F1 Sim Rig - Advice Please!

F1 Sim Rig - Advice Please!

Author
Discussion

nickpan

Original Poster:

570 posts

188 months

Saturday 28th November 2020
quotequote all
Budget isn't huge but I've decided to upgrade my trusty Playseat Challenge and Thrustmaster TMX sim racing set up to something more F1 oriented, primarily because I find myself playing F1 2020 9 times out of 10.

For reference - I have an Xbox One X and a 40 inch Samsung HD TV from 2012. Not wanting to upgrade these items just yet.

Would really appreciate your feedback on the following products.

The Seat / Rig

Sparco Evolve GP Sim Racing Cockpit: https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/sparco-evolve-gp-s...

I like how the screen holder is integrated into the rig.
Not sure whether the angle of the pedal plate is as good as the Playseats.


Playseat F1: https://www.playseatstore.co.uk/f1-black-2017.html

Leaning towards to this at the moment - anybody have first hand experience?


Playseat F1 Ultimate Edition: https://www.playseatstore.co.uk/playseat-fi-ultima...

Incredibly expensive but really attracted to the way it looks! Not sure if it offers superior functionality to the non-ultimate version?


Wheel Bundles

Podium Racing Wheel: https://fanatec.com/eu-en/bundles/podium-racing-wh...

I understand DD is the way forward. Worth the premium over the CSL? Would also need to purchase pedals...(!)


CSL Elite: https://fanatec.com/eu-en/bundles/csl-elite-formul...

Leaning towards this set up. Will it feel like a big jump up from my TMX?


Am I missing anything obvious? Any suggestions / pointers welcome before I pull the trigger. Budget wise - £3,5k max..

Cheers All

Nick


Dave.

7,324 posts

252 months

Saturday 28th November 2020
quotequote all
I’d go for an aluminium extrusion frame, diy so you can make it to suit you, and a hell of a lot better vfm than that from DT.

Leaves more money for the fun bits.

Eta - https://opensimracing.com/collections/metal-sim-ri...

Edited by Dave. on Saturday 28th November 21:10

skinny

5,269 posts

234 months

Saturday 28th November 2020
quotequote all
Maybe consider something like trakracer https://www.trakracer.co.uk/product-category-all/ they do one specific for the fanatec DD.
No personal experience with it but the more expensive Playseat stuff doesn't seem good value to me.
Fanatec DD and load cell pedal set seems to be the best premium set up for the money, CSL Elite very highly regarded too, thrustmaster decent but a step below (and don't do direct drive) but their top line stuff is still decent.

Edited by skinny on Saturday 28th November 22:40


Edited by skinny on Saturday 28th November 23:06

kowalski655

14,599 posts

142 months

Saturday 28th November 2020
quotequote all
Ditch the screen, go VR, & get one of these?
https://dofreality.com/#h6
Or remortgage the house eek
https://motionsystems.eu/product/6dof/qs-s25-motio...

satans worm

2,359 posts

216 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Fanatic have a sale on right now, Black Friday, so jump now and save 20pct

The DD wheels are not in it but the club sport 2.5 is and that’s what I bought( can’t justify the 3x cost difference )

I also got the bmw wheel with 20pct off

I keep chewing over the h6 rig but the 750 delivery costs stops me, they are also on sale right now....

nickpan

Original Poster:

570 posts

188 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Thanks for the great advice all. I'm now re-investigating rig options on the back of your advice as I see the Playseats are v. expensive.

The question I have with the likes of a Trak Racer rig is do they offer a seating position comparative to a Playseat or the Sparco Evolve GP?

I realise the Sparco link I posted included the screen so for comparative purposes, it is more like a grand.

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/sparco-evolve-gp-s...




Jester27

90 posts

122 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
I had practically the same dilemma.
I used to live on GranTurismo from the 1st one until GT5-prologue, but got very frustrated. with the wheels and pedals available then, and did not want to continue with the controller, so consciously decided to completely stop until the technology gave a far more realistic and immersive experience. I think the time is now, so using the 12 years away to justify going all out.
I prefer a formula style rig as I will be going more open wheel and LMP type racing, but everything out there seems set up for GT. Difficult to come up with a combination of:
Good quality
Good value
Good looking
Comfortable and easy to use
Rigid
Can provide a good screen position for FOV
Adaptable easily for guests and different drivers

This is what I came up with after 6 months of research and discussing with manufacturers for more info and measurements, some more helpful than others. Playseat and fanatec kit are exceptionally well made, very very happy with these. They are very expensive, but suggest they are definitely worth it. The Trak-Racer monitor stand however, even though it is super strong and stiff, was poorly finished with paint peeling off and end caps missing in places, plus the packaging was all broken up, so polystyrene everywhere. No response from the factory, so I am glad I did not go for one of their complete solutions.
The compromise to my set up is no opportunity for a shifter but not what I plan to include anyway.
This is the best combination of everything I could dream up, and even then the monitor stand cross bar gets close to obstructing pedal movement and the monitor does not go low enough, the best position as a balance was to get some IKEA Lack tables, cut down the legs and connect for a base to lift the playseat 200mm from the ground, which also makes it easier to get in and out of the seat.
When I am totally happy with the set up I will be chopping the 2 vertical poles down on the monitor stand and putting the end caps in for a cleaner look. You can see a few stages of build here and see some of the issues I may have had and discussed above, but happy with how it is coming together.

