.
Yep that's what I would have done.. except I've already voided my warranty by installing the Nixim mod. :doh: So I'll have to fix them somehow. Just such a pity that I have no clue where to begin. I've posted about it on RSC though, so I'm hoping someone can help.
It's still driveable though. It's the gas pedal that's broken, and it sounds as if my engine has some serious malfunction -- kinda like the popcorn noise you get in LFS if you've botched your gearbox! It's slowing me down somewhat, but I guess I'll have to think of it as a handicap or something, until I can find out how to fix it.
EDIT: reading about the Clubsport pedals..
QuoteContactless magnetic sensors for gas and clutch with unlimited lifetime
I like the sound of that!
I hear Todd Cannon of CST is going to release a competitor to the Clubsport pedals. Announcement will be made within weeks. I'll keep any eye on both those producs. But my racing sim budget is already stretched thin, with iRacing and all. I should have chosen a cheaper hobby! :(
Quote from: Gnomie;261393Yep that's what I would have done.. except I've already voided my warranty by installing the Nixim mod. :doh: So I'll have to fix them somehow. Just such a pity that I have no clue where to begin. I've posted about it on RSC though, so I'm hoping someone can help.
It's still driveable though. It's the gas pedal that's broken, and it sounds as if my engine has some serious malfunction -- kinda like the popcorn noise you get in LFS if you've botched your gearbox! It's slowing me down somewhat, but I guess I'll have to think of it as a handicap or something, until I can find out how to fix it.
EDIT: reading about the Clubsport pedals.. I like the sound of that!
I hear Todd Cannon of CST is going to release a competitor to the Clubsport pedals. Announcement will be made within weeks. I'll keep any eye on both those producs. But my racing sim budget is already stretched thin, with iRacing and all. I should have chosen a cheaper hobby! :(
Take them back to the dealer. First take out the Nixim jobbie. If anyone does mention that they've been opened, which I SERIOUSLY doubt, it was to try and clean them. Really; Logitech are first class about changing stuff.
Do they have a distributor in Norway? Phone them. First thing in the morning. :flirty:
Well, I hear what you're saying, but I don't know... it's going to be pretty obvious for them that I've opened the pedals. I've done it multiple times, and there are scratchmarks on the screws and elsewhere. Plenty of visible cues. And I don't think they care why I opened them -- it's a pretty clear violation of the warranty in any case.
What I can do is call Logitech directly. I've got the receipts and serial numbers and all the stuff I need. I've heard stories about people who've got stuff replaced directly by calling Logitech rather than going via the store. I'll give it a go tomorrow!
Quote from: Gnomie;261393I hear Todd Cannon of CST is going to release a competitor to the Clubsport pedals. Announcement will be made within weeks. I'll keep any eye on both those producs. But my racing sim budget is already stretched thin, with iRacing and all. I should have chosen a cheaper hobby! :(
Really? At the same price class? I asked about his pedals that are at about 600â,¬ but he recommended his coming F1 pedals that are around 750â,¬. :) I hope to find enough money by the end of the year.. Interesting if he'll be able to cut the costs with the new product so much and still keep the high quality.
Quote from: romus;261437Really? At the same price class? I asked about his pedals that are at about 600€ but he recommended his coming F1 pedals that are around 750€. :) I hope to find enough money by the end of the year.. Interesting if he'll be able to cut the costs with the new product so much and still keep the high quality.
Yup, here's what he said on the iRacing forums:
Quote from: Todd CannonI will be releasing some info soon about some new pedals I am working on. I have held off from making too much public until I have everything lined out. I am working on a set of "gamer" pedals that will compete with the Clubsport pedals. Obviously, they will not have all the features as my pro level pedals but should have everything needed. Please give me a couple of weeks to release more details on them.
He also mentioned the wheel that he's been developing together wtih Leo Bodnar:
QuoteThe wheel project is still alive. Due to both Leo's and my own schedules, we had to put it on hold for a bit while we got caught up with orders. Unfortunately, we just don't have enough help. ;) Thanks, Todd
About my pedals: I decided to open them up and see what I could do. Didn't like the thought of sending them off for repairs/replacement just now.. you never know how long it's gonna take!
I read at a guitar forum (!) that one way of cleaning the POTs is to just simply turn them from lock to lock for a few minutes. That way the "wiper" should remove any crap that's been blocking its path. I did this, and lo and behold, they're working again! :) No sign of spiking. Moreover the gas pedal used to make this crunchy sound, as if some dust or dirt was actually being moved around inside... this sound is gone as well now.
I don't expect this fix to last forever.. probably it will get just as bad again soon. I just hope they'll last the rest of my iRacing subscription! (another three weeks) For now I'm a happy gnome.
Quote from: Gnomie;261570About my pedals: I decided to open them up and see what I could do. Didn't like the thought of sending them off for repairs/replacement just now.. you never know how long it's gonna take!
I read at a guitar forum (!) that one way of cleaning the POTs is to just simply turn them from lock to lock for a few minutes. That way the "wiper" should remove any crap that's been blocking its path. I did this, and lo and behold, they're working again! :) No sign of spiking. Moreover the gas pedal used to make this crunchy sound, as if some dust or dirt was actually being moved around inside... this sound is gone as well now.
I don't expect this fix to last forever.. probably it will get just as bad again soon. I just hope they'll last the rest of my iRacing subscription! (another three weeks) For now I'm a happy gnome.
I know what it is! :bigidea: You're a STUDENT! It's supposed to be filthy. :doh:
Bits of dead pizza and God only knows what else. :g:
:roflmao: Yep, I found enough cheese doodles in there to last a week!
Get a DFGT Feel from a G25 (No More Dead Spot)
Here is a post from Pat Dotson posted in the iRacing Hardware forum a while a go. If you have a G25 try it and see if it works for you.
-------------
Here are the contents of an email I sent to Alison Hine some time ago. This tweak gets rid of the "dead spot" in the G25. I was trying a DFGT and G25 back to back, and preferred the G25 with these settings.
Try it and see what you think:
--
Pat Dotson
********************************************************
Alison,
I've just stumbled onto some G25 settings that are so good I can hardly believe it. I need someone else to confirm.
I'm using the latest drivers dl'd from Logitech
G25/Windows controller app settings:
Overall Effects Strength 107%
Allow Game to Adjust Settings - Checked
900 degrees rotation
Everything else set to zero or unchecked.
iRacing FFB strength 11 (user preference for strength)
What happened is, I read on the iR forums how everyone was raving about the Logi Driving Force GT for the PS3. I picked one up yesterday to try it. They were right! It felt great with just stock settings and effects strength at 100%. Thing is that the wheel is much more cheaply built than the G25. It's not as smooth at all. I opened it up and it looks a lot like the old black momos except for the 900 degree rotation features.
I tried to assign the DFGT driver to the G25 but couldn't make it work.
So I tried to figure out why it felt different. Bottom line was that I could feel a lot more just while driving in a straight line than I could with the G25. I remembered that raising the overall effects strength over 100% amplifies the low level forces, and it's the low level forces that seemed to be the obvious difference between the G25 and the GT...
So I started experimenting and found that with overal effect strength at around 107% I got the same feel from the G25 that I did with the DFGT at 100%.
Not only that, with the new drivers the Fmazda handles much better over the curbs. I was using the old drivers mentioned in the iR forum thread you posted to. As soon as I loaded the new drivers the Mazda was quicker and handled better. The older drivers felt more alive, but seem to distract from car control more than help. With the new driver at 107% the car is totally alive and totally connected. I've got better car control and can run smoother lines than ever before. And I'm not saying this lightly because I had hundreds of laps at VIR in the mazda, then started messing with the GT and picked up 2 tenths in just a few laps.
I think if you load up the latest logi drivers and set overall strength to 107% you will be surprised. I'm running super fast laps with higher exit speed than ever before with these new settings. The car almost seems to drive itself!
If you get a chance to try this please let me know what you think.
Pat
Ever willing to try new settings I set about it. It must be an iRacing specific setting(it's not claimed to be anything else I know, but it was worth a try) because all it did in nKP was to make the steering heavier.
Quote from: Doorman;264502Ever willing to try new settings I set about it. It must be an iRacing specific setting(it's not claimed to be anything else I know, but it was worth a try) because all it did in nKP was to make the steering heavier.
No its not iRacing specific, it just amplifies the tiny forces when the wheel is straight. Hence the heavier steering.
I have read somewhere that it is done this way in the G25 (reducing force around zero) because the two FF motors should not fight each other and create oscillations.
Quote from: vobler;264580No its not iRacing specific, it just amplifies the tiny forces when the wheel is straight. Hence the heavier steering.
I have read somewhere that it is done this way in the G25 (reducing force around zero) because the two FF motors should not fight each other and create oscillations.
I've had mine at 107% always, after reading something similar at the LFS forums. :) It works a treat for me, but I don't have anything to compare it to, so..
Quote from: Gnomie;264595It works a treat for me, but I don't have anything to compare it to, so..
Set it to 100% and compare then .... :D
I'll give it another go then.
Gave it another go and....:g: There's something there, not sure what. The first few laps I thought 'nah, too strong, a trace of oscillation. Then quick as a flash (3 laps) I realised I was driving around on knackered, flat spotted tyres. :doh: Changed tyres and ....I'll keep these settings at least for the time being. :D
Now to see if there's a difference in LFS
Quote from: Doorman;264651Now to see if there's a difference in LFS
I found the biggest difference in iRacing and LFS. In LFS mostly when the car starts to step out, its easier to feel it. In iRacing the difference is biggest in the Skippy. It feels much "tighter".
Also the actual value may be tweaked for each wheel. Mine seems to like 106 best. Some may need 104 or maybe more than 107.
The reason I bring this up now is that when I reinstalled my computer after I had the lightning strike I forgot to set this value and ever since my sims did not "feel right". I felt very insecure in esp. the Skippy. But I didn't think more of it until recently when the Riley came out, and I got the same insecure feel when sliding. With this setting I get a more solid feel for how much to correct when catching a slide.
I tried it, but all I felt was just more FF strength. I'll drop from 107% to 104% and see how it works then.
Sold! 107 it is. :D
Hey thanks for the heads-up vobler ......
Never have cared for that soft spot in the G25 center area. I hope to get a new G25 in the mail today - my old one died while racing on Monday. It was just 13 months old, and out of manufacturer's warranty, but I had paid for an extra year coverage (something I don't usually do).
I had been driving with the G25 set at 103% so I'm really looking forward to trying the 107% ...... Will let ya know.
Thanks again :)
btw, anybody else have a G25 that lost ffb on just one side??? I was driving the FOX on dMr when the ffb on one side just cut out completely. Redid all connections, updated driver, rebooted etc..... but when the wheel does its self-calibration on boot, it just turns to the right and stays there with the green light blinking.
The G25 can take a lot of abuse.. but even this wheel has its limitations. :D
Quote from: some guy at the iRacing forumsWas just in a race at Lime Rock with the Mazdas, running in 2nd about 2 secs back of the leader. LRP scares the crap out of me and i have the wheel in a deathgrip trying to keep control while turning laps which amount to a blur, with a brief respite on the main straight.
I had just landed the "jump"(i hate the uphill, iv'e lost it there too many times to count)when "SNAP" my G25's wheel broke in HALF!! The wheel itself broke right above the lateral spokes!! Needless to say, i lost control at T7 and put an end to my race.
I can't believe this happened. I just got back into iRacing after having my PC down for over a month and now this!! I gotta try and RMA this G25 but i doubt Logitech even has any left.
I swear, if it ain't one thing it is another...
Turns out the wheel itself is actually made of plastic!
Quote from: Gnomie;264802The G25 can take a lot of abuse.. but even this wheel has its limitations. :D
Turns out the wheel itself is actually made of plastic!
Replace it with a proper Sparco wheel. No breaking that sucker! :flirty:
Got my replacement G25 :)
Tried the 107% ffb setting in Profiler (55% in LFS settings)......... Seems a bit tighter in the middle but haven't tried but a couple of cars so far.
While I really have enjoyed my G25 and before that a DF Pro - it sure seems Logitech is not overdoing reliability. Seems to be made just sturdy enough to make it throough the year warranty.
Shortly afrter my DFP was out of warranty I had to redo the soldering for the button (paddle) shifters because the solder joints crack since the buttons press directly on the poorly supported joints.
There's been quite a many positive reviews about this little box, that widens the G25 pedal resolution from 256 to 1024. Most of the users of this box reported that they improved their braking a lot thanks to increased precision.
Link to USB controller:
http://www.leobodnar.com/products/DFPG25conn/
I instead ordered a bit more capable model, that I'm gonna use for my pedals and also for a special cockpit buttons and who knows what.
http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836X/
I'll post my report here once I get the controller.
Interesting, I'll look forward to hearing what you think. :) I've heard lots of nice things about this!
BU0836X arrived today and I've tested it just a bit. It works. Much else I cannot say yet.
One interesting test was to check if I could actually use all the range from 0 to 1024. When the pedal meets the Nixim rubber (Nixim G25 pedal mod) I could keep the axis value at for example 234 for some seconds, then increase it to 235, keep it there, and then again increase by one. This proves that this controller makes pedals more accurate, but does it mean anything in the braking performance I don't know yet.
I'll report again after some more seat time.
I could not do more than about 20 minutes of testing during the weekend, but I did not feel any difference in braking or under acceleration. Some people have reported that it takes some time to learn to get everything out of the added accuracy, but many have reported tremendous improvements right away. I'm inclined to think, that those who report huge improvement, have actually finally started driving smooth when they get the controller that is 'smooth', so their improvement might be from there.
But, I also remember reading Dale Earnhardt Jr. reporting that his lap times improved nearly half a second after he upgraded to CST pedals from G25, and if I've understood correctly, CST uses Bodnar electronics. So part of the quality from CST pedals comes from good electronics, but for sure the mechanics and the pressure sensitive brake play a role as well.
EDIT: If the USB controller does not do much to my braking, I at least got a much better looking cockpit, because I re-did all the cabling in the weekend and now it looks really clean. Before it was a jungle, but now every cable has a nice route and cables are mostly hidden.
I've made yet another pedal mod! :D
Well, not so much a "new" mod as a repair, really.. I have G25 pedals with the Nixim mod, and lately it started feeling softer than it used to. I could reach full braking quite easily. So I opened it up (and removed ~ 4 pounds of dust, crap and bits of socks while I was in there :lmfao:), and as I suspected, the red plastic cylider had dug a 4mm deep groove in the rubber on both sides! No wonder it was feeling softer. So I glued on some pieces of plastic on either end, along with a piece of cardboard to make the whole thing a little longer (to reduce the deadzone). And now it's MUCH better!
So, some advice: if you're going to order the nixim mod, you might as well save yourself the trouble and apply this PlasticFantastic mod(TM) right away. And, likewise, if you already have nixim installed and think it feels a little too soft (or that your deadzone is too large) you know what to do! :)
well, as the title says, here is (http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/481294_pedalscloseup.jpg) mine version of it :)
Cheap'n'easy'n'ugly'n'effective* (http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/481293_pedalslarge.jpg)
*we will see if it is any good.
It made heel'n'toeing whole lot easier, and hopefully my shoes (http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/481292_simshoes.jpg) will torn off at slower rate :woot2:
Looking good! :) Very similar to what I've done myself. I threw together a quick video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcgandtUCs8) to show what I've done.
If a picture paints a thousand words.......
