Ideas / wanted features for a racing rig.. (?)

[Timppaq]

Hi guys,

Some of you might remember my previous racing rig project. After we built the first version and after testing it for a while, I decided that I still need a better one . Not that it was faulted or anything, but there were few things missing and some things that bothered me... long story.. the end result is that I learned a lot and now I have a better vision of the next one.

So planning a new rig here. And I would like to get some feedback from our great community 👍 let's hear the ideas & opinions about what features should a good racing rig have?

Throw me some crazy ideas or something that you always would have liked your rig to have.

1.seat stand
- adjustable height
- adjustable angle
- easily fittable to any proper racing seat​

2.wheel support
- adjustable height
- adjustable angle
- adjustable distance from the seat (independent) ​

3.pedal support
- adjustable angle
- adjustable distance from the seat (independent)​

4.shifter holder
- fits both sides
- adjustable height (120mm movement)
- adjustable distance from the seat (3 positions)​

5.accessories
- TV stand (optional for 3 screens)
- keyboard support
- place for three PS3's
- cup holder
- sound system mounting holes
- setup for inverted pedals
​

6.other properties
- fake leather & carpets?​

So that's all we could think of so far, is there anything else to add? ​

 

[Synwraith]

Hey Timo,

Best of luck with your latest adventure

The only thing someone like me without any experience of building anything at all would recommend is a cup holder, or a phone holder....maybe a nice fold out panel for a laptop so you can be on GTP when racing?

All the best
Maz

 

[Timppaq]

Thanks Maz 👍

A cup holder should come useful for sure ..and that laptop idea is something I'd never though about 👍

 

[NihilismOnToast]

How about a Hula Girl on the dashboard Timppaqq? Perhaps a commode feature for the 24hr Nurburgring sessions? Or one of my patented IBD ( Integrated Beverage Delivery ) systems?

I'm not sure what the Finnish equivalent of the Argos stores we have here in the UK & ROI, but you could find inspiration from cannibalising cheap office furniture! It might be a source for the sliding mechanisms of your rig.

And I think any photos you could take of your work in progress would be very much appreciated by the GTPlanet community. I'd certainly like to see how you're getting on. 👍

Best of Luck,
Rory

 

[DustDriver]

Extra cooling for the PS3, because you'll be using it far to much. Reroute some of the air so you can use the warm air to warm your feet in winter

 

[NihilismOnToast]

Extra cooling for the PS3, because you'll be using it far to much. Reroute some of the air so you can use the warm air to warm your feet in winter

Or perhaps reroute the air to heat Maz's suggested cup holder also. Why just settle for toasty toes when you can keep your cup of tea/racing fuel warm also.

 

[Timppaq]

Hula girl does sound good.. but if I'm to sell these, I'm not sure if that would be fully legal

Hey Bert, the extra cooling isn't that bad idea at all.. and actually it made me think about a devoted place for the ps (& the cables) in the rig 👍 I'd certainly need one in my current rig as the PS just sits next to it & on the floor atm, and that isn't the best possible place for it, I know

I'm currently little cautions about pics... before I got all stuff legally covered. And also the project is in so early stage that to show any "under construction" pics would just mislead people. I hope you understand 👍

I'm not sure what the Finnish equivalent of the Argos stores we have here in the UK & ROI, but you could find inspiration from cannibalising cheap office furniture! It might be a source for the sliding mechanisms of your rig.

I always look furniture / office furniture / gym equipment, etc. with a little more care for some inspiration 👍 But I'm afraid the rig has so special needs that the most mechanisms etc. will need to be made especially for this.

 

[TAFKAH]

Hello my darling. I would fix the wheel only at the screw holes. I always have the plastic parts of the clamps at my knee.

For everything else just look at my rig.

 

[Timppaq]

Hi there taffy Long time no see..

And yes, it's VERY important to have your wheel properly fixed!!

Where's your rig?

 

[TAFKAH]

Here! You want some coffee?


Some new pics in the last post.

 

[Timppaq]

Here! You want some coffee?


Some new pics in the last post.

Nice, I've seen that before. Great job with it. 👍 But I think those tubes costs a fortune.. (??)

