David 23

Ok, I have zero experience and knowledge about video/computer/tv/? racing simulation. I think it might be fun, as I understand it is pretty sophisticated now? So where would I start, what's good, great, widely used? I'd prefer a steering wheel rather than some sort of buttons, so the translation is more realisitc.
Yes, I am an older guy that hasn't done video games, be gentle.

Circuit Motorsports

Pedals/Steering Wheel

Logitech G27 or a used G25 to save money

Simulator

Iracing
rFactor

roberga

I have done some training in the Virtual-GT. Do not have the funds to buy but it is worth it.

http://www.racingsimulators.com/vide...rhead_view.mpg
http://www.virtual-gt.com/

ervtx

Start your search at the top, with a Hexatech...

Cruden B.V. – world leading designer and manufacturer of interactive motion-based racing simulators – is offering its new racing simulator as an extreme alternative to popular home gaming equipment for affluent motorsport and performance driving enthusiasts. The Hexatech – a professional full motion simulator with six ‘degrees of freedom’ (6DOF), realistic g-Force simulation up to multiple g’s, seat belt tensioners and 100 per cent realistic steering feedback – is normally found in top secret Formula One factories and automotive research centres. Now, this same sophisticated equipment can provide the definitive motorsport experience at home, with prices for the base simulator package starting at £120,000.

http://www.cruden.com/motorsport/meet-our-simulator/

Well, we can dream, can't we?

ltc

My son really enjoys PS3 and rFactor (PC). He runs a 50" plasma and a 5.1 surround system (sort of neat being able to hear what is next to and behind you)

IMHO, this is definitely something to get:
http://www.bobearlracing.com/

(he does go out of stock from time to time, espsecially XMAS, since they are handmade) It makes quite a difference, believe me.

And yes, my son has been waiting for the 3 display adapter (shown towards the bottom of the website) to become available and he keeps reminding me how "inexpensive" large format LCD and plasma screens have become.

Veloce Raptor

..

ajcjr

if you want a nice setup that is not very high priced, check out

rfactor and a logitech g25 or g27 wheel

Veloce Raptor

Cowboy boots. The ULTIMATE droving shoes.






Professional Racing and Driving Coach

JustinL

I use the G25 and iracing. It's an inexpensive setup and tons of fun.

Is there any interest in setting up a rennlist iracing league?

Kein_Ersatz

+1

I have been using the obutto seat with G25 / PS3 / GT4 / GT5P, nice set up for the price. My intent was learning tracks (Nurburg in particular) and fun.

Now the Fanatec.de ClubSport pedals my be a nice upgrade from the G25/27

David 23

I see words on the screen, but am clearly behind the conversation. Can we back up? So I gather there are different formats? I got on the rfactor site and was totally lost. I have no idea what that actually is. Playstation is a format? Do you do that hooked up to a computer, or is it a stand alone unit/system? I guess the logitech wheels/pedals etc. can be used with any system or format? I normally use a Mac, but also have a pc laptop that I could use if needed.

Gary R.

David - Need to know budget and assume you need everything including a computer capable of running a new simulator. The G25 or G27 wheel/pedal/shifter setup is fine to start with at +/- $250. A computer system that will run any of the current sims in high resolution is anywhere fro $1500 to $3000, mostly depending on the size and type of monitor you want to run. The sim frames, should you want one, can go from a few hundred to mega thousands. Finally you need a good internet connection to play online, cable being the most common. The best sim out there right now is subscription based and is iRacing.com. Following that is rFactor and GTR2, rFactor being more popular and better online. There is a new service (free or pay, your choice) called SimRaceway.com ( http://www.simraceway.com/index.php?...age&Itemid=203 ) that make playing rFactor or GTR2 a lot easier and more fun online as it loads all the "mods" and tracks with one click of the mouse on their site.

Playstation and PS3 are hooked to your TV. Racing games are available but you will be severely limited in tracks, cars, etc. You can use a G25 wheel with the PS3 though. Mac's are useless for sims and a Windows Laptop would have to be pretty high powered to run a sim.. normally they wouldn't run it smoothly enough to play.

cgomez

Are there any "Raeady to Play" setups in the market for RFactor (PC + Software + Hardware; all configured). I use a Mac, so can have that gaming PC be dedicated only to RFactor.

Gary R.

Not to my knowledge but it's possible some of the very high end self contained simulators might come that way. It's really not hard at all to get all set up.. and i'm always glad to help.

chas911

CGomez, VirtualGT has many games already loaded on their computer system, this includes RFactor and GTR, Formula One, WTCC, Racing Legends, etc.

As Gary stated above, it isn't that difficult to add these games to any PC.

Charlie