rec.autos.simulators

But I finally have worn down my parents and will be able to buy a racing wheel.
My primary games are ICR2, N99, GPL, and other future stuff. I have $100 to
spend on a wheel.
Right now my systems specs are p-133, 80 mb ram, win 98, Herc Thriller 3d,
sb16, 24x CD rom drive, and a 33.6 modem.
When I ship off to college in August, I will be getting a brand new CPU.
I need a wheel that will work with both my old and new cpu, and will last me
through college with minimum problem for $100 or less.
I had been eying the Thrustmaster line of wheels for their prices, but I am
open to anything except Microsoft wheels.

Please help me make a cost efficient decision as I am strapped for cash.

Thank you very much
Sincerely

Mathew Coplan
"Death"
TRUSRS #85

http://www.racesimcentral.net/

I've heard lots of posts about the reliability of some Thrustmaster wheels.
I've been using a Logitech Formula (the one without force feedback) for
about 6 months and can say that it's a well built wheel. Solid feel on the
wheel and pedals (although the pedal travel is a bit on the short side). It
was $129.99 Canadian, so you should be able to find it for less than $100
U.S.
Goodluck!

How does it fare with dos, win98, papy games, etc..?

I've got a Wingman Formula and it's great for the bucks (about $65
online).  It, like many new wheels, doesn't like pure DOS, though.  As
long as you run in a DOS box under Windows, it should be fine.  Mine's
worked fine under WIN95 with CART, GP2, N99, Viper, CPR, SCGT, CMR,
and of course GPL.  I think either the Wingman Formula or the ACT Labs
RS are your best bets for the money.  The Logitech has held up better
than any TM wheel I've had before.

Steve B.
Remove "edy" from address for email

I stopped playing DOS games after I got my 3D card. While I will always
have fond memories of GP2, I've had my fill of DOS graphics and haven't
looked back.
I'm using Win95B, but since it's a relatively new wheel, I'm sure it will
work fine under '98 (or at least they will fix the drivers if there is a
problem).

(although the pedal travel is a bit on the short side)

Is that a killer in GPL or is it managable? I would have bought one of these
wheels already but people in this ng said that with throttle and break help
of the pedals were no good? So how bad is it really?

ilmore

They're not that bad, really; I preferred their ergonomics to the ones
on  both the Thrustmaster Pro and SuperSport that I tried before
getting the Logitech.  They really DO need stiffer springs, but those
aren't hard to find since they're simple coils.  In the end,  I just
yanked the wiring out and plugged it into my CH pedals, which I
already had and loved.  This setup works great, and you still won't
have much over $100 in it if you decide you can't live with the stock
pedals.  Also, the wheel can be made much better than stock with some
simple mods, which you can check out on Alison Hine's website at:

http://nh.ultranet.com/%7Ealison/gpl/controls-readers.htm

Steve B.
Remove "edy" from address for email

% Please help me make a cost efficient decision as I am strapped for cash.

I would recommend the Thrustmaster Super Sport (MSRP $79.95 -- should
find it for less at discount stores.  I will work in DOS for any
games/sims that will support separate axis for the pedals (ICR2, N99,
GP2 do support separate axis).  It can be configured for Windows games
to use either combined or split axis for pedals.  So far the only
problem I have had with mine is having to clean the steering pot once
and awhile.  Any analog pot will need cleaning eventually.  Thrustmaster
provides excellent support for their products.

--
**************************** Michael E. Carver *************************
     Upside out, or inside down...False alarm the only game in town.

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Thanx for the great info.
But what are the differences between the Thrustmaster   T1, T2,Grand Prix,
Nascar Sprint, Pro, and super sport ??
I think the Thrustmaster line of wheels would be the most cost efficient for
me.  And what is the durability of these products? Would they last 4 years of
college?
I was also looking at the TSW2 wheel, but I don't think I could afford that.
But would it be worth it to never go out again and buy the TSW2?
Cause as I said I need osmething that will last 4 years.
Thanx.

Mat

--
Kirk Lane

ICQ: 28171652

Capp

And TM's customer support is a big PLUS :o)

Tadej
// gonna get one when T2 dies

IMO, this is what you're looking for about $100.

TSW products are great, but their pots will wear out too sooner or later, but
then you'll have to pay for them.

It's up to you to decide.

Tadej

--
Anssi Lehtinen

Most pedal units come with a built in "Y-connector".  You plug the wheel
into the pedal unit and the pedal unit plugs into the game controller
port.

For a detailed discussion of the GP1 (with CH pedals), refer to Alison's
excellent web site.  The direct URL for this discussion is
http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~alison/sims/gp1.htm

--
**************************** Michael E. Carver *************************
     Upside out, or inside down...False alarm the only game in town.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<[ /./.  [-  < ]>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=