rec.autos.simulators

Can anyone suggest which control device is better ?

A few friends and I have only just got into GP2 in a big way,
mainly through Linkup mode.The problem is we have started
to take it very seriously (Snide E-mails and the like,all in good
fun!).The thing is we are all using the keyboard and would like
some advice on which would improve our enjoyment.I quite like the idea
of the wheel and pedals,any ideas on which makes or models.

Thanks in advance

David Herbert
Bicester
Oxon

What I'm really trying to say is that you should get the best controls
you can afford and you will improve your enjoyment of the game
substantially over using a keyboard.

Brian Johnson

Definately a wheel. You may want to consider a Thrustmaster T2 or a
combination of a Thrustmaster GP and some CH pedals.

Definitely the wheel and pedals.

If you want top quality there's the GP500 wheel/pedals, but its well
over 200 quid.  Probably the only set with pedals that don't give you
leg aches over a long race. It's changed its name recently, but I can
find out more if you're interested.

For a good quality set at a more reasonable price try the Thrustmaster
T2. Many of the shops in Oxford sell them, but you'll save loads by
getting it mail order. I would recommend a good dealer like RC
Simulations in Bristol, as they'll help you out should any components
fail (springs have failed on mine, but I have the older T1).

Personally I think that the cheaper wheel sets are flimsy and
uncomfortable, so would advise avoiding them - but let's hear from
folks who have used them.

Take my word for it - get a T2 and work at it until you can play without
any steering or driving aids. This is the closest to real F1 that you
are going to get in a sim. If you do get a T2 and you are struggling
with a no steering or opposite lock CONfiguration, mail me.

-john

Hi Dave.

Australian made.. Advantage 1 Wheel and pedal assembly. All steel, top
quality swithes on wheel for changing gears. Unbreakable. But it is
expensive. Around the $380.
You can order it from TECS. If there is a delay getting one, get back to
me.

Cheers

Paul Ward

Depends on what you feel comfortable with?

Some people have responded to this message saying wheel and pedals are
best, you will improve enjoyment of the game, etc. However, some people
simply cannot get on using wheel and pedal set-ups!!!

I use both, a T2 and the keyboard, I am by no means the best driver in
the world, but my laptimes are respectable, and I find I am quicker with
the keyboard than the wheel and pedal combo?

If you check out the web sites for hotlaps and set-ups, you will notice
that some of the fastest guys out there use the keyboard.

So you cannot dismiss using the keyboard, if you find you are quicker
with keys, stick with them, if not, try a wheel or joystick.

I would also advise you to try out different wheel and pedal sets before
buying, there are a few available now, and you may like one, but not
another, so try before you buy!!!

My personal preferences for wheel and pedal sets are this....

If your on a budget, get a T2, it feels good and will last for a while,
(not too much plastic) expect the springs and pots to go, but
Thrustmaster after sales service is legendary, and theres no problems in
getting spares.

If you can afford it, go for a "quality" wheel and pedal set-up, I am
saving for a GP500 (now called the F1 Sim), I have used one and they are
the absolute dogs b*ll*cks!!! Best quality you can get?

Stay away from the Mad Katz, G-force Yoke, Per4ormer, etc, they are cheap
and ***.
This really is one area where you get what you pay for.

d:~)

#:~>  **Peter**

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I have found the keyboard to be pretty darn quick.  I just bought a T2 and
it didn't take me long before I was matching and surpassing my old
records(2 days).  Not everyone is the same, though.  The T2 is a lot easier
on the hands and I am much more relaxed after a race than with the
keyboard--too much tapping on keys.  Hope this helps...

--

"The HotSeat" http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~sf5j-rdyn/
Includes: The Paddock, Tournaments, The Ladder,
The Winner's  Circle, GP2 Links, a tutorial and multiplayer mode info

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<snip>
: I use both, a T2 and the keyboard, I am by no means the best driver in
: the world, but my laptimes are respectable, and I find I am quicker with
: the keyboard than the wheel and pedal combo?

