rec.autos.simulators

Slightly Off-Topic: Potentiometers For Pedal Unit

William Bradsha

Slightly Off-Topic: Potentiometers For Pedal Unit

by William Bradsha » Fri, 16 May 2003 02:54:26

I've been looking into building my own wheel for a while now. I figure
it's a lot cheaper than buying a TSW, and I'd get exactly what I want.

I've been working out some conceptual designs for the pedal unit, and
I'm looking for some advice on which type of potentiometer to use. One
idea was to use a pot with a servo arm attached to it, and have the
pedal linkage connected to it.

But I got to thinking and I wonder if a carbon slide pot would be
better? The advantage here would allow me to do away with the "foot
board" section in favor of all wood or weight, and have the pedal
pushing towards the back instead of pulling a spring connected towards
the front. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

As I was looking around the internet for a wheel to use (I've personally
decided on using the 15" economy, due to size constraints on my desk), I
came across a website that sells stock car steering wheels. Here's the
URL for anyone who is interested:

http://www.racesimcentral.net/

-Will

Careful Hac

Slightly Off-Topic: Potentiometers For Pedal Unit

by Careful Hac » Fri, 16 May 2003 10:43:14

Hi Will,


> I've been looking into building my own wheel for a while now. I figure
> it's a lot cheaper than buying a TSW, and I'd get exactly what I want.

> I've been working out some conceptual designs for the pedal unit, and
> I'm looking for some advice on which type of potentiometer to use. One
> idea was to use a pot with a servo arm attached to it, and have the
> pedal linkage connected to it.

> But I got to thinking and I wonder if a carbon slide pot would be
> better? The advantage here would allow me to do away with the "foot
> board" section in favor of all wood or weight, and have the pedal
> pushing towards the back instead of pulling a spring connected towards
> the front. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

I think you'll have trouble getting a sliding linear pot. I toyed with
this in the beginning, but found the availability of standard pots the
deciding factor. There is quite a range of quality around in the 100K
linear variety.

As for the pedal action, I built mine with the pedals going through a
slot in the base... they still link to the front, but I put in a heavy
bit of angle iron to beef it up, thus allowing stronger springs and bungee.

Have a look at my setup at www.southeastweb.com.au/racingsim
There are photos showing the underside and the aluminium strips with a
groove in them, which are attached to the pot spindles and allow for
more travel on the pot than the pedal stroke would allow.

The whole thing was built in a box so that I could use it before I
finished the***pit, then just***it down to the floor once it was
complete.

If you don't want to build your own wheel, I would suggest a go-kart
type yoke. Can't refer you anywhere off the top of my head, but i have
seen them and they are quite cheap and resemble an F1 style wheel.

Glenn
----------------------
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Nigel Nichol

Slightly Off-Topic: Potentiometers For Pedal Unit

by Nigel Nichol » Fri, 16 May 2003 15:15:45

Hi William

I used slide pots on my RRC units but found they worm out very quickly.
Their rating was 100k if I remember correctly.
I now use rotory pots with the servo or tiller arm as you have suggested
Good luck

Nigel
Redline Race Controls
http://www.wave.co.nz/~lakewood/Redline2.htm


William Bradsha

Slightly Off-Topic: Potentiometers For Pedal Unit

by William Bradsha » Sat, 17 May 2003 04:30:32


> Hi Will,


>> I've been looking into building my own wheel for a while now. I figure
>> it's a lot cheaper than buying a TSW, and I'd get exactly what I want.

>> I've been working out some conceptual designs for the pedal unit, and
>> I'm looking for some advice on which type of potentiometer to use. One
>> idea was to use a pot with a servo arm attached to it, and have the
>> pedal linkage connected to it.

>> But I got to thinking and I wonder if a carbon slide pot would be
>> better? The advantage here would allow me to do away with the "foot
>> board" section in favor of all wood or weight, and have the pedal
>> pushing towards the back instead of pulling a spring connected towards
>> the front. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

> I think you'll have trouble getting a sliding linear pot. I toyed with
> this in the beginning, but found the availability of standard pots the
> deciding factor. There is quite a range of quality around in the 100K
> linear variety.

I've found a source for slide pot's, so it wouldn't be any trouble
buying some. But per the other post, it seems it wouldn't be such a good
idea if they constantly wear out. I'll make the design around rotary
style pots.

I took a gander at the pics, and they look pretty good. I may
incorporate some of the ideas. :)

- Show quoted text -

Since I only play NASCAR sims (and sometimes LFS), I'm going to stick
with a real wheel for realism's sake. F1 games aren't my bag. ;)

-Will

William Bradsha

Slightly Off-Topic: Potentiometers For Pedal Unit

by William Bradsha » Sat, 17 May 2003 04:41:33


> Hi William

> I used slide pots on my RRC units but found they worm out very quickly.
> Their rating was 100k if I remember correctly.
> I now use rotory pots with the servo or tiller arm as you have suggested
> Good luck

> Nigel
> Redline Race Controls
> http://www.wave.co.nz/~lakewood/Redline2.htm

Man, I took a look at the pics at your site and I'm impressed. Those
suckers look like they'd last forever. My plans are based around
hardwood, since I lack any kind of metal working skills and a shop. :)

I'm not entirely sure if it'll work, but I'd like to try using the push
method instead of pulling, via springs. Using a rotary pot shouldn't be
too much a problem.

In the mean time, I've taken my Thrustmaster pedals and sawed 'em in
half then glued 'em to a board. It may not be the prettiest, but at
least I'll have something to use without the pedals being too close
together and they won't move around. ;)

-Will

Goy Larse

Slightly Off-Topic: Potentiometers For Pedal Unit

by Goy Larse » Sat, 17 May 2003 06:58:13


> Man, I took a look at the pics at your site and I'm impressed. Those
> suckers look like they'd last forever.

Ask any of Nigel's very satisfied customers :-)

Nigel Nichols for president !!!

Beers and cheers
(uncle) Goy
"goyl at nettx dot no"

http://www.theuspits.com

"A man is only as old as the woman he feels........"
--Groucho Marx--


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