rec.autos.simulators

I was email-conversing with the person who runs the TUSTA site for Soda
tracks and he said he thought this was a unique idea, so I thought I'd share
it here.

My sons and I have a Radio Controlled Off-Road Racing team and were looking
for a sim to train with.  Soda came along and we created a track that
duplicated the track where we race.  We then put one camera at a location
where the driver's tower would be.  Now we can race the track and duplicate
the view the RC driver would have at the real track.  I have noticed
improvements in the boy's driving skills when we use SODA as a training
tool.  Saves $$$ in track rental time too.  Soda is based on the real thing,
so it is not as fast as RC racing, but using the TV camera view, we can
simulate the challenges that come up when you try to drive a car that is
coming at you (controls are reversed).  Also, we can practice the proper
lines  through the track.  We have a Thrustmaster wheel which is set up to
use the left index finger as the throttle and right as the brake, so we even
simulate a RC transmitter.

So far no complaints.  We begin to actually race in '98, so time will tell.

H. W. (Sandy) McCullough

On Wed, 31 Dec 1997 15:58:38 GMT, "H. W. (Sandy) McCullough"

FYI:

While it won't do much for off-road racers, you might be interested to
know that someone has come up with an R/C simulator for on-road
racing.

Take a look at:  http://members.aol.com/pantronics/index.html

Jack

Just my 2 cents worth but I've been racing RC for longer than I care to tell
and the same for computers (ever hear of a Radio Shack Model 1?)  But the
Pantel thing is a joke, I got one when they first came out and it is in the
dark ages!  Serpent RC of Holland is working with Pantel to make a sim but I
understand that it will be for on-road.   The SODA thing sounds like a great
idea!
Ned