rec.autos.simulators

Hello,

 Just started running GPL again, after going from an AMD-233, to a
Celron-433, and Voodoo-2/12mb. GPL works fine now =:-)          

 First, any "must have" add-ons for GPL? I've not run the sim for so
long, and there's loads of stuff available. Maybe some well-known
add-on(s) for improving GPL; don't need any fancy stuff right now
(have the 1.2 patch already).

 Second, to any GPL-vets using a joystick;

 Is there a simpler (or well-known) way to shift manually using a
simple joystick? The clutch worries me the most, as I've never had to
deal with it in other sims (GP2, etc.). Would be nice if there were an
"auto-clutch" add-on, or some such thing.

  I'm already running into the very same problem that happened long
ago; auto-shifting can produce lots of (car) control problems.

 GPL needs 2 buttons to shift (up/down), and my 2-button joystick's
second-button is -very- hard to access; it's on the top, unlike the
trigger-button.  

 It's enough work just keeping the tires on the pavement, much less
worrying about shifting. Otoh, it'd be nice to use those gears to help
control the cars.

 Thanks Much,  Matt

-Teehole

:  Second, to any GPL-vets using a joystick;
:  
:  Is there a simpler (or well-known) way to shift manually using a
: simple joystick? The clutch worries me the most, as I've never had to
: deal with it in other sims (GP2, etc.). Would be nice if there were an
: "auto-clutch" add-on, or some such thing.

:   I'm already running into the very same problem that happened long
: ago; auto-shifting can produce lots of (car) control problems.

:  GPL needs 2 buttons to shift (up/down), and my 2-button joystick's
: second-button is -very- hard to access; it's on the top, unlike the
: trigger-button.  

Seems you've answered your own question.  You need new hardware!  Probably
you should get a wheel.  I still use a tiny CH Mach joystick, which has
several advantages over the run-of-the-mill stick.  It has great pots
which never seem to wear out.  It has a short throw stick, so small
corrections are easy (I drive with my right thumb on top of the stick,
sort of like a Sony Dual Analog pad - it take some getting used to, but
the fine motor skills seem best this way).  The short throw also makes
coming off the gas (even in mid corner) for shifts really easy.  No car
control problems there.  Finally, both buttons are on the base, which I
hold in my left hand.  These things can still be found for about 20bucks,
I think CH even sells them online. (www.chproducts.com)  Or you will
probably find one cheaper in a bargain bin.  I bought my Mach 2 for about
15 USD.

Stephen

Your gonna have to dump that 2-button if you want to drive GPL I'm afraid.  To
get the most out of this sim you need to work the controls without driver aids
I'm using a Logitech Wingman Digital Extreme joystick and love it.  Lotsa
buttons!  For some unknown reason, Logitech seems to have quite making them so
you'll have to search for one of these reasonably priced sticks.  You can live
without the clutch if need be.  Even without auto-shift, GPL handles the
clutching.  It is useful on the starting grid if you have a clutch button for
bringing the revs up while waiting for the flag to drop, otherwise you'll have
to punch it from idle while the AI uses their "magic traction" to move out.
The cluch is also useful for all those trips into the sand at Parabola/Monza,
just rev to max and dump the clutch and you'll move through the sand at a
stately 3 or 4 mph...

 Well thanks for the joystick tips. I'll have to check out something
new; something with a shorter stick-throw, more buttons, etc.

 Matt

-Teehole

If you are going to stay with a joystick then make sure it's one that
has those 3 buttons easily, and more importantly, naturally accessible.
It's a pain in the ***when, in difficulty, having to look where you
should be putting your fingers instead of at the monitor.  If you can
have each button covered by a different finger at all times then you
should be ok.  It's then just a case of getting used to it.

Just as an aside, I don't think the clutch button is necessary at the
start of a race.  I normally just bring up the revs whilst in neutral to
about 2/3rds max then, as soon as I see the flag start to drop, I slam
it in first with full power.  Its then a case of avoiding too much
wheelspin and your away.  Believe me, I can compete with the AI off the
line no problem this way.  Also online I'm generally quicker away than
everyone else around me, to such an extent that I can be under the
gearbox of the car infront within the first 50 yards.  :-)
--
Peter Ives
(AKA Ivington)