Incredibly basic wheel question ... take pity on me !

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> Hi folks, > This is my first visit to this newsgroup, as I am fairly new to > driving sims. I have been persevering with the keyboard when playing > my assorted games, and thinking about the idea of buying a wheel for > ages. My question ........ you know how when using a keyboard, you > simply have the option of left, right, or straight ahead. Well, does > a wheel do the same, or is the steering input actually proportional to > the amount you turn the wheel. If so, does this apply to ALL wheels, > including the el-cheapos? Lastly, does anyone have specific > recommendations for an inexpensive but decent quality wheel? I only > play games at a fairly basic level, and basically am pretty hopeless, > so have little need for anything highly customisable or our of the > ordinary - just a basic wheel so I don't need to use the keyboard any > more. Suggestions? > Cheers, > Peter. > To email me, change .com in my address to .au

Peter, You will notice a BIG difference with a wheel, even over a joystick Yes the input is proportional. My recomendation for a wheel/pedal is either the Thrustmaster T-2 or Formula Pro (called the NASCAR Pro here in the U.S.) Basicly they are the same, the Formula Pro being a newer design. Here in the U.S. the T-2 is about $100 and the FP $125. There are better, but this one is the biggest bang for the buck! Mike Rojas

Steering wheels are analogue devices and yes the more you turn the wheel, the more your computer car turns. Likewise, the gas/brake are analogue, so you can apply 1/2 gas or brakes and it gives you a lot better control over your computer car. A very good basic wheel that is relatively inexpensive is the Thrustmaster Grand Prix 1. It is a good quality wheel that has a street price of about $50 US. I have seen them for as low as $30 with rebates and sales, so if you look around you can get quite a good deal. The Grand Prix 1 is only a wheel and doesn't come with foot pedals, instead it uses hand paddels on the wheel that actually work quite well. It also has four buttons, two on the wheel and two on the base of the unit. I used a TM:GP1 for about 6 months and really liked it, before upgrading to a higher priced wheel (TSW). Thrustmaster also has steering wheels that come with foot pedals, but they are more expensive (about $100). So if you can live without foot pedals, I would suggest the TM:GP1. Jeff

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> Hi folks, > This is my first visit to this newsgroup, as I am fairly new to > driving sims. I have been persevering with the keyboard when playing > my assorted games, and thinking about the idea of buying a wheel for > ages. My question ........ you know how when using a keyboard, you > simply have the option of left, right, or straight ahead. Well, does > a wheel do the same, or is the steering input actually proportional to > the amount you turn the wheel. If so, does this apply to ALL wheels, > including the el-cheapos? Lastly, does anyone have specific > recommendations for an inexpensive but decent quality wheel? I only > play games at a fairly basic level, and basically am pretty hopeless, > so have little need for anything highly customisable or our of the > ordinary - just a basic wheel so I don't need to use the keyboard any > more. Suggestions? > Cheers, > Peter. > To email me, change .com in my address to .au

Hi folks, This is my first visit to this newsgroup, as I am fairly new to driving sims. I have been persevering with the keyboard when playing my assorted games, and thinking about the idea of buying a wheel for ages. My question ........ you know how when using a keyboard, you simply have the option of left, right, or straight ahead. Well, does a wheel do the same, or is the steering input actually proportional to the amount you turn the wheel. If so, does this apply to ALL wheels, including the el-cheapos? Lastly, does anyone have specific recommendations for an inexpensive but decent quality wheel? I only play games at a fairly basic level, and basically am pretty hopeless, so have little need for anything highly customisable or our of the ordinary - just a basic wheel so I don't need to use the keyboard any more. Suggestions? Cheers, Peter. To email me, change .com in my address to .au

Hi Jeff, Yeah, I'd agree, the Gp1 works pretty well. I've had some trouble with pots going bad but when its working its fine. What do you think of the TSW ? Andy

