I thought I would drop a post to the auto sim group and tell you about a
cool product I have been playing with. R & R Electronics sells a product
called an EPIC card. It's a card to replace your joystick controller
card. Actually it is kinda hard to put it in the same class as a
joystick controller but that is its function.
I am running it on NASCAR using my Extreme CDS wheel and pedals. I have
both of them set up using "true" analog inputs. I also have my
sidewinder joystick plugged in. I no longer have to switch back and
forth, the controller will run both.
The thing that makes it unique is the analog curves that I use for
brake,gas and steering are totally programmable. I can control their
rate individually. This means I can make the first 10 degrees of wheel
movement real fine, and then progressively tighten up from there.
The really cool part is that the card is programmable for extra buttons.
So you can add up to 48 buttons without adding an expansion card (which
is available). Even though you have 48 buttons does not mean you are
limited to 48 functions. You can use one as a function key to double the
rest. Or use double clicks and others.
I just got started and am only using the 4 switches on the wheel. In
NASCAR I had them set up for shift up, shift down, and reverse.
Now I have those functions plus F1,F2,F3 and F4. All from the same four
buttons. While preserving the original operations. I can't tell you how
nice it is to move between the F1 - F4 windows without taking my eyes
off the screen.
Using the EPIC programming language you can pretty much make NASCAR do
anything you can do from the keyboard. Create a routine that does a
series of keystrokes for you.
Anyway, I am having a ball. It is definitely worth a look. The tech
support is excellent and the product unbelievable. It can be seen at:
http://www.racesimcentral.net/~Rrelect/
If you have any questions drop me a note...
Best Wishes,
Rich McCabe
Des Moines, IA