RASCAR: Michigan - Has anyone tried the FAST setup yet?

Folks, tell me this ain't one of the sweetest setups you've ever run. I could not believe it. If you can keep your head screwed on (at least partially) for two laps, the car will damned near drive itself for the rest of the tank. I'm not kidding. This thing is SMOOOOTH! Tire wear is excellent, and even. Of course speeds drop off, but I was 30+ laps into a fuel run and still running mid 38's. On fresh tires, I'm already turning 38.2's and I haven't even really started to practice yet nor look hard for speed. The car balance and stability are really excellent. I had to go and make sure the aids hadn't gotten turned on by accident! If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, you might as well hang up the keys :) -Larry

Well, I'd better hang up my keys! I use a joystick, my old and faithful wheel having finally worn itself out late last year. Any setup which is half decent is a real bastard with a joystick because the car is a chore to keep straight whilst anywhere other than the corners. Which is why I prefer road courses or a non-fixed setup so that I can tweak the basic front suspension arrangement. Bruce. "Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:J5wFa.2291$[email hidden]... > If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, you might > as well hang up the keys :)

Have you tried the Steering Linearity? That was originally designed for joystick users. Try a real low setting. But also test it out online, as there will be at least some difference. -- Tim White www.intracmotorsports.com "Bruce Kennewell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Well, I'd better hang up my keys! > I use a joystick, my old and faithful wheel having finally worn itself out > late last year. > Any setup which is half decent is a real bastard with a joystick because the > car is a chore to keep straight whilst anywhere other than the corners. > Which is why I prefer road courses or a non-fixed setup so that I can tweak > the basic front suspension arrangement. > > Bruce. > > "Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:J5wFa.2291$[email hidden]... > > If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, you might > > as well hang up the keys :) > > >

If I recall, there are mid 37's to be had with that setup, in a draft around 37.1-37.2. Yes, a bit touchy on cold tires in mid-to-T2, and although I thought it was crap on tire wear (duh :), it is one of Papy's better Fast setups. It won't come down low, lifting off the gas, as much as I like, so you really have to hit your marks otherwise you have to steer it into the turns (aka wrecks :). But what I liked about it was how controllable it was coming out to the wall in T2, T4. Very driveable -- Tim White www.intracmotorsports.com "Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:J5wFa.2291$[email hidden]... > Folks, tell me this ain't one of the sweetest setups you've ever run. I > could not believe it. > > If you can keep your head screwed on (at least partially) for two laps, the > car will damned near drive itself for the rest of the tank. > > I'm not kidding. This thing is SMOOOOTH! Tire wear is excellent, and even. > Of course speeds drop off, but I was 30+ laps into a fuel run and still > running mid 38's. > > On fresh tires, I'm already turning 38.2's and I haven't even really started > to practice yet nor look hard for speed. > > The car balance and stability are really excellent. I had to go and make > sure the aids hadn't gotten turned on by accident! > > If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, you might > as well hang up the keys :) > > -Larry > >

Yes, Tim. I've tried all the little adjustments available in the Controller setup. I reckon that I'll have to bite the bullet and buy a new wheel. The last one was the Advantage 1 - built like a brick xxxxhouse and which lasted me well over four years. Any suggestions for a new one - best value for money? Bruce. "Tim" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:p1MFa.45617$[email hidden]... > Have you tried the Steering Linearity? > That was originally designed for joystick users. > Try a real low setting. But also test it out online, as there will be atleast some difference.

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> > -- > Tim White > www.intracmotorsports.com > > > "Bruce Kennewell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]... > > Well, I'd better hang up my keys! > > I use a joystick, my old and faithful wheel having finally worn itselfout > > late last year. > > Any setup which is half decent is a real bastard with a joystick becausethe > > car is a chore to keep straight whilst anywhere other than the corners. > > Which is why I prefer road courses or a non-fixed setup so that I cantweak

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> > the basic front suspension arrangement. > > > > Bruce. > > > > "Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:J5wFa.2291$[email hidden]... > > > If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, you

might > > > as well hang up the keys :) > > > > > > > >

You'll have to ask around bud. I use an ECCI so I'm not the best source on good but inexpensive wheels. I wouldn't get too hung up on what wheel might best for anyone. I've seen some really fast guys use a $50 plastic wheel. -- Tim White www.intracmotorsports.com "Bruce Kennewell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Any suggestions for a new one - best value for money? > > Bruce.

