[bad robot]

Ive tinkered with the idea of buying some of the high end racing cockpits in the past but ultimately i see failings from them all not to mention the price.

The basis of this thread is for those interested who share a similar passion and like me may of looked many forums and seen inspiration from other "home made" projects. I intend to show many that i have come across and discuss points regarding them or indeed if readers here want to upload images of their faves then lets combine the best we have seen to perhaps discover if indeed we can create something of our own at some point.

I will outline some problematic issues along the way on things that have crossed my mind but at the same time share ideas and inspiration with those here wanting to get involved.

My own main requirements is for GT5 playing and (assuming it will support 3way screens) however PC, 360 may also be considered.


Lets Look At Buying Options First
The Best Options:

Forget Game Racer or indeed Playseats or anything similar im wanting to go to a new level, but at the same time avoid the hardcore level were some spend £1000s on selective racing components such as wheels, shifters and pedals for the high end PC scene.

Renn Sport Fanatec

This looks pretty good but the price is just silly, particulary when you begin to add the options. Although while it has many advantages over some giving me good inspiration it doesnt quite just tick all my boxes.Benifits are the adjustments available to the seat wheel pedals and having no central bar in front of the pedals. The sliding keyboard tray idea may also be worth keeping in mind.


Vision Racer
The new VR3 isnt yet available but is due in 2009.
Its got the build quality, great looks, best looking imo and a cracking seat.
What it doesnt have is enough adjustments for the wheel positioning, or indeed keyboard tray options.
Even a laptop or wireless keyboard is used by many when playing PS3 so this is problem i have with this elegent yet simplistic design


Game Pod
This just looks like a slight improvement over "Playseats" and although decent something like this could be built without too much hassle.
It wouldnt be much of a improvement and if anything buying a new seat for the Playseat frame would be just as good.


More to follow.....

[bad robot]

Reserved for images of some of the best home made and specialist or corporate projects.

Although many home projects are quite stylish I have to say that the Fanatec option does cover a few of my needs and is close to representing what i have in mind:
However it looks awkward to get into and im not so fussed on the rollcage type of styling.

Regarding 3 way screens im very much in favour of having this, X360 is very cheap now and PS3 (already own 2) with a 3rd could also be added at a decent amount extra.
Monitors would be anything from £140 - £180 each as they keep falling in price so 3way play on a console now isnt anywhere near as bad as it was when FM2 arrived.
FM3 and GT5 im sure will both support the feature. Its immersion benifits are imense over a single large screen.


Currently so far only FM2 supports this feature on Consoles:
GT4 does support multi screen also but from what i read it is only in TT mode which kinda sucks as one of the main "OMG Moments" you experience in multiple screens is being able to see the cars around you and on corners. You also get an impression of a much larger open world it feels more like 3D when seeing bits of the scenary flying past you that you just dont see in a single screen tunnel mode. On top of this the additional speed effect you get from the game adds to the enjoyment.

Modified G25 with proper racing wheel

More 3 Way Screen Action

Alienware DLP Borderless Curved Screen
Achieve a similar effect with 3xTFT with frames removed and placed in a self built front/surround?

Frame Ideas:

I like a Dash Effect

Arcade Influence

[bad robot]

Current Ideas So far


Steering Wheel Options
The G25 is still holding up strong for me. Like many here i purchased one with a Playseat and although reasonably happy i want to go to a higher level of comfort and build particular in the pedals. I rarely use the H shifter and prefer to run with the paddles and tbh i dont bother with GT5's Clutch compatibility.

It is however very annoying that if Forza 3 appears on X360 and is expected to be a great game that swapping wheels etc just isnt a simple process particulary with a racing cockpit. With Microsofts reluctance to support the G25 (if indeed technically possible) brings me to offering alternatives

Upcoming Products:
Of course the new GT3 wheel has caught my eye and is being considered to replace the G25. See it further down as it certainly looks the part.

Will Logitech Have a New Wheel In 2009?
Their is in my opinion a position in the market for a G25 with X360 support and if anthing go even further towards build quality.
Fantec are offering such a product so why cant Logitech. Then again its all down to licenscing but you would think a G25 replacement would be coming?