: If you check out the web sites for hotlaps and set-ups, you will notice
: that some of the fastest guys out there use the keyboard.

: So you cannot dismiss using the keyboard, if you find you are quicker
: with keys, stick with them, if not, try a wheel or joystick.
<snip>

I am just curious, but could it not be that the fastest times are
usually via keyboard because one almost HAS to have steering help on?
Most people with wheels are more than likely turning all steering help
off.  Just a thought...

--
**************************** Michael E. Carver *************************
     Upside out, or inside down...False alarm the only game in town.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<[ /./.  [-  < ]>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

While Paul here might have more time on his hands than most of us, I
would not
suggest trying to make you OWN wheel/pedal combo. It takes alot more
than just
"turning a screw". I know there are instructions out there for taking
old joysticks
and making them into gas and brake pedals, but its not worth it, believe
me. You
would end up spending plenty hours reading and figuring out how to
construct
these "garage sale" devices. By the time you would finally complete the
proccedure
you would have put in enough time and effort, not to mention the money
on something
that wouldnt compete with even the cheaper manufactured wheels on the
market today.
Look at it this way: Lets say you spend 30 bucks on the home-made
devices, consider
the time, gas to get there(even if the place has everything your looking
for,etc.)
You spend, lets say 2 hours reading and studying how to make the device
and another
5 hours constructing it. So far you have around 35 bucks and 8 hours
investeding your
"project". If you make even a measely 7 bucks at your present job thats
$56 for 8 hours.
56=35=91 bucks. For 9 more dollars plus tax you could go down to your
local Circuit City
and pick up a T2 for 99.99+tax. You also have a guarantee that the T2
will work not
to mention it has been "streamlined" and developed fop the sole purpose
of "racing" games.
The bottom line is: Do you wana RACE or play around with old joystick
pots and electrical tape?!!

-David Gary-

Ive talked to a few of the guys who are posting GP2 "fast" times and it
seems that
most of them relay to me that most of the times created are with
steering help on.
Ive DL'd some of the record laps for GP2 in the past and its obvious
that the steering
help is on because you can see it in the***pit view. You also can
easily tell in the
replay if the person is driving ith a keyboard. But I have also heard
that the keyboard
is faster. Driving in traffic (IMO) would seem to be easier with the
"smoothness" of
a wheel. All in all, the "driving" software is supposed to simulate
driving a real race
car and thats why I personally use a wheel. The wheel adds more realism
and thats what I
am personally after not world record times. I have, however, come within
one second or two
of a few of the world records held by T.R. in ICR2 with a wheel. The
bottom line is: I dont
think these fast times should be considered "true" records(GP2) if help
aids are used, This
has been argued for months in MPS GP2 forum, but the fact of the matter
is, that Damon
Hill never had any type of electronic steering device that helped him
"steer" his way to some of
his world records!  "8>}

-David Gary-

http://www.racesimcentral.net/./~neilj/wally/wheel2.htm

I hate to disagree with you but I built my own wheel and pedal combo. I
ended up costing me about $50.00 and several hours to build ( my spare time
is cheap so I don't count that as an expense ) Since I finished it I have
had several months of racing fun on something I built myself not not some
store bought piece of plastic. So far I have had one of my pots fail it
cost a 1.49 at radio shack and took 15 minutes to replace. One more thing
before I go I am willing to bet my leather bound Porsche wheel looks and
feels better then your t2 plastic thing.

                                Denny M

 You also have a guarantee that the T2
While i've been sitting back watching the 'Buy it  V Make it' war go
on I have come to the conclusion that to buy is better (for me at
least)
While i can see you might get a lot of satisfaction building your own
device, I could see myself getting halfway trough bulding it losing
my rag: and throwing said half made wheel out of nearest window:-)
So T2 here I come! (if I can find one in oxfordshire)

David Herbert
Oxon

Look at the wheels page on my site at
http://www.worldonline.nl/~flucas/index.html

There you can find lots of info about lots of wheels.
You can also compare wheels/joysticks/keyboard times in my top 10 tables.

P.S. A wheel is certainly more fun!

Frits