A Little Help?

[Old Geezer]

Hi Guys! Until the junk that PD has offered lately, I was an AVID Gran Turismo player, [GT3 & GT4]. Now this forum has attracted my attention. Before I spend $$$ upgrading my PC [IF it's even possible] or purchasing a modern wheel, I would dearly like to take a "Test Drive." I'd be most willing to pay for an hour or so of "Seat Time" w/Assetto Corsa OR Project CARS and a Fanatec wheel/pedal set-up. Anywhere in the greater DFW or Austin [I visit my daughter there regularly], Texas area would be great. I'm retired & have lots of time on my hands so scheduling should not present a problem on my end. Many THANX...O.G.

 

[Ripster]

Hi Guys! Until the junk that PD has offered lately, I was an AVID Gran Turismo player, [GT3 & GT4]. Now this forum has attracted my attention. Before I spend $$$ upgrading my PC [IF it's even possible] or purchasing a modern wheel, I would dearly like to take a "Test Drive." I'd be most willing to pay for an hour or so of "Seat Time" w/Assetto Corsa OR Project CARS and a Fanatec wheel/pedal set-up. Anywhere in the greater DFW or Austin [I visit my daughter there regularly], Texas area would be great. I'm retired & have lots of time on my hands so scheduling should not present a problem on my end. Many THANX...O.G.

I hope that someone will be able to fulfill your request. If you were in the Vancouver, Canada area I would be more than happy to assist you.

I just recently switched from the ease of an xBox 360 and PS3 and built a computer specifically for racing. Though I have not played Project Cars; I have on my system NetKar Pro, Race 07, Game StockCar 2013 and Assetto Corsa.

These games are not the same as Forza or GT as those I find are more about collecting. Computer games are more about driving, specifically racing. I started with NetKar (for $5 how can you lose), and it plays on a fairly low requirements. Of all the games I think I like the driving model the best, though the graphics are a bit dated.

I also have Fanatec gear... CSR Wheel and Elite Pedals, I also have the GT3 RSv2 and Clubsport Pedals and both are a step up from the Logitech G series. But for a bit more it might be worth looking at the Thrustmaster T500RS. There is a point where the you are happy with your equipment and what you are willing to spend. Don't get me wrong I am happy with my Fanatec gear but I might be willing to spend that little more.

Oh just a word of warning... NetKar Pro has no Career mode or AI, so you are relegated to hot laps and multi-player but to be honest this was the first game where I didn't mind just driving laps. Assetto Corsa is currently only available as a hot lapping game as well but has promised to be a full featured product. Though the graphics are very good... I don't get the same enjoyment from it that I do from NetKar Pro. But many others feel just the opposite. The game may grow on me... it is very good.

If you have the room... and you enjoy racing I would recommend going the PC route if you are comfortable with computers. I would also highly recommend getting a rig there is nothing better than sitting in a seat with everything hard mounted and at your finger tips.

Good luck.......

 

[Old Geezer]

THANX Ripster: 👍
Good to know at least someone read my post! Just got back from pricing components to build a true gaming PC as my old Dell is NOT up-gradeable. Lots of $$$$ for sure so it may be a while until I can make it all happen. Hope someone else spots my post.
THANX again...O.G.

 

[Ripster]

THANX Ripster: 👍
Good to know at least someone read my post! Just got back from pricing components to build a true gaming PC as my old Dell is NOT up-gradeable. Lots of $$$$ for sure so it may be a while until I can make it all happen. Hope someone else spots my post. THANX again...O.G.

You may want to check the specs to see if you can play NetKar Pro? The requirements are not that high and the price of the game is only about $5. There are also plenty of tracks available for download. I believe in the neighborhood of 60. We try and race every Thursday night and you would more than welcome to join us. We are not very good but try to have fun.