Fanatec
These guys have now brought out several wheels now, which surprised me as I remember all the fuss about the original Porsche Wheel coming and it was considered the G25 was better in many respects. Since then though their has been more wheels, why they made them look similar doesnt help and although i didnt know at the time you can actually buy a Fanatec wheel seperate from the pedals etc. The other option is that they can be adapted to run with G25 pedals, ahh that might be handy for some.

Wheel Products

Wheel Accessories

Wheel Comparison Chart

Wheel Price Comparison

Product Images

Fanatec Forums


Being able to mix with other products is a unique advantage so far for Fanatec.
It would be a possible benifit for someone to replace the G25 wheel they already own with an X360 compatible wheel product and not have to purchase new pedals at all but continue to use their G25 pedals. The other main benifit of this is from an installation point of view in that only the Wheel need be changed rather than like trying to swap a G25 Wheel/Pedals out for an Official X360Wheel/Pedal set its just not feasable every time you want to play the other platform. It takes alot of time to position and tighten a wheel and pedals to any racing frame.

Also the Fanatec wheels have all the required buttons on the wheel and not like the G25 on the H-Shifter.
Thats one disadvantage of the G25 in my opinion having only 2 buttons.
Also the Fanatec wheels are considerabley thicker,chunkier than the G25 so may offer further comfort.


Heres an illustration of a neat designed wheel but with how many buttons?
Yes although you wouldnt think looking at it this wheel has the exact same amount of buttons / D-PAD as a G25 has with its shifter.

Lets look at the Fanatec Options Worth Considering

Porsche 911 Turbo S Wheel -Pure edition- Approx £180

This is the product im referrring to. Being compatible with X360 / PS3 / PC
This product also has backlit illumination for the wheels buttons (see you tube videos) although the new upcoming RS wheel does not include this feature.
Fanatec have it a little confusing with their products as the "Pure Edition" comes as only the wheel.
Please see the chart what comes with what and the features/specs each has.

Content:
Force Feedback leather racing wheel for Xbox360
power supply
Adapter to connect pedals of Microsoft wireless wheel for Xbox360
Adapter to connect pedals of Logitech G25

NOT included but available optional:
pedals
shifters
RF dongle for PlayStation®3 and PC compatibility

Compatibility:

Xbox360:
The wheel is compatible to all games which support the Microsoft wireless wheel for Xbox360.
The 6+1 Speed shifter is compatible to all future racing games which support this shifter.

With the optional RF dongle (PWTRF) you can upgrade the compatibility and make the wheel compatible to PlayStation®3 and PC games with full Force feedback effects

Pedal compatibility:
Microsoft wireless wheel for Xbox360
Logitech G25
Porsche 911 Carrera wheel
Porsche 911 Turbo S wheel
Fanatec Clubsport pedals

See here for details



Porsche 911 Turbo S Wheel -ClubSport Edition- Approx £450

As a complete package the "Clubsport Edition" includes the dongle, shifters and new metal pedals but costs an approx whoppping £450
Yes that is alot but these new pedals alone cost approx £200 if purchased as an extra. At least Fanatec give you the option of buying seperatly what you will need and like me if you may not want a shifter your not going to be paying for one if buying seperate. The part problem though with this is by the time you buy the basic product in the wheel itself then the clubsport pedals, and the USB dongle then theirs only approx £40 difference from buying the complete package anyways so you may as well have the gear shifters.

Is it worth paying approx £160 more for this product to have X360 support and fancy backlighting?
It would nearly be as feasible like me if you didnt want the gear shifters in buying the GT3 Clubsport wheel below with the pedals and a seperate Turbo S wheel on its own with only then the USB dongle @ £30 to buy. Confusing as it is but this way you would have 2 wheels and X360 support and the Clubsport pedals with needed dongle for approx £499. Yes its spending then £50 more again than the Turbo Clubsport package cost but hell for £50 you get 2xWHEELS almost seems better value doesnt it?


