GPL: driving with keyboard

Hello! While I'm considering buying a wheel, I still play GPL with keyboard. I'm wandering two things: - is there anybody out there who plays successfully GPL with keyboard only? How fast you are? Any suggestions? - is there some patch or tool that could enable me to use/define keys (for driving) other than on keypad? Thanx. -- Stipica Grgic <[email hidden]>, <[email hidden]> Web Design & Consulting

"Stipica Grgic" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... : - is there anybody out there who plays successfully GPL with keyboard : only? I don't think anyone will argue with me here... GPL is absolutely impossible with a keyboard unless you want to drive slow and look at the scenery. If you're on a budget go to a store (maybe a used computer store, if you have one) and get the cheapest joystick you can find. It will be a million times better than the keyboard even if it's a US$5 joystick. Dale.

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

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> I don't see how in the world you play GPL (or any other racing sim) > with the keyboard. Get a wheel. YESTERDAY. > > Todd Walker > twalker at jam dot rr dot com > http://twalker.d2g.com > > >

I saw a bunch of office workers playing Nascar Heat in a UAP/NAPA (?) commercial with the keyboard! So it can be done. It must be true if it is on the TeeVee! ;) MRSisson -- LOAD "GPL",8,1 RUN

Watch the commercial again cuz they are gettin their collective doors blown off as they drive slowly around the high side at 'tona. Im either very perceptive or I'm way to into racing sims when i notice this stuff. I used to play N1/N2 and ICR1/ICR2 using z & x as brake and gas while steering with a joystick. Then I bought GP2 and couldnt keep the thing on the track.(bought a wheel six days later). "Michael R Sisson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:MPG.1545388c74ab86659896c1@news...

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> In article <[email hidden]>, > [email hidden] says... > > I don't see how in the world you play GPL (or any other racing sim) > > with the keyboard. Get a wheel. YESTERDAY. > > > > Todd Walker > > twalker at jam dot rr dot com > > http://twalker.d2g.com > > > > > > > > I saw a bunch of office workers playing Nascar Heat in a UAP/NAPA (?) > commercial with the keyboard! So it can be done. It must be true if it is > on the TeeVee! ;) > > MRSisson > > -- > LOAD "GPL",8,1 > RUN

I attempted to drive with a CH Products flight sim yoke for about 2 weeks, then got a Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP. It's about US$80, but there are some mail-in rebates. Don't get a $5 joystick. If money's an issue, save up. The wheel and force feedback make such a difference you just wouldn't believe it. Driving becomes a joy, positively thrilling. My best lap at the Glen plummeted from about 1:17 with the yoke to 1:08:97 with the wheel and pedals--in one week. I must say, though, I admire your dedication. GPL is a very tough game--with a wheel and pedals--and many people give up. Driving all the way around a track with a keyboard is a feat of such staggering difficulty that your efforts must surely warrant some sort of award or medal. --Jeff "Stipica Grgic" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> Hello! > > While I'm considering buying a wheel, I still play GPL with > keyboard. I'm wandering two things: > > - is there anybody out there who plays successfully GPL with keyboard > only? How fast you are? Any suggestions? > - is there some patch or tool that could enable me to use/define keys > (for driving) other than on keypad? > > Thanx. > > > > -- > Stipica Grgic <[email hidden]>, <[email hidden]> > Web Design & Consulting > > >

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] (Todd Walker) writes:

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>I don't see how in the world you play GPL (or any other racing sim) >with the keyboard. Get a wheel. YESTERDAY. > >Todd Walker >twalker at jam dot rr dot com >http://twalker.d2g.com >

I may have to try using the keyboard in May. I have a league race on a weekend I'll be out of town. I'm considering taking my laptop with me. The race is at Michigan, so it might not be too bad...<fingers crossed> Eldred -- Dale Earnhardt, Sr. R.I.P. 1951-2001 Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett F1 hcp. +28.67...F2 +151.26... Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you with experience... Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

Ummm, EP? I think not! "EldredP" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > I may have to try using the keyboard in May. I have a league race on aweekend > I'll be out of town. I'm considering taking my laptop with me. The raceis at > Michigan, so it might not be too bad...<fingers crossed>