Excellent video, add 'film director' to your list of talents :D
Good vid Gnomie, and nice mods. Never thought about the washers, pretty simple but excellent idea. I'd say it helps being able to tilt the pedals also with that nice seating arrangement you have.
Quote from: Gnomie;275235Looking good! :) Very similar to what I've done myself. I threw together a quick video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcgandtUCs8) to show what I've done.
Looking really good! I'm tempted now do some more stuff!
Also i notice you have RinoSeat? How is it? I'm too having one for year and a half, and i'm very pleased with it.
I like my Rinoseat very much! :) Very very comfortable even for long sessions. It isn't quite as solid as I could have hoped for, but I've made some modifications (you know me by now, right? I'll modifiy anything that comes within view! :lmfao:) so now it's better.
Moving the gas pedal changed everything for me. I recently tried moving it back to its original position, but that was just horrible in comparison. You should try it! Just get a piece of wood like this and some screws + washers, and you're all set.
(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7475/dsc02071gho.jpg)
What mods have you done to the seat?
Also about moving gas pedal, you gave me idea of moving the brake pedal like this, purpose of it would be not to lose "height" difference between gas and brake.
I find this more important, in my car brake and gas are ~2 - 3 cm difference and h'n't is totally easy there, even tough the distance between them is huge.
I see you also have Nixim brake mod. Do you use 50% deazone with it? I was considering it, but it felt bit odd to me to use 50% of nothing then something.
I would rather tried fiddleing with dxtweak to get some exponential curve...
Easy trial (for the pedals elevation issue) - remove the black plastic stuff from the throttle pedal assembly.
It does require shorter screws but apart from that no risk.
I did that instead of adding a plate to the brake, and the elevation difference is fine for H&T.
Yeah moving the gas pedal is just a matter of taste I guess. With my tecnhique it's better to have them close together. :)
One of my gripes with the Rinoseat is how flexible the steering wheel column is. The wheel can wobble quite a lot back and forth if you use too much force. I installed a "test modification" to the seat to try to reduce this. I just attached some boards of wood onto the base of the column and used steel wire to make it taut.
(http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2842/dsc022647441245.jpg)
(http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5285/dsc022657451587.jpg)
(http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/527/dsc022667461688.jpg)
It's definitely an improvement! This shows that the main problem is not the dimensions of the steering column itself. The problem is that it isn't secured well enough to the seat frame. So I'll play around with this some more and attach more wires to make it even better. This was just a 5 minute job to test if it helps.
I love it! :D I'm willing to bet that you're the kind of guy that thinks sitting with your clutch out will damage the thrust bearings. :roflmao: I know I am :doh:
Niels Heusinkveld at the LFS forum has released a G25 pedal modification kit (http://www.h-engineering.nl/h_g25pad.htm). It does -- well -- exactly the same as a piece of wood and some screws + washers. But admittedly it does look slightly prettier. :D
Here is some more work i done few days ago, didn't have time to post here. It's a work in progress till i find the ideal one, and this there has multiple combinations possible.
When i closed the gap to the gas like this, i figured out i really need something like NIXIM mod. I'm gonna try and create it by myself, i have some old rear tires from my tractor, will cut those extensions on it in multiple lenghts to test it, but it will had to wait till June, as that is when i'm back from working far away from home.
Combination 1
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486857_c1up.jpg
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486858_c1front.jpg
Combination 2
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486859_c2up.jpg
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486860_c2front.jpg
Combination 3
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486861_c3up.jpg
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486862_c3front.jpg
Combination 4
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486863_c4up.jpg
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486864_c4front.jpg
Combination 5
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486865_c5up.jpg
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486866_c5front.jpg
Combination 6
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486867_c6up.jpg
http://www.imagesforme.com/show.php/486868_c6front.jpg
Looks good Smithy. :) Yeah, the Nixim mod works wonders. But it's a little too stiff in my opinion. The range of travel is very low. So an old tractor tyre could probably work nicely!
If you havn't got a huge screen or three monitors, this might interest you. SVP have a sale on. Ok, they are refurbished but that doesnt always mean second hand/used and all thier stuff has a full manufactures warranty. Either way, you could plonk two 17" monitors on your setup for less than 80squid. I have three screens and know what a difference it makes so worth a look i thought at these prices.
http://www.svpbuyersclub.co.uk/newsletter/archive/2009/090513.htm
SVP are one of these online pc stuff shops. Myself and a few mates have delt with them many times and never had a problem so far..
Forgot to say... this is supposed to be a one day offer. Wild Wednesday as they call it.
My Frex pedals gave up the ghost the other day. Well the brake pedal did, and I've had to send off for a new bit. Fortunately the service is first class and the said 'bit' was posted off yesterday morning. So no racing for me of any description until it arrives.
/wipes AK47/M16 with an oily rag and adjusts body armour. :rolleyes:
Welcome to my world! (That is, the world of no simracing :( )
I've heard nothing but good things about Frex' customer service. Which is to be expected, really, considering how pricey their stuff is..!
Wow Doorz, you really seem to be on a bad luck streak as far as simracing is concerned. First the router problems, then your TrackIR, now your pedal... Let's hope that is the end of it :)
Quote from: Doorman;280344My Frex pedals gave up the ghost the other day. Well the brake pedal did, and I've had to send off for a new bit. Fortunately the service is first class and the said 'bit' was posted off yesterday morning. So no racing for me of any description until it arrives.
That's sucks Ron. Well I just have to wait to battle you in iRacing :byebye:
By the way what kind of wheel are you using? Don't tell me you have the Frex ââ,¬Ëœmy simrace wet dreamââ,¬â,,¢ SimWHEEL too? :g:
I know I'm fabulously rich but not THAT fabulously rich! :D I have a G25 with a Sparco LN275 wheel attached. The spare part is, at this moment, in Heathrow customs so it shouldn't be long before I'm back on track.
Part arrived. All good. :)
Quote from: Doorman;280932Part arrived. All good. :)
:yahoo:
I see you started racing right away... :D
Quote from: Katsushika Matsumoto;281213I see you started racing right away... :D
You spying on me? :ninja:
:D
Quote from: Doorman;281216You spying on me? :ninja:
:D
Yeah off course, got nothing else to do... it's summer :roflmao:
Just a quick question about ventrillo.
I bought a microphone this weekend and i was wondering how are using it with for example netKar Pro.
Last night I used my headphones, to not get any background when I speak. That worked ok, but when I was racing the sound of the engine was too loud to hear any talk, is there a setting so the game noise will be muted when someone speaks (or something like that)? :g:
Quote from: Katsushika Matsumoto;284142Just a quick question about ventrillo.
I bought a microphone this weekend and i was wondering how are using it with for example netKar Pro.
Last night I used my headphones, to not get any background when I speak. That worked ok, but when I was racing the sound of the engine was too loud to hear any talk, is there a setting so the game noise will be muted when someone speaks (or something like that)? :g:
Turn down the engine sound level to a 'compromise level'. I can imagine it would be disconcerting for your engine/tyre sounds to be suddenly muted when you hit the talk button! I'm not a great believer in high engine sounds anyway. IRL you'd be wearing a flameproof balaclava, helmet and earplugs. Tyre sounds though are a different matter.
Quote from: Doorman;284143Turn down the engine sound level to a 'compromise level'. I can imagine it would be disconcerting for your engine/tyre sounds to be suddenly muted when you hit the talk button
Yeah on second thought that wouldn't really be handy :lmfao:
I mounted my mic in a better place today and fiddled around with some settings, I think I have a pretty good setup/settings now the only thing I can't get the engine noise in nKP to tone down.
Every volume slider works except the engine one, anyone else has this problem ?
Quote from: Katsushika Matsumoto;284242Yeah on second thought that wouldn't really be handy :lmfao:
I mounted my mic in a better place today and fiddled around with some settings, I think I have a pretty good setup/settings now the only thing I can't get the engine noise in nKP to tone down.
Every volume slider works except the engine one, anyone else has this problem ?
Where is the Master volume? Mine is at halfway, as is 'net' (no I don't know what it means.) Engine, a little above halfway, Skids and external on full and wind a few notches below full.
Any help to you?
Quote from: Doorman;284255as is 'net' (no I don't know what it means.)
'net' is other peoples cars.
Quote from: The Moose;284285'net' is other peoples cars.
:doh: Of course! Obvious now you mention it. :lmfao:
Quote from: Doorman;284255Where is the Master volume? Mine is at halfway, as is 'net' (no I don't know what it means.) Engine, a little above halfway, Skids and external on full and wind a few notches below full.
Any help to you?
My master volume is also about halfway, as is engine/net. The rest is al the way up. Maybe ill have another look at it... :eyebrow: probably somehting I missed.
So, as I mentioned in another thread, I'm now back in Trondheim. The reason I'm not back on track again is that I'm waiting for my new wheel + pedals to arrive. :D GT3RS + clubsports on their way, shipping out from Germany this week.
But I haven't been idle.. yeah, you guessed it: I've modded my Rinoseat to accomodate the new wheel and pedals! :norty: The seat was originally made for the G25. Pretty pleased with how it turned out so far, but we'll see when I get the hardware.
So until then: I'm twiddling my thumbs, waiting for it to clear customs +++.
Quote from: Gnomie;286751So, as I mentioned in another thread, I'm now back in Trondheim. The reason I'm not back on track again is that I'm waiting for my new wheel + pedals to arrive. :D GT3RS + clubsports on their way, shipping out from Germany this week.
But I haven't been idle.. yeah, you guessed it: I've modded my Rinoseat to accomodate the new wheel and pedals! :norty: The seat was originally made for the G25. Pretty pleased with how it turned out so far, but we'll see when I get the hardware.
So until then: I'm twiddling my thumbs, waiting for it to clear customs +++.
I've seen SRT's review of the series one and they were very impressed. The second release ought to have sorted out most, if not all, of their concerns. Those pedals look the business. :D Let me know if that wheel will come off. For me that the big turn off. Porsche badge while I'm driving a [name your car]
Yes, fingers crossed that they sorted out the bugs for the second batch. And yeah, the pedals is what I'm most excited about. They made some changes for the second batch which I think could turn out very good. We'll see!
The badge won't bother me in the least. I normally don't look at the wheel while driving anyway. ;)
Quote from: Gnomie;286771..... I normally don't look at the wheel while driving anyway. ;)
Damn! That's where I've been going wrong. :doh:
First review (http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/26/logitech-g27-racing-wheel-hands-and-feet-on/) I've seen and it aint all good news :eyebrow:
Yeah, there was an extensive discussion about the G27 about a week ago on the LFS forum, with a Logitech representative explaining a few things. The general opinion seems to be that it indeed doesn't offer much improvements over the G25. The lack of a sequential shifter is a huge let down IMO.
Quote from: OldBloke;287537First review (http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/26/logitech-g27-racing-wheel-hands-and-feet-on/) I've seen and it aint all good news :eyebrow:
I thought it would have whizz bang internal improvements but it doesn't appear so. So I'll not be tempted.
Who's in charge of things? :angry:
I bet Thomas at Fanatec couldn't be much happier. Looks like Logietch dropped the ball! To be honest I expected Logitech to grab this chance to release a high-end wheel at a reasonable price, to beat Fanatec once and for all before they become an even larger and more serious competitor.
Looks like Christmas came early for Fanatec this year. :)
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the G27 is a great product. But like Obsolum said, the lack of a sequential shifter is really silly.. the H-pattern gear really must have improved significantly in order to justify leaving out the sequential!!
It's here! OMGOMGOMGOMGOGMOMG :yahoo:
(Clubsports + GT3RS)
I rarely feel a persuation to kiss other men, but the DHL guy was living dangerously there for a second. :norty:
Just hardmounted it and tried it real quick to confirm that it's working. I'll report back later! :flirty:
Quote from: Gnomie;287591Just hardmounted it and tried it real quick to confirm that it's working. I'll report back later! :flirty:
Can't wait! :)
I spent a good while today just making final adjustments to the Rinoseat so that the wheel fit to my liking. Took some time, but now it's solid as a rock!
I haven't made any adjustments to the pedals yet, I just jumped in and drove. I've tried LFS, rFactor and nKP. A few thoughts so far:
Wheel is VERY powerful, yet also very smooth and quiet. Bumps on the surface give solid, precise jolts, but without that annoying loud noises that my old G25 made. I quickly enabled "drift mode", which reduces the dampening of the wheel and makes it more responsive. Haven't fiddled around with it too much, but it feels sublime the way it is now. :D
The pedals feel very good indeed. Nice travel on the gas! I'll have to reduce the range of travel on the brake as it's a bit too "squishy" to my liking now, but the load cell doesn't saturate until you apply a pretty high force, which is good. I'll make some adjustments as soon as I can find a 14mm spanner..
The placement of the pedals makes heel&toe incredibly natural. I think it's the shape of the gas which does it. I was h&t-ing like a pro from the first lap! Compared to how much fiddling it took to my old G25 pedals to get a decent setup for h&t..!
All in all, VERY solid first impression! The only bad thing is that for some reason rFactor took a MASSIVE framerate hit, compared to driving with a keyboard (130FPS w/keyboard --> 30-40 w/wheel No such effect in nKP or LFS.
As you said somewhere else, it looks as though Logitech have scored an own goal. Sounds good, look forward to a more measured critique. (I know one is coming :))
G25 now 99.99 GBP at Play (http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3437165/Logitech-G25-Racing-Wheel/Product.html)
Quote from: OldBloke;287685G25 now 99.99 GBP at Play (http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3437165/Logitech-G25-Racing-Wheel/Product.html)
That didn't take long. Worth having a backup. :g:
interesting as mines has started making strange noises when auto calibrating on start up..
shame about the g27, was reading the review thinking i would just conect my old shifter to get round the problem....
untill i got to the bit that says its not compatable:doh:
Yeah I just don't understand the whole shifter business.. really stupid!
Ã,£99,99 is quite a bargain!
Does the Fanatec shifter have a sequential option?
Nope.. they have two different ones (H-gate + sequential). In fact I'm not very impressed with the Fanatec shifters, so I didn't buy one.
The G25 shifter is actually a pretty good product. It doesn't offer much resistance, but other than that it does the job nicely.
The G27 is going to cost Ã,£329.99 when it launches in September for the PC (http://www.trustedreviews.com/peripherals/news/2009/08/18/Logitech-G27-Steering-Wheel-Debuts/p1) :blink::blink: thats definately made my mind up:sideways:
That's just hilarious. :lmfao: Ã,£100 for a G25 versus Ã,£330 for a G27??
The Ã,£100 deal is this weekend only from one retailer. Usual price is more like Ã,£120-Ã,£150. Nonetheless, this is like the v2 G15 - more expensive with fewer features. Go Logitech! :)
Have you heard about the simBOOT? SRT tested them in a recent episode (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcwbQG_0R1s#t=19m36s). I've been a beta tester for Randall, and I'm now free to talk about them.
The SRT episode covers it quite well I think. But I would like to add a few words of my own as well. Some of you might remember my home-made racing sock which I used last year, aptly named the Frankensock. :D I spent quite some time creating new generations of Frankensock. Partly because I came up with improvements, and partly because they wore out.
(http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2492/dsc022832163568.jpg)
(http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9981/dsc022812124886.jpg)
So I've got a long history of trying out different types of footwear for simracing, which I think is partly why Randall chose me as a beta-tester.