Content:

Force Feedback racing wheel with leather wheel rim for Xbox360
RF dongle for compatibility to PlayStation®3 and PC
Clubsport pedals (metal)
6+1 speed gear shift
Sequential gearshift
1 GB Porsche USB stick with software
Steel Plate (for pedals)
power supply
quick guide
drilling template


Compatibility:

Xbox360:
The wheel is compatible to all games which support the Microsoft wireless wheel for Xbox360.
The 6+1 Speed shifter is compatible to all future racing games which support this shifter.


With the RF dongle (PWTRF) the wheel is compatible to PlayStation®3 and PC games with full Force feedback effects


pedal compatibility:
Microsoft wireless wheel for Xbox360
Logitech G25
Porsche 911 Carrera wheel
Porsche 911 Turbo S wheel
Fanatec Clubsport pedals

See Here For Details




Porsche 911 GT3 RS Wheel (Due March 2009) Approx £169.95

The weird thing though with this new wheel is the price:

What do i mean?
Well the Clubsport pedals are approx £200, ok hold that price in your head, the GT3RS wheel on its own is approx £169 so youd expect the Clubsport version with the pedals included to cost approx £369, but for some reason its £289 so you save £80 buying pedals as a set in the Clubsport GT3RS.

Its funny how the same discount isnt applied to the 911 Turbo S wheel unless they later revise their pricing.

Content:

Force Feedback racing wheel with belt drive
Quick guide
Power supply
Adapter cable to connect the pedals of the Logitech G25 or pedals which are compatible to the G25
Note: Driver and manual must be downloaded from www.Fanatec.com -> Support

Recommended aceesories:

Clubsport pedals
Shifter set for Porsche wheels with sequential shifter and 6+1 shifter
Clubsport table clamp to adjust the angle and improve stability.
Rennsport Wheel Stand
RennSport Cockpit



Compatibility:

PC: All racing games which support Force Feedback racing wheels.
The vibration motor on the brake and the LED display need special plug-ins which can be downloaded from the support section.
PlayStation 3: Most popular racing games which support Force Feedback racing wheels.



Porsche 911 GT3 RS Wheel -Clubsport- Approx £289

Great looking wheel and it offers the same specs as the more expensive "Turbo S" apart from having the new Alacantra Leather and of course this product isnt X360 compatible.


Content:

Force Feedback racing wheel with belt drive
Clubsport Pedals
USB cable to use pedals as stand alone product
connection cable from wheel to pedals
Quick guide
Power supply
Note: Driver and manual must be downloaded from www.Fanatec.com -> Support

Recommended accessories:

Shifter set for Porsche wheels with sequential shifter and 6+1 shifter
Clubsport table clamp to adjust the angle and improve stability.
Rennsport Wheel Stand
RennSport Cockpit



Compatibility:

PC: All racing games which support Force Feedback racing wheels.
The vibration motor on the brake and the LED display need special plug-ins which can be downloaded from the support section.
PlayStation 3: Most popular racing games which support Force Feedback racing wheels.
Note: Not all games support the clutch and the optional 6+1 shifter



ClubSport Pedals Approx £200 If Bought As a Seperate Item
G25 owners may decide to upgrade to these as the build quality and feel is certain to be in a new league.
However at the price what else would you expect considering these cost approx £30 more than a full G25 set would.

An old saying applies here, if it dont look cheap it probably isnt.

See You Tube for lots of videos including a close up look at these new pedals.
Anyone interested can get comparisons between Fanatec Wheels & G25


At this point i would consider doing what i explained above unless the Turbo S Clubsport package reduces alot from £450.
If not ideally then for me:

1. Buy the GT3RS wheel in Clubsport Package
2. Come the time for X360 support if required buy the "Turbo S Pure" wheel with dongle and swap the wheels over on the racing frame when needed.

[bad robot]

Problem Issues to consider, looking respones to some of these issues....

-----------------------------------------------
1) Steering Wheel / Which Is Best /

A) Buy one that supports all formats:

B) If needing multi platform support (mostly X360 compatibility for upcoming Forza 3) is it possible to incorporate a design that easily allows an additional (Wheel & Pedal Set) to be changed over?

