rec.autos.simulators

I want to replace my good old Thrustmaster GP1 by a racingwheel that
supports FF.
I've choosen 2 FF-wheels, the Logitech and the Thrustmaster, but I only want
to buy one racingwheel...

I know some things about both wheels, the Logitech pedals are weak (maybe a
bit stronger springs may help...) and the Thrustmaster can breakdown after
only a few hours of use...but the forces are stronger.

Can anyone of you share some experiences with these FF-wheels? It can help
me to decide which wheel I'm going to buy.
I use my wheel most of the time with MonacoGP, GPL and ToCa2.

I wait for some response in this newsgroup :-))

Greetings from Holland,

Wolter Meeske

Hello Wolter.

I was using a Thrustmaster T2 until 2 days ago when I made the switch to a
Logitech Wingman Formula Force.

Your right about the springs.  They are way too weak.  And the travel of the
pedal is too short.  Its difficult (impossible) to find the point when the
wheels are about to lock up . (I'm only using GPL) Logitech needs to modify
these pedals. ( anyone at Logi reading this ? )

But the wheel itself is a marvel.  Its very precise and comfortable , the
gear shift paddles are big and easy to reach and the buttons are also easy
to reach.

I will see today if I can convert the pedals of my old T2 , which have more
travel and better feel, and use them with the wheel of the Logitech and I
will let you know.

=:-D

Robert
Hull, Qubec

Yes the pedals on the Logitech are difficult but not impossible. I've had
mine for 6 months and race successfully in two online leagues. It does take
time to get used to them but it can be done.  The wheel more than makes up
for any deficiency in the pedals.

--
Trevor Wilson, Ottawa, Canada

Hello Wolter,

I use the Logitech wheel.
Put some stronger springs in it, and it works great!!!

I have heart that you can change the degrees of you wheel....
I can't see the point of it so I don't change that.

Greatings also from Holland :-)))
--
Groetjes Kees

Don't forget everyone, If you like your present pedals you can use them
in GPL along with your FF wheel, just keep them plugged into the
gameport.  GPL will let you use any combination in the Direct
Calibration.

I think the Logitech FF Wheel is the finest out.

Also when 1.1 comes out, be careful using the centering adjustment for
FF.  If you set it too high it will mask the FF.  That goes for any FF
game.

I owned a TM Force GT for 3 days.  It fell apart inside.  I've had the
Logitech FF since 12/98 and it's still like new with daily use.

Bob

Did you do anything to the springs, like install stiffer ones ?  If so,
where did you buy them ?

Thanks.

Thanks for the tip Bob.  I will try that.

Robert

Yes I installed a new brake spring. Got it at Canadian Tire.  Just take the
one from the pedals in with you and buy something close you can always cut
it to the right length.

--
Trevor Wilson

My buddy and I each purchased the Thrustmaster Force GT wheel and managed to
break them within a week or so.  Not doing anything rough, just driving.  I
even had my FF set to about 50%.  I tried contacting Thrustmaster about the
problem and got no where.  I would recommend staying away from the Force GT.
I will say though, that the FF is pretty good and NFS3 and SCGT are really
fun with the wheel.  My biggest complaint before the wheel actually broke
was it's nochiness (I hope that's a real word) and it made kind of a
cracking or popping noise when you turned hard to the left.  The wheel was
really smooth at first then got rough.

Needless to say I replaced the wheel.  I almost bought the Logitec wheel,
but went with the Act Labs Force RS instead.  The wheel is not as sporty
looking as the Logitec, but it is made really well.  It is extremely smooth
and the FF is great.

Just my two cents!  Take care.

Rob Miller

Isn't the Force GT the one that Randy Cassidy reported having
horrendous CPU drag? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Joe

Yep. You are correct.

--

Header address intentionally scrambled to ward off the spamming hordes.

cisko [AT] ix [DOT] netcom [DOT] com

That should not be an issue with GPL.  We turn off the auto-centering
feature when you've enabled force feedback.

Randy

On Mon, 24 May 1999 15:16:21 GMT, "Randy Cassidy"

Isn't the auto-centering (and strength of  FF effects) for the MS FF
Wheel controlled ONLY by the MS software ?

G. Patricks

Randy,

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear.  In the Game Controllers under:
Logitech FF wheel; settings, there is an "Enable Centering Spring  in
Force Feedback Games" section, which is for FF programs which turn off
auto-centering.  While this is an individual preference, If you still
want auto centering and this setting is too high, it will mask the more
sensitive FF inputs.
It can also be used with non FF programs.  I use it now w/ 1.0 to have
the wheel center itself.

Hope that's a better explanation.

Bob

From what I understand of the Logitech drivers, they automatically
disable auto centering when the game issues its first force command,
under the assumption that this is what the application writer really
intended, but has probably simply forgotten to do.  My guess is that
the checkbox you refer to simply disables this _automatic_ disabling
(ahem :-) of the auto centering.  We _explicitly_ tell the device to
disable auto centering.  I sure hope they're not turning it back on
behind our backs.  That wouldn't be very neighborly.   I can't test
this out - I don't see the checkbox to which you refer.

Randy