rec.autos.simulators

Here are a couple of stupid questions... is USB support (as in a steering
wheel with USB output) considered a  "digital" input?  In other words,
instead of sending analogue signals (from a pot) to a game card,  if a
steering wheel uses USB, is the input a digital signal (I assume that it
is...) ?  The reason for the question is that I have heard a certain
manufacturer claim  that a digital game card/port would speed up graphics,
game play, etc. by converting the analogue signal to digital on the gamecard,
relieving the CPU of doing that task. I am not a technician, so I hope this
question makes sense.

Also (second stupid question......, er.....questions)....there appears to be
a certain amount of pride taken by steering wheel manufacturers in the
quality of the pots they use, as that quality has a direct relation to the
accuracy and precision of the game input.  Would it not be true that a
steering wheel using a digital optical encoder rather than a pot be more
accurate - not to mention that pots need to be replaced periodically and
encoders generally do not?  If this is true, why not manufacture steering
wheels using digital optical encoders?  Is this already being done ?  Could
this be done as an "at home" modification (digital encoders with USB support
are availiable) and would any games be able to support this type of input?

 make sense

Sent via Deja.com http://www.racesimcentral.net/
Before you buy.

Strictly speaking, it isn't digital (someone correct me if I'm wrong),
but a manufacturer like Logitech seems to do some clever processing of
the signals which makes their wheel feel very accurate. From what I've
read the LWFF/USB is better than a quality wheel over a game port, and
matches the accuracy of a PDPI game card (which BTW doesn't support FF).

The Microsoft FF wheel uses an optical 'pot' if I remember correctly.
The problem is that it is less accurate than a carbon pot because of its
lower resolution. We're all waiting for that optical encoder that has a
finer grain. And will never have to be replaced anymore.
FWIW, both CH and Logitech use good quality pots which seems to last a
long time without cleaning.

Replying to another post of yours, there's no 'big debate' about FF vs.
non-FF. Everyone agrees force feedback is a nice addition to the racing
experience. Some people feel it makes them quicker, others don't. It may
be system-dependent how well it works for you. But if you don't like it,
you can always turn it off.

Your best bet at this moment seems to be with the Logitech Wingman FF
wheel. There's more info on wheels (and all other things GPL) at
http://simracing.com/alison/gpl

--
Bye,
Leo