rec.autos.simulators

Hi,
   I am new to these controllers; could you please tell me what's the best
equipment I should get? Prefer force feedback steering wheel with gear
shift and with throttle, brake and clutch pedals. Thanks in advance.

P.S. What about some URL addresses where I could research further? Thanks.
--
Yours,
Termion
(Please remove NOSPAM from E-Mail address to reply, thanks)

You may be interested in our CDS2 or upcoming CDS4000 controllers. They
offer very smooth and precise control with outstanding reliability.
Unfortunately, we no longer have any CDS2 clutch units, but the CDS4000
will have an optional clutch. Generally,we have a lot of experience with
the clutch feature, having offered our first clutch unit in January
1997, but we do not feel the clutch adds a lot to the experience except
for at the starting line.

Force feedback is an idea that is likely going to be a staple in the
future, but in our opinion this appears to be some time off due to many
factors... latency in the force response, lack of quality sim titles
with good FF programming, and the very high cost of quality FF hardware
components.

Best regards,

Andy Cers
ECCI

URL   http://www.ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/extreme

Give  TSW's a try. If you're considering a cheapo Thrustmaster, spend
a few more bucks and get a TSW. They're built like a tank and I don't
see how mine will ever fail unless I drive over it, even that might
not do the trick...You can't believe the difference a good wheel
makes!! You can add a clutch to most TSW's I believe....Forget FF for
now, It will be a long while before one that technology matures to be
realistic or affordable.

Regards,

Rick Carlson

A satisfied TSW2 Owner  

Check them out at

http://soli.inav,net/~thomas

The ECCI is a beautiful piece of equipment, but try to explain that
expense to the wife!!!

Yeah, I am strongly agreed with you. I would rather spend that $600 on
performance parts on my real car (Acura Integra) instead of ECCI.
--
Yours,
Termion
(Please remove NOSPAM from E-Mail address to reply, thanks)

I just ordered a NASCAR 2 Wheel... havent gotten it yet but its supposed
to be good.  Currently, none of the major manufacturers produce a force
feedback wheel that I'm aware of.  I think Thrustmaster was working on
one, but the last time I checked their page, there wasnt anything about
it, so they must have cancelled it.  Also, the only set I know of with
an actual clutch pedal is made my ECCS, costs like $1600, and I'm not
sure if it's available anymore.
It really depends on how much you want to spend.  If you want a decent
wheel for little money, go with a Thrustmaster.  If anything breaks,
they'll send free replacements.  If money is no object, I would say go
with a higher end TSW wheel, or an ECCS wheel, as they are very nice,
and durable, at least judging from posts here.  Personally, I cant see
spending that much on a wheel though.

Brian Short

<snipped>

<snipped>

Although I havent heard anything about a FF system from Thrustmaster, the
people at Microsoft are indeed working on a new Sidewinder FF device due out
sometime in October (last time I checked their site).  

It might be worthwhile to point out that the person who runs the unofficial
F1RS site has been plugging an unannounced FF wheel since last week.  You might
want to keep an eye on his site to see what he is hyping up.  

F1Filter

Are you aware of our new TSW 2 line? They start at $180.00 and they have
the capability to be upgraded with any accessory that the TSW has, we
will have a clutch add on and possibly FF at a later date, it depends on
FF support from serious sim makers such as Papyrus.

Trev