> > > Even with castor turned down to about .5, I was really unable to hold
> > > the car in a straight line for any length of time,
> > Lowering caster will make the car more unstable. Adding caster adds
> > straight line stability to the steering.
> Hmmm. OK, I'll believe you and try cranking the caster back up again.
> Can't make it any worse (I hope).
your FFB strength setting reversed per Andi's suggestion. Otherwise,
increasing caster will always create more stability.
I'll explain why it works that way just so you can believe me :)
In suspension geometry, 'mechanical trail' refers to the distance that
the contact patch of the tire follows the intersection of an imaginary
line through the kingpin through the ground. The larger the
mechanical trail value, the more of a stabilizing effect it will have
on the direction of the tire. Increasing caster points the imaginary
kingpin line further in front of the tire contact patch, which
increases mechanical trail.
For example look at the front end of a bicycle or motorcycle. Ever
notice how the forks always either angle out in front of the head tube
of the frame, or the forks will be bent forward near the front hub?
Same thing - that increases mechanical trail which increases stability
of the bike.
Pat Dotson
UltraForce Simulators LLC
http://www.racesimcentral.net/