rec.autos.simulators

Now, is this just a function of my gamepad, or do all joystick behave this
way?  Or is something set up wrong?  I've already tried playing with the
wheel lock and even at the lowest setting, I get wheel squeal every time.

Thanks for any help.

Chris

I have my controls set up so that the accelarator is forward on joystick,
reverse is backward on stick, steering left and right on stick, and brakes are
the fire button (trigger) on stick.  I find this is the most "natural" feeling
setup without using a wheel.  However, since all the control movements are
linked together, it takes a long time for me to learn how to drive a new track.  

Now, assuming the gamepad you are using acts as a "normal" joystick, you may
want to reduce the wheel lock under suspension in the garage menu.  I usually
run between 5 to ten degrees of wheel lock depending on the track.  The only
time low wheel lock is a problem is when you are trying to get turned around
after a spin.  

Another factor that may be affecting your playing of the game is the size of
the joystick you are using.  You mentioned that the one on your gamepad is
small.  I find that on my larger joystick that only very little control
movement is needed.  Now since yours is small, the affect of a small movement
may be amplified considerably by the short stick (smaller lever arm).

Also, the car setup you are using has a drastic affect on the ability to get
around a turn without squeeling tires.  If you are using the ACE setup supplied
with the game you probably won't be able to carry much speed through the turns
without squeeling your tires.  I find the ACE setups are way too tight for my
tastes.  (I prefer a loose setup so I can get the rear end turned around with a
short stab of the accelarator).  If you haven't already, try a few of the
setups available on the web.  This will usually give you a feel of what you are
shooting for when setting up your own car.

The best thing to do is practice, practice, practice. It took me way more than
a week before I could really drive well on a given track.  I still have
"mastered" only a handfull of tracks after seven months.  (My wife is not
appreciative of the time and effort involved in playing this sim).

I guess this didn't answer your question about the gamepad but I hope it helps.

Good Luck!

Patrick Murphy

Rick Genter
Technical Lead, IndyCar Racing II
Papyrus Design Group, Inc.

You are trying to play the game with a digital control device (ie either
you are turning full or not turning).  Get an analog control device.  If
you have money, try the Thrustmaster2 or the TSW?(which is $300).  If
you don't have money, just get an analog Gravis joystick.....I can still
put up a 131.008MPH at Bristol with this joystick.

With the Gravis Gamepad, there is no way to turn gradually because it is a
digital joystick.  What that means is that rather than having a gradual
progression in each direction, like an analog stick (flight stick, etc.), the
joystick is either on or off in that direction.  To get the control you are
looking for, you will have to purchase an analog stick that gives a gradual
movement in each direction, such as a Logitech Wingman, Microsoft Sidewinder,
CH Flightstick, Thrustmaster, or any other joystick that is analog.

Todd Walker

--
         Neil Yeatman, Ajax, Ontario, CANADA

Live music is better; bumper stickers should be issued!
  Neil Young - Union Man, from Hawks and Doves, 1980