 

[Old Geezer]

THANX Ripster: 👍

I'll check it out! WOW! Just spotted the addition to your first post. THANX for so much useful information! I actually built my "Seat" set-up nearly 10 years ago & fotos were posted in the old GT3 forum. Nothing special compared to modern rigs but a real comfy seat from a Nissan sedan, [w/fore & aft adjustment & recline!] five Logitech speakers, a 27" monitor & wheels so I can roll it around, made it pretty special to me...O.G.

 

[Ripster]

THANX Ripster: 👍

I'll check it out! WOW! Just spotted the addition to your first post. THANX for so much useful information! I actually built my "Seat" set-up nearly 10 years ago & fotos were posted in the old GT3 forum. Nothing special compared to modern rigs but a real comfy seat from a Nissan sedan, [w/fore & aft adjustment & recline!] five Logitech speakers, a 27" monitor & wheels so I can roll it around, made it pretty special to me...O.G.

In that case it sounds like you are well on your way, needing only a few pieces to complete your project.

Well if people are looking to get you something for Christmas... you could always drop a hint...

One more piece of advice... having a load cell brake pedal changed the experience in sim racing for me. All my friends acknowledged they would use a lesser wheel rather than give up the pedals.

 

[Old Geezer]

Ripster said:

One more piece of advice... having a load cell brake pedal changed the experience in sim racing for me. All my friends acknowledged they would use a lesser wheel rather than give up the pedals.

Indeed! "State of the Art" w/my Pedals was a Squash Ball under the brake pedal to add a little realism! "IF" I dive into this re-do it'll be w/a Clubsport set-up including the V2 pedals...O.G.

 

[Ripster]

Ripster said:


Indeed! "State of the Art" w/my Pedals was a Squash Ball under the brake pedal to add a little realism! "IF" I dive into this re-do it'll be w/a Clubsport set-up including the V2 pedals...O.G.

I did the same thing with my xBox 360 wheel and pedal set... (well half a squash ball) and it made a big difference. Simulated the load cell affect quite well. Currently in my rig I am running with the Clubsport v1 pedals and the CSR wheel, along with the CSR shifter. It all matches up fine but like I said I feel there is some room for improvement and I have the monies available to make them. The question I keep asking myself is where does it stop.

This always makes me think... do I really need to upgrade? Hence I look but have not pulled the trigger in moving forward. The T500RS seems the logical choice price wise... but the Clubsport wheel is very attractive, as is the SST Lightning shifter; and then there is the Clubsport shifter as well as the Thrustmaster TH8RS so when does the madness end?

Oh on on the latest... my rig does have a buttkicker attached to it... and I was thinking about getting SimVibe. The thing is that I do not play as much as one would think. This has become more a hobby... and I am becoming a collector much more than someone that participates regularly. Madness I tell you... madness.

 

[fatkrakr]

I you have a buttkicker and race on PC simvibe is a no brainer. Remember how awesome you thought the buttkicker was when you first hooked it up to sound? Times that by 10 and you have simvibe. It really does change the tactical feel.

 

[Paul33993]

THANX Ripster: 👍

I'll check it out! WOW! Just spotted the addition to your first post. THANX for so much useful information! I actually built my "Seat" set-up nearly 10 years ago & fotos were posted in the old GT3 forum. Nothing special compared to modern rigs but a real comfy seat from a Nissan sedan, [w/fore & aft adjustment & recline!] five Logitech speakers, a 27" monitor & wheels so I can roll it around, made it pretty special to me...O.G.

The guy who does the physics for Assetto Corsa also did them for the Power and Glory 3 mod for GTR2. So if you have GTR2 (or if you don't, the Steam sale starts in 3 days and I think it's 75 or 80 percent off), you can load that awesome mod. I really think they're close in terms of philosophy. So it'll give you a good idea of the physics philosophy. And it's an effing amazing mod if you love 60s and 70s glory cars.

 

[Old Geezer]

This always makes me think... do I really need to upgrade? Madness I tell you... madness.

