rec.autos.simulators

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   I've been doing a bit of experimenting with GPL online and have
come to an interesting conclusion: frame rate matters.  Not in the
conventional sense of better gameplay, but it actually affects your
lap times!

   I'm running a C300A/V1000 and with minimum detail online, I'm
getting 29-36 fps.  Good, but not good enough.  I hooked up tonight
with a friend (he was hosting on a cable modem, I'm on a 48K modem
connection) and we were racing default Eagles at Monza.  I'm racing in
arcade mode, so I can watch the speedo and see I'm doing a good speed,
but my lap times were off.  Hot laps were reported as 1:36s, when they
should be 1:33s or so.  When we raced head to head, he could beat my
top speed easily (he spun and was surprised how quickly he caught up).

   I disconnected, rebooted to 450MHz, reconnected and ran some more
laps.  My frame rate was now pretty steady at 35-36, with the odd 33.
My first hot lap was a 1:33.6.  Later in a race, I was able to clock a
1:32.19, 0.10 sec off my personal best (so my computer was up to full
speed).  Our top speed was pretty much equivalent now.

   I had noticed this sort of slow-motion with some other online
connections, but that was with more graphics and much slower frame
rates (20ish, so I wasn't that surprised).  It seems as if the server
is locked at 36 frames per sec - if your client can't handle them in
one second, well, it will get it done in a bit more real time.

   This is distressing.  First, it brings back the memories of the
biggest flaw of GP2 (lack of real-time correlation on slower
processors).  Second, if you don't have a fairly stout system (one
that can produce 36 fps online in *some* graphics configuration),
you'll be left behind.

   Has anyone else noticed this?  (I know Alison's FAQ says you
*really want* 36 fps online, but doesn't mention this *major* side
effect.  BTW, I've tuned up my DUN as per her instructions.)  I hope
I'm wrong, but it seems to be true.

NAR Northeast Regional Contest Board site - points and more...

I would suggest people with < P2 systems simply to not bother with
GPL. It is so much better with a powerful system it's not even funny.
Running GPL on a slower system just makes a "very hard" game nearly
impossible.

Joe

MM

[snip]

This might be a really stupid idea, but did you calibrate your wheel
both in Win9x and GPL every time after switching (especially after
switching from 450 to 300)? I did some testing with different bus
speeds and noticed that changing the speed from 66 to 75 MHz
apparently does not confuse my calibration completely. Steering is
still fine, but I experience a "braking and gas help" effect: no more
locked tires, no excessive wheelspin. I'm sure this would affect
topspeed too.

I hope the problem lies there.

--
Wolfgang Preiss   \ E-mail copies of replies to this posting are welcome.

   Right now I can maintain 36 fps at minimum settings while online at
450, and I've got a Thriller 8meg on order to replace my V1000, so
that should help things.  I'm not sure if I'll spend much more time
experimenting with it, when I could be enjoying myself really racing.
(Of course my opponent enjoys it when I'm 3-4 seconds off the pace. :)

   Thanks for the suggestion!

NAR Northeast Regional Contest Board site - points and more...