racing seats / cockpit setups

mrklaw said:
to those of you with playseats, do any of you fold the seat up and move the whole thing out of the room when not in use?

I'm looking at the wheelstand pro due to its ability to fold up after use. But the playseat looks like it'd get fairly compact if you fold the seat and collapse the wheel to its shortest. I could then carry it into the shed in the garden when not in use if its not too heavy.

How big is it when folded/shortened as small as possible?
No, I just push it out of the way when I have to sit in front of the PC. If I want to do a quick race I don't want to go fetch the seat and place everything together.

When collapsed, the Playseat measures 1m x 50cm if you keep the wheel and pedal plate mounted, otherwise it's 60cm x 50cm.
It weights 20kg without the wheel and pedals.
 
Sorry for bumping the thread but tomorrow im buying the material (wood) and a seat for my future cockpit. I hope it is finished by the time Forza 3 hits the street.

Has anybody built his own cockpit lately?
 
since there is no store here sell any type of Playseats , I decided to build a playseat , well not me , I will pay for a handyman.

problem is this thing is in french ( this to make a copy of Playseat Evolution )

1934k.jpg

21awsch.jpg


so , can someone translate it to a English ?
 
Brandon F said:
Sweet, glad this thread is made. I will post pics and thoughts of the Wheel Stand Pro using the MS Wheel when it arrives.


g25.jpg


can you change the position of the pedals ? this thing fail out of the box if you can't change the horizontal position.
 
I just got an Ozone cockpit from Obutto on Friday for review. I played GT5P and Need for Speed Shift all weekend. It's an absolutely fantastic setup and with the LCD monitor mount and swivel keyboard/mouse tray, it's become my PC desk as well.

I currently have it set up with the Driving Force Pro, but I have a Fanatec Turbo S coming. Meanwhile I'll have to swap wheels back and forth when Forza 3 hits. I'll take some pics tonight if you all want, and I'll be writing the review for GA sometime in the next week or two.
 
I have the wheelstand pro now

the bottom rail is just a platform for the pedals. You can place them slightly to the left or right, but not by a lot. So the central pole might get in the way. I have a dfgt so only two pedals, and I'd find it difficult to right foot brake. With a G25 you should be ok but I'll leave that to others with that exact setup

otherwise I like it a lot. The quick release levers work quickly and easy, and hold it in place strongly. it's very sturdy and surprisingly resistant to movement while in use - and that's the dfgt version - the g25 is a little wider so should be even more stable.

You can't lean the pole over too much without putting some weight in front of the pedals to counter it. Maybe 20 degrees?

On the G25 you can bolt the wheel down but on the DFGT you're limited to the wheels clamps. I've had mine shift a little so I'll put a few strips of Velcro on the wheel plate to stop that

it also folds down pretty compactly with the wheel and pedals left on which makes for quicker setup and break down, so I find I use it more
 
mrklaw said:
I have the wheelstand pro now

the bottom rail is just a platform for the pedals. You can place them slightly to the left or right, but not by a lot. So the central pole might get in the way. I have a dfgt so only two pedals, and I'd find it difficult to right foot brake. With a G25 you should be ok but I'll leave that to others with that exact setup

otherwise I like it a lot. The quick release levers work quickly and easy, and hold it in place strongly. it's very sturdy and surprisingly resistant to movement while in use - and that's the dfgt version - the g25 is a little wider so should be even more stable.

You can't lean the pole over too much without putting some weight in front of the pedals to counter it. Maybe 20 degrees?

On the G25 you can bolt the wheel down but on the DFGT you're limited to the wheels clamps. I've had mine shift a little so I'll put a few strips of Velcro on the wheel plate to stop that

it also folds down pretty compactly with the wheel and pedals left on which makes for quicker setup and break down, so I find I use it more

It might be different for the MS wheel version, but is there a way to clamp the pedals to the bottom rail stand? I just fear slippage in the heat of racing if the pedals are just sitting there on the tracks without being held down firmly in place. Granted all the videos on the Wheelstandpro site seem to indicate that this is a non-issue, but I'm curious.
 