|https://thumbsnap.com/rgwxHJqv[/url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/CuRR9bgz[/url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/UrDz8Qcm[/url]

For the playseat I am thinking of a wrap, something like these:

|https://thumbsnap.com/SRspADrC[/url][url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/3GGp8wjP[/url]

I will be adding an image wallpaper of Eau Rouge on the wall in front of the rig. Wallpaper example I am planning in front of the rig

[url]

nickpan

Original Poster:

570 posts

188 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Jester27 said:
I had practically the same dilemma.
I used to live on GranTurismo from the 1st one until GT5-prologue, but got very frustrated. with the wheels and pedals available then, and did not want to continue with the controller, so consciously decided to completely stop until the technology gave a far more realistic and immersive experience. I think the time is now, so using the 12 years away to justify going all out.
I prefer a formula style rig as I will be going more open wheel and LMP type racing, but everything out there seems set up for GT. Difficult to come up with a combination of:
Good quality
Good value
Good looking
Comfortable and easy to use
Rigid
Can provide a good screen position for FOV
Adaptable easily for guests and different drivers

This is what I came up with after 6 months of research and discussing with manufacturers for more info and measurements, some more helpful than others. Playseat and fanatec kit are exceptionally well made, very very happy with these. They are very expensive, but suggest they are definitely worth it. The Trak-Racer monitor stand however, even though it is super strong and stiff, was poorly finished with paint peeling off and end caps missing in places, plus the packaging was all broken up, so polystyrene everywhere. No response from the factory, so I am glad I did not go for one of their complete solutions.
The compromise to my set up is no opportunity for a shifter but not what I plan to include anyway.
This is the best combination of everything I could dream up, and even then the monitor stand cross bar gets close to obstructing pedal movement and the monitor does not go low enough, the best position as a balance was to get some IKEA Lack tables, cut down the legs and connect for a base to lift the playseat 200mm from the ground, which also makes it easier to get in and out of the seat.
When I am totally happy with the set up I will be chopping the 2 vertical poles down on the monitor stand and putting the end caps in for a cleaner look. You can see a few stages of build here and see some of the issues I may have had and discussed above, but happy with how it is coming together.

|https://thumbsnap.com/rgwxHJqv[/url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/CuRR9bgz[/url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/UrDz8Qcm[/url]

For the playseat I am thinking of a wrap, something like these:

|https://thumbsnap.com/SRspADrC[/url][url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/3GGp8wjP[/url]

I will be adding an image wallpaper of Eau Rouge on the wall in front of the rig. Wallpaper example I am planning in front of the rig

[url]
Super helpful - thank you. Out of interest, how come you didn’t opt for the Playseat TV Pro stand?

Jester27

90 posts

122 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
No probs, glad to share.

Remember, a lot comes down to personal taste and what you want from them, however the Playseat TV Stand did not meet what I wanted, even though nothing out there does really. Here’s a few reasons:

  • Does not sit low enough, the monitor should really sit so the middle of the screen is at eye height. I think their stand is aimed at their GT solutions and they do not offer anything for the F1 playseat.
  • the screen should be as close to you as you can get away with, preferably just behind the wheel or just behind the DD1 however I have allowed for a bit of adjustment for tall guests (I am only 5’7”), the legs on that monitor stand look like they come quite far forward, so think about getting in and out easily.
  • stability, looks like the base is not very wide or deep, it might not take a lot for a clumsy guest to bump into it, grab it or whatever while trying to jump into the seat, and knock it over damaging your very expensive monitor or even the wheel base and wheel.
  • Aesthetics, looks like a basic piece of office furniture over the Trak-Racer’s race car roll cage look. Also, was trying to aim for black everything so the rim and monitor are really what you see on first impression of looking at the rig.

nickpan

Original Poster:

570 posts

188 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Good advice - thanks.

I see you have a 3 pedal setup. How come you opted for 3 pedals if you’re unable to mount a shifter? I.e. - would you not have preferred to have opted for a hand clutch using fantatec’s 6 paddle paddle shifter?

Jester27

90 posts

122 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Yep, great question.

So, I have gone for the Fanatec advanced paddle module, so will be using the hand clutch.