I hear you! Started out w/GT3 & the old Logitech "Blue" Wheel held in my lap. Then graduated to a Logitech "MOMO" Wheel that I had to make an attachment for so I could hold it in my lap as well. Then came the driving seat w/most of a stereo [well the speakers anyway] left by my daughter when she went off to college. Eventually added the Six [NOT 5, as quoted above] Speaker set-up from Logitech. Finally went for a DF Pro, which is how it sets today. Now here I am considering another new PC + $1200 worth of Fanatec gear & THREE Screens!
Madness I tell you...madness!!!...O.G.

 

[Old Geezer]

The guy who does the physics for Assetto Corsa also did them for the Power and Glory 3 mod for GTR2. So if you have GTR2 (or if you don't, the Steam sale starts in 3 days and I think it's 75 or 80 percent off), you can load that awesome mod. I really think they're close in terms of philosophy. So it'll give you a good idea of the physics philosophy. And it's an effing amazing mod if you love 60s and 70s glory cars.

THANX Paul33993 👍
UNfortunately, since I haven't played GT4 in nearly 2 years, my "rig" is buried under a bunch of junk out in my shop!
I need to "free it up" & move it closer to my internet connection but that's a major project in itself. Will check out GTR2 however & see what it looks like. THANX Again...O.G.

 

[Ripster]

I hear you! Started out w/GT3 & the old Logitech "Blue" Wheel held in my lap. Then graduated to a Logitech "MOMO" Wheel that I had to make an attachment for so I could hold it in my lap as well. Then came the driving seat w/most of a stereo [well the speakers anyway] left by my daughter when she went off to college. Eventually added the Six [NOT 5, as quoted above] Speaker set-up from Logitech. Finally went for a DF Pro, which is how it sets today. Now here I am considering another new PC + $1200 worth of Fanatec gear & THREE Screens!
Madness I tell you...madness!!!...O.G.

My wife let me have this....

http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/15/vrxs-triple-screen-racing-simulator-uses-xbox-360-elite/

it resides in my basement in a corner tucked away, but fully accessible.

I upgraded the original Microsoft 360 wheel, to the aforementioned Fanatec gear. I don't have many vices which is why she probably did complain when I bought it and I got it for a very good price. I then built a computer to go with it... and this is where I currently sit. With thoughts of upgrading to the next best thing.

And SimVibe is currently in my sights... need to do a little more research to find out exactly what is required.

 

[fatkrakr]

If you can use optical for your sound you only need 1 soundcard if not you'll need a second card. Other than that just the software to run it.

 

[Ripster]

If you can use optical for your sound you only need 1 soundcard if not you'll need a second card. Other than that just the software to run it.

If you mean running my game sound through the optical link and simvibe through the rest, it isn't possible with my computer. I believe it is an OS issue since Vista, I don't think Windows 7 or 8 (what I am using) supports it.

I think I would need a separate amp anyway to drive the Buttkicker. I need the current one to drive the satellite speakers on the rig.

But thanks for the reply.

 

[fatkrakr]

Im using windows 7 with optical to my mixamp and use 3.5mm for simvibe. I just set optical as default and select speakers for simvibe. I do have to select speakers in the simvibe options each time I start simvibe, but only need 1 soundcard.
Yes you do need a separate amp to run the tranceducer(s).

 

[Ripster]

Im using windows 7 with optical to my mixamp and use 3.5mm for simvibe. I just set optical as default and select speakers for simvibe. I do have to select speakers in the simvibe options each time I start simvibe, but only need 1 soundcard.
Yes you do need a separate amp to run the tranceducer(s).

Maybe it is something with my sound card then, I have not been able to have both active.

 

[lemansfanatic]

Building a Sim Racing PC: One Piece at a time
There is are lot of people like me who have to get components to build a nice PC one at a time. As long as you start with the things that don't get outdated quickly (like cases, cooling setups and power supplies) you can spend the early part of 2014 building a great computer while you work on other aspects like finding a wheel and pedal setup you like.