Todd Walker wrote: > I don't see how in the world you play GPL (or any other racing sim) > with the keyboard. Get a wheel. YESTERDAY. Well, it is VERY difficult, but other games are quite playable (Viper Racing, CMR2, Nascar Heat ...) but that is because they are not so realistic and precise as GPL is. However I'm getting a wheel soon. Cheers, -- Stipica Grgic <[email hidden]>, <[email hidden]> Web Design & Consulting

Jeffrey Rowe wrote: > <cut> > a Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP. It's about US$80, but there are some > mail-in rebates. Are you satisfied with it (driving GPL)? Is it true that this new GP series is not as good as it's predecessor? Or generally is Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP best buy (for GPL)? > Don't get a $5 joystick. If money's an issue, save up. The wheel and force > feedback make such a difference you just wouldn't believe it. Driving > becomes a joy, positively thrilling. My best lap at the Glen plummeted from > about 1:17 with the yoke to 1:08:97 with the wheel and pedals--in one week. Well, my Glen record (with keyboard only!) is 1:09:36. But not all of the tracks I can drive with keyb., some of them are just too difficult. > I must say, though, I admire your dedication. GPL is a very tough game--with > a wheel and pedals--and many people give up. Driving all the way around a > track with a keyboard is a feat of such staggering difficulty that your > efforts must surely warrant some sort of award or medal. Thanx. Maybe I should post you some of my replays that might make you laugh... :-) Cheers, -- Stipica Grgic <[email hidden]>, <[email hidden]> Web Design & Consulting

I've been driving GPL with a keyboard for over two years. I rarely win online races but I can usually qualify in the top 10. Not having to worry about wheel spin is a big bonus I think. I've been considering a wheel for a while now but can't justify the cost to myself. I'd rather spend the money on my 'real' BMW. I'm waiting to see how good WSC is. Dave On Mon, 16 Apr 2001 23:35:11 -0400, "Jeffrey Rowe" <[email hidden]> wrote:

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>I attempted to drive with a CH Products flight sim yoke for about 2 weeks, >then got >a Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP. It's about US$80, but there are some >mail-in rebates. > >Don't get a $5 joystick. If money's an issue, save up. The wheel and force >feedback make such a difference you just wouldn't believe it. Driving >becomes a joy, positively thrilling. My best lap at the Glen plummeted from >about 1:17 with the yoke to 1:08:97 with the wheel and pedals--in one week. > >I must say, though, I admire your dedication. GPL is a very tough game--with >a wheel and pedals--and many people give up. Driving all the way around a >track with a keyboard is a feat of such staggering difficulty that your >efforts must surely warrant some sort of award or medal. > >--Jeff > >"Stipica Grgic" <[email hidden]> wrote in message >news:[email hidden]... >> Hello! >> >> While I'm considering buying a wheel, I still play GPL with >> keyboard. I'm wandering two things: >> >> - is there anybody out there who plays successfully GPL with keyboard >> only? How fast you are? Any suggestions? >> - is there some patch or tool that could enable me to use/define keys >> (for driving) other than on keypad? >> >> Thanx. >> >> >> >> -- >> Stipica Grgic <[email hidden]>, <[email hidden]> >> Web Design & Consulting >> >> >> >

