rec.autos.simulators

by **J Burrow** » Tue, 27 Apr 1999 04:00:00

Hello,

I have a Thrustmaster Grand Prix 1 wheel and recently I've noticed
there is drift in the steering. I've tried calibrating but find that I
can turn the wheel full left; return to center and note reading; turn
the wheel full right; return to center and note way different reading.
In other words calibrating isn't working.

I haven't opened it up yet to have a look but, from what I have read
about wheels in this group, I take it the pot is gone? Or maybe just
loose?

If it is gone I'd like to know if I can buy a suitable one at Radio
Shack or do I have to order from TM? If I do how long do they usually
take to ship?

That's all. Thanks for any help.

John Burrowes

Dwarven Cleric Togan on Rallos Zek.

by **Ian Hil** » Tue, 27 Apr 1999 04:00:00

>Hello,

>I have a Thrustmaster Grand Prix 1 wheel and recently I've noticed
>there is drift in the steering. I've tried calibrating but find that I
>can turn the wheel full left; return to center and note reading; turn
>the wheel full right; return to center and note way different reading.
>In other words calibrating isn't working.

Are you sure the number you're looking at is directly related to joystick
input? In many games the value depends on what range you've defined so far,
eg when you've only turned the wheel to the left and returned to centre, the
computer "thinks" that's as far as it'll go and displays a value for "far
right", then once you've gone right-and-back it displays a value consistent
with "centre". Is this a possibilitywith your situation?

by **Jerry Moreloc** » Tue, 27 Apr 1999 04:00:00

My experience with worn-out pots is that readings are unstable--they jump
all over the place. What you describe sounds like something else. Make
sure that your game port is properly selected and that the wheel is selected
and properly calibrated in Windows. If you decide you want to open the
wheel up, try a shot of Radio Shack's Tuner Control Cleaner and Lubricant,
part#64-4315, in the pots before replacing them. That might be all you need
to do.

Jerry Morelock

by **John Bod** » Tue, 27 Apr 1999 04:00:00

My guess is that the coupler between the steering shaft and the
potentiometer shaft is slipping. Either that, or the nut that secures
the pot in place is loose, allowing the pot to swivel as you move from
stop to stop, which would make the center move every time you return
to it. Open it up and check that first. A bad pot won't have the
kind of symptoms you've described.

-- JB

>Hello,
>I have a Thrustmaster Grand Prix 1 wheel and recently I've noticed
>there is drift in the steering. I've tried calibrating but find that I
>can turn the wheel full left; return to center and note reading; turn
>the wheel full right; return to center and note way different reading.
>In other words calibrating isn't working.
>I haven't opened it up yet to have a look but, from what I have read
>about wheels in this group, I take it the pot is gone? Or maybe just
>loose?
>If it is gone I'd like to know if I can buy a suitable one at Radio
>Shack or do I have to order from TM? If I do how long do they usually
>take to ship?
>That's all. Thanks for any help.
>John Burrowes
>John Burrowes
>Dwarven Cleric Togan on Rallos Zek.

by **J Burrow** » Wed, 28 Apr 1999 04:00:00

Thanks to those that responded. I've opened up the case and couldn't
see any obvious problem. The centering still changes with each turn of
the wheel (to near full lock either way) but it isn't too much of a
problem for F3 class racing. I'll make do with it for now and replace
it when I can afford to.

Thanks again.

John Burrowes

by **Jason Mond** » Wed, 28 Apr 1999 04:00:00

Hi John,

If your going to replace the whole unit, just email TM and ask for a swap!
:-D

They replaced a friends unit when he had wierd shorting problems with his.

Jason.

> Thanks to those that responded. I've opened up the case and couldn't
> see any obvious problem. The centering still changes with each turn of
> the wheel (to near full lock either way) but it isn't too much of a
> problem for F3 class racing. I'll make do with it for now and replace
> it when I can afford to.

> Thanks again.

> John Burrowes

--
--------
Jason Monds
"My other car is a Ferrari"
http://members.home.net/gpl.mondsj/gpl - For my combined gas/brake setups
(Please remove 'no extra spork' when replying)

by **Michael E. Carve** » Thu, 29 Apr 1999 04:00:00

% Thanks to those that responded. I've opened up the case and couldn't
% see any obvious problem. The centering still changes with each turn of
% the wheel (to near full lock either way) but it isn't too much of a
% problem for F3 class racing. I'll make do with it for now and replace
% it when I can afford to.

If the pot isn't moving, then it may just be a dirty pot and the "dirt"
is moving as you use the wheel. Thus changing the resistence. Also
make sure the wire connecting from the wheel to the base is secure.

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

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

by **J Burrow** » Fri, 30 Apr 1999 04:00:00

Thanks Jason and Michael,

Here's exactly what happens when I calibrate - generic or Direct
Input:

The 'needle' is not jittery. Rather, when I turn my wheel fully right
and return it to center the needle will be slightly right of center.
Likewise when I do it to the left except, of course, the needle is
slightly left of center.

I'll check TM's site Jason. You've caused me to remember that it is
less than a year old. I got so much use out of it that it seems older.
Anyway I'll message them and see whether they have a cheap fix for me.

Thanks again,

John Burrowes

rec.autos.simulators

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.

Trouble with my TM Grand Prix 1 wheel.