rec.autos.simulators

I've read recently that dedicated game card, as opposed to using my
sound card port, will improve framerates and give me better control.
I'm interested in learning more be can't find any info.  Any
suggestions?  Also interested to hear which is the best.

Thanks.

Hi there.  The card everyone seems to be talking about is the PDPI
Lightning 4.  There's a pretty decent review at

http://www.combatsim.com/l4-new.htm

or you can visit their website at www.pdpi.net, I think it is.  If the
information is accurate, the card does give some pretty startling
results.  The downside is apparently it still has real problems with
digital controllers.

            Zog

--
Don't let the bastards grind you down.
Doug Schneider
Bedford, Nova Scotia
Canada

I'm wanting to install my Thrustmaster ACM Card and use it instead of my
SoundBlaster.  Will this likely produce any tangible results?

--
Hitler Started with Gun Control Too!

I'm using an old Gravis Eliminator game card, and it's
working well. It was a *** to disable the SB64's game
port, but I did it.

I find I have a better range of control especially in my
pedals. I have a more useable midrange of braking and gas.
Other than that, I haven't noticed any difference in
framerate.

% I'm wanting to install my Thrustmaster ACM Card and use it instead of my
% SoundBlaster.  Will this likely produce any tangible results?

Need to know more about your current setup before we can make an
"educated" response.

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

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

My system:

AMD K6-2 350
128 MB RAM
SB AWE 64
Diamond SpeedStar A50 8 MB AGP Video
10+ GB HD
WIN 98
NASCAR Pro

And while we're on it, what about the Thrustmaster Force Feedback Wheel?  Is
it worth it?

Anxiously awaiting your reply!

Thanks,
Paul

--
Hitler Started with Gun Control Too!

I HIGHLY recommend the PDPI Lightning 4 game card -- it's a digital
card that does indeed unload the CPU.  I installed one in my AMD
K6-266 computer, and it was like upgrading the CPU itself.  Frame
rates definitely improved, with much better frame rate overall and
noticeably less slowdown of the graphics (or sometimes none at all) in
high traffic situations where there's lots of scenery.  I'll be
posting a formal review of this card in the next week or so.

The major drawback of the PDPI card is that is is pretty much
incompatible with the Microsoft or Saitek Force Feedback wheels; these
wheels require a full MIDI-compatible game card interface, and the
PDPI card can't do this.  If you're not using a FF wheel and you don't
plan on getting one in the near future, the PDPI card is worth it's
weight in gold.  If you've ever bought a new video card just because
you wanted to improve frame rates for games, the PDPI card is
something you really should consider.

- John Bodin
  Publisher, The IRL Insider Magazine On-Line
  http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/