I built this a few months ago. Completely adjustable for different heights, angles, lengths, etc. Works really well, better than I imagined it would. Easy to build, inexpensive, and the whole thing breaks down in less than 5 min. if you want to store it away(don't know why you'd want to do that though! ;) There's also a longer description and write up on the T10 Studios blog:

Do-It-Yourself Tricks for Steering Wheel Racers.

DSCF8292.jpg


DSCF8259.jpg


DSCF8247.jpg


DSCF8251.jpg


DSCF8328.jpg
 
Posted this in the the old Forza 3 thread. Here's the "racing seat" I built about two years ago for Forza 2. Cost about $35 total. The seat is from a Hyundai Accent (which is actually the car I drive), grabbed from a junkyard for around 15 bucks. It does slide forward and back. The casters, nuts and bolts were about $20. The wood was just stuff from my Dad's garage, the red boards from another project. And yes, that is a sock under the brake pedal, had to do something to keep from locking the brakes.

seat.jpg


More pics here:
http://mysite.verizon.net/brodequin/pics/CIMG0096.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/brodequin/pics/CIMG0097.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/brodequin/pics/CIMG0098.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/brodequin/pics/CIMG0099.jpg
 
mrklaw said:
I have the wheelstand pro now

the bottom rail is just a platform for the pedals. You can place them slightly to the left or right, but not by a lot. So the central pole might get in the way. I have a dfgt so only two pedals, and I'd find it difficult to right foot brake. With a G25 you should be ok but I'll leave that to others with that exact setup

otherwise I like it a lot. The quick release levers work quickly and easy, and hold it in place strongly. it's very sturdy and surprisingly resistant to movement while in use - and that's the dfgt version - the g25 is a little wider so should be even more stable.

You can't lean the pole over too much without putting some weight in front of the pedals to counter it. Maybe 20 degrees?

On the G25 you can bolt the wheel down but on the DFGT you're limited to the wheels clamps. I've had mine shift a little so I'll put a few strips of Velcro on the wheel plate to stop that

it also folds down pretty compactly with the wheel and pedals left on which makes for quicker setup and break down, so I find I use it more
If I remember right, your Wheelstand Pro only works with Logitech models, correct? You can't easily modify it to mount other wheels? I recall there being different Wheelstand Pro models for different wheel types. No Fanatec support either it seems.
 
I used to have one similar to the one Drastic posted, except on mine the plywood base extended back far enough to also have a racing seat mounted to it. A friend had a sparco racing seat he sold for cheap which we used

I used the Driving Force Pro as the wheel. It was a pretty cool setup but since the setup was so large it didn't get used much. Eventually we had to trash it because there was no space to keep it :(
 
Got my WheelStandPro for the MS 360 wheel and set it up last night.

Impressions after a few hours of testing various games from the Forza 3 demo to NFS:Carbon...it is exactly what I needed and wanted. Solidly built, stable, comfortable, and easilly adjustable. I'll post pics later tonight, but huge thumbs up.
 
My 911 Turbo S wheel came in yesterday for review. I have a little modding work to do to get it seated properly on the Ozone, as well as the gear shift over on the gear shift mount plate. The accelerator in this review unit doesn't register until half pressed, so clubsport pedals are on the way :) If you have questions ask away. All this stuff will be reviewed on GA in the very near future.
w02gzb.jpg
 
Brandon F said:
It might be different for the MS wheel version, but is there a way to clamp the pedals to the bottom rail stand? I just fear slippage in the heat of racing if the pedals are just sitting there on the tracks without being held down firmly in place. Granted all the videos on the Wheelstandpro site seem to indicate that this is a non-issue, but I'm curious.

yes. On the 'standard' Logitech one, you get two metal plates - one goes below the pedals, one goes above, and they're bolted together with two long screws. So it clamps the pedals very firmly onto the base plate.

on the 'G25' version of the stand, you get one metal plate and a bolt, which goes under the G25 pedals and bolts into them (G25 pedals have a mount point that can be used). so thats a little neater, but both hold the pedals strongly.


XiaNaphryz said:
If I remember right, your Wheelstand Pro only works with Logitech models, correct? You can't easily modify it to mount other wheels? I recall there being different Wheelstand Pro models for different wheel types. No Fanatec support either it seems.

Well the top plate is just a plate with a few holes in. I'd expect any front clamping wheel to be able to fit there, but worth checking the dimensions with the wheelstand pro guys just in case.
 
So the ISR guys just did a comparison review of the major consumer starter wheels out right now:

Sim Racing Wheel Shootout Pt 1
Sim Racing Wheel Shootout Pt 2

5. Thrustmaster F430 - 75.5 (Scored top in Mounting)
4. Logitech DFGT - 76.3 (Scored top in Cost)
2. Fanatec 911 GT3 RS - 80.5 (Scored top in Wheel Rim and Looks)
2. Logitech G27 - 80.5 (Scored top in Force Feedback and Paddles)
1. Fanatec 911 Turbo S - 82.2 (Scored top in Compatibility, Plug-and-Play, and Extras)
 
Wanting to build a wheel stand for GT5 when it comes out, but nearly every single link in this thread to custom built stands is dead, and googling turns up a bunch of links, but they are all crappy non detailed ones. I just want a nicely detailed build that I could follow that would allow me to slap a G25/G27 on it day one and be ready to go.
 
This thread inspired me to start working on my DIY cockpit.

2v2ikw4.jpg


It's quite big, the frame's 100cm by 75cm. Height's 65cm. The "dashboard" is 90cm by 30cm. I wanted it large so I could have lots of space to put on drinks, remote controls, controllers etc.

I clipped the centre speaker to the middle support strip (red circle) so the engine noise comes out of the cockpit itself. I still need to enclose the whole thing, I'm thinking of using glass or some other clear material to act as an insulator. The front speakers are clipped to the outern vertical stands (blue circle). I'll get myself a nice grey carpet too.

When that's done I'll start work on the racing seat and mount to which I'll clip the back speakers.
 
photo.jpg


Just set this up last week. It's a Playseat Alcantara with mat, seat slider (which I definitely recommend) and the MS Wireless Wheel. It was pricey but worth it, if I tried to make a DIY it would probably look like Homer's spice rack. All in all I'm really happy with it although the instruction manual left A LOT to be desired, I ended up having to get help from Amazon's customer reviews of all places.

As far as games played, recently I've been playing Forza 3 which is amazing, Dirt 1/2 and Grid are also really good. Sonic Allstars Racing is surprisingly fun with it. So far the biggest bummers with the wheel have been Blur and Split/Second, both of which are awful and have huge dead zones and 0 sensitivity.
 
I can't stand using the pedals on the floor and having to push down with your feet/ankles. That shit puts me right off. If I ever got serious with SIM racing, which I wouldn't, I'd be hanging the pedals.
 
HamPster PamPster said:
Random question - do wheels work well for arcade style racers? Or are they a sim only thing?
depends on the game somewhat, but most of the time they work really well yeah. plus on pc at least you can adjust so many different settings it should be possible to make anything work really well. I was playing f-zero gx with my g25 for quite a while through the dolphin emulator. super awesome
 
HamPster PamPster said:
Random question - do wheels work well for arcade style racers? Or are they a sim only thing?
No, some of the most fun I've had has been with Hydro Thunder and Sonic Racing. Blur and Split Second however are terrible with the wheel, which I chalk up to the developer not putting forth the effort to make them run well.
 
Greetings gentlemen. Isamu has heard your cries, and I am pleased to announce the wait is finally over. Yes I bought the ECCI wheel and I am so blown away by it, that for the first time in the history of me being on the internet, I felt compelled to upload my first video...ever.

I present to you, my racing cockpit set up and a demonstration of an FFB wheel so good it should not be legal to own one.

Enjoy....

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfO_EPKIBcU

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67hWuwR-IY0
 
isamu said:
Greetings gentlemen. Isamu has heard your cries, and I am pleased to announce the wait is finally over. Yes I bought the ECCI wheel and I am so blown away by it, that for the first time in the history of me being on the internet, I felt compelled to upload my first video...ever.

I present to you, my racing cockpit set up and a demonstration of an FFB wheel so good it should not be legal to own one.

Enjoy....

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfO_EPKIBcU

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67hWuwR-IY0

So good - awesome set up too.

Seeing Daytona like that brings back some of the best memories - would love to see a lap or two with manual gears and hood cam. (edit - just watched second vid - good times)

Some mad monies to get there though?
 
Envy. Here's my modest setup: Paid 149.99 for the G27 at BB and right around 30 dollars in materials for the stand. I think I might have paid less for the whole setup than Isamu did on his shipping.:lol

lwfc2.jpg
 
1-D_FTW said:
Envy. Here's my modest setup: Paid 149.99 for the G27 at BB and right around 30 dollars in materials for the stand. I think I might have paid less for the whole setup than Isamu did on his shipping.:lol

I wouldn't doubt it :lol
 
Hey guys,

I got a Buttkicker Gamer and attached it to my Playseat Evolution (as instructed in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfyReG6BIVk ). Unlike the video though, I attached the 6" socket to the brace at the front of the chair instead of the back. Not sure if that makes a difference.

Anyway, it seems to work but mostly I just feel like it rattles around down there and the bass I expected to feel through the seat just isn't there or isn't as impressive as I thought it would be. I intend to continue to dicker around with the settings but does anyone have this setup (Buttkicker + Evolution) and can give me any tips? Thanks.
 
Wax Free Vanilla said:
here is my ghetto racing setup for pc and ps3 up in the loft, the seat is one of those xrocker gaming chairs sat on a raised platform/stand


24w6a2f.jpg
Erm...I wouldn't put a PS3 there. Vertically no less. :lol
 
very very impressive setups guys. Some of you have some very good stuff going on here :)
 
drugstore_cowboy said:
I can't decide between wheel stands, is it worth holding out for the Fanatec to come back in stock?

Using a wobbly upside down desk at the moment.

0KqUAl.jpg

My understanding is the new Fanatec wheelstand will have it's post be adjustable to any angle like the Wheelstand Pro. I haven't seen any reviews yet though. The fanatec is wider, taller, longer, and heavier, however the old model didn't adjust as fast as the Wheel stand pro. Dunno about this new one.
 
Hey guys.
Does anyone has some sort of advice on this seat :
sBjIqex

It's a ps2 version of a gameracer racing seat.
I'm about to have one dirt cheap, and would like some reviews before jumping in.
Thanks !
 
Fox1304 said:
Hey guys.
Does anyone has some sort of advice on this seat :
sBjIqex

It's a ps2 version of a gameracer racing seat.
I'm about to have one dirt cheap, and would like some reviews before jumping in.
Thanks !

I don't think you can go wrong with it.

The only thing you should try out is whether the support for the wheel gets in the way when using the pedals.
 
Jumping for this one. Hope it'll be alright, but even if ... I get it reaaaaally cheap so I'll be able to use the seat to build my own.
Now for the wheel ... (a buyer retracted yesterday, we were going to meet for a sealed G27 @ 150€ this same day :( ).
 
isamu said:
Greetings gentlemen. Isamu has heard your cries, and I am pleased to announce the wait is finally over. Yes I bought the ECCI wheel and I am so blown away by it, that for the first time in the history of me being on the internet, I felt compelled to upload my first video...ever.

I present to you, my racing cockpit set up and a demonstration of an FFB wheel so good it should not be legal to own one.

Enjoy....

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfO_EPKIBcU

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67hWuwR-IY0

:lol :lol :lol

OMG I lost it when you and your buddy started ripping on the G27. "Cheap plastic Toys-R-Us shit" :lol

Damn rich-GAF, never ceases to amaze me. :lol You gotta upload more videos with better lighting so we can really see that setup.
 
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