-----------------------------------------------
2) Display Options

A) Use with current projector or TV
I currently have a 80" 1080p screen coming out of the AE2000.
Ive even sat as close as 4 FT away from this (yes thats a bit close) but to achieve a full in my face sensation although this causes eye strain eventually.
Ive found approx 5- 5.5 feet is a nice distance for this size of screen without creating any eye strain.
My assumption is if a frame uses a single screen then to get a similar effect 42"-50" would need to be considered if indeed the design/configuration ended as a independent single display mounted at the pedal section...

B) 3 Way Screen Mode 3x 22" - 26" 1080p (new 1920x1080 displays 16:9 rather than 16:10 1920x1200)
Specialised frame to make these look like one curved screen.

Going with 3way has benifits of immersion but it also has issues with alignment and the screens borders.
My initial intention is to run with 3 approx 22" TFTs. I would however partly dismantle these removing the borders and mounting them within a self made casing with a slight curve. The point of this is to eliminate or minimise as much as possible the monitors framework that would normally be in the way of the continued image across all 3 screens.
Its important a monitor with a wide viewing angle is also selected so dimming is minimised. Ive had previous experience with multimonitor setups in the past I also dont want the monitors to be sticking out like a birds wings as seen on many setups (above images) with the monitors just planted on a desk or wall.

The initial finish of the product has to look more like an arcade cabinet than some nerdy starship enterprise control centre but at the same time be as compact as possible.
This also means anything over the 22" size is likely to A) have too big of a border to each screen B) Just become too big and take up too much room.

Multiple Projection Ruled Out:
3 way 720p prjection system has been considered also but the problems with this are it would be almost impossible to have each screen match in colour/brightness as each bulb and unit may have different results depending on their life cycle and ouput differences.
------------------------------------------------

3) Seat Style
The idea of the project is when its complete that it will be used for many years. Therefore even though components may eventually be replaced the seat is one that shouldnt if a good comfortable one is installed. I dont intend to throw money madly at this as you can spend silly money on competition seats but to find a product that offers good looks, comfort and obtain it for a reduced price or indeed discontinued or 2nd hand. The other option is a breakers yard but finding a nice seat thats in good nick may be hard and even then the price may be a factor depending on the dealer/breaker and charges he would be after in removing.

A) Proper racing seat to a budget of £100 - £300 including possisible sliding and tilt adjustment.
B) Nice car seat eg like a Recaro not ruled out.
-----------------------------------------------


4) Seat Vibration
Rumble - Gimmick & Annoying or Added Immersion?
Looking for feedback here if this is an area worth going into.
-----------------------------------------------

General Design
Outer Frame:Undecided here i like the partial car dashboard i have seen on some forums to give a real car appearance but havnt seen one that has this and also incorporates
triple screens in a nice way or all housed almost like an arcade unit would. Something im going to consider.

More ideas later...

[chowyunfatt]

The main problem is not every format supports the same type of wheel.
I would base the whole idea around a G25 but that limits Forza 3, but would you want to change to Forza if GT lives up to our expectations.

I would say if anyone is looking to spend hours in a seat then something a little more comfortable than a play seat might be better.

2 bad things about the play seat are the padding, it could be better and the bottom of the frame with only having one piece of steel going to the front when you move it about it can twist a bit.
Also some of the bolts with the plastic screw coverings for adjusting aren't that good.

When you adjust the posts all it is really is a bolt pressing against a steel post maybe drill and top some holes into the posts at set intervals that suit so the bots goes straight into the steel making it more sturdy.

I will be getting a seat slider for mine when GT5 ships and will be looking into some better foam for long sessions.
Also some felt or similar for underneath so that its slides across the floor for moving, but at the same time its needs some rubber to stop it sliding.

One thing I will probably do is look at making the fittings more secure and solid so that there is less play.

Maybe some mods for the G25 as well, don't know how long the warranty is ?but a proper gear shifting mod might work well, it depends how well the gear and clutch changes are implemented in GT5.

Spending huge amounts on upgrade wont really give massive benefits imo from a G25 and play seat, maybe modding what you have might be better and more cost effective plus you can make it more to your personal taste.

Write a list of whats important and where things could be improved with the play seat and start from there.
Of course if moneys no object then you could have a cracking set up.

