rec.autos.simulators

But the question is, which wheel?
I'm a bit bewildered by all the options (well, mostly the USB vs. not- what
are the relative advantages, etc.?)
I've heard people say good things about Microsoft's FF wheel.

I'd really like to stay on the good side of $150. I already have a set of CH
pedals that I'm really happy with, so pedals aren't necessary (if they can
still be used- anyone know anything about this?)

thanks for your input...

mark

Do any FF wheels have a clutch pedal?
Has anyone been able to add one?

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As to adding a clutch to an existing FF wheel....I'm not sure thats really
possible.  Opening up the Logitech that I owned to clean I looked over the
wiring and its not setup to handle more than two pedal pots.

Z.

Please remove NOSPAM from my email address when replying.

As long as you can physically plug the controllers into the machine at
the same time, I believe DirectInput will allow you to configure all of
them at once.  We will map all DirectInput controllers that are marked
as "OK" in the control panel up to a maximum of 16 axes and 16 buttons.
  I routinely have one of the two following configurations set up...

...the Microsoft Sidewinder FF wheel (game port/MIDI) and the Logitech
WingMan Formula Force (serial), or

...a set of Thrustmaster T2 pedals with CH Products Flight Stick (game
port) and Logitech WingMan Formula Force (serial) (I just can't find
that darn USB->serial adapter :-)

In fact, you can be out driving, hit F3 to bring up the Options screen,
reassign steering to a different controller, and we'll switch the force
feedback to the new steering device when you unpause the game.   I
doubt that many of y'all will use this feature, but it only took a few
minutes to do, and it sure made my life easier :-)

Randy

I don't think the CH pedals will work with the MSFF wheel. The connection
from the MS pedals to the wheel base is a ps/2 style connector. I'm not sure
if it is ps/2 or not, but that's what it looks like.

The MSFF wheel is a great wheel as Richard said. It is optical, tough,
comfortable, and has lots of FF. The profiler software that comes with it is
fantastic. It allows you to set up profiles for different games. That means
that for SCGT, you can have one profile where the  axis is combined and one
for GPL where you  have split axes. You can also map buttons to key
functions which is very useful in both GPL and other games. I have shift-r,
look left, look right, F10, and raise arm mapped to buttons on the wheel.

In short, the MSFF wheel is great.

--
-/- Walk Walker
Official HAL Backmarker

8)
Z.

Please remove NOSPAM from my email address when replying.

Only the Microsoft and perhaps the Saitek are optical for at least the wheel
axis, unsure about the brake/throttles.  I know definetly that my Logitech
uses a pot at the end of all three axis (wheel/brake/throttle) and since ACT
wheel isn't based on the Microsoft internals I'd imagine its not optical
either...the others I couldn't speak for.  Hope this was a bit more
informative than a simple "wrong".

Now, that is truly good controller support. :)

I'm sure that Logitech would be more than willing to ship you one free of
charge Randy. :)

Cool.

And hey, thanks for the information...its muchly appreciated. :)

Hi Mark,

If keeping your CH pedals was not a factor, I would recommend the
Logitech over all others that I have tried -- MS, Saitek, Interact V4
-- with a warning that some people find the Logitech pedals difficult.

Since you are keeping your CH pedals, and you can combine them in
GPL--without even rewiring--I strongly recommend the Logitech wheel
over the MS wheel.

As far as functions/programmability go, I <think> they are equal, but
I found the Logitech wheel *way* better in terms of feel.  I tried the
MS wheel, and while it's darn good, I was turned off by the fact that
it felt like light plastic in my hands.  The Logitech has a much more
sturdy and "heavy" feel, and it's completely coated with the (red!)
grippy-*** stuff.  The MS wheel only had grippy-*** on some
parts of the wheel.

The MS wheel used to have much stronger force, but the I find the
Logitech very nice after a few patch revs, in which they beefed up the
force.

IMHO, after about 5 or 6 months of heavy use with the Logitech, the
pedals are the *single* (and a very minor) complaint that I have.

Good Luck!

Brett

WHEN?   WHEN?? WHEN??/

I'm dying waiting for this.

Tony

Joe

Now, after I dropped $450 on the TSW and three days after
it arrives, I find out that the GPL patch will include...

   !!! >>>Force Feedback<<< !!!

Jesus, I could have used this information six weeks ago!
It's not that I dislike the TSW.  On the contrary.  It's
a wonderful, wonderful, quality wheel and I am enjoying
it tremendously.  I can't afford both of them, though,
and I would have bought the Microsoft wheel if I had known.

Oh, well.  Maybe in a couple of years when (if) GPL2 comes
out I'll be able to afford a FF wheel...

            -----------------------------
-Chris-     |   Two wheels are better   |
            |Proud owner of a 1998 ZX-9R|
            -----------------------------

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---Share what you know. Learn what you don't.---

Just a quick note, the MS FF works as dual axis with the release version of
SCGT, without any patches.
Someone was asking about the rear paddles for shifting with SCGT, well all
you have to do is map them to the keyboard commands ( I use the left and
right arrows ) you can also put the other functions, lights horn etc onto
the front buttons.

Ian Parker

ICQ   21772592