F1 Sim Rig - Advice Please!

[nickpan]

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

[nickpan]

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...

[nickpan]

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?

[nickpan]

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?

[nickpan]

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?

[nickpan]

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?

[nickpan]

Thank you all for the fantastic advice. I really appreciate it.

I considered all cockpit options but in the end have opted for a Playseat F1 Ultimate edition as I was very attracted to the aesthetic. It is very expensive but I figured it was the one item that would depreciate the least quickly if looked after given that it is non tech.

I’ve opted for the Playseat TV Stand pro as well.

The next purchase will be the screen - all recommendations welcome. I’d like a single curbed monitor - not triple.

[nickpan]

seefarr said:

I wouldn't go mad on the screen. VR was easily the most transformative thing to the whole simulator experience for me and I can't imagine driving without it now. Most* people seem to find that seated VR experiences (driving, flying etc.) don't make you sick as your body is receiving the same inputs as your eyes.

Hadn’t even considered this. Please can you recommend a model?

I’ll be building a PC to go with the rig.

[nickpan]

I’ve just purchased my PC for the rig I’m building.

I was guided by another forum member’s very helpful post on P1 of this thread.

After a bit of snooping around eBay, I bagged the following spec from HP’s renew programme for £999.

Felt like decent value.

HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-0700ng PC
AMD RYZEN 7-3700X |3.6GHz|16GB|2x8GB|SSD 1TB PCIe NVMe|GFX Nvd GeF RTX2060 6GB|WIFI|Bluetooth - Win10 64

[nickpan]

Evening All,

The Playseat arrived this evening in a very very large box. In effect, this is step 1 of the F1 rig build.

Lots more equipment on its way... so more photos to follow in the coming weeks.

[nickpan]

satans worm said:

Jester27 said:

I am not speaking from experience as I have not yet driven with VR, but this is what I have gathered from my research:

• not all games support VR
• VR is not eye tracking but head tracking, so you need to move your whole head to look sideways.
• Mixed reactions from people, some cannot do 10mins, some feel very disoriented after a while, some get on with it fine.
• you have something over your head and eyes for some time, sweaty heavy after a while, constrictive, not much fun after a while compared to looking at a screen
• You cannot see anything around you, so you if you are relying on seeing the buttons or lights on the wheel or a button box, forget it. In between races, you will want to be on your keyboard and will be constantly taking the VR headset on and off, a real drag after a while.
• you will be completely unaware of your surroundings, if anyone else is in the house or a pet comes in and even touches you, it will freak you out!
• do you wear glasses? Need to get a set that is not affected or indeed allows the use of glasses without performance reduction
• need to select a VR headset that allows the use of headphones and a microphone, you will be needing these.
• VR is in it’s 1st and 2nd generation for domestic use, still quite immature, so don’t raise expectations too high.

I’ll be going VR too for occasional fun, but don’t depend on it instead of a good screen solution, you may regret it.

So to counter this

All racing games you will want to play with a serious set up like you have are VR capable
Nothing is eye tracking! And monitors are not even head tracking! Head tracking is much more natural for hitting the apex, you don’t lock your head straight forward when driving after all
A few people do get motion sickness, but in the tiny minority, especially in racing games( walking games whilst sitting however can be more prone)
Yes you have to wear it , so not as comfortable as not weari;g it, probably the largest downside, the index is supposed to be a lot better
When racing you only need your wheel and pedals! And the buttons on the wheel become second nature after a while, even if you can’t see them . Again, it is a pain to lift it up, but it does not become a real drag
Can’t be bothered to answer the next one as pretty irrelevant, try locking your door if your that bothered but the reason it freaks you out is that your so involved, your in the car for real it feels!
Most decent VR sets will allow for glasses
They all come with headphones, why do you need a mic?
Yes VR is new, so what?

To be honest your post is so unhelpful, someone who has never used it just being negative.

VR is the biggest upgrade for car racing in a long time.
It’s hard to explain , but you are in the car, no matter where you look, you are in the car, alt he details are complete, look out the window over the side, the back seat , it’s all rendered.
The open cock pit ones are the best(i think)
Sensation is superb, I can’t wax lyrical about enough, iVR was made for simulations!
I believe the index from valve is the best for the moment, released last year , I’ve heard the HP2 is about to be released and also v good

With the set up your going for it’s a no brainier

Thanks. I’m not ruling out VR in the long run. It’s certainly something I’d like to try once the rig is up and running.

[nickpan]

CSL Elites and Load Cell Kit built and installed today. A good used purchased on eBay at 80% of RRP and in excellent condition. The residual value on Fanatec equipment is unbelievable for anybody debating whether the premium over Thrustmaster and Logitech is justified.

[nickpan]

skinny said:

That looks awesome but also a pain to get in and out especially with a wheel on there. Tho I guess the CSL has a removable rim. I guess another layer of authenticity to F1!
Also I'm not sure how long I could spend in that position before the blood starts to drain out of my feet...

It’s a fair point. The wheel base is actually on a sliding rail so when you need to haul yourself out, you slide the base forward to make way for your knees.

That being said, when you’re sat in it, your feet do feel like they’re in the sky.

More photos to follow once the base is installed.

[nickpan]

Built the Trak Race single screen monitor stand yesterday and mounted the Asus 43 inch monitor this afternoon.

Very pleased with the sturdiness of the Trak Racer unit and the fact I was able to get the monitor sitting at the right height.

HP Omen gaming PC has also been put in situ. Aiming to do all of the cabling this evening.

Patiently waiting for the Fanatec CS 2.5 base...

[nickpan]

F1 sim rig complete! I’ve not had an opportunity to use it yet but the initial impressions having sat in it are the seating position is spot on, especially in relation to where you hold the wheel, and the build quality of every single component is really good. Hoping to undertake a first “test drive” this evening.

[nickpan]

CorradoTDI said:

Nick - looks awesome!

Any chance of a breakdown of parts and costs?

I want to build something along these lines hopefully next year.

[nickpan]

evo97 said:

My little set up

Great man cave

[nickpan]

RichTT said:

So, spent a bit of time reading, as I always do before spunking money. Setting an initial budget of 5k for the lot. I've sort of settled on the below setup.

Next Level Racing F-GT - cockpit
Next Level Racing Free Standing Single Monitor Stand

Fanatec V2.5 bundle
Samsung Odyssey G9 monitor

That should leave about 1500-1800 for a new gaming PC as I've decided my old one is not worth upgrading to the level that is needed. This will be a dedicated gaming PC and my old one will get kept for general PC use.

Any suggestions on a future-proof (ish) gaming PC for that price range? I'm well out of touch, last PC I bought was 2014.

Welcome to the fold! Nice set up.

I was totally out of touch with PCs having not had one for 20 years. I wanted to buy a gaming machine from a recognised brand with upgrade potential so went for a HP Omen. It has the 6gb 2060 GPU which is running AC, F1 2020 and iRacing with no issues and they look great.

[nickpan]

Mid to high settings and am getting 100FPS + on iRacing.

For the record - most of these sims are getting on now. I think iRacing is 13 years old? AC was released in 2014. They’re no Cyberpunk!

I use the custom shaders patch in AC which is an absolute must have for this sim. It adds a whole lot of depth to the GFX in respect of shadows, lighting etc amongst other things. If you turn up the detail on “grass” for example to max, I think you may suffer FPS issues but like I said, I’m running everything on mid to night and on my 43 inch Asus gaming monitor (which is a beast), everything looks crystal clear.

[nickpan]

Yup - I’m using a JBL Quantum 600 wireless headset and very happy with it.