I'll probably just do a few mods to tweak my set up ready for GT5.

[chowyunfatt]

Don't think the gear changer is that good on the Porsche 911 Turbo S Wheel?

Forgot about a G25 upgrade as if they make one it will be of high quality, they will probably bring one out soon due to the fact that the competition are bringing quite a few out now.

[chowyunfatt]

The GT3 looks nice but unless you can try it for a day or so how can you tell it's a better wheel over the G25? It's a lot of cash if it's just basically the same feel?

[chowyunfatt]

Nice looking wheel and from the looks well built, maybe get that to start with and use the G25 pedals.
Certainly the cheapest option.

Another thing that might make the G25 feel better is some thick padding like felt or something so it feels more like a race car wheel rather than a standard car wheel.
Some felt tape rapped round to make it thicker?

[bad robot]

Hi Chowy.

Ive seen some forums were guys prefer the Fanatec wheel over the G25 with some comments saying the FFB was smoother and stronger, but on the G25 it had better pedals and was easier to control drifts etc on. The Fanatec is also much thicker anyways as i seen on some You Tube videos.

The new Fanatec pedals look awesome (adding them in later) and although i feel they would be OTT for GT5 its the wear n tear and build quality that attracts me to them rather than any small benifit you would gain in improved foot precision.


Appreciate any comments people find comparing the G25 with the NEWER TURBO S wheel as this is very much the same quality as the upcoming GT3RS wheel you have above.
The other issue with the GT3 RS wheel is it not being X360 compatible and has backlight buttons.

This will be a long term project and really if anything to meet the release of GT5.

[Mike Spence]

Great idea for a thread BR. I'll be keeping a very close eye on it. Must tidy up my cockpit so that it's worthy of having its picture taken.

[mcmad]

if you are considering actually manufacturing your own frame I would suggest looking at an aluminium profile type, probably not the cheapest but lightweight, strong & no welding would be requried.


This is the kind of stuff I mean.

KJN Ltd Aluminium Profile

I'll be watching this thread with interest !

also, consider more than just racing seats, they are more for holding you in than comfort

[bad robot]

Thanks although tbh my vision is not of a "Racing Seat Frame Cockpit" but more of a quality looking Arcade Unit.
Im showing and looking at frames for inspiration more than anything else, but also if the initial vision cant be a reality.

Thats the initial project, my loft room in the current house has been a home cinema play room for many years and now with a business of my own and young daughter/wife time is a problem and its never used for that now. My free time is greatly reduced such is the joys of running a small business i guess.

Regards gaming i still enjoy it but now with less time than in my younger years (lol im only mid 30s) i have to limit what i play and it seems more than anything racing games have always been a soft spot for me. If anything i see this being a main feature for the room now and possibly ditch the lage projection screen and sofa etc. The floorplan could be 5'x6' for this unit and it could contain a proper car dashboard from a Golf/Fiesta (breakers yard special) but this is early thinking. I just take notions, but usually when i do they dont end up being like the norm and over the years from a multi screen PC system to multi console TFT/Projector configuration to now the room has had silly hobby money spent on it over the years (i dont drink or smoke so this is my addiction i guess) Maybe its a medical or mental condition but im sure here on AVF many can relate to money they spent on their hobbies of AV products over the years.


The Loft Room 2005 Forza 1

AE700 = Replay
Samsung 193P = 3 Way

2004 Was my PC Phase (i somehow just cant do normal)

Yes The PC with side window and neon havnt we all been through it?

[mcmad]

ahhh, I recognise those setups under a different name though

[chowyunfatt]

Will GT5 have the 3 screen options because I know it will maybe take 3 PS3's but it's doing a awful lot to start with regarding track and car details x16 cars as well.

Bet it would look amazing on 3 40" LCD's in a full 16 player race online.

3x PS3's = £900.00
3x TV's = £1200.00
3x GT5 = £90.00
1x Wheel + Pedals = £400.00
1x Seat = £200.00 up!