A great thing about these simBOOTs is how customizable they are. You can select every parameter yourself, and he makes them by hand. With the Clubsport pedals I use the sticky heel/slippery toe on the right foot, and vice versa on the left foot in all sims. For normal driving (right foot braking) it's great to be able to keep the heel of the right foot planted and just slide the foot from the gas to the brake. If I'm left foot braking (in RBR for example) it's useful with sticky grip on the left foot so it doesn't slip. I'm sure others would have different preferences though!
The point is, these boots made a bigger difference than I had expected to be honest. Now it's hard to imagine going back. Certainly you can manage just fine without, but "why settle for adequacy when you can have perfection?" [I'm sure I've heard that in a commercial somewhere..! :flirty:]
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Some pictures of the new stuff: :)
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5672/dsc02353bce.jpg)
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8140/dsc02356y.jpg)
(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3738/dsc02354.jpg)
Gnomie have you written about your feelings using the Fanatec wheel after the G25? Do you like the Fanatec wheel much better? And pedals?
Hey Gnomie! Nice upgrade. I like the fact that pedals really do the job!
Fanatec wheel looks nice, but it looks like a Porsche wheel :lmfao:
...and thats what it is for my brain to accept, eg. driving a Ferrari with Porsche wheel... Thats my point, but haven't even tried the wheel, so perhaps if i did, and if i saw fir myself it is really better then g25 then probably i would overlook the cosmetics (which i usually do - don't care about cosmetics as long as something is functional in way i demand)..
Onto the sim shoes parts... I use suede Puma shoes, which i've been wearing around for over a year, and then when i bought G25, i just couldn't drive it wearing just socks... So i tried to with Pumas and since that day, i'm using them only for driving, they are all the time under my Rinoseat. Washed or should i say de-smelled occasionally. For me those do the job perfectly!
I don't wear anything special on my feet when racing. Just socks :)
Quote from: obsolum;288320I don't wear anything special on my feet when racing. Just socks :)
I think most people do that. I used that in the beginning too, but when I started learning heel&toe it became too painful, so I needed some extra padding. Hence I designed the Frankensock. :D The simBOOT also offers this extra protection, but without reducing the level of control.
I tried using shoes with my old pedals, but that didn't work too well because I felt I was loosing too much precision and control. But maybe I just didn't try the right shoes..
The point is, though, that I've stopped looking for something better. The simBOOT does all I want it to, and more. :) (I'm just sharing my experiences! I don't want this to come across as a commercial.. I'm not affiliated with the maker of the simBOOT, just to make that clear!)
Quote from: Gnomie;288332I think most people do that. I used that in the beginning too, but when I started learning heel&toe it became too painful, so I needed some extra padding. Hence I designed the Frankensock. :D The simBOOT also offers this extra protection, but without reducing the level of control.
I tried using shoes with my old pedals, but that didn't work too well because I felt I was loosing too much precision and control. But maybe I just didn't try the right shoes..
The point is, though, that I've stopped looking for something better. The simBOOT does all I want it to, and more. :) (I'm just sharing my experiences! I don't want this to come across as a commercial.. I'm not affiliated with the maker of the simBOOT, just to make that clear!)
I also was racing with socks, but when G25 came, it's brake pedal reminded me of the one a friend of mine had in his Yugo, it was stiff through out all the range, but braked only at the end of travel... I just needed some shoes. And then puma's seemed like a logical choice. Those were there, and were almost out of service. And those are also similar to racing-shoes, not quite true to life replica, but similar in design.
And i also have small feet, so i don't press two pedals at once. EU size 40-41. Depends on shoes. Puma's are 41.
Well I use size 47, so maybe that explains why shoes never really worked for me. :narnar:
Ron and I were talking today about triple monitors. Here's a little bit of information for those who don't know:
This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnTA9CMTShI) and this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C9qsrUniOg) video show what it might look like in game. You can adjust the FOV up to 160 in iRacing and LFS, but most people prefer to use ~ 120 degrees. Using 22" or 24" monitors will give you 120 degrees FOV
in "real life" as well, so this gives a very accurate representation of what you see in your real car. Then you can of course combine this with headtracking to get the last ~ 30 degrees of rotation to each side. :)
Today, you basically have two alternatives: Matrox TripleHead2Go (which costs a few hundred $$s) and SoftTH, which is free and does the same job (albeit the framerates will be lower, it doesn't benefit from multiple GPUs, as well as some other caveats) SoftTH works with any monitors, and you can run whichever resolution you want on each screen. The matrox jobbie requires that your monitors support 57Hz refresh rate (which not all monitors do!) and you're forced to use the same resolution on each screen (up to a maximum of 3x1680x1050)
But today I stumbled upon something interesting: ATI's next generation of graphics cards, the HD5xxx series, will have support for triple monitors right out of the box!! :D No need for that expensive, clunky TripleHead2Go anymore. There isn't much information out yet about resolutions and so on, but here's a piece I found:
Quote from: vr-zoneATI Eyefinity technology is something pretty cool that will be available the upcoming Radeon HD 5800 series. It allows you to extend your game view across 3 displays like the Matrox TripleHead2Go except that it gonna be much more powerful. That's over 12 megapixels at 2560 x 1600 resolution for the ultimate gaming experience. It is ideal for flight sim, racing games, role paying games, real-time strategy, first-person shooter and even multimedia apps. So how powerful exactly this card is?
This card sports a 2nd gen TeraScale engine that delivers more than 2 teraFLOPS of processing power. With so much power pack inside, it supports a new anisotropic filtering method too. If one isn't enough, you can get up to 1.8X graphics performance boost by pairing them up. The launch is around the corner and reviews will start popping out by middle of September
Source (http://vr-zone.com/articles/more-details-about-ati-eyefinity-technology/7518.html?doc=7518)
Check out this toy (http://forum.racesimcentral.com/showthread.php?t=338170), used by Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and their fellow test drivers.
More details about AMD's new multi-screen solution!
QuoteHere's the basic concept: through the magic of its next-generation GPU and an array of compact DisplayPort connections, a single GPU can drive up to six high-megapixel displays for gaming at resolutions that boggle the mind. The example I saw in action today looked like this:
(http://techreport.com/r.x/eyefinity/six-displays.jpg)
Dead Space at over 24 million pixels
That's six Dell 30" monitors, each at a resolution of 2560x1600, showing Dead Space at over 24 megapixels. The game ran fluidly, and as you can see, your character on screen is pretty much life-sized, if not a little larger.
(...)
Most cards based on the forthcoming Radeons will be able to drive three ultra-high-res displays of various types. Here's AMD's Dave Baumann showing off DiRT 2 on a triple-monitor setup.
(http://techreport.com/r.x/eyefinity/dirt-three.jpg)
AMD has been working with Samsung on Eyefinity support and has plans involving monitors with very narrow bezels, so that many displays can act together as one with a minimum of visual interruption. The company may also incorporate a feature in its graphics drivers to compensate for the visual offsets caused by bezels.
Source (http://techreport.com/discussions.x/17563)
Yes!! No longer a need for Matrox TripleHead2Go or SoftTH. :woot2: The only thing I'm still wondering about is whether this new solution allows you to use different resolutions on the three monitors. I would very much like to use lower resolution on the side monitors, since they're mostly for peripheral vision anyway.
The PC I'm building next autumn will have one of those puppies onboard! :D
Quote from: Gnomie;289326The PC I'm building next autumn will have one of those puppies onboard! :D
With five monitors that will be nice for simracing. :)
5? What about 6?
Two in front of you, as a windscreen, two on each side of you.
And perhaps two behind you? You can then look back for real! :norty:
And you can attach a real rear view mirror on top of the front monitors :woot2:
Lol, let's not be carried away. :narnar: But yes, it does sound promising.
The advantages over TripleHead2Go, as I see it, are
a) you can use higher resolutions
b) you can use more monitors
c) you don't have to buy an extra box (TH2G)
d) hopefully, you can also select the resolution for each monitor independently
Imagine this with three projectors..!
Quote from: Gnomie;289375Lol, let's not be carried away. :narnar: !
Why not. Next step is a canopy similar to the Frex with OLED display built in....
:yahoo:
OMG!! :dribble:
I have a question about triple screens though: if you set the field of view in game to x degrees, does each monitor then display x/3 of this? For example, if your total FOV is 120 degrees, does each monitor show 40 degrees?
EDIT: I did some more research. Seems there are two different approaches: 1) either stretch the whole image out a lot (like Doorz was afraid of) or 2) render three different screens at the same time. That's the approach taken by iRacing and (I think) rFactor. This is called "3 render mode", and it "(...) allows the sim to take into account the angles of your monitors etc to give a very life-like representation." Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C9qsrUniOg)'s a demo video.
My concern is that it seems the new AMD solution simply produces one big image. So the game is fooled into thinking that you have one huge screen, rather than three separate ones like SoftTH or TH2G does. So I'm worried that it only supports the "stretching mode" seen in LFS. :g:
Quote from: Gnomie;289326The PC I'm building next autumn will have one of those puppies onboard! :D
Me too :) if i have the funding :rolleyes:
Was tempted to buy and extra low end card besides my HD4870 for softTH, but i think I'm gonna wait a little while and see how this new tech works out :g:
NVIDIA is probably also working on something similar...
Its possible that i've had too much time on my hands over the last two days.:rolleyes:
There's still abit to do but i'll hopefully be taking it for a test drive tomorow afternoon.:D
Wow! you're going to be racing in the garden, does it have an ashtray? :narnar:
It looks the business :)
Quote from: Jamin;290137Wow! you're going to be racing in the garden, does it have an ashtray? :narnar:
Tut, you don't need an ashtray with the roof down.:sideways:
Fantastic! But this striving for realism will come to no good, you mark my words! :D
Quote from: Slider 46;290136Its possible that i've had too much time on my hands over the last two days.:rolleyes:
There's still abit to do but i'll hopefully be taking it for a test drive tomorow afternoon.:D
Looking great! Is that a Hyper Stimulator or DIY look-like Hyper Stimulator?
Its a blatant Hyper rip off im afraid Lovretta, a 'Slider Hyper' if you like:D
The proper Hyper's look really good when they are painted up properly but they cost a fair bit too (and they are in Australia). I couldnt really warrant the cash to buy one so i thought i'd have a go myself, based on thier look. The nose doesnt fold up and away either but then i wont need it to. It does unbolt easily for the rare occasion it will move. You dont get a nice soft seat in a Hyper allthough they are supposed to be quite comfy.
Its not so much 'striving for realism' Doors, more of a need to overcome a few problems. Im fed up with my chair rolling away from my G25 and the pedals moving:ranting2: so thats one thing solved. Also when i move house, i wont have a 'pooter desk. The 3 screens will mount on here and they will rotate 90 degrees so i can sit at the side on a normal chair.
Its over the top i know but hopefully it will look cool in my new front room when i get there.
Plus, i like to try things for myself and this is the first time ive ever touched mdf.
I already had the bucket seat and some screws so its only cost me Ã,£21 so far:D. I think i'll test it for a week and then get it painted. (and some dMr stickers)
Quote from: Slider 46;290136Its possible that i've had too much time on my hands over the last two days.:rolleyes:
There's still abit to do but i'll hopefully be taking it for a test drive tomorow afternoon.:D
Looks good!
Looking good, Steve :thumb:
Can't see a suitable drinks holder tho :flirty:
Amazing work! :) With triple screens that will be an incredible rig.
Cheers Guys.
As for the drinks holder, i have a plan. If i cover it with Playboy sponser stickers (LCR Honda, moto gp style) they might send me a bunny girl waitress. Hoorah.:woot2:
So, this is the wheelbarrow your missus has been on about?
Looks good-jealous as sin :D
Looks slick Steve, nice work there mate.:racing:
Quote from: Slider 46;290136Its possible that i've had too much time on my hands over the last two days.:rolleyes:
There's still abit to do but i'll hopefully be taking it for a test drive tomorow afternoon.:D
I'd like to hear how's the life been with the new cockpit? Is it easy to get in and out of it? How is the ergonomics?
I've found out that even though I've done quite a few adjustments to my cockpit, I always find the ergonomics to be if not bad still not very good either. One hour races are ok, but I cannot be completely relaxed in it either. It's surprisingly difficult to get a good position to the cockpit. Perhaps I'll make something radical next time I'll do adjustments.
Do you have a new picture of the cockpit in place and fully equipped?
EDIT: Still ergonomics in my cockpit since beginning has been better than what I had in my Skoda Octavia, but still I feel it could be a lot better.
I'd like to hear how you have like the Fanatec equipment? How is the wheel compared to the G25? I'm considering of buying the wheel only.
Yeah Steve - I'd like to hear/see how your diy Hyper is going too :)
and btw Romus - nice cockpit .... I'd like to do something very musch like yours. But I'd like the board that the wheel is mounted on to be able to fold down out of the way. I use the pc for watching TV from my easy chair. Want to use a real car seat too. Right now, I have the wheel mounted on a folding sawhorse .... so I'm using some habits to keep the wheel from flying across the room on hard turns :dribble:
Quote from: Romus;291484I'd like to hear how you have like the Fanatec equipment? How is the wheel compared to the G25? I'm considering of buying the wheel only.
Yeah I've been thinking about writing a full review of the whole shebang, but I haven't quite got around to doing it yet. I'll try to answer your question. :)
The G25 is obviously a very good wheel. The things I liked most about the G25 were its responsiveness/speed and strength, so I was curious as to how the GT3RS would compare. Especially after reading that some 911 Turbo owners complained that their wheel was a bit sluggish.
Well, no need to worry! With the most recent software you can enable the so-called "drift mode". Why on earth they called it drift mode and why it isn't enabled by default is beyond me. What it basically does is to remove the internal resistance of the wheel. The net result is that the wheel is every bit as responsive and quick as the G25.
As for strength, the wheel is as strong (if not stronger) than the G25. But more important is the way in which the force is delivered. I guess it's a combination of electronics and the belt drive, but the net result is that the wheel feels very very smooth. The transitions from weak to strong force feedback is completely dynamic with no noticeable notchiness or "force levels". With my G25 I normally used quite low force feedback because it felt like the forces leveled off (saturated) quite early when turning. With the GT3RS I'm able to use higher forces because it doesn't saturate as quickly. :) I guess you can say that FFB fidelity is maintained for much higher forces than with the G25.
Add the big diameter of the wheel, the thickness of the grip and the lovely alcantara leather and it really feels terrific to race with.
And, of course, this wheel is quiet! My G25 was making a lot of noise towards the end when going over bumps and stuff. That's not the case with the GT3RS. Sure it's not 100% quiet (you can certainly hear the belt moving) but it's not something that bothers me at all. I'm playing with headphones, and then I don't hear anything at all. So no need to worry that you're going to disturb someone in the room next door!
All in all I'm very very pleased with the purchase. Part of the reason why I didn't write a review earlier is that I couldn't think of anything negative! :D I was thinking that maybe after a few weeks I'd come up with something, but I still haven't.. in my opinion it's a far better wheel than the G25 on every account.
Was that an answer? :flirty:
Quote from: Gnomie;291521. in my opinion it's a far better wheel than the G25 on every account.
So is my G27. (Ok except the sequential that is no longer there.)
It seems that Komplett.no got a very early batch of these. I have been struggling with my old (also one of the first) G25 for some time now. So I pre ordered one some time ago.
I have had it for some days now and compared to the G25 it feels more like it is connected to the wheels of my day car than a wheel on my desk. The forces feels much like what Gnomie explains for the Fanatec. If anything is missing it might be some fine fine forces that might get lost in the bearing friction. But as Gnomie also says now I can run higher forces without them leveling out so early.