Tripple Screens: Don't do it $$$
Don't invest a lot of money into tripple screens right now as they will be obsolte within a year due to a rise in affordable headmounted displays like the Oculus Rift $300-400 for a display setup that has no tripple screen rival. Use an old flatscreen for a while until headmounted displays take over and save that money.

Sim Wheels and Pedals:
Buy expensive like T500RS or CSW, or buy G27 and mod the crap out of it. You will never regret buying good wheels and pedals, every dollar spent here is spent well IMHO.

Cockpit: DIY (which you already have)
Just make it WOBBLE FREE first, then comfortable. Its always nice to have posts in handy position to accommodate shifters and smartphones, cupholders, etc,.

Edit: Forgot about tactile.
Tactile: Start small with a buttkicker gamer2 ($130) and add-on more transducers and amps until you have enough to support using a system like SimVibe. This adds more realism that alot of other things you can do to a cockpit, I would almost go as far to say I prefer a rig that has perfectly simulated engine vibrations in the proper areas (feet, hands, back) over a cheap motion rig that is not dialed in.

Also, athough it may sound funny and you may feel stupid doing it, little things like wearing gloves and or a helmet (if you're brave enough to be seen in) can really help trick your mind into thinking you're really in a race car (which come-on, thats the point really). Theres a huge thread on racing gloves in here somewhere, I don't race without em.

 

[Old Geezer]

• WOW!!! Thanx lemansfanatic! 👍 Lots of really good advice. I have my eye on the Fanatec Clubsport setup at the moment, with the BMW wheel to start. My "seat" is all Tig welded steel so plenty stiff. I get some bass from the Logitech speaker mounted under it but "Buttkicker" sounds like a worthy addition. Have been piecing together my new PC waiting for the components I need to come on sale. Only need a mobo & memory but have heard memory is due to go up in $$ after the first of the year so I'll buy it next. Thanx again...O.G.
  

 

[Ripster]

Nice post overall... But I would disagree with the buttkicker. If you are going with a full tactile experience (SimVibe) I would consider getting a third party Bass Shaker instead like the Aura AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker Tactile Transducer. They are cheaper and go on sale occasionally, plus depending on which Buttkicker you get easier to mount. Then all you need a multi-channel amp and a second sound card. With the mult-channel amp you will be able to run all your future Bass Shakers through the same device.

For about $49 you can get one of these Aura Bass Shakers and attach it to an old amp (that most of us have lying around the house) rather than purchasing a Buttkicker 2 for about $130.

As for piecing together your system it depends on how long it will take you to assemble all the parts (computer wise). As over time computer parts reduce in price a lot, but the time you buy something it is almost obsolete. So pooling your monies and making that purchase when you are ready might be a better way to go. But if you insist on purchasing it piece by piece than I would suggest you wait til the end for a video card. Which might be the most important and expensive item you buy.

 

[Old Geezer]

THANX for the continuing advice Ripster, 👍 I really appreciate your input!
As to my new PC, I recently received notice from Microsoft that they will no longer support Windows XP [my Dell is 8-9 years old I think] & I'm really paranoid about virus protection. Therefore, I've decided to go ahead & get started on the gaming PC which will also be my desktop. Don't know if it's allowed to mention a retailer here, but have bought all retail items "on sale" from the guys who have a chicken product in their name. I get a daily "Sale" e-mail & have saved over USD$100 so far by waiting until what I need comes on special. I doubt memory is going to drop anymore so it's next on my want list after the holiday rush has passed.
THANX too for posting the fotos of your rig. VERY impressive! ...O.G.

 

[Ripster]

THANX too for posting the fotos of your rig. VERY impressive! ...O.G.