Regarding the pedals, I was debating between the CSL elites, which I recall can come in 2 pedals, and are able to be placed and adjusted sideways, or the Clubsport V3s that I went for, which are a better set of pedals, but cannot be adjusted. Given the centre stand on the playseat for the wheel, I was worried about it getting in the way or at least making it uncomfortable using the brakes, but it does not seem to be the case.
The fall back plan though, and something I might just do anyway, is swap the clutch and brake, which is possible.
I guess it comes down to not wanting to compromise on the adjustability of the brake for feel and stiffness etc of the V3s, plus having the vibration on the throttle and brake of the V3s, and generally a nicer looking set of pedals for not that much more money.
Also, I do eventually plan on a shifter, but not for a while. I do fancy driving something like an MP4/4 or a Lotus 98T as Ayrton would have done. Think I will grow something off the base that I made and strengthen it to the Playseat base, so having the option of the 3rd pedal made the final decision.

Edited by Jester27 on Sunday 29th November 14:31

nickpan

Original Poster:

570 posts

188 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Thanks. I’m tempted to go for the two pedal CSL Elite setup + the load cell kit.

Does your CS pedal set up include force feedback in the pedals themselves? Didn’t know that was an option.

May I ask what your IT set up is?

Jester27

90 posts

122 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Well not so much force feedback, just vibration, and quite subtle from all accounts. I don’t know yet as I still have to finish my PC, and the quick hook up to an XBox was less than optimal for set up etc.

Here are the CS features as described on the Fanatec site



Just putting together my PC, set a budget of £1000 and nearly kept to it !!
All built up now except 1 part. Have been waiting ages for the GPU which is now late on delivery, so not happy!
Here’s the list of bits on the self build. Not done this before, did not know anything about it and had to learn a lot, got lots of guidance and advice from many people over the last 3 months or so.

[url]

Edited by Jester27 on Sunday 29th November 14:49


Edited by Jester27 on Sunday 29th November 14:49


Edited by Jester27 on Sunday 29th November 14:51

Jester27

90 posts

122 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
You might tell, I have approached this as a driver and motorsport fan rather than as a gamer.

nickpan

Original Poster:

570 posts

188 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Jester27 said:
You might tell, I have approached this as a driver and motorsport fan rather than as a gamer.
I might try and clone your setup! May I ask who is doing the PC build and the monitor you have opted for?

What do you think of the new Sparco single seater cockpit available on Demon Tweaks as an alternative to the Playseat? More expensive but integrated screen + more scope for shifter?



Jester27

90 posts

122 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
By all means, very happy to help and would be pleased if you were to consider my choices worthy of replicating.
TBH I lurk on the forum lots but hardly ever post as it is a very hostile forum generally I find. Always someone with an opinion ready to make you feel an inch tall and make fun of your choices.

I have built the PC myself, knew nothing about PC builds before but tons of research has alleviated any fears and it is surprisingly easy to actually build. Tough bit is confirming compatibility and adequacy. I plan to be using older software, rFactor2 and Assetto Corsa so it is easily good enough for that. Just maximising on the graphics and refresh rates.

The monitor is a Samsung LC49HG90DMUXEN 49" Curved Ultra Wide LED Monitor, not the top of the range or latest but got £200 off on Amazon on Prime day a couple of months ago.
My thought being, maximise FOV (as long as I get it as close to my eyes as I dare) without bezels that you get with triple set ups, remembering formula and LMP cars are already compromised for forward view, and single monitor although ultra wide will still be less demanding than a triple set up on graphics, so the PC should not max out.
Also looks cool!!

The Sparco rig looks great TBH and a great name and reputation. I have their mechanics gloves so I don’t ruin the alcantara on the wheel. Only thing I would say about the rig is that I plan to add tactile transducers to each corner, try to mimic each wheel, which means a lot of vibrations through the rig. To isolate the monitor from that vibration would be wise for durability, and just preventing the monitor getting into a natural harmonic and shaking itself to bits. If you don’t plan on transducers or motion, not a problem

Jester27

90 posts

122 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
2 things still in the list to add, the transducers and VR.

bobbysmithy

1,761 posts

40 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Jester27 said:
2 things still in the list to add, the transducers and VR.
Do you use VR? I don't like the idea of the thing stuck to my face (and didnt enjoy it when i tried one)

Jester27

90 posts

122 months

Sunday 29th November 2020
quotequote all
Not used VR for gaming yet, but have used it in work for less dynamic applications, virtual CAD reviews etc.
To counter the fact that I might not get on with it, I am making it a family Christmas present, Oculus Quest 2 that does not need a PC connected to run, so will be a bit of fun for all the family, but once a Link Lead is added, gives me a chance of occasional VR for a different immersive experience that I may or may not adopt etc.
I read about sickness, but I do not suffer that usually. Been in a Tornado fighter jet and a few fast single seaters and various boats with no issues ever, but this may be different until I try it. I am also aware that once you have restricted vision of the real world, you better remember where all the buttons are on the wheel etc,.. so aware of the limitations. Hence having a sufficient solution without VR.

skinny

5,269 posts

234 months

Wednesday 2nd December 2020
quotequote all
Also check out simlabs.
Similar to trakracer but they have an F1 /open wheeler style seat
https://sim-lab.eu/shop/product/sf1-formula-sim-se...
A guy from a racing league runs this, its the simlabs P1-X with the above seat, and looks like Fanatec podium DD wheel