OK got to go, (taxi duty) Ask if you want to know more.
Quote from: Romus;291481I'd like to hear how's the life been with the new cockpit? Is it easy to get in and out of it? How is the ergonomics?
I've found out that even though I've done quite a few adjustments to my cockpit, I always find the ergonomics to be if not bad still not very good either. One hour races are ok, but I cannot be completely relaxed in it either. It's surprisingly difficult to get a good position to the cockpit. Perhaps I'll make something radical next time I'll do adjustments.
Do you have a new picture of the cockpit in place and fully equipped?
EDIT: Still ergonomics in my cockpit since beginning has been better than what I had in my Skoda Octavia, but still I feel it could be a lot better.
Well its getting there:). Ive recently got a proper job as opposed to being self employed and they insist on me working all day:eyebrow:. That has really slowed me down on getting the cockpit finished.
On the bright side, the screens are mounted and set in the right positions now, the gear lever box (g25) is good and the wheel mount should be finalised over the weekend. I thought i might adjust the pedals abit but i have gotten quite used to them now so maybe not. Perhaps they felt odd because they were different to being sat on the floor.
Overall I'm finding it very good egronomicaly. I read somewhere (the hyper site maybe) that the pedal heelplate is 100mm higher than the lowest part of the seat, i.e, your butt. I also looked at some F1 sideview pics and decided to go with it. The result is great. I suffered with really bad left knee pain after the hour races before and now its fine as my legs are stretched out infront of me. This does mean it is quite a big setup though as you would need a 2metre long crate to box it up in one piece.
Getting in and out isnt really difficult even with the wheel fixed (bodged in place) but it is a proper 'hands on the sides and slide in' affair. Im ok as im not that large but i will make it so the wheel lifts right up.
I'll get a few new pics after this weekends developments and post them up. If im lucky, i should be able to get some primer on it too so it should really show whats going on.
I'll try and get Mrs Slider to take a pic with me seated if she stops laughing at me long enough. I'll tell her i'll get one of those Bridgestone girls in if she doesnt:lmfao:
Stay tuned:D
sorry mate
Quote from: Ninja_Freak;291564sorry mate but if I even considered building something like that my Mrs and everyone I knew would take the **** (Mickey) for the rest of my life....
Imagine what you could accomplish if you didn't take "gaming" so seriously.. ?
Go and p.i.s.s on somebody else's shoes. That was a completely worthless post from someone who has a tough time taking
anything seriously.
Quote from: Slider 46;291548Well its getting there:). Ive recently got a proper job as opposed to being self employed and they insist on me working all day:eyebrow:. That has really slowed me down on getting the cockpit finished.
On the bright side, the screens are mounted and set in the right positions now, the gear lever box (g25) is good and the wheel mount should be finalised over the weekend. I thought i might adjust the pedals abit but i have gotten quite used to them now so maybe not. Perhaps they felt odd because they were different to being sat on the floor.
Overall I'm finding it very good egronomicaly. I read somewhere (the hyper site maybe) that the pedal heelplate is 100mm higher than the lowest part of the seat, i.e, your butt. I also looked at some F1 sideview pics and decided to go with it. The result is great. I suffered with really bad left knee pain after the hour races before and now its fine as my legs are stretched out infront of me. This does mean it is quite a big setup though as you would need a 2metre long crate to box it up in one piece.
Getting in and out isnt really difficult even with the wheel fixed (bodged in place) but it is a proper 'hands on the sides and slide in' affair. Im ok as im not that large but i will make it so the wheel lifts right up.
I'll get a few new pics after this weekends developments and post them up. If im lucky, i should be able to get some primer on it too so it should really show whats going on.
I'll try and get Mrs Slider to take a pic with me seated if she stops laughing at me long enough. I'll tell her i'll get one of those Bridgestone girls in if she doesnt:lmfao:
Stay tuned:D
cheers for the update Steve, looking forward to the pics :racing:
Quote from: Doorman;291567Go and p.i.s.s on somebody else's shoes. That was a completely worthless post from someone who has a tough time taking anything seriously.
lol Mr. Grumpy..
Post edited..
Originally Posted by Ninja_Freak
sorry mate but if I even considered building something like that my Mrs and everyone I knew would take the **** (Mickey) for the rest of my life....
Imagine what you could accomplish if you didn't take "gaming" so seriously.. ?
.................................
I know people who would take the P out of you for spending time shooting zombies and fat blokes that puke on you???
And if EVERYONE you know would take the P forever, surely its time you considered a new circle of friends?
C'mon Ninja, its abit of fun. Its not serious is it. Well not untill i get some wheels on it and i run my ample collection of F1 engine noises through a specialy purchased laptop and surround speakers. Or maybe when i put it outside so i can have some wet racing too. Did i mention the specialy made tonneau cover ive got comming from the same people that make the Caterham ones?
I think i might extend my house so i can build another cockpit as ive always seen two cars in the garages in F1. Ive also got a pickup that i park outside my window (i cant afford a truck yet) and in the back are several spare nose panels, some spanners, a windy gun (nice noise from that), a spare usb extension lead and a few fuses for the kettle leads. On thursdays, after the hour race, i sleep out there too so i really get the feel of traveling to the race. If the race is in Jamaica or Japan though, i have Thursday off work so i can sit in my flight sim for 12 hours. You know, fly to the meeting like the pro's do?
Sometimes, at weekends mostly, i get all the seats in the house and bring them in to my office and put them in rows. The second row has to be on bricks so the people at the back can see too. I mean, how could i charge them a fiver each if they couldn't see the racing? The Mrs is refusing to serve them hotdogs and tea from a window in the garden shed as its getting cold now (I suspect she just wants a higher percentage of the takings really)
so i might have to get a kebab van in or something.
Right, must dash as ive got a meeting with the sponsers....
Imagine what i could accomplish if i didnt spend any time gaming at all?
:narnar:
:roflmao:
Slider dude.. You're freaking me out.. and I'm the Ninja_Freak.
your skills are great. can you build my house extention?
Quote from: Ninja_Freak;291655Slider dude.. You're freaking me out.. and I'm the Ninja_Freak.
your skills are great. can you build my house extention?
Yes, yes i can, but only from mdf. Call those 118 chaps and ask for weetabixextensionsareus.com. But you will have three windows and a very relaxed angle on your sofa.
S.
Lol, great post Steve :lmfao:
As requested, a few more pics. It has a coat of primer on it now but my man with the paint is a man without paint at the moment so it will have to wait. At least you can see the wheel lifts up out of the way and also the screens rotate for more normal office type duties.
Quote from: Slider 46;291629I know people who would take the P out of you for spending time shooting zombies and fat blokes that puke on you???
And if EVERYONE you know would take the P forever, surely its time you considered a new circle of friends?
:narnar:
Thats it Slider - make him 'av it, :roflmao:
Thanks for pics :)
looking good:worship:
Fabulous job Steve. I'd have one of those if my friends didn't laugh at me. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Lameduck;291732Thats it Slider - make him 'av it,
I actually take offence to that comment. Are you sure you meant it?
Quote from: Slider 46;291728As requested, a few more pics. It has a coat of primer on it now but my man with the paint is a man without paint at the moment so it will have to wait. At least you can see the wheel lifts up out of the way and also the screens rotate for more normal office type duties.
Screen and wheel mounts look very interesting. Looks like they are custom built just for this setup.
I bet you'll improve your times and consistency with that cockpit. I could improve my driving quite a lot, because I did not need to straing my body to stay in the driving position and could stay relaxed and concentrate on the driving.
Are you already using new Z16 multiple monitor settings? It looks quite realistic on the picture. Did you have Matrox box for the three displays? I did not get Z16 working with the SoftTH.
Granted it's on a slightly different scale but when I first got my headset and microphone I was really proud of it..........
That was until my wife gave me a withering look and told me I looked like I should be landing planes at Heathrow.... kinda took the edge of it somewhat lol :rolleyes:.
PS. Ninja apologised in his post and Slider's superbly-crafted retort stands as one of the most amusing I've ever read. Can we leave at it at and move on lest it denigrate? :)
Quote from: Penfold;291766Granted it's on a slightly different scale but when I first got my headset and microphone I was really proud of it..........
That was until my wife gave me a withering look and told me I looked like I should be landing planes at Heathrow.... kinda took the edge of it somewhat lol :rolleyes:.
PS. Ninja apologised in his post and Slider's superbly-crafted retort stands as one of the most amusing I've ever read. Can we leave at it at and move on lest it denigrate? :)
Pen, your wife has a great sense of humour :lmfao:...but I hear you. I love driving with the TrackIR to be able to look into the apex and see who is on my side - but my gf just stares at me with a weird look, when I sit there with head phones on and the stupid reflection clip for the TrackIR on the most dreadful, ugly cap you can imagine because that was all I could find... and if I forget to take if off she does not hesitate to help me :rolleyes:
I wish I had a setup like the ones showed here. If only I had the space I would do it. Atm I just want a proper seat but even that I can't find a place for in this apartment :sideways: ..and if i get one, I reckon the table will be too high, so I would have to get some arrangement for mounting my wheel. Also, the screen would then be too high up and I would have to place that somewhere else as well, and, and, and...
OK, time for a review of the Fanatec Clubsport pedals. :) I won't go into features and stuff, as you can find all that information elsewhere. Instead I'll talk about the most important differences compared to the G25 pedals that I used before.
First some background info:
There's no doubt that for me, pedals are more important than the wheel. Ever since I started simracing I've spent a LOT of effort learning various pedal techniques, and I quickly started trying to learn heel&toe. A lot of work also went into modding my G25 pedals (including the Nixim mod), and eventually, I arrived at a configuration that I was rather pleased with. I also made a youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcgandtUCs8) showing the "fruits of my labour". :D
But even with everything "perfected", I still suffered a big problem: I was simply unable to maintain a constant pressure on the brake while heel&toe-ing. As I blipped the throttle I would inevitably loose some brake pressure.
Now, moving on to the Clubsport pedals.. Inside the brake there's a piece of rather stiff foam which, as you press the pedal, offers progressively more resistance. (unlike a spring, where force and distance increase in proportion all the way) So at first, it's rather soft and squishy but then it stiffens progressively.
"Hold on a minute", you might say. "I can get the same effect in my G25 pedals by using the Nixim mod, because rubber and foam have quite similar characteristics when you push on it!"
Yes, that's true. But as you'll probably know, the brake pedal on the Clubsports uses a load cell rather than a potentiometer (which is used on the G25). This means that rather than measuring how far you push the pedal, it measures which force you're applying. And for me at least, it's much easier to maintain a constant force than a constant distance of depression while braking.
The net result: I am now able to maintain an (approximately) constant amount of braking when heel&toe-ing! :yahoo: To illustrate, I'm attaching two replays: one old one with the G25, and a new one with the Clubsports. You'll quite clearly see the difference, I think.
G25 Nixim demo (http://www.box.net/shared/3gt2cghyxt)
Clubsports demo (http://www.box.net/shared/vlrmmsj5or)
Another big plus with these pedals is their great adjustability. No modding necessary -- these things can accomodate all styles of driving and all drivers. Alltogether, I couldn't be more pleased. :) Definitely my best ever sim-related purchase, and I thoroughly recommend them.
Please ask if there's something you'd like to know!
Thats quite impressive Gnomie. I didn't think i would notice the difference on those replays but your right, it is alot more constant. I havn't really mastered the ol' h&t but then i havn't really tried that hard to be honest. Its on the list though:D. Would i faint at the price of those pedals if i looked or not?:g:
Quote from: Romus;291744Screen and wheel mounts look very interesting. Looks like they are custom built just for this setup.
Are you already using new Z16 multiple monitor settings? It looks quite realistic on the picture. Did you have Matrox box for the three displays? I did not get Z16 working with the SoftTH.
Sorry Romus, i seemed to overlook your questions before.
The screen/wheel mounts are a one off and they are made from 'Trilogiq'.
http://www.trilogiq.com/en/ I did a job for a company that use it so i blagged a few bits off them:) You can make allsorts from it but i have no idea what it costs to buy. The screens are held together with a lightwieght steel frame that myself and Nozz made in his garage. Cheers Nozz :thumbsup:
I just run a Geforce8800oc card and an old pci Geforce5500 with softh so nothing clever or expensive and yes, Z16 went straight in. The new Z18 is much better though as i can see out of the side windows alot more while keeping a good 'drivers seat' position. Have look at the pic and in the bottom of the left screen, you can just see the passenger seat. It will go further but all you get is more seat in the way, lol.
It looks abit odd on the photo as you are looking at a flat image but in RL with the screens angled in aproximatly 30 degrees, it all looks spot on.
The main screen Fov is 90. The screen angle setting is at 62 which gives a total view across the three screens of 223. Loads of degrees:D
They cost €200 unfortunately.. quite a stiff price, I agree, but you definitely get what you pay for. Contactless magnetic sensors on the gas and clutch, and a load cell on the brake. The build quality leaves nothing to be desired either.
What's also kind of cool is the infinite adjustability. Take a look at this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54iQktxDQOM#t=5m2s) to understand the anatomy of the brake. There's at least three different things to play with:
- Which hole the pin goes in (which determines the throw)
- The length of the metal bar (which determines deadzone and stiffness)
- The type of foam/whatever you use (determines stiffness)
I actually machined a slightly longer metal rod (to reduce squishiness and deadzone) while still using the lowest hole for the pin (to get a large throw). The options are limitless. :)
And, of course, there's the resolution. 1024 bits should be enough to please anyone. :) With the G25 pedals you have 256 bits spread evenly throughout the whole throw. If you use the Nixim mod, you effectively only get 1-2 centimeters of throw, so that means you only get ~ 25 bits to play with. That's such a low number that you might start noticing some notchiness. I dunno, I can't say that I really noticed with my old pedals, but anyway.. it's a thing to consider I guess.
Ahhhh, the things I would buy if I had money to throw out the windows... *dreams* I envy you guys :)
It's hardly "throwing money out the window", though.. simracing is my #1 hobby, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Besides, I'm a bit of a hardware geek, and I find it very rewarding to try to come up with the best possible tweaks and stuff. :)
I even worked an extra week last winter to justify spending more money on simracing stuff! That's right, I'm an addict. :D Ã,£700 can buy you a lot of nice sim gear.
Oh I didn't mean to imply that buying sim gear is throwing money out the window :) I just figure if I had money to throw out the window I could spend it on sim gear :D
I've got a question. I'm planning on buying a Lightning SST shifter when I've got the money to spare, as my G25 is getting more faulty every day and it's really taking a lot of the fun out of racing.
I just realized, though, that the SST Lightning doesn't have a sequential option. So what do I do then when I drive a car with sequential gearbox? Is there like a mod or something for the SST shifter to make it a sequential shifter? Or any other solutions? I'd rather not use the paddles on the wheel, 'cause that just feels wrong, to me. The only car they feel right in, is the BF1, for the simple reason that that car is just too bloody fast to shift any other way :)
Quote from: obsolum;293052I've got a question. I'm planning on buying a Lightning SST shifter when I've got the money to spare, as my G25 is getting more faulty every day and it's really taking a lot of the fun out of racing.
