rec.autos.simulators

by **BRH** » Tue, 26 Jun 2001 12:42:09

I presently have an LWFF, but I'm not crazy about the pedals. So, I'm
checking out the ActLab wheel and would be curious to hear opinions
about it from those of you who have used it. Specifically, how are the
pedals? I would especially like to hear an informed comparison from
those who have used both the LWFF and the ActLabs wheel.

From the ActLabs website, a few things still aren't clear to me:

1. Does it support split-axis? (I assume it does, but it's never
explicitly stated.)
2. If you have the RS Shifter installed, can you easily get back to
using the paddle shifters for sims which don't support the RS Shifter,
or does it involve some disconnecting/reconnecting?

If it makes any difference, I mainly run GPL, N4, and GP3, but I also
run F1RC, Nascar Heat, F1CS, and SCGT on occassion. I'm using Win98SE
and will probably connect thru the serial port. (I never connected the
LWFF or anything else through USB, so I'm not sure how well that would
work.)

Any info provided would be appreciated.

--
Bert

by **Kendt Eklu** » Tue, 26 Jun 2001 11:14:36

>I presently have an LWFF, but I'm not crazy about the pedals. So, I'm
>checking out the ActLab wheel and would be curious to hear opinions
>about it from those of you who have used it. Specifically, how are the
>pedals? I would especially like to hear an informed comparison from
>those who have used both the LWFF and the ActLabs wheel.

I haven't used the LWFF, but did look at it in the stores before I got
my ActLabs.

Pedals - If this is your reason for getting an AL, don't. I think
they're a little better than the LWFF pedals, but the same problems of
limited travel remain. I'd at least wait until the new improved
pedals are available.

Yes - through a control panel checkbox.

Unfortunately you have to reconfigure the plug in modules in the wheel
base. The shifter has a module that goes between the wheel and the RS
engine module. A better design would have used a switch or something
on the shifter module.

I use mine through USB no probs - I think you get less system overhead
through the USB port.

I run GPL, GP3, RC2000, N4 primarily. The first thing you'd notice
about the Act Labs is that it is STRONG. Crank the forces up and it
can shake your entire desk. Also, especially before the belts break
in, it won't be nearly as smooth as a cable drive LWFF. Mine has
broken in well, and I've lubricated the belts for additional
smoothness.
ActLabs also has some of the best customer support out there.

BTW - GPL with the ActLabs shifter and shifter patch is not to be
missed :).

HTH,
Kendt

by **BRH** » Tue, 26 Jun 2001 14:15:19

Kendt,

Thanks for reminding me about one question I forgot to add. That is, when
are the new ActLabs pedals going to be available? I see that they have a
clutch kit available on their website, but I have enough troubles using 2
pedals. 8)

Thanks for the info.

Bert

> >I presently have an LWFF, but I'm not crazy about the pedals. So, I'm
> >checking out the ActLab wheel and would be curious to hear opinions
> >about it from those of you who have used it. Specifically, how are the
> >pedals? I would especially like to hear an informed comparison from
> >those who have used both the LWFF and the ActLabs wheel.

> I haven't used the LWFF, but did look at it in the stores before I got
> my ActLabs.

> Pedals - If this is your reason for getting an AL, don't. I think
> they're a little better than the LWFF pedals, but the same problems of
> limited travel remain. I'd at least wait until the new improved
> pedals are available.

> >1. Does it support split-axis? (I assume it does, but it's never
> >explicitly stated.)

> Yes - through a control panel checkbox.

> >2. If you have the RS Shifter installed, can you easily get back to
> >using the paddle shifters for sims which don't support the RS Shifter,
> >or does it involve some disconnecting/reconnecting?

> Unfortunately you have to reconfigure the plug in modules in the wheel
> base. The shifter has a module that goes between the wheel and the RS
> engine module. A better design would have used a switch or something
> on the shifter module.

> >>If it makes any difference, I mainly run GPL, N4, and GP3, but I also
> >run F1RC, Nascar Heat, F1CS, and SCGT on occassion. I'm using Win98SE
> >and will probably connect thru the serial port. (I never connected the
> >LWFF or anything else through USB, so I'm not sure how well that would
> >work.)

> I use mine through USB no probs - I think you get less system overhead
> through the USB port.

