rec.autos.simulators

Hi ..

I've had enough of playing Gp2 with the keyboard .. I want to upgrade my
playing to using a steering wheel ..

Can someone give me advice or point me to a web site that discusses this ??

Thanks.

--
         +                     __'                  
  +   +    +   +        [1]_.-'__(Q_,._        
    +    +   +   +  . . . (o)_________(o)z>    
      FORMULA ONE RACING '97

First of all, forget about steering wheels like the Per4mer or whatever
that is called.
The T2 is probaly the most popular, although the pedal springs brake after
4 months, and their tech support isn't all that good (although I did hear
some good stories). There are several other wheels out there which cost a
bit more, but I have heard that they are even better.

I'm also a "newbie" trying to learn  more about steering wheels.  I've
read many posts that seem to say that the Thrustmaster T2 is a good first
wheel for the money.

I've also read that ECCI makes a more expensive, but better wheel, and
I've asked for a brochure from them.

Any other advice from experienced "wheelers" will be greatly appreciated.

PHIL

Another possible move: Buy a T2 and get it just about as good as the
expensive wheels by following the tips & hints at my T2 Upgrade Page. It
really makes a difference.

Good luck deciding!
--

Formula T2 Upgrade Page - http://huizen.dds.nl/~jjcox

...

I am either very lucky, or maybe I am just to easy on my equipment.  I have
had a T1 for over 2 years now, and a T2 for the better part of a year and
to date, I have had no problems with either of them.  Well, except that my
cat chewed the devil out of the T1's cord.  But anyway....   If you treat
your T1/T2 like YOU payed for it, and turn the steering wheel ( as opposed
to yank ), and press the pedals ( as opposed to stomp ) your T1 or T2 will
last a good, long time.  

A friend of mine came over with his kids, and I let the older sun (
***ager ) drive Indycar II to check out the graphics with the Rendition
chipset.  I let him drive for about two laps before I kicked him off the
computer.  It looked like he was in a rattlesnake stomping contest and was
trying to turn over my desk.  If he is any example of how you will be
treating your wheel and pedals, you would come out better to get a TSW.
From what I have heard, they are built to take abuse like that.

Robert

Hi......

I have used a T2 for the last year or so, and have not had any problems
at all, no springs or pots breaking, etc.

I have e-mailed Thrustmaster, and obtained some spare springs and pots
just in case, but have not needed to use them.

The T2 is a great first time buy, especially if you are on a budget,
(around 120.00) its pretty solid, it feels good, the pedals are a bit
light, lots of plastic in the construction, but hey for the price it is
far better than  the per4ormer or the mad katz, or any of the other cheap
wheels.

But, if you are serious about your racing, you MUST get a good quality
wheel and pedal set-up.

I have literally just bought myself an F1 Sim (formerly gp500), from
Interactive racing, (also from Digital Edge).
This is one of THE BEST wheel and pedal set-ups money can buy. (Around
200.00)

 All heavy duty steel construction, real 10" Mountney quick release
racing wheel, steel pedal assembly, fully adjustable pedal rake angle,
and pedal resistance (one pedal can be ***, eg:- brake).
Wheel centering adjustment, two buttons mounted on the wheel, four LED
lights mounted on the wheel, gear change paddles (again made from steel)
mounted behind the wheel aka F1 style.

If you can afford it, get one of the "quality" wheel and pedal set-ups,
its worth it in the long run!!!!!

For more info about the F1 Sim go to.....

http://www.racesimcentral.net/

or e-mail.....

Or search the web for "interactive racing" or "digital edge" or "gp500"
or "f1 sim"

d:~)

 **Peter**

=8>]

-DG-

No, I didn't treat it like that, but I still was *** the equipment.
I'm getting
better at it, though.

Thanks for any information you might be able to provide.

Glenn

***************************************************************************
* Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so... * Glenn Davies              *

***************************************************************************

I would say either very lucky, or you don't put in much seat time on
your racing.  I owned a T2 for about 6 months before purchasing
a TSW.  In this time, I replaced the accelerator spring 2 times, and
the steering bungee once.  I assure you that at least on my part,
it had nothing to do with improper use.  It did however have alot
to do with how much I used it, I believe.  I think it's wrong for you
to assume that everyone's T2's are breaking because they don't
"treat their equipment like they paid for it".....pretty bold
statement.

Shawn Wise
Midwest Motorsports
ProHCS3 & HGNS3 on Hawaii

Perhaps we have differing opinions on what " improper " is.  I have read
where many people are replacing their springs, etc on their wheels.  So you
definately aren't alone.  But I intend to put another couple of years on my
T1 before I get another wheel.  

Is it not equally wrong for you to think that they are breaking because
they are " cheap "?  It is mostly plastic, and if treated like it were made
of steel it will not hold up.

Sorry, perhaps I should have been more meek.  All I am basing that
statement on is actual " eyes on " experence.  A friend of mine purchased a
T1 for his kids.  It lasted just a few months before they trashed it.  In
this instance, I know for a fact that they abused the thing.  I saw it,
didn't read about it.  And I don't let them use mine. I have one a T1 for
over 2 years, and it has lots of time on it.   It is my main wheel as I
hate the T2 pedals.  So, no, the T2 doesn't have a lot of time on it.  

You are free to think what you like about my assumptions,  but the
thrustmaster equipment that I have has served me faithfully for over two
years.  Since mine has lasted this long with no problems, I can only "
ass-u-me " that our definitions of " improper " are different.

Happy trails,

Robert

Here's a site with a comparison of products:

http://home.worldonline.nl/~flucas/advice.html