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> Steering wheels are analogue devices and yes the more you turn the wheel, > the more your computer car turns. Likewise, the gas/brake are analogue, > so you can apply 1/2 gas or brakes and it gives you a lot better control > over your computer car. > A very good basic wheel that is relatively inexpensive is the Thrustmaster > Grand Prix 1. It is a good quality wheel that has a street price of about > $50 US. I have seen them for as low as $30 with rebates and sales, so if > you look around you can get quite a good deal. The Grand Prix 1 is only a > wheel and doesn't come with foot pedals, instead it uses hand paddels on > the wheel that actually work quite well. It also has four buttons, two on > the wheel and two on the base of the unit. I used a TM:GP1 for about 6 > months and really liked it, before upgrading to a higher priced wheel > (TSW). Thrustmaster also has steering wheels that come with foot pedals, > but they are more expensive (about $100). So if you can live without foot > pedals, I would suggest the TM:GP1. > Jeff > > Hi folks, > > This is my first visit to this newsgroup, as I am fairly new to > > driving sims. I have been persevering with the keyboard when playing > > my assorted games, and thinking about the idea of buying a wheel for > > ages. My question ........ you know how when using a keyboard, you > > simply have the option of left, right, or straight ahead. Well, does > > a wheel do the same, or is the steering input actually proportional to > > the amount you turn the wheel. If so, does this apply to ALL wheels, > > including the el-cheapos? Lastly, does anyone have specific > > recommendations for an inexpensive but decent quality wheel? I only > > play games at a fairly basic level, and basically am pretty hopeless, > > so have little need for anything highly customisable or our of the > > ordinary - just a basic wheel so I don't need to use the keyboard any > > more. Suggestions? > > Cheers, > > Peter. > > To email me, change .com in my address to .au

Andy - you can't really drive any of racing sims without a wheel. My Thrustmaster Formula 1 over-twisted in its mountings last night (sob sob) - the problem with it is that the metal shaft is mounted in plastic and after throwing it hard through too many corners the plastic mountings wear and the shaft slips round. (Apologies for the lack of technical nomneclature). The brake-accelerator microswitch on my old thrustmaster Grand Prix 1 went so now I sometimes find the brakes stay on. Thrustmaster wheels are great until they go wrong - the build quality is just not up to it. What is and where can I buy I sturdy wheel?

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> Hi Jeff, > Yeah, I'd agree, the Gp1 works pretty well. I've had some trouble with > pots going bad but when its working its fine. > What do you think of the TSW ? > Andy > > Steering wheels are analogue devices and yes the more you turn the wheel, > > the more your computer car turns. Likewise, the gas/brake are analogue, > > so you can apply 1/2 gas or brakes and it gives you a lot better control > > over your computer car. > > A very good basic wheel that is relatively inexpensive is the Thrustmaster > > Grand Prix 1. It is a good quality wheel that has a street price of about > > $50 US. I have seen them for as low as $30 with rebates and sales, so if > > you look around you can get quite a good deal. The Grand Prix 1 is only a > > wheel and doesn't come with foot pedals, instead it uses hand paddels on > > the wheel that actually work quite well. It also has four buttons, two on > > the wheel and two on the base of the unit. I used a TM:GP1 for about 6 > > months and really liked it, before upgrading to a higher priced wheel > > (TSW). Thrustmaster also has steering wheels that come with foot pedals, > > but they are more expensive (about $100). So if you can live without foot > > pedals, I would suggest the TM:GP1. > > Jeff > > > Hi folks, > > > This is my first visit to this newsgroup, as I am fairly new to > > > driving sims. I have been persevering with the keyboard when playing > > > my assorted games, and thinking about the idea of buying a wheel for > > > ages. My question ........ you know how when using a keyboard, you > > > simply have the option of left, right, or straight ahead. Well, does > > > a wheel do the same, or is the steering input actually proportional to > > > the amount you turn the wheel. If so, does this apply to ALL wheels, > > > including the el-cheapos? Lastly, does anyone have specific > > > recommendations for an inexpensive but decent quality wheel? I only > > > play games at a fairly basic level, and basically am pretty hopeless, > > > so have little need for anything highly customisable or our of the > > > ordinary - just a basic wheel so I don't need to use the keyboard any > > > more. Suggestions? > > > Cheers, > > > Peter. > > > To email me, change .com in my address to .au

Wrong! GPL drives beautifully with a joystick/pedal combo. One of the very few that do, but there you go! > Andy - you can't really drive any of racing sims without a wheel. -- Regards, Bruce. ---------- The GP Legends Historic Motor Racing Club is located at:- http://www.netspeed.com.au/brucek/legends/