Thanks, Tim. Yep, I know what you mean - what suits one may not suit all, that's for sure. I just tried about a dozen or so laps with the steering assistance turned right up to 100%. Made a world of difference to the directional stability on the back straight and I was able to run mid-38 sec laps without having to white-knuckle the joystick! :) (And this J/S is >OLD<, very old. About 1995 vintage, I think. It's an original Gravis Analogue and because it can be held in the left hand, as compared to the large J/S's available these days, I am loathe to part with it.) Bruce. "Tim" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:4rVFa.63310$[email hidden]... > You'll have to ask around bud. I use an ECCI so I'm not the best sourceon good but inexpensive wheels. > I wouldn't get too hung up on what wheel might best for anyone. I've seensome really fast guys use a $50 plastic wheel.

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> > -- > Tim White > www.intracmotorsports.com > > > "Bruce Kennewell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]... > > Any suggestions for a new one - best value for money? > > > > Bruce. > >

Bruce, I have tried almost every wheel on the market and I would suggest the best bang for the buck would be the MS Sidewinder Precision Racing Wheel(non FF). It is inexpensive and with its fibre optic pots is precise and they shouldn't wear out. Pete "Bruce Kennewell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:3ee83105$[email hidden]...

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> Thanks, Tim. > Yep, I know what you mean - what suits one may not suit all, that's for > sure. > > I just tried about a dozen or so laps with the steering assistance turned > right up to 100%. > Made a world of difference to the directional stability on the back

straight

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> and I was able to run mid-38 sec laps without having to white-knuckle the > joystick! :) > (And this J/S is >OLD<, very old. About 1995 vintage, I think. It's an > original Gravis Analogue and because it can be held in the left hand, as > compared to the large J/S's available these days, I am loathe to part with > it.) > > Bruce.

Pete wrote:

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> Bruce, I have tried almost every wheel on the market and I would > suggest the best bang for the buck would be the MS Sidewinder > Precision Racing Wheel(non FF). It is inexpensive and with its fibre > optic pots is precise and > they shouldn't wear out. > > Pete

I believe the non FF wheel uses a standard pot. Only the FF wheel has optical steering sensor, AFAIK -- Ian P <email invalid due to spammers>

In article <J5wFa.2291$[email hidden]>, "Larry" <[email hidden]> writes: >If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, you might >as well hang up the keys :) Maybe I'll skip this race, too...<g> Eldred -- Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett GPLRank:-1.950 MonsterRank: +305.145 N2002 Rank:+17.59 Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you with experience... Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

writes: Maybe I'll skip this race, too...<g> Eldred -- Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett GPLRank:-1.950 MonsterRank: +305.145 N2002 Rank:+17.59 Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you with experience... Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

Yeah, but you tend to like your setups a bit loose anyway, Tim :) Larry "Tim" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:ULMFa.45632$[email hidden]... > If I recall, there are mid 37's to be had with that setup, in a draftaround 37.1-37.2. > Yes, a bit touchy on cold tires in mid-to-T2, and although I thought itwas crap on tire wear (duh :), it is one of Papy's better > Fast setups. > > It won't come down low, lifting off the gas, as much as I like, so youreally have to hit your marks otherwise you have to steer it > into the turns (aka wrecks :). But what I liked about it was howcontrollable it was coming out to the wall in T2, T4. Very

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> driveable > > -- > Tim White > www.intracmotorsports.com > > > "Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:J5wFa.2291$[email hidden]... > > Folks, tell me this ain't one of the sweetest setups you've ever run. I > > could not believe it. > > > > If you can keep your head screwed on (at least partially) for two laps,the > > car will damned near drive itself for the rest of the tank. > > > > I'm not kidding. This thing is SMOOOOTH! Tire wear is excellent, andeven. > > Of course speeds drop off, but I was 30+ laps into a fuel run and still > > running mid 38's. > > > > On fresh tires, I'm already turning 38.2's and I haven't even reallystarted > > to practice yet nor look hard for speed. > > > > The car balance and stability are really excellent. I had to go andmake > > sure the aids hadn't gotten turned on by accident! > > > > If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, youmight