> Well, my Glen record (with keyboard only!) is 1:09:36. But not all of thetracks > I can drive with keyb., some of them are just too difficult. That is flat out amazing. I would rather have a video of you operating the keyboard than a replay of the lap. > Are you satisfied with it (driving GPL)? Is it true that this new GPseries is > not as good as it's predecessor? Or generally is Logitech Wingman FormulaForce > GP best buy (for GPL)? Alison Hine has made her preference clear on her Eagle Woman site: she vastly prefers the older Formula Force. Not having ever used it (or any FF wheel other than the one I have), I can't say whether it's the best, only that I like it. Be warned, however, of a steering twitch problem that I and, apparently, quite a few others have experienced. (See "GPL Steering twitch with FF" posts starting on 4/15/2001.) If money is not an object, Thomas's TSW2 Formula is supposed to be fine piece of hardware (US$555). (http://www.thomas-superwheel.com/prods.html) For a mere US$1055, you can even get a Momo wheel. These controls are mentioned in Four Wheel Drift, the little book that came with GPL. --Jeff "Stipica Grgic" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > > > Jeffrey Rowe wrote: > > > <cut> > > a Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP. It's about US$80, but there aresome > > mail-in rebates. > > Are you satisfied with it (driving GPL)? Is it true that this new GPseries is > not as good as it's predecessor? Or generally is Logitech Wingman FormulaForce > GP best buy (for GPL)? > > > Don't get a $5 joystick. If money's an issue, save up. The wheel andforce > > feedback make such a difference you just wouldn't believe it. Driving > > becomes a joy, positively thrilling. My best lap at the Glen plummetedfrom > > about 1:17 with the yoke to 1:08:97 with the wheel and pedals--in oneweek. > > Well, my Glen record (with keyboard only!) is 1:09:36. But not all of thetracks > I can drive with keyb., some of them are just too difficult. > > > I must say, though, I admire your dedication. GPL is a very toughgame--with > > a wheel and pedals--and many people give up. Driving all the way arounda > > track with a keyboard is a feat of such staggering difficulty that your > > efforts must surely warrant some sort of award or medal. > > Thanx. Maybe I should post you some of my replays that might make youlaugh...

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> :-) > > Cheers, > -- > Stipica Grgic <[email hidden]>, <[email hidden]> > Web Design & Consulting > > >

EVERYtime this kind of thread gets started...I have to add the following. I have TRIED and TRIED to race with a keyboard. But no Matter HOW much I move it...or shake it or tilt it left or right...the dang car won't move.....what am I missing???? dave henrie

Compared to the original, the GP is poor. I think mainly because its gear driven like the MS one, which makes it less smooth since you have gears that connect everything. You can feel the teeth in the gears when turning the wheel, and when you turn the wheel fast it makes a very loud ripping/whirring sound, since it has to go through all the teeth on the gear very fast. It also isnt as precise as the original wheel, and there is too much "play" in the middle on most (maybe all) of the wheels. I think its the cheapest FF wheel out there now thats still in production. (cheapest in price and quality)......It's still a good enough wheel to play with if you get a good setup with it. On Wed, 18 Apr 2001 08:42:36 +0200, Stipica Grgic <[email hidden]> wrote:

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> > >Jeffrey Rowe wrote: > >> <cut> >> a Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP. It's about US$80, but there are some >> mail-in rebates. > >Are you satisfied with it (driving GPL)? Is it true that this new GP series is >not as good as it's predecessor? Or generally is Logitech Wingman Formula Force >GP best buy (for GPL)? > >> Don't get a $5 joystick. If money's an issue, save up. The wheel and force >> feedback make such a difference you just wouldn't believe it. Driving >> becomes a joy, positively thrilling. My best lap at the Glen plummeted from >> about 1:17 with the yoke to 1:08:97 with the wheel and pedals--in one week. > >Well, my Glen record (with keyboard only!) is 1:09:36. But not all of the tracks >I can drive with keyb., some of them are just too difficult. > >> I must say, though, I admire your dedication. GPL is a very tough game--with >> a wheel and pedals--and many people give up. Driving all the way around a >> track with a keyboard is a feat of such staggering difficulty that your >> efforts must surely warrant some sort of award or medal. > >Thanx. Maybe I should post you some of my replays that might make you laugh... >:-) > >Cheers,

What wheel, then, should I have bought? And what wheel should Stipica Grgic buy? The original Formula Force is long gone. "slowbro" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> > Compared to the original, the GP is poor. > I think mainly because its gear driven like the MS one, which makes > it less smooth since you have gears that connect everything. > You can feel the teeth in the gears when turning the wheel, > and when you turn the wheel fast it makes a very loud ripping/whirring > sound, since it has to go through all the teeth on the gear very > fast. > It also isnt as precise as the original wheel, and there is too much > "play" in the middle on most (maybe all) of the wheels. > > > I think its the cheapest FF wheel out there now thats still in > production. > (cheapest in price and quality)......It's still a good enough wheel > to play with if you get a good setup with it. > > > On Wed, 18 Apr 2001 08:42:36 +0200, Stipica Grgic <[email hidden]> > wrote: > > > > > > >Jeffrey Rowe wrote: > > > >> <cut> > >> a Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP. It's about US$80, but there are