I just realized, though, that the SST Lightning doesn't have a sequential option. So what do I do then when I drive a car with sequential gearbox? Is there like a mod or something for the SST shifter to make it a sequential shifter? Or any other solutions? I'd rather not use the paddles on the wheel, 'cause that just feels wrong, to me. The only car they feel right in, is the BF1, for the simple reason that that car is just too bloody fast to shift any other way :)
SST Lightning cannot be used as a sequantial gear shifter, because the sequential shifter should return to the middle position after you have pushed it up or downwards, and the SST does not naturally do it. I can't think of a mod that could do it without a risk of ruining the shifter. I suggest that you just get the SST and then buy the Frex sequential :D. I'm happy with the paddles for now.
Hmm, that's a damn shame. I'll have to reconsider if I'm going to buy the SST then :g: Maybe I should look into the ACT labs shifters, see if they're any good. I find they look a lot better than the SST at least :)
If you do get the ACT Labs thing, be sure to share your thoughts. I've been considering that one as well. :)
A fellow iRacer is just lounching his mod for the G25 brake pedal. Looks good, is easy to install and people (beta testers) seem to like it.
His web page just opened.
http://www.apelectrix.com/index.html
Interesting! Unfortunately he doesn't say anything about what is offering the resistance. Is it a rubber block, a spring or foam (as in the Clubsports)? That is essential to how it's going to feel. In principle, if he's using a spring it will feel no different to a stock G25. So it would be nice to know what's inside. :)
QuoteThe modification offered here uses a special load sensor integrated with a mechanical actuator that is specially designed to fit into the assembly without any further difficult modification by the user.
hope this helps :)
Quote from: Gnomie;293058If you do get the ACT Labs thing, be sure to share your thoughts. I've been considering that one as well. :)
Will do. I'm sad to say that it probably won't happen this year, though :sad: Being poor sucks :angry:
EDIT: does your Fanatec wheel not have a gated shifter?
Quote from: vobler;293077A fellow iRacer is just lounching his mod for the G25 brake pedal. Looks good, is easy to install and people (beta testers) seem to like it.
His web page just opened.
http://www.apelectrix.com/index.html
Looks interesting. I have the nixim mod on my wishlist, but this looks like something better. It's more expensive as well, unfortunately, but that's to be expected. I'll keep this in mind if I ever get the money to mod my brake pedal.
Quote from: Gnomie;292473The net result: I am now able to maintain an (approximately) constant amount of braking when heel&toe-ing! :yahoo: To illustrate, I'm attaching two replays: one old one with the G25, and a new one with the Clubsports. You'll quite clearly see the difference, I think.
Well I checked the replay's, and to be honest I'm quite surprised by the difference, with the clubsport it looks so much more controlled (what i can tell from the inputs).
I'm gonna watch my own replays to see how my brake pedal input looks :blink:
I haven't made any mods to my G25 pedal set, but I'm looking to raising the brake pedal in the future.
To be honest I was quite surprised myself when I went back and looked at that old LFS replay. But it kind of makes sense when you think about it.. the Nixim mod gives a very stiff resistance and maybe 1 cm of travel, so even just lifting by a millimeter or two would give a huge impact.
Actually that's probably the worst thing about the Nixim mod. It feels good and it's better for threshold braking than stock G25 pedals (IMO) but it's not easy to do good h&t with it, I think.
Quote from: ObsolumEDIT: does your Fanatec wheel not have a gated shifter?
I didn't buy the Fanatec shifter. I still have my old broken G25 connected to the PC, and I'm using the shifter only. :) Very cluttered and not the best solution, but it works.
Quote from: vobler;293077A fellow iRacer is just lounching his mod for the G25 brake pedal. Looks good, is easy to install and people (beta testers) seem to like it.
His web page just opened.
http://www.apelectrix.com/index.html
Looks very interesting, just send him an email for some additional information.
By the way, I also found someone else working on a loadcell modification for the G25 : http://www.h-engineering.nl/h_g25press.htm
It's a pit pricey though, well we'll see how it works out :)
I think it's by the guy that also develop the rFactor supra mod, but I'm not exactly sure.
Quote from: Katsushika Matsumoto;293176I think it's by the guy that also develop the rFactor supra mod, but I'm not exactly sure.
Yep, Niels Heusinkveld. He didn't just do the Supra mod, he also made the Corvette mod and did a lot of the cars in the HistorX mod.
He also sells the G25 pad kit (http://www.h-engineering.nl/h_g25pad.htm), to adjust the pedals to your needs. That's also on my wishlist :)
Quote from: obsolum;293202Yep, Niels Heusinkveld. He didn't just do the Supra mod, he also made the Corvette mod and did a lot of the cars in the HistorX mod.
He also sells the G25 pad kit (http://www.h-engineering.nl/h_g25pad.htm), to adjust the pedals to your needs. That's also on my wishlist :)
While I agree that Niels has made a lot of nice stuff, the G25 pedal mod seems rather unnecessary to me.. it's super simple to make something similar yourself out of wood. But if you want to go and spend €30 I'm not going to stop you. :)
Quote from: Gnomie;293211While I agree that Niels has made a lot of nice stuff, the G25 pedal mod seems rather unnecessary to me.. it's super simple to make something similar yourself out of wood. But if you want to go and spend €30 I'm not going to stop you. :)
Yeah, I've been thinking the same thing. But I don't know, it would look like crap if you made it out of wood, IMO. Plus, I'm not really much of a DIY guy :D I did build our house with the help of an uncle, though, but somehow I don't want to try and make a pedal mod myself :lmfao:
Well, after reading some more reviews and watching some videos of the ACT Labs RS shifter I decided to buy one. I'll get a tax refund by the end of next month so I figured I could indulge myself just a little bit :D
It's supposed to be better than the G25 shifter, it's easily customizable and it's cheaper than the SST Lightning so that seemed like a good deal to me. No doubt the SST is better as far as quality is concerned, but I really hate how it looks and I can't make peace with the fact it has no sequential option.
Only downside so far... it takes 3 to 6 weeks to ship the shifter outside of the US. And you all know what a patient guy I am... :lmfao:
Get the SST and then modify the BMW E39 shifter: http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=336178
I got the SST in about one week after I had ordered it. :narnar:
You can change the SST knob if you like, but I think it's great. It has a great feel also, a bit grippy feel, it's made of a sort of dense rubber.
i have tried the SST and must admit it is a really good shifter and as romus mention has a great feel to it
i found it so much easier to use than my g25 shifter :D
Quote from: Romus;293293Get the SST and then modify the BMW E39 shifter: http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=336178
Yeah... not gonna try that :)
Quote from: Romus;293293You can change the SST knob if you like, but I think it's great. It has a great feel also, a bit grippy feel, it's made of a sort of dense rubber.
Well, I haven't tried the SST myself, but I read in a review somewhere that it was
not designed to feel realistic, but designed to be easy to use. I don't know what to make of that :g: I watched several videos of it, and aside from the fact that it looks ridiculous, it also didn't seem to "behave" like a real shifter. But then neither does the G25 shifter. One review I read about the ACT said that the shifting "feels similar to what you feel when you shift in your real car". I don't really believe that, but it leads me to believe that it at least feels better than the G25 shifter.
Like I said, I have no doubt that the SST is better, but seeing as I find the ACT better looking, it is easily customizable - you can change it into a 4-gate, 6-gate or 8-gate shifter and put virtually any knob for a real shifter on it -, it can be changed to be sequential
and it is cheaper, I think I got a better deal than I would have had with the SST :) Of course, that's just my personal opinion. If you're happy using a funny looking stick with a ball on it, and the paddles for sequential shifting then obviously the SST is great :D But like I said, I can't make peace with that :)
Of course I'll reserve definitive judgement for when I've actually tried the shifter. If it feels better than the G25 shifter then I'm happy. I don't think that's expecting too much :)
I really don't think you'll be disappointed. :)
Ugh, DHL stopped by to deliver my shifter today already. Only I wasn't home :angry:
Quote from: obsolum;293892Ugh, DHL stopped by to deliver my shifter today already. Only I wasn't home :angry:
So sad. Do you know that they'll ship it back to U.S. now and you'll have to re-order? :D
Quote from: Romus;293896So sad. Do you know that they'll ship it back to U.S. now and you'll have to re-order? :D
Very funny :narnar:
They'll stop by again tomorrow, "between 08:00 and 18:00". Luckily I'm stuck at home all day anyway.
Wow, that was pretty quick delivery! :)
Quote from: Gnomie;293902Wow, that was pretty quick delivery! :)
Just under a week. It usually takes about a week when I order stuff from the US. I just wasn't expecting it, as it said on their site it would take 3-6 weeks. So I expected it two weeks from now
at the earliest. The thing is, I was very patient about it, I hardly ever even thought about it. Now, though, I'm annoyed as hell that I wasn't home and that I have to wait an extra day :lmfao:
Alright, my ACT Labs RS shifter arrived the other day. I've had time to try it out and thought I'd write up a review for it in case anyone ever considers buying one (and Gnomie asked me to :)). I had a G25 shifter before this so naturally I'll be comparing it to that.
THE PACKAGE
---------------
The package contained the following:
- 1 shifter
- 1 USB Adaptor; this is a small box that plugs into a USB port on your computer. The shifter plugs into the adaptor. The adaptor also contains two other sockets in which you can plug a ACT-Labs pedal set and/or steering wheel, should you have those.
- extra shifting plates; you mount these on the shifter to limit the number of gears. There are four extra plates; a sequential, 4 gears + reverse, 5 gears + reverse and 6 gears + reverse. The shifter comes with a 7 gears + reverse plate mounted by default, which makes a total of 5 plates. More on these plates later.
Note: I ordered the Ultimate Bundle (http://www.act-labs.com/scripts/proddetails.asp?Pid=852). You can also choose the Adaptor Bundle (http://www.act-labs.com/scripts/proddetails.asp?Pid=851) at a lower price, that doesn't come with any spare plates; you just get the 7+reverse plate and that's it.
- a sealed plastic baggy with spare screws. Normally you wouldn't need these, but I think it's a nice thought. The baggy contains a number of each type of screw that you find in the shifter unit. Might come in handy for people who love disassembling and modding their gear, and sometimes lose a screw or two in the process :-)
You don't get a manual. Instead there is a piece of paper which says you can download the manual from their site. You really don't need a manual anyway, as it's all plug and play and pretty self explanatory, so they save some trees by not including a printed manual that hardly anyone will read.
The first thing I noticed when unpacking the shifter was its weight. It's pretty heavy. Definitely heavier than the G25 unit. It really gives it a sturdy feel.
INSTALLATION
---------------
Like I just said, there really isn't any installation to speak of. You plug the adaptor in a USB port and Windows detects it as a game controller with 8 buttons. You then assign your gears in the game and that's it.
MOUNTING
-----------
You mount the shifter on your desk (or table, cockpit, whatever) with two clamps that you can tighten by means of two knobs on the bottom of the unit. This is slightly less convenient than the G25 unit with its easy to reach knobs on the upper side of the unit, but I wouldn't say it's inconvenient. The maximum width the clamps can handle is 40mm, which I think is plenty.
The clamps are covered with rubbery anti-slip pads that do their job superbly. You don't need to tighten the knobs much for the shifter to stay in place. If you really tighten the knobs I'm sure you can drag your entire desk around the house by the shifter without it coming loose or even moving an inch. In this regard it's significantly better than the G25 unit that doesn't have any anti-slip material, and which has come loose during races on a few (not many) occasions with me, even though I had tightened it properly.
For people with cockpits who want to mount their shifter unit permanently the clamps have 8 holes in them which you can use to secure the unit to your cockpit with some bolts.
You can also take the clamps off and then mount the unit using screws that go in two holes in the unit itself.
When you mount the shifter unit on a level surface the shifter itself is tilted towards you. This actually works great if you mount the shifter next to your steering wheel like most people will do. If you use a cockpit or a special racing seat, however, and you have the shifter unit mounted next to you where the shifter in a real car would be, then this tilted position is probably not ideal. Especially when shifting into downward gears you would have to move your hand backwards and downwards, and that just doesn't come naturally and feels kind of awkward. So to solve this you will need to mount the shifter on a surface that is slightly tilted in the opposite direction (ie. away from you) so that the shifter sits level.
GATED SHIFTING
-----------------
Coming from the G25 shifter, the ACT-Labs shifter feels really really weird at first. It just feels so different!
First of all there's the travel of the gear stick. The G25 has a pretty short travel, and its stick is fairly short as well. This makes for really short shifting. The ACT-Labs' stick is significantly longer and the gears are also spaced further apart. This especially becomes apparent when you shift from reverse into first gear (both at opposite ends of the shifter), for example.
Then there is the feel of shifting through the gears. Whereas the G25 shifter has almost no resistance at all, the ACT-Labs requires you to actually push/pull the stick into gear. The G25 shifter you can flick around with just one finger, with the ACT-Labs you actually have to grab the shifter and stick into gear.
Again, this all feels very weird and awkward in the beginning if you're used to the G25. I actually got worried that I had made a mistake in buying this thing when I first took it out of the box and moved the stick around; I couldn't imagine it being any fun to drive with.
Anyway, I mounted it and fired up the Supra mod for rFactor - which still gives the most authentic experience of driving a road car, IMO - and I took the car for a cruise around the Nordscheife. Right from the beginning the shifting felt a lot better than I had imagined. It took some getting used to, obviously, but after the first couple of turns it already began to feel natural. And the more I drove, the better it felt. The longer travel and greater resistance when shifting really gives you a more realistic feeling. You actually feel like you're shifting in a car instead of just flicking some stick around. I'm not saying it actually feels like a real car, but it definitely comes a lot closer than the G25 shifter.
There is a downside to this, though, which you may have guessed. Although many of us tend to pursue the most immersive and realistic experience, the fact is that shorter travel and no resistance equals faster shifting. I haven't really done any tests timing the shifting, but I think it's only logical that you can shift faster with the G25 (and the SST Lightning) than you can with the ACT-Labs, because they have very short travel and little to no resistance (talking about the G25 here, don't know about the SST Lightning). Granted, the difference will probably be no more than a fraction of a second each time, but when you're side by side coming out of a corner and hard on the gas, it's fractions of a second that make the difference.
I'm still getting used to this shifter and I'm confident that in time I'll be slamming it through the gears faster than I did now during my initial test, but logic and common sense tell me that it will always be slower than the G25 shifter.
SEQUENTIAL SHIFTING
-----------------------
First of all, I cannot compare this to a real life sequential shifter as I've never driven such a car. So I can only compare this aspect of the shifter to the G25 shifter, and in that case I must say that the G25 shifter is better for sequential use.
The longer travel of the ACT-Labs means that you have to pull/push the stick quite far in order to shift the gears. I find the short travel of the G25 feels better and more direct for sequential shifting. But like with the gated shifting the sequential shifting takes some getting used to and will come more naturally with time.
SHIFTER PLATES
------------------
In my research prior to ordering the shifter I came across this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpMcHyL_DwM) of a guy changing the shifter plates on the shifter. The fact that you could easily change the plates to make the shifter sequential was one of the main reasons I decided to buy it. I was a bit disappointed when I opened the box to find that the plates that come with the shifter are not quite the same as the ones that guy in the video uses. In the video the plates kind of just slide into place, allowing for quick and easy changing. The plates that came with my shifter, however, are fully closed. By that I mean they don't have this slit that you can slide around the stick like the video demonstrates. Instead you have to remove both the stick and the mounted plate, put the new plate in place and put the stick back on. This requires unscrewing 3 little screws (and obviously screwing them back on afterwards). All in all it shouldn't take more than 2 minutes, but it's still a bit of a hassle. Especially if you're used to the G25 shifter where you just turn a knob. Plus you have to have a screwdriver handy and believe it or not but that's not something I have usually lying around on my desk :)
Back when I only played LFS I raced exclusively on the DMR server which meant that I would drive the same car for a whole week, in which case I didn't have to switch between gated and sequential more than once a week. Now, though, I regularly (almost daily) hop in the Supra to cruise around the 'Ring or fire up the Caterham mod and have some fun sliding around my favourite tracks, and afterwards I may join the LFS server for some online racing. This week with the FBM, for example, that would require changing between sequential and gated shifting. I'm not too keen on the idea of partly disassembling my shifter to change the plates every time. So now I'm considering to just use my paddles for sequential shifting, but seeing as I went for the ACT-Labs instead of the SST Lightning especially because of its sequential ability I feel that would be a shame.
