rec.autos.simulators

I am ready to engage in the task of building a custom pedal box. My
first though was to make an overhead mount.  However it would be much
easier to bottom mount the pivots, so any input as to the advantages of
overhead pivots woud be welcomed.

I'd imagine an overhead setup wouldd have to be a permanent fixture as it
would be too "top heavy" to be a portable unit

Frank....

I assume you saw the overhead pedals system video on High Gear?

That being said.....the type of pedals you build should suit the most
pre*** form of sim racing you do.   With, bottom mount pedals primarily
for open-wheel and some sports car racing......and overhead (suspended)
mount if you are a GT sedan, sports car or NASCAR racer.  Beyond
that....both are easy to build....and portability is not really an issue
(the pedals on the HG video are very portable) with the overhead pedals if
you build the frame properly for your setup (desktop or race frame).

If I can help you out in anyway, just send me an email.  I've just recently
rebuilt the overhead pedals that were in that HG video....preparing that
setup to beta test BRD's USB and forcefeedback systems (due out early 2002).

Regards,

Tom

hi,
There's also many cars that have overhead pedals for clutch and brakes and
bottom pedals for throtle.

because clutch and brake are hydrolic systems, so you need more power to push
the pedal, and overhead pedals have enough pivot to ease that.

--
Sebastien TIXIER - Game Developer
Dynamics and Car Physics
http://www.racesimcentral.net/
GPLRank Normal:-42.98 Monster:-117.44

Force feedback pedals?

Regards,
Anthony Bulloch

Having built both types, it will depend on how you sit relative to the
pedals. If you will be sitting at a desk/office type chair then go for the
bottom type of pivot. If you are sitting in more of a "racing position" then
build the top mount type. For my LWFF (which is my backup) I built the
bottom mount type of pedals as I use them at the desk. For my***pit I used
the top mount type, it is just more comfortable in this position. You can
see my***pit here...
http://www.racesimcentral.net/%20Cockpit.htm
If I can help you any more just mail me.
Good Luck...

Edward

Thanks to all who replied. I am going to try the overhead setup first.
This is the homebuilt rig I will be mounting them on.
http://community-2.webtv.net/grumpy/setup/

First observation:  The seat is too strait,  It's not tilted back enough.  I
haven't a clue if there is a formula to follow or not but I do know the back
rest must be tilted back and the ass must be the lowest part of the seat.
Other wise, a bar stool will be just as good in your current configuration.
--
Michael A. Barlow
FILSCA (www.filsca.com)

Yes, I agree with Mike, I have mine at almost a 45 degree angle, too upright
will be very uncomfortable after a couple laps...

Edward

Edward....

Very nice "imagineering" there, my friend.  I wish you lived near us....we'd
hire you to build our***pits for the rental business (F1 tubs, Winston Cup
driver's compartment-only pods and open race frames).  My guess is you have
a machinists background....or a consumer electronics, computer-electronics
background.....but not both.  Which means, you had to learn one or the other
to build your***pit.  That really makes your design and final creation
very special.

Make sure you keep those "non-working" dashboard instruments right where
they are.......working dashboards for racing sims is in our future!

What have you done for sound, engine vibration and that sort of thing?  I'd
be interested to know.

Great work....you should be very proud of your sim***pit!

Regards,

Tom

Thanks Tom, actually I don't have a background in any of those fields, I
have been a professional retail manager for the past 20 years ;-) But I
earned a B.A. (stands for *** all) in psychology.
When I set about to build it I just looked about the "net" , saw what others
have done and designed mine.
The sound is just a set of headphones, engine vibrations - none, but that
gives me an idea.. hmmmm........
Thanks for your comments

Edward

If your thinking tactile transducers have a look at
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

Ken