rec.autos.simulators

I recently got a chance to try Colin McRae Rally with a Microsoft
SideWinder force feedback wheel. I found the FEEL very life like,
especially the sensation when driving on ice.

My question to anyone who owns or has owned one; Are they worth $180
(US) & how do they hold up under moderate use?
Dan

I have an additional question - what happens when the game does not
support
force feedbacK? Do you end up with a really light steering system? My
point
is that normal wheels provide mechanical resistance similar to that in a
car
by using springs etc. As far as I know, a force feedback one relies on
software
to provide this resistance. So, if the software does not support it - do
you loose
out and end up with a very artificial feeling wheel or does the MS
driver
software sort this out?

The MS Force Feedback wheel is about 150 in the UK - quite frankly,
that is a ridiculous price - but the Thrustmaster Force is a similar
price too (129).
That works out to be a 100 premium over a decent wheel (my thrustmaster

Sprint was under 50 and I've found it very nice - although I accept
others
may disagree) - but good, non -force, wheels cost about 50 and at most
75.

To put it into context, you could buy a Sony playstation AND a copy
of Gran Turismo for 150 in the UK, since Gran Tusrimo never made it to
the PC, buying these two probably represents better value in simulated
racing
than being able to feel the odd peddle in Colin McRae. Is this a fair
comparison?

Is it really worth spending 100 on one of these devices? I may be
underestimating
the immersive qualities of the Force Feedback - If so, I'd be keen to
hear about them.

Steven

Responses below

It depends on the game, for instance in GPL and in SCGT, the wheel does
provide realistic resistance, yet in Viper if I disable FF I have a very
loose wheel.

Most implementations of FF are not as well done as they should be for sims.
If the FF could let you know about over or understeer for instance, or
vibrated depending on the RPM, I would without question recommend one.
However, FF is limitted to collisions and in some games road surface texture
(if bumpy).

I've had an MS Sidewinder FF Wheel since Xmas. Yes, it's fantastic with CMR!
You feel the bumps, gravel, ice, banks, everything! It's soooo much nicer to
play with this wheel than with anything else.

In answer to the questions:

- If your game doesn't support FF, then you just get the autocentering
effect - this can be customised within the Sidewinder Control Panel utility
to how stiff you want it. It's very good as a result with GP2.
- I bought the wheel for 100 in the UK, new. Keep looking around.
- I've used the wheel lots, on full resistance and force effects, and it
still works like a charm 3 months on, with no signs of wear and tear. It is
one robust piece of kit.

Yours,

Rehan