= £2690.00 minimum = 1 Divorce, Priceless

It's a lot of cash but I have no problem with people that want to do it as it's their money and hobby so good luck.
Really can't understand people that say what a waste of time and money when it's nothing to do with them, everybody has different things they like to do and spend money on theres no right or wrong, whats a waste to one man is a enjoyment to another.

[chowyunfatt]

Like that one, beats the old ironing board!

[Mike Spence]

What are peoples objectives here?

Mine is to have a set up that can be put in front of the TV when required to play PS3 (most of the time GT5p) games. I'm not really interested in having X-Box or PC based games capability as it (currently) involves too much messing around with controllers. Although I started off (Crammonds GP) with PC based stuff I don't think it's worth the time, money and effort anymore.

So currently I have a cockpit made from MDF, it's seen a couple of incarnations and I would say it's 90% of the way there now. A few more adjustments and I'll build a tidy version from scratch.

Although I'm happy with the G25 wheel I'd like something better in the pedal department.


Edit: Mine's similar to this.

[bad robot]

As for the thread by all means everyone is welcome to share their own ideas so their is no particular objective.

That frame above is a kinda copy of those specialist F1 style cockpits, looks excellent. I laugh though when i see projects that sometimes look brillant even the Corporate F1 cars you sometimes see then their ruining the whole simulation aspect they try to achieve by using something like a 17" monitor, bah pointless and no good for really beefing up the simulation.

For me the 3way is the wow factor and it needs a feel of immersion like youd get in a car to an extent. Thats why im getting impressions in my head for a real car dashboard and the 3 screens built into the window section with some kind of partial frame and the wheel etc built into the dash. The fun is in designing and building the project and seeing if it improves on the norm yet still look good when finished. This is still all at just an idea stage so indeed maybe things may change but sometimes you gotta think big and maybe work down from that.

Chowy the money involved is quite a bit to run 3way screens, i can see your humour although to give an indication the price to do that with Forza 1 would of cost me more then than it would now with PS3 or indeed X360.

Particulary because TFTs are now alot less.
Those old Samsung 193p models i had were £500 a pop back then. That would pretty much buy all 3 22" now. Besides to help with funding the project im considering selling my AE2000 and AX100 projectors.

Ive lost interest in "Home Cinema" or gone past the point of needing surround sound to enjoy a movie and spend most of my time with the projector and 7.1
system playing games.

[bad robot]

Originally Posted by mcmad

ahhh, I recognise those setups under a different name though

Coffee anyone?

[Mike Spence]

Originally Posted by bad robot

I laugh though when i see projects that look brillant even the Corporate F1 cars then their ruining the whole simulation aspect they try to achieve by using something like a 17" monitor, pointless and no good for really beefing up the simulation. For me the 3way is the wow factor and it needs a feel of immersion like youd get in a car to an extent. However at the same point i want it done better than just 3 monitors or screens with big gaps between them,

I totally agree, and the only way I think I'd consider multiple screens is the way it's been done here.

So for now I guess I'll stick with the 'drag the sim in front of the TV' approach.

[bad robot]

I cant rule out the fact that not all games will support the 3way feature and yes indeed GT5 is an unknown.

Having a single 23" screen would be hard to live with if playing games on 3way or being used to large screen projection.

Therefore im reserving the idea that i may need to hold onto a projector and incorporate a screen that can be used in front of the 3x monitors to be used for other games and indeed the majority of single screen only titles.

[chowyunfatt]

Would be good if GT5 supported a rear view mirror or a side mirror using the PSP, you could attach it on to the side of the play seat.

One at each side to replicate wing mirrors would be good.

Screens have come down a lot the last few years, when I got my first 720p 40" Samsung it cost £2000.00 no they can be had for what? £500.00?

3x good quality 27" screens would only cost about £500-600 or even 32" 1080p ones at a cost of £1400.00 or so.

I like the sound of 3 at 32" 1080p.

[bad robot]

Chowy, you wouldnt believe the ideas i have but your hitting on some above, of course you have to draw the line at a particular point but i dont mind running this thread with ideas that may appeal to yourself or others, hee hee if anything lets just go daft....

The problem with the bigger screens is the border and then the physical size.