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> > as well hang up the keys :) > > > > -Larry > > > > > >

Wow, are we talking the same setup here. The thing pushes like a bitch for me. After 10 laps the tyres are shot and I'm struggling to stay in the 40's. This compares with the 37's That I can run with my own setup!! The price we pay for fixed setup racing I guess - One man's medicine is another man's poison... MS "Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:J5wFa.2291$[email hidden]... > Folks, tell me this ain't one of the sweetest setups you've ever run. I > could not believe it. > > If you can keep your head screwed on (at least partially) for two laps,the > car will damned near drive itself for the rest of the tank. > > I'm not kidding. This thing is SMOOOOTH! Tire wear is excellent, andeven. > Of course speeds drop off, but I was 30+ laps into a fuel run and still > running mid 38's. > > On fresh tires, I'm already turning 38.2's and I haven't even reallystarted

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> to practice yet nor look hard for speed. > > The car balance and stability are really excellent. I had to go and make > sure the aids hadn't gotten turned on by accident! > > If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, you might > as well hang up the keys :) > > -Larry > >

The wheels are almost identical except for the FF. I don't have my manual in front of me but non FF uses the same optical pots. The pots on this wheel when I calibrate them are the most stable of all the wheels I own including my ECCI and TSW. Pete "Ian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:sI0Ga.40779$[email hidden]...

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> Pete wrote: >> > > I believe the non FF wheel uses a standard pot. > Only the FF wheel has optical steering sensor, AFAIK > -- > > Ian P > <email invalid due to spammers> > > > >

Thanks, chaps. Advice taken on board. I'll see if the bank account will support a purchase over the weekend. Bruce "Pete" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:pvaGa.5427$[email hidden]...

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> The wheels are almost identical except for the FF. I don't have > my manual in front of me but non FF uses the same optical pots. > The pots on this wheel when I calibrate them are the most stable > of all the wheels I own including my ECCI and TSW. > > Pete > > "Ian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:sI0Ga.40779$[email hidden]... > > Pete wrote: > >> > > > > I believe the non FF wheel uses a standard pot. > > Only the FF wheel has optical steering sensor, AFAIK > > -- > > > > Ian P > > <email invalid due to spammers> > > > > > > > > > >

Pete wrote: > The wheels are almost identical except for the FF. I don't have > my manual in front of me but non FF uses the same optical pots. > The pots on this wheel when I calibrate them are the most stable > of all the wheels I own including my ECCI and TSW. > > Pete Have you looked inside the wheels ? I took apart my MSFF wheel quite some time ago because it was squeaking, it's optical but it doesn't use a "pot" in the usual sense of a pot. It uses an optical sensor, which reads a rotating disk with holes in it. This is attached to a shaft between the FF motor and the steering wheel cog. You can feel (and hear) the cogs when you turn the wheel. The non FF wheel doesn't feel as though it uses gearing of any description to turn a "pot" so I doubt it is exactly the same as the FF wheel or even that it uses optical at all. I've stripped the pedals in both wheels and they both use regular analogue pots for sure. BTW, the manuals don't mention anything about the type of pots used. I no longer have the MSFF wheel, gave it to a friend, but I do still have the MSPW in the loft in the garage. If I get a chance over the weekend I'll drag it down and rip it apart to satisfy my curiosity ;) -- Ian P <email invalid due to spammers>

Ian P wrote: > I no longer have the MSFF wheel, gave it to a friend, but I do still > have the MSPW in the loft in the garage. If I get a chance over the > weekend I'll drag it down and rip it apart to satisfy my curiosity ;) Ok, I found a bit of time and here's the pics http://www.iparker.plus.com/wheel/ Conclusion, they are not optical. -- Ian P <email invalid due to spammers>

Ian P wrote:

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> > Ian P wrote: > > > I no longer have the MSFF wheel, gave it to a friend, but I do still > > have the MSPW in the loft in the garage. If I get a chance over the > > weekend I'll drag it down and rip it apart to satisfy my curiosity ;) > > Ok, I found a bit of time and here's the pics > http://www.iparker.plus.com/wheel/ > > Conclusion, they are not optical.

