rec.autos.simulators

I really enjoy playing GPL and finally am able to drive constantly with
joystick (Gravis Analog Pro).
But I wonder how fast am I with my joystick. I can't compete with the guys
with steering wheels...
At Monza my best time is 1:31 low (don't remember exactly) and at Zandvoort
(my home circuit) 1:27:53.

Any comments appriciated.

Gertjan.

You might be interested to know that real pace-setters such as Wolfgang
Woeger and Sasa Mencinger use joysticks :-)

Cheers!
--
Graeme Nash

http://www.karisma1.demon.co.uk

ICQ# 11257824

I have done a 1:29.79 at Monza and 1:26.85 at Zandvoort. Few days ago I
managed to do a 1:05.93 at Watkins Glen. I drive with Lotus. I haven't
done much setup work at all. Just decreased the amount of fuel and
adjusted the brakes a little... I can still improve my times when I
drive more. And with more setup work I could have maybe a big
improvement.

Those times are not the fastest, of course, and I don't know if I'm
never going to match the fastest hotlaps. But I think they indicate that
with a joystick you can drive fast as well as with a steering wheel.

Your times are good with a joystick. Just keep driving and you should
improve all the time. My friend has the same joystick as you do and he
has driven a 1:27.xx at Zandvoort with Ferrari.

Regards,

--

- Grand Prix 2 : http://www.clinet.fi/~vmt/gp2/        -
- Racing Images: http://members.xoom.com/racingimages/ -

eagle at the glen 1:06
eagle at monza 1:29
eagle at rouen 2:00
eagle at monaco (need a lot more practice)

--
all opinions expressed while drunk, stoned and flying through clouds.

Hmm, I really thought they were driving with wheels because I downloaded some
replays, and they steer so very smooth, when I compare it with my own
steering, the wheel is swirling in all directions to keep the car on track.

I believe that some of the really fast guys use a joystick for steering
input and pedals for the brake/accelerator. The joystick has less distance
to travel from lock to lock than a wheel and should be quicker.

Using only a joystick makes it hard to separate the steering and
brake/accelerator - I'm not saying it can't be done but I have found that
going from a joystick only to a wheel/pedal has given me much more control.

It is debatable whether I would have improved the same amount if I stuck
with the joystick because the learning curve for GPL is so damn long (and a
bit steep in sections!)

If you do change to a wheel, don't expect to be at the same level straight
away as a bit of practice will be needed - lots even!

Happy driving!

Cheers,

Steve B.

remove "edy" from address for email

Amen, to that!

Dave Ewing

I have tried the Thrustmaster Sprint wheel and pedals, but didn't like
them and went back to my Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro.

I'm not particularly fast but the biggest benefit for me is that with
the throttle slider on the Sidewinder set up as brake (and push stick
forward for throttle) I get quite accurate touches on the brakes (with
left hand) and can control throttle separately (and steer) with right
hand.

I'm still trying to play with linearity and my own hand control (the
springs on the Sidewinder are a little stiff, and the twist rudder
(not used but can take the feel away when you twist it by mistake and
have its spring working against your hand) sometimes makes accurate
placement of the car hard work) but I'm getting there.  I certainly
feel I'm having a great race with AI until I eventually come off and
have managed a 9:23 round Nurburgring in an Eagle (which I found
extremely satisfying).

The other possible thought is that somehow the Sidewinders digital
drivers (whatever that means - I think movement is a pulse thing
rather than a pot - but how that is fed into the A to D converter on
the gameport I've no idea) through a standard gameport on the
motherboard give a feeling of solid control which I haven't felt when
using more traditional analogue devices.

Alan

http://www.chandler.u-net.com