One thing that is really needed is a fine tuning device for controllers. The
CTFJ3 application is pretty nice but still falls into the "Not quite enough"
category. You can get it here. http://home.att.net/~stickworks/
What would be really helpful would be the ability to hand draw a curve on
each axis, X, Y, and Z. I don't mean hand draw literally because that would
be to erratic, buy maybe the ability to grab a certain point in the curve
and pull it around like in graphics programs, changing the placement and
intensity. Even the ability to grab a second or third point and pull them in
the opposite direction would be helpful. (In some games. :-)) Choosing
between hard knee and soft knee would also be a boon. (In those same, some,
games. :-)) Naturally a mirror option for matching one side to the other
when you have the perfect curve.
After that, a nice big X/Y/Z plot on the screen so one could turn his wheel
and see what the controller value is at any point in it's position - with
accurate numbers and everything. ;-) Percentage would be fine.
On of the problems with this whole sim driving thing is that it's really
hard to judge the slip angle of the tires in most titles. The front tires
are very important in that the slightest bit too much or two little and you
are gaining precious time. Much sim driving technique relies on having a
flow based on memory of what the perfect steering angle is at any given
point on the track. It is much more efficient to align what the hands are
doing with where the eyes are looking. Since all wheels are different, and
all sims are different, absolute and detailed controller tuning must be
available to the serious driver. (Most games do not allow for slope tuning
on individual axis and those that do are rarely useful.)
Deadzones do not belong in any serious controller setup but are useful in
the even that the mechanics are faulty. If a deadzone is included there
should be a definitive on/off switch. Deadzones are not a substitute for
slope variations.
--
"Nothing gets closer!" - Crammond
> I've got a group of programmer buddies, and due to the downturn in the
> high tech economy, we've got a little too much time on our hands...
> So, there is all kinds of software already on the market, but we have
> no idea what kind of software might exist -- or might be useful -- for
> drivers and car lovers. If you could have some kind of software,
> something that doesn't exist yet, what would contribute to your life
> as an auto afficianado? If it's a good idea, we might create it. Any
> replies placed here in the newsgroup will be considered open for
> development, but if you give us a good suggestion, we'll send free
> Steve O.