Paul Jones schreef: Yep last night while racing the gaspedal of my T2 broke what a bummer ;-(((( Richard Hasselt "A lot of people think racing is about going fast. But it's not. It's about going just slow enough to stay on the track." =================================================== My Homepage : http://over.to/rhasselt F1 Connections : http://over.to/f1connections Team Jordan Grandprix 2 Homepage : http://home.worldonline.nl/~barhorst/jordangp2.htm Jordan Grandprix 2 is looking for new drivers !! ===================================================

> Well, does > >a wheel do the same, or is the steering input actually proportional t > o > >the amount you turn the wheel. Yes, provided you have an *analogue* device and not a *digital* one? Analogue = progressive response (the more you turn the wheel, the more the car turns) Digital = switched response (only full on or off, nothing in between) No, there are some cheap devices that are digital, and this will not give you the response you are looking for? (eg:- G-Force wheel) 8-) *Peter* 8-) (NB: remove asterix to e-mail)

Well, I got the TSW stock and I am happy with my toy. I paid $300+ after shipping, so it isn't cheap, but I think it was worth it. The TSW stock consists of a steering wheel with a sequential shifter on the side and floor pedals. The unit is hand made out of mostly steel components and mechanically looks like it should last forever. Instead of a bungee cord, the TSW has two steel springs for steering wheel tension. The only parts that will go bad over time are the potentiometers and Thomas Enterprise will send you new ones for free when you need them. I have had my TSW for almost 6 months and it works as good as day one. I have heard other people on the internet say that they have been using their unit for x number of months/years and it is still as good as new (with maybe the exception of putting in new potentiometers). There is a new version of the TSW called the TSW2 that sells for about $200 and I have heard good things about it as well, but don't have any first hand experience with it. Jeff

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> Hi Jeff, > Yeah, I'd agree, the Gp1 works pretty well. I've had some trouble with > pots going bad but when its working its fine. > What do you think of the TSW ? > Andy

The T2 was being sold for 45.00 after a rebate for awhile. If you can find that deal again, that would almost definitely be the best way to go. Dave (DmndDave)

I attached my T2 to a TV tray. Ok. Ok. It's not as sturdy as a desk, but it prevents ripping the steering wheel out of the socket :-) Besides, I can quickly change from steering controller to whatever I'm using next. My T2 is 2 years old and might need a new steering pot (spraying with cleaner makes it as good as new, but gets tiresome) The pedal springs have been changed once. I bolted a 1 1/4" board behind the pedals to reduce the travel/pressure on the springs and haven't had any problems since. A satisfied TM customer.

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> My Thrustmaster Formula 1 over-twisted in its mountings last night (sob sob) - > the problem with it is that the metal shaft is mounted in plastic and after > throwing it hard through too many corners the plastic mountings wear and the > shaft slips round. (Apologies for the lack of technical nomneclature). The > brake-accelerator microswitch on my old thrustmaster Grand Prix 1 went so now I > sometimes find the brakes stay on. Thrustmaster wheels are great until they go > wrong - the build quality is just not up to it.

-- ----------------------- Jason Monds (Remove 'no extra spork' when replying)

I wasn't sure what to get when I went shopping, but opted out for inexpensive. I've never seen anyone else ever mention this brand, but I passed on the Nascar and Thrustmaster for a V3 Interact wheel w/ gas/brake pedals. It comes with all the joystick buttons on the wheel, and works better than a joystick I think. Cost was about $50. Bonus was free full copy of Need for Speed II (for something different, and the kids like it better). I have the wheel for a year with no problems; steering is a bit sensitive, but I have nothing to compare it too. Guess its more not feeling the torque of real driving. Steve B.