> I run GPL, GP3, RC2000, N4 primarily. The first thing you'd notice
> about the Act Labs is that it is STRONG. Crank the forces up and it
> can shake your entire desk. Also, especially before the belts break
> in, it won't be nearly as smooth as a cable drive LWFF. Mine has
> broken in well, and I've lubricated the belts for additional
> smoothness.
> ActLabs also has some of the best customer support out there.

> BTW - GPL with the ActLabs shifter and shifter patch is not to be
> missed :).

> HTH,
> Kendt

> >Any info provided would be appreciated.

> >--
> >Bert

--
Bert

by **P. C. Oxfor** » Tue, 26 Jun 2001 11:28:36

Yes, but I understand, F1 drivers use a button to shift more akin to LWFF
paddles than the AL shifter.

> BTW - GPL with the ActLabs shifter and shifter patch is not to be
> missed :).

> HTH,
> Kendt

> >Any info provided would be appreciated.

> >--
> >Bert

by **Cone Kille** » Tue, 26 Jun 2001 13:02:13

The current version of the wheel allows you to simply disconnect
the shifter to regain paddle and button operation. No config
change for the paddles but the buttons will require re-mapping,
if you shift that way (ala F1).

Regards, Doug aka Cone Killer

> >2. If you have the RS Shifter installed, can you easily get back to
> >using the paddle shifters for sims which don't support the RS
Shifter,
> >or does it involve some disconnecting/reconnecting?

> Unfortunately you have to reconfigure the plug in modules in the wheel
> base. The shifter has a module that goes between the wheel and the RS
> engine module. A better design would have used a switch or something
> on the shifter module.

by **Domagoj Malovi** » Tue, 26 Jun 2001 17:27:27

Not any more unfortunately my friend, but they did use shifters back in GPL
days :(((((((((

That's why I a european, an F1 lover, am growing to like CART more and more.
Now if only PAPY would do something about my itch :)))

Domi

by **Txl** » Tue, 26 Jun 2001 21:25:10

Yes completely...

With the current version yes, with the old version you have to make it
yourself, open the shifter cartdrige there is a jumper on the left side,
remove if and your shifter is gone, put it back in and your shifter is
there, so the clever way is to "build" a switch on it so you can turn on and
off the shifter (thanks again GTXslot...)

For more info, details, more tweaks and how to do them go to
www.slottweak.com everything is there...

The pedals are to be available mid july, I got the mail for preorder but the
shipping costs are just too much so I'll wait for the regular shop and get
them there, the peadl are coming in 2 ways, separately or with the wheel for
the "new" customer.

by **Morgan V. Woote** » Wed, 27 Jun 2001 07:13:02

I bought a non-FF model about a year or so ago and hated it utterly. Stiff noisy
pedals absolutely useless for anything but arcade games, no split axis (at least
that I could find in the ACT Labs software) again useless for sim racing, and
paddle shifters that "click" everytime I used them. Very annoying. Plus, I could
never get the ACT Labs software to work alongside my Logitech joystick. I could
either have one or the other, but not both. Maybe there are fixes for all that,
but I don't have the patience to deal with it. From what I understand, though,
most people love ACT Labs' products so maybe you'll have a better experience.

--
-------------------------------------
Morgan Vincent Wooten
http://home.earthlink.net/~morganv00/
GPLRank: +7.63
-------------------------------------

> I presently have an LWFF, but I'm not crazy about the pedals. So, I'm
> checking out the ActLab wheel and would be curious to hear opinions
> about it from those of you who have used it. Specifically, how are the
> pedals? I would especially like to hear an informed comparison from
> those who have used both the LWFF and the ActLabs wheel.

> From the ActLabs website, a few things still aren't clear to me:

> 1. Does it support split-axis? (I assume it does, but it's never
> explicitly stated.)
> 2. If you have the RS Shifter installed, can you easily get back to
> using the paddle shifters for sims which don't support the RS Shifter,
> or does it involve some disconnecting/reconnecting?

> If it makes any difference, I mainly run GPL, N4, and GP3, but I also
> run F1RC, Nascar Heat, F1CS, and SCGT on occassion. I'm using Win98SE
> and will probably connect thru the serial port. (I never connected the
> LWFF or anything else through USB, so I'm not sure how well that would
> work.)

> Any info provided would be appreciated.

> --
> Bert

rec.autos.simulators

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