rec.autos.simulators

Kokomo, Indiana - Ultraforce Simulators LLC Announces Launch of the
GS-1:

The UltraForce GS-1 brings ground-breaking G-Seat technology to racing
sim drivers and flight sim pilots.  The patent-pending GS-1 translates
X, Y, and Z axis inertial accelerations calculated by the simulation
software physics into three dimensional motion cues.  Race drivers and
pilots alike will experience "seat of the pants" feedback from their
favorite simulation software like never before.

The height and angle of the GS-1 G-Seat is fully adjustable.  The chair
is upholstered with a ***ized material that grips - helping
translate 100% of the chair feedback to the body of the user.  The seat
frame is constructed from aluminum and steel.  The seat upholstery and
powder-coated legs are available in multiple colors: black, red, blue,
green, or yellow.  The seat provides mounting points for an optional
3-point harness.  The GS-1 is powered by electric motors.  Just plug
the chair into an electrical wall outlet and connect USB cable to a
computer. That's it!  The chair is ready for software installation on
your computer.

UltraForce GS-1 G-Seats begin shipping in January 2007.
See the "Sneak Preview" product review in the December issue of
AutoSimSport - Available at:

www.autosimsport.net

Actually, that's just a picture of the current prototype on the web
site.  There is a CAD rendering of the production model in the lower
left column.  I think the production units look nicer.  Pictures of a
production seat will be on the web site in a couple of weeks.

Pat Dotson

This is definitely a high-end product, but it delivers high-end
performance that isn't found anywhere else.  I hope everyone will get a
chance to try it eventually to see what it does - and how well it
really works!

Pat Dotson

and a 10% downpayment of $360 bucks....... That would be a cost of over
$3,600US........A bit overprised for something that looks like a lawn chair.

Ed

I can understand that.  I'm a little surprised at the strong reaction,
though, since nobody complains much about the "T-slot" aluminum based
products out there.  I'm sitting in that prototype as I type this, and,
honestly, I think it looks at least as good as some of the less
expensive race frames out there.  So I'll concentrate on improving the
aesthetics of the production model.

The point, though, is not really the appearance of the product.  Almost
everyone who has tried the prototype has uttered the words "awesome",
or "totally cool", or something similar within the first two minutes.
You literally feel what the car is doing underneath you.  Weight
transfer, bumps and dips, curbs - it's all there, direct from the
simulation physics.  You aren't going to get this kind of experience
out of a regular race frame, even with a "bass shaker" or some other
vibration based enhancement.  The experience this seat provides
requires some expensive component hardware.

Thanks, and keep the comments coming!

Pat Dotson

I cannot seem to figure out how this chair moves?  you moving all of the
little pads on it?

I think the coMents are just based on initial reaction to the looks. in
b this genre, aesthitics as well as functionality are applauded. people
want something that looks like it came out of a race car for that
immersion factor.

I would also like to know. does the whole chair move like frex
simconmotion, or is it just the motors a like i-vibe. the i-vibe has 6
motors and is $259 but I don't think they actually move, just vibe..

Ugly but works = good sales.
*** but doesn't work = good sales.
*** and works = great sales.

You need to add two more pads on the side for that cracked rib feeling
if you hit the wall.  Seriously.  Or at least to help feel the force of
cornering.

I'd also consider including race belts to strap you in so it's more
realistic.

But then, I'm a sucker for realism so I went and bought a real race car.
  probably should have saved my money and bought this instead with the
way I go through parts.

:)

I still think the seat needs side "wings" for a little rib slamming fun.
:)

I'll let you know what I find.

Yes.  Each pad can move independently.  It's not just back-and-forth
vibration - it's precise movement in response to the G forces developed
by the simulation physics.  When going around a corner in a real car,
your body slides sideways in the seat, which pulls the skin on your
back and posterior.  The same thing happens when using this seat,
except that instead of your body sliding sideways, the pads will move
in the opposite direction, giving the same sensation of weight transfer
you get in a real car.

Plus, my patented method for integrating movements in the X,Y and Z
axes create realistic three dimensional motion cues.  You feel forward
and rearward accelerations from stepping on the gas or braking, plus
you can feel the car start to move as you release the clutch.  You also
feel the car get light as you go over the crest of a hill, or get heavy
as you hit tthe bottom of a dip in the road.

It's really unlike anything else currently available to consumers.
Military flight simulators have been using this type of technology for
years, but the movement has always been provided by a hydraulic or
pneumatic system - and comes with a military-sized price tag.

Pat Dotson

I'll go through the code this evening to see where it's coming from.

Thanks,
Pat