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> Andy - you can't really drive any of racing sims without a wheel. > My Thrustmaster Formula 1 over-twisted in its mountings last night (sob sob) - > the problem with it is that the metal shaft is mounted in plastic and after > throwing it hard through too many corners the plastic mountings wear and the > shaft slips round. (Apologies for the lack of technical nomneclature). The > brake-accelerator microswitch on my old thrustmaster Grand Prix 1 went so now I > sometimes find the brakes stay on. Thrustmaster wheels are great until they go > wrong - the build quality is just not up to it. > What is and where can I buy I sturdy wheel? > > Hi Jeff, > > Yeah, I'd agree, the Gp1 works pretty well. I've had some trouble with > > pots going bad but when its working its fine. > > What do you think of the TSW ? > > Andy > > > Steering wheels are analogue devices and yes the more you turn the wheel, > > > the more your computer car turns. Likewise, the gas/brake are analogue, > > > so you can apply 1/2 gas or brakes and it gives you a lot better control > > > over your computer car. > > > A very good basic wheel that is relatively inexpensive is the Thrustmaster > > > Grand Prix 1. It is a good quality wheel that has a street price of about > > > $50 US. I have seen them for as low as $30 with rebates and sales, so if > > > you look around you can get quite a good deal. The Grand Prix 1 is only a > > > wheel and doesn't come with foot pedals, instead it uses hand paddels on > > > the wheel that actually work quite well. It also has four buttons, two on > > > the wheel and two on the base of the unit. I used a TM:GP1 for about 6 > > > months and really liked it, before upgrading to a higher priced wheel > > > (TSW). Thrustmaster also has steering wheels that come with foot pedals, > > > but they are more expensive (about $100). So if you can live without foot > > > pedals, I would suggest the TM:GP1. > > > Jeff > > > > Hi folks, > > > > This is my first visit to this newsgroup, as I am fairly new to > > > > driving sims. I have been persevering with the keyboard when playing > > > > my assorted games, and thinking about the idea of buying a wheel for > > > > ages. My question ........ you know how when using a keyboard, you > > > > simply have the option of left, right, or straight ahead. Well, does > > > > a wheel do the same, or is the steering input actually proportional to > > > > the amount you turn the wheel. If so, does this apply to ALL wheels, > > > > including the el-cheapos? Lastly, does anyone have specific > > > > recommendations for an inexpensive but decent quality wheel? I only > > > > play games at a fairly basic level, and basically am pretty hopeless, > > > > so have little need for anything highly customisable or our of the > > > > ordinary - just a basic wheel so I don't need to use the keyboard any > > > > more. Suggestions? > > > > Cheers, > > > > Peter. > > > > To email me, change .com in my address to .au

-- =============== Steve and Deb

I was using a Madcatz wheel/pedal combo (~$50) which is very similar to the V3, which worked pretty well. I have since purchased a TM Nascar Pro wheel which I like better mainly because of the higher effort required to turn the wheel and better feel of the gas & brake pedal. The Madcatz works just as well as the TM, but the steering after a few 1000 or so laps has gotten a little rough. I guess whatever kind of bushing (if any ;) isn't of very good quality in it. I hope the TM fairs better, only time & laps will tell. Dan.

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|I wasn't sure what to get when I went shopping, but opted |out for inexpensive. I've never seen anyone else ever |mention this brand, but I passed on the Nascar and |Thrustmaster for a V3 Interact wheel w/ gas/brake pedals. |It comes with all the joystick buttons on the wheel, and |works better than a joystick I think. Cost was about $50. |Bonus was free full copy of Need for Speed II (for something |different, and the kids like it better). I have the wheel |for a year with no problems; steering is a bit sensitive, |but I have nothing to compare it too. Guess its more not |feeling the torque of real driving. | |Steve B. |

We are also using the V3 and it meets our needs. If you don't use your 3" disk to configure the wheel, brake and gas setup, the steering isn't as sensitive and drives more realistically.

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>I was using a Madcatz wheel/pedal combo (~$50) which is very similar to the >V3, which worked pretty well. I have since purchased a TM Nascar Pro wheel >which I like better mainly because of the higher effort required to turn the >wheel and better feel of the gas & brake pedal. The Madcatz works just as >well as the TM, but the steering after a few 1000 or so laps has gotten a >little rough. I guess whatever kind of bushing (if any ;) isn't of very >good quality in it. >I hope the TM fairs better, only time & laps will tell. >Dan. >|I wasn't sure what to get when I went shopping, but opted >|out for inexpensive. I've never seen anyone else ever >|mention this brand, but I passed on the Nascar and >|Thrustmaster for a V3 Interact wheel w/ gas/brake pedals. >|It comes with all the joystick buttons on the wheel, and >|works better than a joystick I think. Cost was about $50. >|Bonus was free full copy of Need for Speed II (for something >|different, and the kids like it better). I have the wheel >|for a year with no problems; steering is a bit sensitive, >|but I have nothing to compare it too. Guess its more not >|feeling the torque of real driving. >| >|Steve B. >|

Ernie