I'm going after a little more adjustable version For one, a formula style very low sitting position should be possible, but also normal regular car style more upright position.

 

[TAFKAH]

Maybe you find here some ideas.

This one is pretty cool.

















.

 

[ItsHim]

Carpets, fake leather, and really important, good placement of speakers. Sound to me is almost more important than an ashtray

 

[Timppaq]

Thanks, those are all very good suggestions 👍 👍 And important ones too! (sound system especially) And thanks tafkah for the links. Pretty impressive setups there


-----

Also, I got the raw version of the shifter holder done.. op updated.

 

[wayside]

Hey Timppaq, reading through some of your posts it sounds like some of your ideas are similar to some of the stuff that I incorporated in my rig (Sound system/PS3 Mount/Wire routing). Check it out when you get a chance

I always look furniture / office furniture / gym equipment, etc. with a little more care for some inspiration.

Haha, yeah my monitor mount is from my weight bench

Also, you mentioned making the shifter holder adjustable and fit both sides. Any thought on a center console that holds the shifter, fits both sides and is adjustable?

 

[Timppaq]

It's a very nice looking rig wayside 👍 👍 About the center console, I don't know if a "console" is needed, maybe the holder will be enough. Also to keep the adjustability as easy as possible (not easy by any means with all these options) it's beneficial to have as little parts as possible. So just a holder will be enough I guess... (by "console" I assumed you mean the like you have in your rig.)

Your rig looks very tidy with all those cables hided btw Thanks for the link. 👍

 

[wayside]

It's a very nice looking rig wayside

Thanks. Funny how building them is almost as much fun as driving them!

Also to keep the adjustability as easy as possible (not easy by any means with all these options) it's beneficial to have as little parts as possible.

I can imagine, just thought I'd throw out the idea. Something about the center console that adds to the 'real car' feel is all. Looking forward to any images when you are ready to share!

 

[Timppaq]

Thanks. Funny how building them is almost as much fun as driving them!

Amen 👍 And also designing them is almost as fun as building them at least with the right tools (in both cases) 👍

I can imagine, just thought I'd throw out the idea. Something about the center console that adds to the 'real car' feel is all. Looking forward to any images when you are ready to share!

Appreciated 👍 The more you want features in, the more challenging it becomes to keep the design looking simple & tidy .

I will post pics at some point for sure

 

[zed300]

Sounds good, can't wait. 👍

On adjustability(as I'm am close to design/building, I am collecting materials), I've been thinking about this feature alot.
I'm happy to share my idea, even though I'm sure you will have yours finished before I even start mine.
I am going to go with 3 electric seat adjusters, one on each seat steering and pedals.
Having adjustments that can be done from a console or dashboard, gives a polished and refined finish to a product. Just a thought anyway.

 

[wayside]

I am going to go with 3 electric seat adjusters, one on each seat steering and pedals. .

That would be so sweet. If you could grab the set from a car with driver position memory and each user just had to press a button for their setup?

Can't think of anything better then that...

 

[Timppaq]

Sounds good, can't wait. 👍

On adjustability(as I'm am close to design/building, I am collecting materials), I've been thinking about this feature alot.
I'm happy to share my idea, even though I'm sure you will have yours finished before I even start mine.
I am going to go with 3 electric seat adjusters, one on each seat steering and pedals.
Having adjustments that can be done from a console or dashboard, gives a polished and refined finish to a product. Just a thought anyway.

And thanks for the suggestion 👍 The problem is that there are so many key adjustments that the rig should have (counted 9 from my list in op)..

those 3 electric motors would cover three of them But if I would be better at electronics, I could at least consider this. But with the skills I have, no chance.

But I look forward to seeing your finished product 👍


edit,

raw version of the pedal support done.

 

[Mr Latte]

Look forward to see what you come up with....

Im surprised tbh nobody has tried to better what Chilli has done, yeah others have copied but the best things about Chilli's are the mods he has done and the nice seat. What impresses me most (aside from the mods/extra hardware improvements) is the pride and high level of finish he maintained. Few cockpits or d.i.y projects seen here put so much emphasis on looks as well as practicality and comfort. Although im quite shocked when I see how much he has spent on the wheel/pedals and hasnt yet invested in a Buttkicker device yet as it can add quite a lot to the fun/sensation.