some > >> mail-in rebates. > > > >Are you satisfied with it (driving GPL)? Is it true that this new GPseries is > >not as good as it's predecessor? Or generally is Logitech Wingman FormulaForce > >GP best buy (for GPL)? > > > >> Don't get a $5 joystick. If money's an issue, save up. The wheel andforce > >> feedback make such a difference you just wouldn't believe it. Driving > >> becomes a joy, positively thrilling. My best lap at the Glen plummetedfrom > >> about 1:17 with the yoke to 1:08:97 with the wheel and pedals--in oneweek. > > > >Well, my Glen record (with keyboard only!) is 1:09:36. But not all of thetracks > >I can drive with keyb., some of them are just too difficult. > > > >> I must say, though, I admire your dedication. GPL is a very toughgame--with > >> a wheel and pedals--and many people give up. Driving all the way arounda > >> track with a keyboard is a feat of such staggering difficulty that your > >> efforts must surely warrant some sort of award or medal. > > > >Thanx. Maybe I should post you some of my replays that might make youlaugh... > >:-) > > > >Cheers, >

Not to sound like a jerk, but are wheels really that expensive when you figure in how many hours you play? Considering a good whell or an ok FF wheel are under $100 usd, if you were to set aside $1 per hour and play 2 hours a day it would take less than 2 months to "save" up fot it, and after that it all gravy :) Plus how much would it be "worth" to win an online race? I really don't feel even a good FF wheel for around $200 usd is all that bad. Now I have seen some wheels for around $1000 usd and I can't say that I would spend that much. MadDAWG

Thats a good one i'll have to remember that one :) MadDAWG > I have TRIED and TRIED to race with a keyboard. But no Matter HOW muchI

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> move it...or shake it or tilt it left or right...the dang car won't > move.....what am I > missing???? > > dave henrie > >

In article <qw1D6.967$[email hidden]>, "Rob Adams" <[email hidden]> writes:

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>Ummm, EP? I think not! > >"EldredP" <[email hidden]> wrote in message >news:[email hidden]... >> I may have to try using the keyboard in May. I have a league race on a >weekend >> I'll be out of town. I'm considering taking my laptop with me. The race >is at >> Michigan, so it might not be too bad...<fingers crossed>

Rob, why not? You scared to be on the same track with me? :) Eldred -- Dale Earnhardt, Sr. R.I.P. 1951-2001 Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett F1 hcp. +28.67...F2 +151.26... Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you with experience... Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

Generally no, you're one of the safest drivers out there (thanks again for the consideration you showed when Mike E and I lapped you at Silverstone). If you're driving on an oval using the keyboard then yes, I'm scared big-time! "EldredP" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> In article <qw1D6.967$[email hidden]>, "Rob Adams" > <[email hidden]> writes: > > >Ummm, EP? I think not! > > > >"EldredP" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > >news:[email hidden]... > >> I may have to try using the keyboard in May. I have a league race on a > >weekend > >> I'll be out of town. I'm considering taking my laptop with me. The

race

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> >is at > >> Michigan, so it might not be too bad...<fingers crossed> > > Rob, why not? You scared to be on the same track with me? :) > > Eldred > -- > Dale Earnhardt, Sr. R.I.P. 1951-2001 > Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett > F1 hcp. +28.67...F2 +151.26... > > Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats

you > with experience... > Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

In article <CtZD6.1260$[email hidden]>, "Rob Adams" <[email hidden]> writes: >Generally no, you're one of the safest drivers out there (thanks again for >the consideration you showed when Mike E and I lapped you at Silverstone).Thanks a lot, Rob. I'm glad to see that some of the fast drivers DO notice us lappers...<g> You're welcome. > >If you're driving on an oval using the keyboard then yes, I'm scared >big-time! Ok, how about if I use a joystick? I'll probably get one of the sticks recommended for the bike sims. They're USB, and my laptop has a USB port. Better? :) Eldred -- Dale Earnhardt, Sr. R.I.P. 1951-2001 Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett F1 hcp. +28.67...F2 +151.26... Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you with experience... Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.