Aside from that the plates are all nicely made (of metal), no complaints there.
NOISE
-------
One more thing to consider about this shifter is the sound it makes. We all know the G25 shifter isn't exactly quiet. Well, neither is this one :D When shifting into gears the metal stick collides with the metal plate each time, which causes some noise. This is especially apparent when shifting in the downward gears as you'll generally exert more force when pulling the stick towards you, making it collide harder. However, I'm sure this can be very easily solved by just sliding a small rubber band or something similar around the metal stick where it hits the plate. This should effectively and significantly reduce the noice, I think. I'll probably do that one of these days, I just need to find something that works. It's not bothersome for me in the least, as I use headphones, but obviously my girlfriend won't appreciate it when she's watching TV :D
FINAL THOUGHTS
-------------------
The ACT-Labs shifter is a great shifter if you're going to use it for gated shifting. It adds to the driving experience, it's easy to mount and feels sturdy enough. It's also fairly customizable; you can limit the gears with the provided shifter plates and you can fit virtually any shifter knob on it (including real life ones).
However, if you're primarily going to be using sequential shifting then I would say you're better off sticking with - or getting - the G25 shifter, if you also want the wheel and pedals as the G25 shifter isn't sold seperately. The reason I bought this shifter, though, was because my G25 one doesn't work properly anymore and it seemed to get more faulty as time passed by, to the point where it would cost me positions and races.
If you're looking for sheer performance and don't care about looks, feel, realism or customizability (sp?) and you can spare the money then the SST Lightning is definitely the better choice; its shorter travel allows for quicker shifting and it's very good quality. Unfortunately it doesn't have a sequential option.
Nice review. Thanks! :)
Nice review, thanks for writing that up! :) I'm tempted.. in fact, I'm pretty sure I'll get one. Not quite yet, but I'm planning a big shopping spree next summer, so we'll see.
It's weird that they made it more difficult to go from H-gate to sequential.. I wonder what motivated that decision? For me that wouldn't be a problem. Why? You've probably guessed already -- because I would modify it! :D I'd simply cut a slice off the shifter plate to make it like the video you linked to. I can understand if that idea doesn't appeal to you right now, though..
Another alternative might be to go looking for some spare parts on eBay or something.. but I doubt you'll have any luck finding someone selling these parts separately.
Let us know how the rubber band mod (for sound reduction) works if you try it out!
Very well written and informative review obsolum :)
Might have to consider this shifter ... one of the main reasons I only use the paddles is because I hate the G25 shifter so much :blink:
If you could, please give us an update on how it feels after you really get used to it.
Told you you wouldn't be disappointed. :) Nice job. :thumbsup2:
Excellent revue. Thought of turning pro? :D
Quote from: Gnomie;294338It's weird that they made it more difficult to go from H-gate to sequential.. I wonder what motivated that decision? For me that wouldn't be a problem. Why? You've probably guessed already -- because I would modify it! :D I'd simply cut a slice off the shifter plate to make it like the video you linked to. I can understand if that idea doesn't appeal to you right now, though..
I
have thought about that, but I honestly don't see how they would stay in place. 'Cause the only thing keeping the plates in place is the two little screws on either side. The plates in the video have some sort of "clip" on the bottom of them, maybe that somehow keeps them in place, although I don't see how that would work.
I have no doubt
you would come up with a good solution, though :D I've been giving it some thought and have a rough idea in my head, but there are some details to work out.
Quote from: Gnomie;294338Let us know how the rubber band mod (for sound reduction) works if you try it out!
Quote from: easyed;294346If you could, please give us an update on how it feels after you really get used to it.
Will do :)
Quote from: Lameduck;294381Excellent revue. Thought of turning pro? :D
I did when I was writing it! :lmfao:
Oooh, there's an enticing thought.. testing out simracing gear AND getting paid for it! :norty:
Nice review Obsolum. Is the G25 not good enough as a sequential shifter? I thought it has quite a good feel to it.
I was surprised to read that your shifter has longer shaft and is somewhat slower than the G25. SST is perhaps a bit smaller than the G25 but feels very solid and is a lot faster. It does not feel real if you compare to the real car shifter, but in a sense it still gives a similar kind of sensation, since you have to think of pressing the clutch, going to neutral and to the other gear and release the clutch.. Same operation but the shifter stick itself is different.
I never had any trust on the G25 shifter. I was misshifting a lot and the 6th gear dropped to neutral by itself. That was the main reason for getting the SST. Act Labs looks like a good deal, but for me it's not as good looking as the SST :).
Quote from: Gnomie;294392Oooh, there's an enticing thought.. testing out simracing gear AND getting paid for it! :norty:
Good luck!
Quote from: Romus;294399Nice review Obsolum. Is the G25 not good enough as a sequential shifter? I thought it has quite a good feel to it.
In my opinion the G25 shifter is
very good for sequential shifting, as I said in the review. It's just that mine doesn't function properly anymore - not in gated mode, nor in sequential mode. Otherwise I'd keep using that for sequential, no question about it.
Quote from: obsolum;294408In my opinion the G25 shifter is very good for sequential shifting, as I said in the review. It's just that mine doesn't function properly anymore - not in gated mode, nor in sequential mode. Otherwise I'd keep using that for sequential, no question about it.
What's wrong with it? I might have a spare part for you. Or don't you have the system under warranty anymore?
Quote from: Romus;294410What's wrong with it? I might have a spare part for you. Or don't you have the system under warranty anymore?
It's 2,5 years old so I don't think it's under warranty anymore. I haven't taken it apart or anything so I don't know exactly what's wrong with it. It's probably just a bad contact somewhere or something. I suppose you could fix it if you knew anything about that kind of thing, but I don't :D
The problem in sequential mode is that it will change multiple gears at a time, and will respond to even the slightest touch. I hardly have to move the stick at all for it to change gears. For example if I'm getting ready to shift and just
grab the stick, that's enough for it to change gear sometimes. And sometimes it will shift up/down 2 gears at once or more. If I maintain a tiny amount of pressure on the stick it will go through all the gears at once very rapidly. Sometimes it would even change gears because of the vibrations of my steering wheel :sideways: It was becoming nearly impossible to make precise shifts.
In gated mode the problem lies with 2nd gear. A lot of times it will switch between 2nd and 4th gear multiple times. In rFactor where you can shift without using the clutch that means that the car would go from 2nd to 4th and back to 2nd, sometimes more than once. If you're taking a corner in one of the HistorX cars this will usually send you into a spin.
In LFS where you're required to use the clutch to engage the next gear this meant that it would just pop out of 2nd and into neutral; so I had to press the clutch again and put into 2nd again. Again, very very annoying in a close battle.
I assume it's a wire or something that isn't connected properly anymore or something? Maybe I will try and take the unit apart and see what I can find out. I didn't want to do this until I had another shifter.
Quote from: obsolum;294454I assume it's a wire or something that isn't connected properly anymore or something? Maybe I will try and take the unit apart and see what I can find out. I didn't want to do this until I had another shifter.
Ok, wires or pots seems to be common cause for such problems.
Quote from: Gnomie;294338Let us know how the rubber band mod (for sound reduction) works if you try it out!
I found something that I could fit over the stick to try this out today, and it works nicely. The shifter is now almost completely silent in most gears. You still hear a soft "click", which I think comes from a switch of some sort inside the unit, but it's very subtle; nowhere near as loud as the G25's click. 3rd and 4th gear are a bit louder; they make a kind of "thump" as the stick falls into gear. Not the annoying sound of metal colliding on metal anymore. All other gears are virtually completely silent now.
The current fix is only temporary until I find something better, though. I'm going to try and find something that fits around the stick a bit tighter, and looks a bit tidier. This was just to see how much of a difference it makes.
Quote from: vobler;293077A fellow iRacer is just lounching his mod for the G25 brake pedal. Looks good, is easy to install and people (beta testers) seem to like it.
His web page just opened.
http://www.apelectrix.com/index.html
Have you got yours yet Vobler? I fancy one but i thought i'd wait and see what you thought first.
Quote from: Slider 46;294900Have you got yours yet Vobler? I fancy one but i thought i'd wait and see what you thought first.
Not yet. It was shipped last week.
Quote from: Slider 46;294900Have you got yours yet Vobler? I fancy one but i thought i'd wait and see what you thought first.
I got it today. Mounted and working properly. :yahoo:
But I'll need a long time to get used to it. My mind tells me its better, but my body will not listen. The first few laps was horrible, its much better now, but I need a few days at least, just to get used to it. Then I can begin to learn it.
The travel is only about 10mm, and when pressing I can't feel the travel very good. It almost feels like it is pressure only.... I'm sure it will be great in a few days.
The package came right in to my mailbox marked as "customer sample" and "toy prototype for game" so I did not pay any tax or customs.
Quote from: vobler;294966The package came right in to my mailbox marked as "customer sample" and "toy prototype for game" so I did not pay any tax or customs.
:D
10mm pedal travel must feel a bit odd. Is that anywhere near to what race cars have?
Quote from: Romus;294971:D
10mm pedal travel must feel a bit odd. Is that anywhere near to what race cars have?
Yeah i thought that. I'm really hoping you mean 10cm:)
Steve are you aware of these already?:
http://www.cannonsimulationtechnologies.com/category-1.htm
Here's a video showing the pedal travel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-kTcejufjc
Quote from: Slider 46;294972Yeah i thought that. I'm really hoping you mean 10cm:)
Nope, the guy that made it is driving Formula V so he modeled it after that.
(On the iRacing forum somebody said: "Oh no, he is making our cars feel like
they have drum brakes" :) )
It is 10mm (or less)
10mm seems about right. Mine have got extra solid rubber buffers and off to full on is about 15mm but I've really got to be in serious trouble to get to that point! :blink:
Pretty much the same travel as the Nixim mod, then.
As for how realistic this is.. the brakes in Formula 1 apparently only move a couple of millimeters. I believe there's a general trend that higher performance race cars have very short throw..?
The "ideal brake" would let you adjust the throw on the fly for each car you drive. But no such brake exists yet (AFAIK). So we all just have to make do!
Vobler, did you try h&t yet? Any thoughts about how this feels compared to with unmodded pedals? :)
Quote from: Gnomie;294978Vobler, did you try h&t yet? Any thoughts about how this feels compared to with unmodded pedals? :)
To make h&t work on the G27 pedals I had to make the gas pedal and the brake the same height. But now it works perfect. In LFS however, the setups people use does not allow brake lockups, so the load cell is not so useful. You are better off to just floor the old pot pedal to threshold brake.
In iRacing it is much more useful. I'm not using it totally linear, but using 1.8-2.0 on the brake slider.
Quote from: vobler;294992In LFS however, the setups people use does not allow brake lockups, so the load cell is not so useful. You are better off to just floor the old pot pedal to threshold brake.
.
Ok, as i only use LFS at the mo', perhaps i'll live without this mod for now. Maybe i'll get a Nixim thingy instead and save a few quid. Cheers for that V.
Romus, i had seen those and but i had forgoten just how expensive they are:blink: I see they do some self build plans so maybe that might be worth a look as i considered making some before. Actualy building a nice adjustable set of my own design would not be much of a problem for me but i havnt looked at the electrical side of it yet. I assume these plans would cover that.
I should finish the bits ive done so far really before i look at making pedals. My mate has just been round to see about painting my cockpit and he can fit it in late next week. I cant wait, lol.:woot2: Ive also been toying with a button box made from an old keyboard. I reckon thats fairly simple but it has to look right so im still thinking on that. Hmmm, this is getting out of hand, lol.
Steve get this: http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836X/
You could use that for DIY pedals and for button boxes. It is very easy to use thanks to those push-in terminals. CST also get the electronics from Bodnar.
I have it and use it for my G25 pedals and for two button boxes and still have quite a many terminals unconnected. It gives higher resolution for the pedals than the original Logitech electronics.
Quote from: Romus;295021Steve get this: http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836X/
You could use that for DIY pedals and for button boxes. It is very easy to use thanks to those push-in terminals. CST also get the electronics from Bodnar.
I have it and use it for my G25 pedals and for two button boxes and still have quite a many terminals unconnected. It gives higher resolution for the pedals than the original Logitech electronics.
Cheers Romus, i shall look into it and replan.:D
A very interesting idea and looks very good considering it is still in pre alpha status
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/8332846.stm
Quote from: BrotherTobious;295485A very interesting idea and looks very good considering it is still in pre alpha status
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/8332846.stm
Yeah, Jamin thought it was so interesting it deserved its own thread (http://www.deadmen.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=29387) :)
Vobler,
I came across this at RSC. It's a mod for increasing the throw of the pedal with the Andy Pastore mod:
QuoteThe pedal travel stock is roughly 12mm (1/2inch) so it's very very solid feeling if that's what you're looking for. You can also change the throw if you don't mind modding the pieces yourself.
There is nothing serious involved in doing so and you could simply do it by removing the rubber spring at the end of the assembly (just slides off). That will gain you say another 12-15mm or more of travel if that's what you desire, and it has no adverse affects on it's performance. I've spoken with Andy on more than one occasion about this and he confirms.
You can also leave the rubber spring in and remove the metal spring that's inside the middle hole (also slides right out) and just run with the rubber spring if you desire a perfectly rock solid pedal with even less travel. It feels brilliant this way as well. I have personally left the spring in and shortened the rubber spring/plunger by a few mm to suit my tastes.
Quote from: Gnomie;295614Vobler,
I came across this at RSC. It's a mod for increasing the throw of the pedal with the Andy Pastore mod:
I'll stick with the stock one thank you....
hi all
i need to buy a new wheel, i was looking at the logitech pro / GT or the logitech momo, all similar price range. Ã,£50:g: (i have a budget so no g25)
IVe got one of these as my spare. Its not as good as the G25 but its a great starter/cheapy. Im not sure what others think of it but i was very happy with it until i had some money burning a hole in my pocket and grabbed a G25.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Driving-Force-Pro-Wheel-PS3/dp/B000XTD06E
Quote from: spudgun55;296519hi all
i need to buy a new wheel, i was looking at the logitech pro / GT or the logitech momo, all similar price range. Ã,£50:g: (i have a budget so no g25)
I have heard this is good. You may get it cheaper elsewhere. I recomend this as the cheapest wheel for racing.
http://www.play.com/Games/PlayStation3/4-/9102947/Logitech-Driving-Force-GT-Steering-Wheel-for-PC-PS3-PS2/Product.html
thanks for the feedback, i have just finished watching a review of this wheel on inside sim racing and they also gave it a very good review, better than the logitech pro:g:
Quote from: vobler;296530I have heard this is good. You may get it cheaper elsewhere. I recomend this as the cheapest wheel for racing.
http://www.play.com/Games/PlayStation3/4-/9102947/Logitech-Driving-Force-GT-Steering-Wheel-for-PC-PS3-PS2/Product.html
Moose was well pleased with his....when he used to use it. :sideways:
:)
Quote from: spudgun55;296533thanks for the feedback, i have just finished watching a review of this wheel on inside sim racing and they also gave it a very good review, better than the logitech pro:g:
Hi there, i would really recommend you go for the DFGT for that price. Here is a review i have written on GPC forum last year when i tested it.