Would be nice to see more design flair and something that isnt a rip off from what others have done before. Perhaps take inspiration from some of the best designs available out their to buy.

Personally Ive been inspired by the chrome of VR3 and triple monitor layout of the Renn Sport but will build my own around a "Game Pod" cockpit as the main frame. 3xMonitors will be supported on a completely seperate structure that will also support 3x PS3 consoles. Im adding spoilers and brake lights, crazy well maybe but Im going for sim/arcade in style. I dont want that metal skeleton frame look and may add a dash, although the dash is my sticking point as I will change wheels between Fanatec models and Logitech so want easy access too.
One thing though for me is the handbrake, not sure its worth the bother, not a drifter and I prefer to use Paddle shifters as find Logitechs and Fanatecs H-Shifters too noisy and like toys.

Of course this cockpit business is expensive so if you are serious in doing a great project maybe before you start designing anything is decide what hardware it is likely to incorporate.

The first priority for me was to predetermine my budget against what components I already had and what you need to purchase. Then you have to determine the order or importance in what comes first and what may be added later. Id recommend you also budget about 30% more on materials just incase, as changes or sometimes new ideas come to mind, they sure have with me. My own will mainly be a triple X360 and triple PS3 cockpit, PCs I find too much hassle these days with so much tinkering and modding so I have high expectations for GT5 to be a great racing game.

Maybe you could give us a list/run down on all the hardware etc your incopropating and what you need to buy?

Questions:
Single screen / Triple or more
Wheel / Pedals (include mods)
Seat / Bucket or Recliner
Transducer / Buttkicker Recommended
Cockpit general preferences?

 

[Timppaq]

Look forward to see what you come up with....

Im surprised tbh nobody has tried to better what Chilli has done, yeah others have copied but the best things about Chilli's are the mods he has done and the nice seat. What impresses me most (aside from the mods/extra hardware improvements) is the pride and high level of finish he maintained. Few cockpits or d.i.y projects seen here put so much emphasis on looks as well as practicality and comfort. Although im quite shocked when I see how much he has spent on the wheel/pedals and hasnt yet invested in a Buttkicker device yet as it can add quite a lot to the fun/sensation.

Would be nice to see more design flair and something that isnt a rip off from what others have done before. Perhaps take inspiration from some of the best designs available out their to buy.

Personally Ive been inspired by the chrome of VR3 and triple monitor layout of the Renn Sport but will build my own around a "Game Pod" cockpit as the main frame. 3xMonitors will be supported on a completely seperate structure that will also support 3x PS3 consoles. Im adding spoilers and brake lights, crazy well maybe but Im going for sim/arcade in style. I dont want that metal skeleton frame look and may add a dash, although the dash is my sticking point as I will change wheels between Fanatec models and Logitech so want easy access too.
One thing though for me is the handbrake, not sure its worth the bother, not a drifter and I prefer to use Paddle shifters as find Logitechs and Fanatecs H-Shifters too noisy and like toys.

Of course this cockpit business is expensive so if you are serious in doing a great project maybe before you start designing anything is decide what hardware it is likely to incorporate.

The first priority for me was to predetermine my budget against what components I already had and what you need to purchase. Then you have to determine the order or importance in what comes first and what may be added later. Id recommend you also budget about 30% more on materials just incase, as changes or sometimes new ideas come to mind, they sure have with me. My own will mainly be a triple X360 and triple PS3 cockpit, PCs I find too much hassle these days with so much tinkering and modding so I have high expectations for GT5 to be a great racing game.

Maybe you could give us a list/run down on all the hardware etc your incopropating and what you need to buy?

Questions:
Single screen / Triple or more
Wheel / Pedals (include mods)
Seat / Bucket or Recliner
Transducer / Buttkicker Recommended
Cockpit general preferences?

Yes Chillis rig is awesome, and the quality really shows 👍 Also it's easy to tell what a big difference a good camera & skill to use it makes. 👍 I need to aim for the same finishing quality & tidy look, but adding the adjustability at the same time.

