I've been playing NASCAR for a week now, and I would like to know if my
joystick is behaving properly. I'm using a Gravis gamepad, which has a small
joystick and 4 buttons. When I make a turn, I believe the simulator always
uses a full turn to the stops on the wheel when I push the joystick one way
or the other. This makes for tire squeal every time I turn, and very erratic
driving compared to the other cars. I guess what I am trying to say is,
there is no way to make a gradual turn; its either all or nothing.
Now, is this just a function of my gamepad, or do all joystick behave this
way? Or is something set up wrong? I've already tried playing with the
wheel lock and even at the lowest setting, I get wheel squeal every time.
Thanks for any help.
Chris
Hi Chris. Although I have no experience with the Gravis Gamepad, any joystick
should allow you to the wheels gradually (I could be wrong). I have been
playing NASCAR for about 7 months now and I use a Gravis analog joystick. It
took me a long time before I mastered the joystick with the game.
I have my controls set up so that the accelarator is forward on joystick,
reverse is backward on stick, steering left and right on stick, and brakes are
the fire button (trigger) on stick. I find this is the most "natural" feeling
setup without using a wheel. However, since all the control movements are
linked together, it takes a long time for me to learn how to drive a new track.
Now, assuming the gamepad you are using acts as a "normal" joystick, you may
want to reduce the wheel lock under suspension in the garage menu. I usually
run between 5 to ten degrees of wheel lock depending on the track. The only
time low wheel lock is a problem is when you are trying to get turned around
after a spin.
Another factor that may be affecting your playing of the game is the size of
the joystick you are using. You mentioned that the one on your gamepad is
small. I find that on my larger joystick that only very little control
movement is needed. Now since yours is small, the affect of a small movement
may be amplified considerably by the short stick (smaller lever arm).
Also, the car setup you are using has a drastic affect on the ability to get
around a turn without squeeling tires. If you are using the ACE setup supplied
with the game you probably won't be able to carry much speed through the turns
without squeeling your tires. I find the ACE setups are way too tight for my
tastes. (I prefer a loose setup so I can get the rear end turned around with a
short stab of the accelarator). If you haven't already, try a few of the
setups available on the web. This will usually give you a feel of what you are
shooting for when setting up your own car.
The best thing to do is practice, practice, practice. It took me way more than
a week before I could really drive well on a given track. I still have
"mastered" only a handfull of tracks after seven months. (My wife is not
appreciative of the time and effort involved in playing this sim).
I guess this didn't answer your question about the gamepad but I hope it helps.
Good Luck!
Patrick Murphy
Quoted text (7 lines)
>Now, is this just a function of my gamepad, or do all joystick behave this >way? Or is something set up wrong? I've already tried playing with the >wheel lock and even at the lowest setting, I get wheel squeal every time. >Thanks for any help. >Chris>Now, is this just a function of my gamepad, or do all joystick behave this
>way?
I believe the Gravis Gamepad is a digital control pad (the axes are either
full on or full off) and thus, though it is detected as a joystick, does
not give you analog control of the steering. An analog joystick gives you
fine control over the steering.
Rick Genter
Technical Lead, IndyCar Racing II
Papyrus Design Group, Inc.
-> I've been playing NASCAR for a week now, and I would like to know if
-> my joystick is behaving properly. I'm using a Gravis gamepad, which
-> has a small joystick and 4 buttons. When I make a turn, I believe
-> the simulator always uses a full turn to the stops on the wheel when
-> I push the joystick one way or the other. This makes for tire squeal
-> every time I turn, and very erratic driving compared to the other
-> cars. I guess what I am trying to say is, there is no way to make a
-> gradual turn; its either all or nothing.
-> Now, is this just a function of my gamepad, or do all joystick behave
-> this way? Or is something set up wrong? I've already tried playing
-> with the wheel lock and even at the lowest setting, I get wheel
-> squeal every time.
You are trying to play the game with a digital control device (ie either
you are turning full or not turning). Get an analog control device. If
you have money, try the Thrustmaster2 or the TSW?(which is $300). If
you don't have money, just get an analog Gravis joystick.....I can still
put up a 131.008MPH at Bristol with this joystick.
