rec.autos.simulators

Shifter Preferences/Conventions

Scott Willingh

Shifter Preferences/Conventions

by Scott Willingh » Sat, 08 Nov 1997 04:00:00

I just got my new TSW yesterday (thanks Trevor!) and setting it up has
brought up a question I've had for a while about shifter setups.

On my T2, I'd always set up the shift lever as forward=upshift and
backward=downshift.  So last night, that's how I set up my TSW.  Then I
tested the F1-style shift paddles, finding that for that configuration,
left_paddle=upshift and right_paddle=downshift, the opposite of what I
would have naturally chosen.  I realize that it's basically just a matter
of preference, but I'm curious if there is any consensus among sim-racers
as to shift-directions, both for paddle-shifters and stick-shifts.
Also, in real race cars with stick-operated sequential transmissions,
is there a consistent convention for operation (e.g. backward=upshift
rather than the forward=upshift that I've been using)?

Thanks for any insights!

-- Scott

--

#66 Vans Shoes Grand Prix <> Rocket Science Racing

Robert Huggi

Shifter Preferences/Conventions

by Robert Huggi » Sat, 08 Nov 1997 04:00:00


>I just got my new TSW yesterday (thanks Trevor!) and setting it up has
>brought up a question I've had for a while about shifter setups.
>On my T2, I'd always set up the shift lever as forward=upshift and
>backward=downshift.  So last night, that's how I set up my TSW.  Then I
>tested the F1-style shift paddles, finding that for that configuration,
>left_paddle=upshift and right_paddle=downshift, the opposite of what I
>would have naturally chosen.  I realize that it's basically just a matter
>of preference, but I'm curious if there is any consensus among sim-racers
>as to shift-directions, both for paddle-shifters and stick-shifts.
>Also, in real race cars with stick-operated sequential transmissions,
>is there a consistent convention for operation (e.g. backward=upshift
>rather than the forward=upshift that I've been using)?

I have no idea how dragsters, indycars, etc. set up the shifter.

Sometimes the terminology gets confusing.
Upshifting is like shifting from 3rd to 4th.
Going up in gear number.

Downshifting is like shifting from 4th to 3rd.  
Going down in gear number.

You might downshift going into a turn and upshift coming out of a
turn.  

Right?

I am not sure what you mean by "forward" and "backwards" in your post?
forward=push the lever away from you?
backward=push the lever towards you?
On a normal T2, wouldn't you pull the shift lever to you to upshift?
Like shifting a 4 speed from 1st to 2nd?  
Like shifting a 4 speed from 3rd to 4th?
Personal preference?

With the keyboard, isn't the left arrow usually the downshift key and
the right arrow the upshift key?

--
Best Wishes!!!
Robert Huggins
Raleigh, NC

Stev

Shifter Preferences/Conventions

by Stev » Sat, 08 Nov 1997 04:00:00



> >I just got my new TSW yesterday (thanks Trevor!) and setting it up has
> >brought up a question I've had for a while about shifter setups.

> >On my T2, I'd always set up the shift lever as forward=upshift and
> >backward=downshift.  So last night, that's how I set up my TSW.  Then I
> >tested the F1-style shift paddles, finding that for that configuration,
> >left_paddle=upshift and right_paddle=downshift, the opposite of what I
> >would have naturally chosen.  I realize that it's basically just a matter
> >of preference, but I'm curious if there is any consensus among sim-racers
> >as to shift-directions, both for paddle-shifters and stick-shifts.
> >Also, in real race cars with stick-operated sequential transmissions,
> >is there a consistent convention for operation (e.g. backward=upshift
> >rather than the forward=upshift that I've been using)?

> I have no idea how dragsters, indycars, etc. set up the shifter.

> Sometimes the terminology gets confusing.
> Upshifting is like shifting from 3rd to 4th.
> Going up in gear number.

> Downshifting is like shifting from 4th to 3rd.
> Going down in gear number.

> You might downshift going into a turn and upshift coming out of a
> turn.

> Right?

> I am not sure what you mean by "forward" and "backwards" in your post?
> forward=push the lever away from you?
> backward=push the lever towards you?
> On a normal T2, wouldn't you pull the shift lever to you to upshift?
> Like shifting a 4 speed from 1st to 2nd?
> Like shifting a 4 speed from 3rd to 4th?
> Personal preference?

> With the keyboard, isn't the left arrow usually the downshift key and
> the right arrow the upshift key?

> --
> Best Wishes!!!
> Robert Huggins
> Raleigh, NC


Robert:

On my TSW (ole#99)I have the shift up and down tuned to the two
buttons in the steer'whl spoke. The right=up the left=downshift.

Guess youre using the shift-lever?? Mine being the 99th--paddles
were not an option.

Steve

Doug Reichl

Shifter Preferences/Conventions

by Doug Reichl » Sun, 09 Nov 1997 04:00:00

My preferences are as follows:

 - Upshift pulling back
 - Downshift pushing forward

In a real car, the G's under acceleration would make this a natural choice
since it would almost pull it back for you just putting your hand on it
and flooring it.

Likewise, braking would lend itself to throwing the shifter forward to
downshift since it would be the natural feel.

Besides, going from 1st to 2nd, and 3rd to 4th in a real life car with a 4
speed has always been pulling back for the higher gear.  It just feels
natural in your hand and is less work for your brain.  Working with G
forces is almost always better than trying to work against them.  ;)

Now, if I was to use paddles mounted to the wheel, then I would prefer
upshift under my right hand, and downshift under my left hand.  Again,
that just seems natural for me.
--
-------------------------------------


Neil Yeatma

Shifter Preferences/Conventions

by Neil Yeatma » Sun, 09 Nov 1997 04:00:00


> Also, in real race cars with stick-operated sequential transmissions,
> is there a consistent convention for operation (e.g. backward=upshift
> rather than the forward=upshift that I've been using)?

There are some F1 (and maybe CART) racers that go against convention
(Jacques Villeneuve for example), but most F1 cars use Right paddle
to upshift, Left paddle to downshift.  CART cars use forward to upshift
and and back to downshift....I had my T2 set up the other way for ICR2
until I clued in to what the real CART boys do.  Has it made a diff?
No.  But I certainly prefer the paddles on my TSW to the shifter on
the T2...lightning fast downshifts.

I do try to use the shifter when driving cars with fenders, but I
have to break from reality 'cuz I use the paddles for CART & ICR2.
I wonder why the real CART hasn't gone for paddles?  Seems safer to
keep both hands on the wheel.

--

Neil Yeatman          
Ajax, Ontario, CANADA


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