QuoteA friend of mine has bought this wheel, and since he is no computer expert, i was there to help him with the installation. And of course, a little testing was about to occur.
First time i heard was when it was performing normal calibration procedure. It's mechanism sounded like DFP, and alot like DFP, not at all like G25. But it was very quick on calibration, just like G25 or even faster.
After startup, driver installation, testdrive Tested it with RBR, rotation 540, and also tweaked all RBR hidden FF settings (ConstantForceMultiplier removed, FF Torque increased, filters removed).
PS. While the game was being loaded, i was rotating it around, and noticed that it actually is smoother then G25. I guess due to lack of one motor = less gearing.
When i got on track, first test was on Rally School stage, and what a fantastic thing! It's smoothness is just fantastic, i could hardly tell i was driving on geared mechanism. Just that it has noticeably lower ff strength then G25. But it is sooo smooth.
And second note - it is as fast, maybe as G25. Didn't have much time for test, but in RBR i could play quite some "throw and catch" and it did very well.
Didn't test it with anything else, beneath rbr he has only rFactor, and no realfeel in it, so i didn't want to bother how the rumbling feels on this wheel
Build quality is very good, seems to me that rubber on the wheel is bit stiffer then that on DFP. Tons of buttons, everything which looks like it can be moved is somekind of button
Pedals - well look the same, maybe even feel the same as the dfp ones, don't remeber how dfp pedals actually felt. But the link above says these are different for good.
If you have some good pedal set and don't use H shifter, then this is the way to go.
Plus it has more buttons then you'll need. Maybe you would occasionally use all, but thats just occasionally. I like the way G25 feels in hand, just that leather feels way better then rubber on DFGT. I never liked rubber wheels.
But it is smoother then G25, and probably equally fast on countersteering.
Overall very good wheel, with slightly lower price it would be best buy. It would be also with this price just if it had better pedals, which are only major issue in the DFGT package.
Honestly, i wouldn't take those inside sim racing guys too seriously on some of the stuff, they said that Thrustmaster Ferrari F430 replica wheel is better then DFGT, which it isn't in any aspect. Few weeks ago i had a chance to test F430. Apart from the cute looking thing it fails miserably when compared to Logitech wheels.
FF is "notchy" and unsmooth even tough it uses a belt drive.
It's imprecise, uses potentiometer on the wheel - actually potentiometer is not the one to blame for imprecision, it's the A/D converter which it is connected to - it has very little resolution - you can see steps clearly when steering.
great reply guys, i think i am swaying for the GT, the best price i can find with delivery at the mo is Ã,£69 from digital fusion, seems quite a fair price me thinks:D
:clap:i sold some a few xbox 360 games and some old ram i had laying around and managed to get together some more dosh:D, after some more consideration i think its best to get the G25, i had a hunt around on the interweb and found dabs selling it for Ã,£119 inc vat and delivery, delivery date the 26th nov, same as my new pc so hopefully should tie up nice.
look forward to some lfs and iracing soon!!:yahoo:
thanks again all
:yahoo: Yeaahhhhh :yahoo:
26th? Oh, thats a Thursday, timing perfect-1st Race one hour :)
Very nice! :) You won't regret it.
Now for the wait.. I HATE waiting for stuff..!
A little taster. I have my race pit back today and its crackin'. Its as shiny as a shiny thing thats been shined up.:D
I was going to get all stickered up before i showed you lot but here are a couple of snaps anyway. They really dont do it justice though as my ol' mate Vince has done a great job on it. Cheers Vince if you see this:clap2:
Quote from: Slider 46;296654A little taster. I have my race pit back today and its crackin'. Its as shiny as a shiny thing thats been shined up.:D
Do you have drawings of that Slider? I want to build a seat frame and pedal stand myself and I'm especially interested in seat angles.
What is the best seat angle, and what is the best backrest angle for allround racing?
Quote from: vobler;296668Do you have drawings of that Slider? I want to build a seat frame and pedal stand myself and I'm especially interested in seat angles.
What is the best seat angle, and what is the best backrest angle for allround racing?
I dont have any digital drawings Vobler im afraid. I think the angle depends on personal comfort really. Also, space might mean the pedals need to be closer, so lower and therefore shorter overall with a steeper back angle(like a road car). My pedals are high and my legs are just about straight (F1 style) but its made it very long overall.
Your best bet, and what i did, was to sit on the floor and measure your self from seat to pedals. Then get your seat that youve already brought/made and just make a rough mock up like the pic below. It looks basic 'coz it is but it will let you try a few different positions really quickly. Its only 10 min's to unscrew, cut here or there and screw back on. Use it for a few days until you feel its about to collapse on you to make sure your happy.
Then i got some wall paper liner, rolled it out on the floor and marked the relative points that i measured from the mockup. As long as you have those, you can draw the rest any shape you like. Cut these out when you like your full size drawing and transfer to mdf. Jobs a goodun'.:D
OR, I could knock up some basic drawings for you if you'd prefer. PM your email and i will see what i can do. I dont know how good at DIY you are but just ask and i'll help where i can.:D
Quote from: Slider 46;296734Your best bet, and what i did, was to sit on the floor and measure your self from seat to pedals. Then get your seat that youve already brought/made and just make a rough mock up like the pic below. It looks basic 'coz it is but it will let you try a few different positions really quickly. Its only 10 min's to unscrew, cut here or there and screw back on. Use it for a few days until you feel its about to collapse on you to make sure your happy.
The one in the picture is along the lines of what I am looking for. Will do some measurements and find a seat first. Thanks!
Quote from: Slider 46;296654A little taster. I have my race pit back today and its crackin'. Its as shiny as a shiny thing thats been shined up.:D
I was going to get all stickered up before i showed you lot but here are a couple of snaps anyway. They really dont do it justice though as my ol' mate Vince has done a great job on it. Cheers Vince if you see this:clap2:
Damn that's looking nice :norty:
Tell me if im boring you with all these pics. Ive had a play with my vinyl cutter tonight.....:D
Again, its not photographing too well but you'll get the idea. For some reason the silver just doesnt look shiny in the pic's. Still some more stickers to do but its getting there. The monitor bracket needs tidying and paint. The stand needs paint and the front leg needs something nicer...and paint. And that wall needs some skirting board.:rolleyes:
I'm also assuming im allowed to put dmr on it? Let me know if i shouldnt for some reason and i'll whip 'em off.
That is brilliant. Sad, but brilliant. :D Seriously, terrific work. It must be really immersive. You are to be applauded. :thumbsup2:
Quote from: Doorman;297225That is brilliant. Sad, but brilliant. :D Seriously, terrific work. It must be really immersive. You are to be applauded. :thumbsup2:
Oh its sad alright :lmfao: .S'pose its no different to making models or painting pictures for fun. I'll probably get board with it when ive finished building it.:doh:
(hmm, mkII???)
That's marvellous, Steve. Well done!
Quote from: Slider 46;297224Tell me if im boring you with all these pics. Ive had a play with my vinyl cutter tonight.....:D
Again, its not photographing too well but you'll get the idea. For some reason the silver just doesnt look shiny in the pic's. Still some more stickers to do but its getting there. The monitor bracket needs tidying and paint. The stand needs paint and the front leg needs something nicer...and paint. And that wall needs some skirting board.:rolleyes:
I'm also assuming im allowed to put dmr on it? Let me know if i shouldnt for some reason and i'll whip 'em off.
Very nice! Should be good WAF as well, compared to my cockpit :D.
Wow! I'm impressed, very nice work! :dribble:
Yesterday when I was supposed to be studying, I made some plans for a wall-mounted triple-monitor holder. The idea is that:
1) The arm should be pretty long so that I can pivot it from my racing rig to my desk
2) The joint where the monitors attach to the arm should also allow rotation
3) The monitors should be able to go from a 45 degree angle (for racing) to a straight configuration (for my desk)
Something like this (from above):
(http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2893/utennavnhi.png) (http://img269.imageshack.us/i/utennavnhi.png/)
I've made all the plans actually.. it will be "ghetto-style", using the fork from an old bicycle for the main monitor joint. :flirty: It shouldn't even require any welding.
So, this is "plan B" if the projector thing doesn't work out.
Quote from: Slider 46;297224I'm also assuming im allowed to put dmr on it? Let me know if i shouldnt for some reason and i'll whip 'em off.
Best check with Penfold. :flirty:
Quote from: Gnomie;2972411) The arm should be pretty long so that I can pivot it from my racing rig to my desk
2) The joint where the monitors attach to the arm should also allow rotation
3) The monitors should be able to go from a 45 degree angle (for racing) to a straight configuration (for my desk)
Gnomie, have you felt the total weight of three monitors matey? I cant believe how tight ALL my brackets etc had to be to stop them creeping forward and the whole racepit creeks when they go on thier pole:blink:. I know yours will be hanging down but the monitors will still try and tilt forward when you put them at 45 degrees'. It was the biggest problem i had to sort out from the whole build of mine. My frame setup now is about plan G, :lmfao:.
I can see your idea but i reckon it would have to be quite a big solid thing to keep the twisting in check. There again, your screens might be super lightweight. Good luck:)
Yeah I know... these buggers are heavy! :sideways: I plan to deal with the worst of it using using a steel wire to support the arm. That way the arm can actually be quite weak, since the wire will support the weight and the beam will only be in compression.
(http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/517/utennavni.png) (http://img137.imageshack.us/i/utennavni.png/)
But, like you say, the holders need to be very solid too.. I'm planning to use some heavy-duty door hinges, kind of like these:
(http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9485/gate20hinge2005.jpg) (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/gate20hinge2005.jpg/)
I also have plans for how to allow the monitors to slide left/right as I change the angle between them from 0 to 45 degrees.. (otherwise there will be big gaps between them, which isn't nice..) but the details for this are only in my head ATM.
I got my 3-screen setup yesterday, and I'm pleased to say it is up and running. Very tight fit to get the HD5870 in to the case though. It's very big.
I have tried it both in LFS and iRacing. FPS is much lower now than with the 9800 and single screen, but that is due to CPU limitations. Still I got 60-90 with 15 people in the Corvette at Mosport. I think I can live with that for a while. My MB does not OC well so I guess I will start hunting for a new Mainboard and CPU too....:D
Oh dear, I'm being left behind. :sad: piccies, piccies!
Quote from: Doorman;301168piccies, piccies!
:withstupid:
Quote from: Doorman;301168Oh dear, I'm being left behind. :sad: piccies, piccies!
No pictures, its just 3 HP screens on my desk. No fancy cockpit or anything.
Here is a few vids of how it looks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fYwEj0bQBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lztxM_VGGI8
I seem to remember that you had one of those HD 5000 cards too. You need two more monitors with the same resolution that the one you have. And one of them need to have Displayport input. A displayport cable and you are set.
Quote from: vobler;301173I seem to remember that you had one of those HD 5000 cards too. You need two more monitors with the same resolution that the one you have. And one of them need to have Displayport input. A displayport cable and you are set.
Yes I have a 5870, but I'm not inclined to buy 2 more 22" widescreens. The acreage they'd take up! :blink:
I have to say that that's the best example of showing how three screens work I've seen. I'm impressed. :)
Quote from: Doorman;301178I have to say that that's the best example of showing how three screens work I've seen. I'm impressed. :)
What he said :D
Quote from: vobler;301173Here is a few vids of how it looks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fYwEj0bQBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lztxM_VGGI8
Man, watching those videos really makes you realize how absolutely
horrible LFS looks :blink:
Quote from: obsolum;301240Man, watching those videos really makes you realize how absolutely horrible LFS looks :blink:
You old crowd pleaser you. :rolleyes:
Quote from: vobler;301167I got my 3-screen setup yesterday, and I'm pleased to say it is up and running. Very tight fit to get the HD5870 in to the case though. It's very big.
I have tried it both in LFS and iRacing. FPS is much lower now than with the 9800 and single screen, but that is due to CPU limitations.
Man I'm so jealous, you're video's are superb :)
You're talking about you're current CPU being a bottleneck, may I ask what kind of specs are you currently running on?
Quote from: Katsushika Matsumoto;301328Man I'm so jealous, you're video's are superb :)
You're talking about you're current CPU being a bottleneck, may I ask what kind of specs are you currently running on?
I did not shoot those videos, I just linked in some from youtube.
Computer has
ECS Elitegroup P45T-A main board
Intel Q9550 stock
Quote from: vobler;301334I did not shoot those videos, I just linked in some from youtube.
Computer has
ECS Elitegroup P45T-A main board
Intel Q9550 stock
Oh ok, misread you there :g: :D
and thanks for the info :)
I stumbled over this when trying to improve my FF/input lag. I even think it works!
Right click the sim .exe file and select properties. Select the Compatibility tab and check the box for ââ,¬Å"Disable desktop compositionââ,¬Â
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/easily-disable-vistas-aero-before-running-an-application-such-as-a-video-game/
Hope it helps for you too.
Edit: Link to "Input lag explained" article
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3601&p=1
Hmm, interesting. I can't say I've ever noticed any input lag in my sims but I guess it can't hurt to disable the desktop composition. Thanks for the tip :)
Quote from: obsolum;301991Hmm, interesting. I can't say I've ever noticed any input lag in my sims but I guess it can't hurt to disable the desktop composition. Thanks for the tip :)
It's not always easy to notice, but in iRacing I often see it. It is easiest to see if you get in to a slide and when you are correcting you get a violent reaction the other way. The reason for this is not the physics, but lag in the PC. It may also be felt when going too fast over curbs or bumps where the car jumps around. Lag in FF/steering input/screen output may make you feel insecure. In normal driving within the cars limits it is not so easy to spot.
I have spent the last few days firing off emails to Logitech support following 'pot' failure on the brake and clutch pedals.
Yesterday they hinted that they may replace G25 if I could supply a copy of the invoice, so after thrashing around in various files I found it :yahoo:
Unfortunately it was dated 29 December 2007 so the 2 year guarantee had run out over a month ago :crying: Nevertheless I sent them a scanned copy, more in hope than expectation. Today, the miserable gits informed that as they no longer manufacture the G25 they could not supply me with a replacement :taz:
However, would I allow them to supply a G27 in its stead? :woot2::dribble::yahoo::clap::thumbsup::thumb:
:huggy::winkiss::biggrin::3cheers::happy::clap2:
Brilliant service- can only recommend
Quote from: Lameduck;303760I have spent the last few days firing off emails to Logitech support following 'pot' failure on the brake and clutch pedals.
Yesterday they hinted that they may replace G25 if I could supply a copy of the invoice, so after thrashing around in various files I found it :yahoo:
Unfortunately it was dated 29 December 2007 so the 2 year guarantee had run out over a month ago :crying: Nevertheless I sent them a scanned copy, more in hope than expectation. Today, the miserable gits informed that as they no longer manufacture the G25 they could not supply me with a replacement :taz:
However, would I allow them to supply a G27 in its stead? :woot2::dribble::yahoo::clap::thumbsup::thumb:
:huggy::winkiss::biggrin::3cheers::happy::clap2:
Brilliant service- can only recommend
Sweet Bob!
