F1 Sim

[poppopbangbang]

We need to put a basic sim together, mainly to get some our drivers used to the transition from simpler cars to clutch on wheel F1s. However there seems to be a few sticking points in what was otherwise a simple plan. Namely some sort of F1 seating position type seat (like this http://www.playseat.com/shop/eu/uk/playseat-grand-... with decent two pedal setup and wheel with a decent PC and HD projector for screen) - first is it doesn't seem that anyone offers a sim type steering wheel with both gear and clutch paddles, secondly whilst there are a shed load of sim type software out there no one seems to have a decently accurate represenation of a modern F1 on there with regards clutch actuation etc.

So any suggestions for software or steering wheel?

[Bullett]

iracing has a williams FW31 and some indie car Dallara in its open wheel selection. It certainly claims to be used as a training tool by some serious racers (laser scanned tracks etc). it seems pretty good to me, I don't have massive experience with other sims.

There are lots of custom hardware builders who can probably make you what you want physically or modify like this - http://simxperience.com/en-us/products/completesim...

It's worth also considering an Oculus Rift instead of screens (virtual reality headset) it's not compatible with everything yet but it's getting there.

[Red Firecracker]

If you're looking at the sim to be of use in a real world track environment, then it may be worth dropping these guys an email;

http://baseperformance.net/

As far as I know, there aren't any off the shelf wheels with separate gear and clutch paddles, just 2 paddles normally assigned to gear changing, so you'd need a custom wheel. Quite a few manufacturers of those, so take your pick. For example;

http://www.sammaxwellcustoms.com/index.php

http://simulaje.blogspot.com.es/

Sala Motorsport have a very interesting F1 wheel option (but no website?);

http://www.racedepartment.com/threads/new-f1-repli...

For what it's worth, I found the Playseat a great idea, but a pain to use with the central support.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Friday 29th August 17:24

[poppopbangbang]

Thanks for the replies. Next question then does anyone know of a box that we could use to go from analogue inputs (0-5V) to USB as a "controller"?

If there is something we could use that and make the appropriate looms to use the car wheel on the sim... Or if there is a wheel with spare IO on it which we could mount our own paddles onto.

Main aim is to improve driver familiarity with clutch paddles i.e. pulling them during a spin etc. For the guys moving from three pedal to two pedal cars it takes a bit of getting used to.

Edited by poppopbangbang on Friday 29th August 17:25

[Bullett]

I think it's a bit more complex than that otherwise everyone would be making their own wheel. You need software for the inputs to be converted into computer speak so the sim responds correctly.

There is no reason you can use a physical wheel from any car you want. You would just mount it and the associated flap/switches onto the boss of the sim wheel (with appropriate adapters).

How does the clutch work in these cars? is analogue like a normal car or is it more digital open/closed. Either way should be fine you'd just have to modify a pre-built or work with the guys firecracker suggests to build something custom.