Thank my wife for allowing me to have it. I had the exact same setup as the picture but since then I have upgraded to a computer and Fanatec Gear. I originally found the wheel position a little high (but use to it now), and the way the pedals are angled a a little too high, but workable.

I cannot complain.

Good luck with your setup.

 

[Popeye]

i, like you, am an old time player. I agree that the latest offering is dross. I certainly wont be playing it again until the Senna stuff is released. And then only that.

Recently I have been playing Rfactor 2 and AC. My laptop is good enough, its new and has 3d. My main rig is overkill for gaming, but who cares.

Looking at the graphics even in beta versions of games, the are way better on pc than the beta GT6. (Still prefer GT4) So I follow your journey with interest.
As for virus protection, I have 5 pc's and all run avast. Its free and competent.

 

[Old Geezer]

Hiya Popeye:
Thanx for the tips! Am in SoCal at the moment due to a death in the family. Will pm you when I get back home.
...O.G.

 

[Popeye]

Sorry to hear of your loss my friend. Take care and be well.

 

[Jump_Ace]

Hi Guys! Until the junk that PD has offered lately, I was an AVID Gran Turismo player, [GT3 & GT4]. Now this forum has attracted my attention. Before I spend $$$ upgrading my PC [IF it's even possible] or purchasing a modern wheel, I would dearly like to take a "Test Drive." I'd be most willing to pay for an hour or so of "Seat Time" w/Assetto Corsa OR Project CARS and a Fanatec wheel/pedal set-up. Anywhere in the greater DFW or Austin [I visit my daughter there regularly], Texas area would be great. I'm retired & have lots of time on my hands so scheduling should not present a problem on my end. Many THANX...O.G.

Hey buddy! Long time...

I'll go out on a limb and say you don't really need to get seat time with a Fanatec setup. Get a CSW and CSR-Elite/CSPv2 pedals and you will be in heaven. I love my setup and I recently tried out a G27 and it just felt like a child's toy tbh...the difference is surreal now.

As for a PC, mine isn't a world-beater anymore, I have a 2nd Gen Core 2 Duo, 8GB of RAM, 120GB SSD and a cheapie/knock-off AMD 7800 video card. AC plays great on my 42" TV, I have just about all the settings at medium-high-ish and honestly, I don't think I need to up it any more than that, it's amazing and I'll leave well enough alone 👍

Anyway, glad to see you around here still OG


Jerome

 

[Old Geezer]

Hi Jerome,
Good to hear from you & THANX for the advice! I'm still in SoCal but hopefully all my PC parts should be waiting for me at home. Will post my system specs upon my return...O.G.

 

[Old Geezer]

Hi Jerome,

Sorry for the delay, real life & a bout with the Flu have had me out of commission for a bit. Still waiting to assemble my new PC but here's a list of what I have on hand:

Intel Core i7-4770 3.4 GHz LGA 1150
ASUS GeForce GTX 660
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB Memory
2ea Hard drives [One big one for storage only]
2ea DVD Burners [This PC will ultimately replace my present desktop]
Mid Tower w/5 fans

I went w/minimum + requirements from AC & ProjectC.A.R.S. plus input from my PC "Guru". Sure hope I got it right!

Looking forward to giving AC a try...O.G.

 

[Igano]

You're gonna be good with this system don't worry!

 

[KingPing]

Hi Jerome,

Sorry for the delay, real life & a bout with the Flu have had me out of commission for a bit. Still waiting to assemble my new PC but here's a list of what I have on hand:

Intel Core i7-4770 3.4 GHz LGA 1150
ASUS GeForce GTX 660
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB Memory
2ea Hard drives [One big one for storage only]
2ea DVD Burners [This PC will ultimately replace my present desktop]
Mid Tower w/5 fans

I went w/minimum + requirements from AC & ProjectC.A.R.S. plus input from my PC "Guru". Sure hope I got it right!

Looking forward to giving AC a try...O.G.

Very nice!, which PSU will/did you buy? IMO the most important part.