I notice you can even get a 24" Samsung TFT for £200 or less these days.
So bear in mind even this would be giving you approx 6FT wide image and with it about 3 Ft from the seating position should give a very good impression.
See below for such an idea this guy has done great FM2 and other videos running i believe 3x22".

This also shows how 3way screens increase the sense of speed.
Impressive

Same Guys setup with FM2
See how this makes the track, game world become more 3D enviroment.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SPkdO3...ext=1&index=13


------------------------------------------------


Heres a Golf Dashboard i believe, nice idea but he ruins it with a centre speaker in the dash.

Going on what your saying and if a working dial dash was needed it would be simple to do even on GT5.

How?

1. Web cam or cheap 2nd hand camcorder with TV output
2. Zoom in on the onscreen rev counter etc so only it is in the frame focus.
3. Have a 7-9" screen built into a dashboard area
4. Stream the recording to the built in screen

The same idea could be done for wing mirrors but by zooming in on the rearview section of the screen and using screen masking.
Yes you really could go crazy and dont think im gonna run that far myself, never use the rearview anyways.

Adds to the cost but im surprised ive not seen someone use this method before.

[chowyunfatt]

Take a look at this!!

Nice Motion Cockpit with Playseat and D-BOX - RaceSimCentral Forums

YouTube - My Racing Simulator with NFS Undercover


D-Box.

[bad robot]

Yes ive seen that before, incredible but also stupid for the 2 or 3 games it supports and the approx $4000 it costs.

Hard to justify that kinda outlay, believe he is American though kinda explains it

Go USA

[chowyunfatt]

Originally Posted by bad robot

Yes ive seen that before, incredible but also stupid for the 2 or 3 games it supports and the approx $4000 it costs.

Hard to justify that kinda outlay, believe he is American though kinda explains it

Go USA

But would you get it if it was purposely designed and implemented just for GT? A cheaper way is to build a cockpit with a 1000rpm washing machine under it, just put it on full spin for Eiger or a gentle 30' wash for Daytona.

And I thought a lot of Americans originated from Ireland? or is that only the great ones.

EDIT: (joke) better put that in as some my not understand my soh!

[Mike Spence]

Originally Posted by chowyunfatt

And I thought a lot of Americans originated from Ireland? or is that only the great ones.

And the Welsh are the Irish that can't swim?

[bad robot]

Well technically i was concieved, born and raised in Northern Ireland but im not Irish. See if you can work that one out....

Eddie Irvine / Joey Dunlop / John Watson / Mike Nesbitt / Eammon Holmes / Liam Neeson
oh and some guy called George Best, this little country has produced some talent over the years, not bad for a country with less than 1.75 million.

What this has got to do with America or indeed slagging off people or their places i dont know, however i can relate to the simularities of the impression that americans and irish to being thick

Anyways.......


The washing machine idea sounds good, but i might bang my head on the ceiling getting in n out of the thing. Still when you price those bassmanagment LFE vibration thingys id say a quality washer would be alot cheaper too...

[Clarey]

Some great looking cockpits in this thread, so i thought i would post a pic of mine

Consists of:

G25 Wheel
Subaru Impreza passenger seat (cost £30)
Old set of draws, and other pieces of wood i could find
PVC Electrical tape

I have it set up in the spare room in front of a 40" LCD telly.

Main aim was to be comfy and add a touch of realism to playing games, oh and be cheap!

Laugh away!

[bad robot]

Hey its a start man, nice seat, even that seat put on a Playseat frame would be excellent.

Bit miffed though why you havnt just used Velcro to attach the pad.
Did you set the pads analogue to do the sideview?
If you havnt this allows you to move it to the required amount in analogue rather than it jumping from sideview-frontview.

Have you any plans for the future regards upgrades?

[Clarey]

Forgot to add the seat is also on its runners so adjusts in/out for access.
Didn't have any velcro available, but will get some, the pvc tape doesn't mark the wheel or pad anyway.
Yes i have set the analogue stick for left and right view, but don't use it much? have yet to race online properly, so will use it more then.

As for upgrades, you never know, but i'll probably stick with this for a while yet.
Look forward to seeing what you build.