Thx....you saved me the price of one of those, was going to buy it and strip the innards for my home made wheel Still puzzled as to why my supplier lists the non FF wheel as Opto Mechanical though Beers and cheers (uncle) Goy "goyl at nettx dot no" http://www.theuspits.com "A man is only as old as the woman he feels........" --Groucho Marx--

Ian, when I ordered mine it was listed as Goy suggests. Unless, there are different versions available(looks like it on the web site but it is too convoluted to tell). The newest versions are USB the older ones weren't but I don't know if that matters. I guess I'm too lazy to pull it apart maybe I'll get the energy. Goy, whatever pots they are using they still calibrate more solidly than anyone elses for some reason. So it still may be a viable option. Pete "Goy Larsen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> > > Thx....you saved me the price of one of those, was going to buy it and > strip the innards for my home made wheel > > Still puzzled as to why my supplier lists the non FF wheel as Opto > Mechanical though > > > Beers and cheers > (uncle) Goy > "goyl at nettx dot no" > > http://www.theuspits.com > > "A man is only as old as the woman he feels........" > --Groucho Marx--

You need to adjust your driving style :) I ran 50 laps and stayed in the mid 38's the whole time. You are attacking the corners too hard. As the great DW once said, "You gotta 'float' it in there". Slower is faster at Michigan. -Larry "mark.seery" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:bcaq7l$aue$[email hidden]...

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> Wow, are we talking the same setup here. > > The thing pushes like a bitch for me. After 10 laps the tyres are shot and > I'm struggling to stay in the 40's. This compares with the 37's That I can > run with my own setup!! The price we pay for fixed setup racing I guess - > One man's medicine is another man's poison... > > MS > > > "Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:J5wFa.2291$[email hidden]... > > Folks, tell me this ain't one of the sweetest setups you've ever run. I > > could not believe it. > > > > If you can keep your head screwed on (at least partially) for two laps, > the > > car will damned near drive itself for the rest of the tank. > > > > I'm not kidding. This thing is SMOOOOTH! Tire wear is excellent, and > even. > > Of course speeds drop off, but I was 30+ laps into a fuel run and still > > running mid 38's. > > > > On fresh tires, I'm already turning 38.2's and I haven't even really > started > > to practice yet nor look hard for speed. > > > > The car balance and stability are really excellent. I had to go and

make > > sure the aids hadn't gotten turned on by accident! > > > > If you can't run this track with this setup and have a good day, youmight

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> > as well hang up the keys :) > > > > -Larry > > > > > >

Pete wrote:

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> > Ian, when I ordered mine it was listed as Goy suggests. Unless, there > are different versions available(looks like it on the web site but it is too > convoluted to tell). The newest versions are USB the older ones weren't > but I don't know if that matters. I guess I'm too lazy to pull it apart > maybe I'll > get the energy. > Goy, whatever pots they are using they still calibrate more solidly than > anyone elses for some reason. So it still may be a viable option.

Hmmmm, while I'm sure this is correct Pete, I don't think I'm going to buy a complete wheel and pedal set just to get some pots :-), since this is a cheap wheel I figured it would make an excellent donor for the rewiring and optics needed to turn my trusty old wheel into a full modern "optomechanical" USB device :-) I may plonk out the extra cash for the FF wheel instead Beers and cheers (uncle) Goy "goyl at nettx dot no" http://www.theuspits.com "A man is only as old as the woman he feels........" --Groucho Marx--

In article <vxGGa.22665$[email hidden]>, "Larry" <[email hidden]> writes: >Slower is faster at Michigan. Then I should have won EASILY...<g> Eldred -- Help find missing child: Tatianna Ashley Chillcutt from Michigan(info on my homepage) Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett Remove SPAM-OFF to reply.