I knew they where all right guys. Bet you can keep your G25 for spares too?
Quote from: Seany;303762Sweet Bob!
I knew they where all right guys. Bet you can keep your G25 for spares too?
Indeed, no mention of returning the G25 :D
That's a good deal, I reckon :)
Would they become suspicious if we all contacted them about similar issues all of a sudden? :g: :lmfao:
A bit too hectic for my liking :blink:
Could you imagine a one hour race in the MRT @ South City Chicane? :roflmao:
I understand they got the design from Slider46 :g:
Excellent!
...
Now I can only hope the price goes down to my budget and the "thing" gets resized so that it can ship for a low cost and fit in my available space :) See you in 15 years!
If a real single seater moved about that much I can see some engineers getting sacked!!
BoB
I find that i keep over revving some of the road cars due to them not sounding like they have revved enough yet. My fault and i do get used to it over the week but i have been thinking about an external shift light for quite a while. The lfs one is to small and not bright enough for my liking, if its there at all. You can buy some little led jobbies which they are quite cool but were about £60 if i remember correctly.
Whilst looking into making one i found this for Android phones. Its free, it took about a minite to change a few numbers in the lfs cfg file and it worked instantly on my galaxy s. It looks quite cool to. Very simple and handy if you have an andriod.:D
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_games/arcade_and_action/lfs-dashboard_nlxg.html
and here it is in action (not mine)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWLf8E7HFKQ
In digital display mode, the whole screen turns to a red background at the limit. Ive only had it working on the laptop with replays but i shall try it on the racepit tonight.
Really neat app, good find.:)
Cant wait til they get it to work on my Nokia 3310 :rolleyes:
Those with Logitech controllers may be interested in the following site
http://www.thesimshop.com/ and the source http://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=130692
I'm going to give my pots a squirt of contact cleaning fluid and if that dont work I'll try the sim shop for new ones.
Straight from Blue Peter
http://youtu.be/I96fkD36MKY
I guess this answers most of tonights questions :D
The markings on the original pots are; 103870-1000 10k/70 0928
The DigiKey Part No was 450D103-6-ND
Digi item sure looks like the same part, however the shaft collar (threaded) of the g27 pot looks longer than the one in the pic posted, but shouldn't be a problem to swap out using the uploaded video below (Lameduck post) for reference.
http://media.digikey.com/photos/CTS%20Photos/450V%207%5E8%20INCH%20FLAT%20SERIES.jpg
$3.50 CND + Taxes (.51) + $8.00 shipping = $12.01 CND
Frankly if mine were acting up, I'd go with the ducks post and do the repair rather than buying first
Ant
'Ello folks. Just something ive tried and it works very well. Its pretty cheap and easy to setup too :)
Have look....
http://www.racedepartment.com/downloads/shakeit-diy-rumble-feedback-for-assettocorsa-codmasters-pcars-rf1-rf2-iracing.13563/
Quote from: Slider 46;428801'Ello folks. Just something ive tried and it works very well. Its pretty cheap and easy to setup too :)
Have look....
http://www.racedepartment.com/downloads/shakeit-diy-rumble-feedback-for-assettocorsa-codmasters-pcars-rf1-rf2-iracing.13563/
Very cool, clever idea that.
Impressive, I like that idea!
I might be replacing my somewhat broken and worn G27 with something else.
Tendency is towards a Thrustmaster TS-PC with a full rim (https://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/products/ts-pc-racer-ferrari-488-challenge-edition). I'd be glad to hear thoughts or even experiences...
Quote from: Neys;441897I might be replacing my somewhat broken and worn G27 with something else.
Tendency is towards a Thrustmaster TS-PC with a full rim (https://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/products/ts-pc-racer-ferrari-488-challenge-edition). I'd be glad to hear thoughts or even experiences...
I was looking at the Thrustmaster T-GT, which is essentially the TS-PC but aimed at Playstation and PC.
In the end I preferred the Fanatec ecosystem and went with the CSL Elite PS4 Starter kit, which is £512. With the intention to upgrade the brake to load cell and later a Clubsport wheel.
https://fanatec.com/eu-en/bundles/csl-elite-ps4-starter-kit
Not sure if that is at all helpful.
Quote from: Neys;441897I might be replacing my somewhat broken and worn G27 with something else.
Tendency is towards a Thrustmaster TS-PC with a full rim (https://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/products/ts-pc-racer-ferrari-488-challenge-edition). I'd be glad to hear thoughts or even experiences...
No idea about that particular wheel, but just thought I'd let you know what I was considering if I had to get a new wheel. (Though thanks to the USA China trade war, prices have increased a bit since last year, which is a shame)
Fanatec CSL Elite Wheel Base 1.1 â,¬349.95 : https://fanatec.com/eu-en/racing-wheels-wheel-bases/wheel-bases/csl-elite-wheel-base-v1.1
CSL Elite Steering Wheel P1 â,¬179.95: https://fanatec.com/eu-en/steering-wheels/csl-elite-steering-wheel-p1-for-xbox-one (They used to have a version of this a year ago that was only â,¬100, without the Alcantara covering! Seems they stopped making it :( )
Hope that doesn't add any confusion for you :D . Like I say, I have no idea which would be better, but the Fanatec is what I gravitated towards when I was looking at upgrading about a year ago. Price played big part, but that's not so clear cut now with the price increase and them not stocking that nice â,¬100 version of the basic wheel rim any more. But, anything is probably going to feel a lot better than a 10+ year old G27 that has driven the equivalent to the Moon and back several times :lol: :racing:
This website will be useful no matter what you choose. It has adapters that will let you continue to use the G27 pedals and shifter separately with other wheels: http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/
G27 Shifter Adapter: http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_id=188&zenid=635c7598679c2c4b9edfcd2337b72a7c
G27 Pedals Adapter: http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_id=187
PS here is a video review about the wheel you were looking at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSwZpS2fiR0 - Not watched myself, but this guy does really good reviews and detailed looks at sim racing hardware.
Quote from: smite;441898I was looking at the Thrustmaster T-GT, which is essentially the TS-PC but aimed at Playstation and PC.
In the end I preferred the Fanatec ecosystem and went with the CSL Elite PS4 Starter kit, which is £512. With the intention to upgrade the brake to load cell and later a Clubsport wheel.
https://fanatec.com/eu-en/bundles/csl-elite-ps4-starter-kit
Not sure if that is at all helpful.
Every comment is always helpful - thank you :)
Quote from: Seany;441899No idea about that particular wheel, but just thought I'd let you know what I was considering if I had to get a new wheel. (Though thanks to the USA China trade war, prices have increased a bit since last year, which is a shame)
Fanatec CSL Elite Wheel Base 1.1 â,¬349.95 : https://fanatec.com/eu-en/racing-wheels-wheel-bases/wheel-bases/csl-elite-wheel-base-v1.1
CSL Elite Steering Wheel P1 â,¬179.95: https://fanatec.com/eu-en/steering-wheels/csl-elite-steering-wheel-p1-for-xbox-one (They used to have a version of this a year ago that was only â,¬100, without the Alcantara covering! Seems they stopped making it :( )
Hope that doesn't add any confusion for you :D . Like I say, I have no idea which would be better, but the Fanatec is what I gravitated towards when I was looking at upgrading about a year ago. Price played big part, but that's not so clear cut now with the price increase and them not stocking that nice â,¬100 version of the basic wheel rim any more. But, anything is probably going to feel a lot better than a 10+ year old G27 that has driven the equivalent to the Moon and back several times :lol: :racing:
This website will be useful no matter what you choose. It has adapters that will let you continue to use the G27 pedals and shifter separately with other wheels: http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/
G27 Shifter Adapter: http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_id=188&zenid=635c7598679c2c4b9edfcd2337b72a7c
G27 Pedals Adapter: http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_id=187
PS here is a video review about the wheel you were looking at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSwZpS2fiR0 - Not watched myself, but this guy does really good reviews and detailed looks at sim racing hardware.
Thanks for all the links! The review was very detailed - I very much appreciate that the guy actually disassembles the hardware. Conclusion seems to be that the CSL Elite is very very similar to the Thrusmaster TS-PC (that was also the result of another youtube comparison here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCyFQvHU-u8 - though I think that this guy is not as trusty than simracing garage). Quality-wise the Thrustmaster might be a tiny bit better. Both are way worse than the Clubsport V2.5 - that really is a clean design, but it comes with a price!
I already had seen the G27 adapters but given that the pedals also drove to the moon already and that I recently lost my reverse gear I think I'll not buy them. They are not really cheap and the shipping to Germany might be expensive as well. BTW: There is also a DIY alternative here https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/diy-logitech-g25-g27-shifter-pedals-usb-adapter.349367/ - but I think I am too old for this stuff already :) 10 years ago I'd probably went this path but today - hmm - I can also throw some money at stuff like that :D (maybe it would be easy to build an arduino-based adapter for the two without the PCB assembly stuff ...)
So this means that there will be also need for pedals and shifter, and that would be another 250 â,¬, if I go the Thrustmaster path. This price is pretty crazy, but if you want to have a clutch then you seem to need to spend at least 200 â,¬ for quality stuff (I think the G27 was cheaper at the time when I bought it...).
An arduino-based adapter already exists here: https://github.com/functionreturnfunction/G27_Pedals_and_Shifter
That one look pretty easy and cheap to build...
Quote from: Neys;441908An arduino-based adapter already exists here: https://github.com/functionreturnfunction/G27_Pedals_and_Shifter
That one look pretty easy and cheap to build...
Nice find, that's very cool.
Quote from: Neys;441902So this means that there will be also need for pedals and shifter, and that would be another 250 â,¬, if I go the Thrustmaster path. This price is pretty crazy, but if you want to have a clutch then you seem to need to spend at least 200 â,¬ for quality stuff (I think the G27 was cheaper at the time when I bought it...).
Yeah it's pretty crazy when you look back at how much value for money the G27/25 was. Sure the quality/functionality is not near what the modern triple pedal sets are, but they were a good compromise of quality vs price.
I'm sure you could fix the G27 shifter and get the Reverse working again. And the G27 pedals could still be ok with a bit of maintenance? I found with the last time I did a big clean of my G27 pedals, that putting a small plastic bag around each of the potentiometers is helping to keep them clean and not spiking for a lot longer. And combined with the Rubber block mod inside the brake spring, that improved the brake feel a lot more (nowhere near as good as a loadcell or hydraulics though, of course).
OK, I've ordered the Thrustmaster wheel now. It was a head-to-head race with the CSL Elite, but in the end, the CSL wheels (not the bases) were not very convincing for me; the quality of the Thrustmaster wheel looks a lot better to me than comparable Fanatec ones. I might be wrong though...
Cost was 590â,¬ including shipment, ordered directly at the Thrustmaster shop. I was a little bit bewildered after the order, that the company sits in France. So in case of something is wrong or a drawback from my side, I have to ship it to France now :/ In the beginning I was thinking that I'd see a German shop.
Also ordered the Arduino together with plugs and cables.
Should be a nice upgrade!
Hi Neys,
Arriving after the horse has bolted as they say, but I din't think you'll be dissapointed. Thats a decent wheel base, and the wheel has plenty of knobs and buttons (They are a big help if you start playing much ACC, where you can't have too many.) If you fancy another wheel at a later date, the Thrstmaster ones are much more reasonable than the fanatec more expensive offerings, and should be durable if not nessisarily as fancy.
My brother got his T300 RS GT from Thrustmaster recently (direct from their shop), and it arrived much sooner than the delivery estimate.
Another day, another person bypassing my old Accurforce wheel, Boo
Hopefully see you on track soon.
Deetz.
Oh and if do want a Bodner Logitech shifter adapter, I've one you could have.
Hi Deetz,
yeah I'm looking forward to shipment now :D hopefully it'll arrive until the weekend (it's not very likely though...). Regarding the logitech adapter, I think I'll build it myself with the Arduino Mod. Hopefully I'll be able to find a workaround for the reverse gear in the Arduino SW. Having the logitech shifter in place is also great because of the many many many buttons on it!
See you soon on track!
Neys
Regarding your Accuforce wheel, I think it makes more sense to find someone in Britain - the shipment costs to the continent were ridiculous when I checked last, a few years ago. Also, my setup is not very suitable to a DD wheel, I need a desk mounting possibility, and I have heard that beast through your microphone :) not compatible with the fragile stuff on my desk :D
Hi Neys,
I agree on the delivery, international carriage is always crazy expensive.
On the shifter front, when my G25 shifter finially gave up the ghost, I was lost for a while due to the lack of buttons. Bought a 16button, button box and couldn't get used to it, and then spent way too much on a Ascher racing wireless wheel base. Finally getting back to having usable buttons.
Deetz
OK, so the new wheel arrived - and I thought I'd give a little update here with the experiences so far:
1. Ordered at thrustmaster shop and the box arrived well before the advertised date. That's pretty cool!
2. The wheel itself has good quality, however there are also some complains. First, two of the buttons on it are mapped to the same function, even when switching from "Standard setup" to "Advanced setup". Not such a big deal when you know it but also unnecessary... The tactility (is this the word?) of the buttons could be better, the logitech wheel button feel was better. Otherwise I am pleased with the haptics of the Alcantara leather and fact that the wheel is noticably larger than my old G27.
3. The wheel base is - as expected - much stronger than the G27 and I very much enjoy the much more detailed FFB. Slides are felt a little sooner than with the G27. I've had some trouble with mounting it to my desk using the clamps. Even when the screw was strongly tightened, the wheel had a tendency to be pulled from the desk. I fixed that we a small piece of wood mounted to the bottom side of the desk preventing the wheel from being pulled from the desk. So far this works very well. Mounting the wheel to the base is a little strange - you have to put a screw throw the wheel-base plastic ring (here there is already a hole) into the wheel which doesn't have a hole by default. Well. It works. I probably won't detach it oftenly, so it's ok.
4. The thrustmaster driver is quite puristic. There is the standard vs advanced mode, where you definitely want to go with advanced mode. A page with the settings: only some 6 settings like overall force, damping, spring, etc. No game specific stuff. A page where you can test the button and axises. A driver/firmware update page. That's about it. I like it, but it has only limited functionality. Usually I prefer to change settings in game.
All in all I'm very pleased with the upgrade and there are no regrets at all! Driving good old McLaren F1 on Nordschleife is amazing :D
Quote from: Neys;441908An arduino-based adapter already exists here: https://github.com/functionreturnfunction/G27_Pedals_and_Shifter
That one look pretty easy and cheap to build...
Today I've build that one and it works like a charm :) I could even "fix" reverse gear in SW - when I press the right red button when putting it in 6th gear it's reverse. Very cool.
Most difficult part (for me) was the soldering of the "break away headers" to the arduino using a soldering iron designed for much larger parts than the tiny arduino connectors... All other parts didn't need soldering. All in all the parts are about 20 Euro, and you get one adapter for both the shifter and pedals.
Quote from: Neys;442110Today I've build that one and it works like a charm :) I could even "fix" reverse gear in SW - when I press the right red button when putting it in 6th gear it's reverse. Very cool.
Most difficult part (for me) was the soldering of the "break away headers" to the arduino using a soldering iron designed for much larger parts than the tiny arduino connectors... All other parts didn't need soldering. All in all the parts are about 20 Euro, and you get one adapter for both the shifter and pedals.
Very nice. Yeah it can be a bit a of a pain trying to solder small stuff with an iron that's a bit big for the job :taz: