Sim setup help
12-27-2017, 08:46 PM
#16
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12-27-2017, 09:32 PM
#17
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No experience with Ricmotech or the Clark line of tactile transducers. I have not had tactile feedback on my own (several) static sims, but I did buy a single Buttkicker for my VisionRacer VR3 at home after running over curbs in another friends sim with a Buttkicker on it. I think if you have a LF output and it's supported (which it would be if Ricmotech is selling it), then it would be at least as good.
To me, good brake pedal feel is far more important than differences in rendering LF tactile feedback. Just my .02
To me, good brake pedal feel is far more important than differences in rendering LF tactile feedback. Just my .02
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"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
12-27-2017, 10:32 PM
#18
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I run the IRacing Pro package and found these guys great to deal with. The brake pressure feel was the most important element for me. If you're in the NYC Tri-state area stop by and try it out before you buy. PM me with any questions but keep in mind that I'm really no expert on these systems.
I will be in touch after the holidays. Away with family until the 3rd.
Great info everyone. Thanks a ton.
12-28-2017, 02:56 PM
#19
I haven't seen sim-seats.com before but they seem to be priced VERY strongly.
I spent some time looking into building rigs for sale last year and ran into some other financial constraints (adopting my stepson, being contested by deadbeat bio-dad so it's $$$$$) BUT those $9-10k prices are at or just under my *cost* for some configurations! Not to mention leaving out anything related to after-sales support (which can be a HUGE time-suck!)
To the original post - $2k is a great budget for wheel/pedal combo, gets you OUT of the "toy" category. I've got Heusinkvelds (already mentioned here) and they're *excellent*. Pedals are WAY more important than wheel (tho a good wheel goes a long way too) so rolling with a set of their pedals, then spending "what's left" on a wheel is IMO a good way to go, considering you'll still have plenty left for a good wheel.
If you're in the NYC area - you should head up to Crimson Simulation. They're in Norwalk, CT. Lots of varying degrees of equipment for you to try, and Naid is a fantastic resource. Tell him "Jim from Chicago" sent you.
I spent some time looking into building rigs for sale last year and ran into some other financial constraints (adopting my stepson, being contested by deadbeat bio-dad so it's $$$$$) BUT those $9-10k prices are at or just under my *cost* for some configurations! Not to mention leaving out anything related to after-sales support (which can be a HUGE time-suck!)
To the original post - $2k is a great budget for wheel/pedal combo, gets you OUT of the "toy" category. I've got Heusinkvelds (already mentioned here) and they're *excellent*. Pedals are WAY more important than wheel (tho a good wheel goes a long way too) so rolling with a set of their pedals, then spending "what's left" on a wheel is IMO a good way to go, considering you'll still have plenty left for a good wheel.
If you're in the NYC area - you should head up to Crimson Simulation. They're in Norwalk, CT. Lots of varying degrees of equipment for you to try, and Naid is a fantastic resource. Tell him "Jim from Chicago" sent you.
12-28-2017, 03:05 PM
#21
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I haven't seen sim-seats.com before but they seem to be priced VERY strongly.
I spent some time looking into building rigs for sale last year and ran into some other financial constraints (adopting my stepson, being contested by deadbeat bio-dad so it's $$$$$) BUT those $9-10k prices are at or just under my *cost* for some configurations! Not to mention leaving out anything related to after-sales support (which can be a HUGE time-suck!)
To the original post - $2k is a great budget for wheel/pedal combo, gets you OUT of the "toy" category. I've got Heusinkvelds (already mentioned here) and they're *excellent*. Pedals are WAY more important than wheel (tho a good wheel goes a long way too) so rolling with a set of their pedals, then spending "what's left" on a wheel is IMO a good way to go, considering you'll still have plenty left for a good wheel.
I spent some time looking into building rigs for sale last year and ran into some other financial constraints (adopting my stepson, being contested by deadbeat bio-dad so it's $$$$$) BUT those $9-10k prices are at or just under my *cost* for some configurations! Not to mention leaving out anything related to after-sales support (which can be a HUGE time-suck!)
To the original post - $2k is a great budget for wheel/pedal combo, gets you OUT of the "toy" category. I've got Heusinkvelds (already mentioned here) and they're *excellent*. Pedals are WAY more important than wheel (tho a good wheel goes a long way too) so rolling with a set of their pedals, then spending "what's left" on a wheel is IMO a good way to go, considering you'll still have plenty left for a good wheel.
With other vendors, even well-known ones, not so much. Mark Lutes in Atlanta is another sim builder I'd recommend, but a lot of the others (with flashy websites) have good "kit lists" of components, but support is poor, non-existent or worse yet, starts out well and then disappears...
In bold is why I quit building and selling. To develop a software management and hardware package that keeps it's "tune" is a pain, especially with the higher end components. I had fun and learned a lot. Not a lot of other people were doing it ten years ago, but there's plenty out now.
Agree with your comments on pedal/wheel combo. And people can always start with a Fanatec V2 or V3 pedal set/Perfect Pedal hydraulic load cell for their Logitech pedals and get a good brake pedal feel, no matter what wheel they use, in the beginning. Then move up.
It's sort of like car mods...
Can get out of control REALLY fast! 
12-28-2017, 03:06 PM
#22
Paul, I can tell you that there are SO many variables that make up a good motion sim.
The speed and power of the actuators, the center of axis of rotations, the inertia of the frame and seat, and the software most of all.
IF I ever go to motion (which I am not compelled to do, based on testing personally motion sims priced from $12K to $650K), it’ll probably be one using D-Box actuators.
Everything I’ve tried is like a fairground ride or an arcade. Just a complete and total distraction.
The speed and power of the actuators, the center of axis of rotations, the inertia of the frame and seat, and the software most of all.
IF I ever go to motion (which I am not compelled to do, based on testing personally motion sims priced from $12K to $650K), it’ll probably be one using D-Box actuators.
Everything I’ve tried is like a fairground ride or an arcade. Just a complete and total distraction.
It CANNOT be a distraction, that’s my most important consideration when contemplating motion...
I do like the idea of the bass shakers, and that'll likely be my next mod.
12-28-2017, 03:45 PM
#23
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Ditto I have yet to try a motion system that felt natural. From D-box setups, to motion seats (CXC and SimXperience) to full on platforms (Force Dynamics).... I never lost that "fairground ride" feeling. I paired up a "properly configured" SimXperience setup ($$$$) owned by a fairly well credentialed driver buddy of mine (currently running TransAm) with VR and was motion sick inside of 5 minutes. The "barely perceptible" lag was exacerbated 100x once in VR because things were NOT "lining up".
I do like the idea of the bass shakers, and that'll likely be my next mod.
I do like the idea of the bass shakers, and that'll likely be my next mod.
The bass shakers, plus pedal feedback and a good steering FFB calibration work very, very well. Sound gets important too, especially racing with a bunch of cars close around you.