I think it's personal preference if you want the spoilers & brake lights etc, or just the features, as if the looks coming after the usability. As an engineer I value functionality very greatly and after that I can excuse the metal skeleton frame look, if that is the way to achieve more important things. Hey, you can always hide the metal skeleton look under a "shell" (with spoilers and all.. ) if you like. Then you have best of the both

Anyway, at first I will be using just single screen. I still need to decide if the screen(s) will stand on their support "leg" or am I to use the hardmounts in back of the monitors. Triple screen is something I will do at some point so I do need to plan for it now of course.

I use a G25. I need to check the hardmounting maps for the Fanatec wheels, do they differ a lot from Loghitechs? Pedals should be possible to use in their own casing, but the possibility to invert them with minimum amount of mods to the rig is also important.

Seat part is crucial here. I will be getting a Recaro / Sparco / whatever racing seat and I'm sure many people like me feel that it is the "best" way to get the best possible seat. After all, it's a seat you probably use much more time in than in your real car. So it should be worth it 👍 Also, if somebody would like to buy the rig, the idea is not to sell the seat but just a rig that can eat any current racing / car seat available. So the seat mounting will need to be quite flexible (it is). I still need to see if the mounting measures for most seats are somewhat standardized.. (does somebody know?) Common sense says that there shouldn't be so much variation anyway.

No plans for buttkickers atm. Don't really know actually much about those. Does those have particular place to always mount it? So should it always be under the seat, because I dont have any room under the seat.. ??

The basic design will be aluminium skeleton frame added with specially made steel parts for all the functionality. The rig will be possible to dismantle, so really few welds, if any.

 

[Mr Latte]

Most seats should fit onto a universal seat runner.
However if you opt to buy a bucket seat that needs seat mounts then these are then wider apart. These will allow you to attach the seat level or at an incline tilted back. Most mounts have approx 2" of positioning for lower/higher at the back compared to front.
Your right about how the seat is an important factor, for sure put a good portion of money into that. About £300-£400 is the pricepoint some of the better models will be priced at. I found Cobra to offer more value than Recaro and preferred those two over the Sparco ranges but be carefull as some of these are rather slim fitting but in some ranges a wider XL or GT fit is also available.

The Gamepod I have can be bought as a frame only this might give you a few ideas.
If only Vision Racer offered the same option I would of bought one of those and modified it.

Here is an example of seat sizes for Cobra

Cockpits Ive owned in the past / Gamepod / Playseat Evolution / Game Racer
Each have their good and bad points...

Playseat is one of the most versatile for adjusting to different sizes/heights and people and really only missing a changable angled pedal section.


This is the closest thing I can find to what my own finished product should look like but mine will be even better.

 

[Timppaq]

Thanks for the info 👍


So it looks like there will be no problems in the seat department. But the runners will be needed for easy adjustment.

And I'll look after those Cobra seats for sure


So far the progress:

**********************************

1.seat stand
- adjustable height (200mm movement) [ok]
- adjustable angle (from 0 to +12deg.) [ok]
- easily fittable to any proper racing seat (that has runners) [ok]
-...

2.wheel support
- adjustable height [ok]
- adjustable angle [ok]
- adjustable distance from the seat (independent) [ok]
- ...


3.pedal support
- adjustable angle (12 - 56deg.) [ok]
- adjustable distance from the seat (independent) [ok]
- ...


4.shifter holder
- fits both sides [ok]
- adjustable height (120mm movement) [ok]
- adjustable distance from the seat (3 positions) [ok]


5.accessories
- TV stand [ok]
- keyboard support [tbd]
- place for ps [tbd]
- cup holder [tbd]
- sound system mounting holes [tbd]
- setup for inverted pedals [tbd]
- ...

6.other properties
- fake leather & carpets? [tbd]

**********************************



​

 

[zed300]

Look forward to see what you come up with....

Im surprised tbh nobody has tried to better what Chilli has done, .................................... I dont want that metal skeleton frame look and may add a dash,

I agree with you. Chilli has done a awesome job, no doubt about it.
For me though, the look is very minimal.
I will be going for an enclosed leg area, but obviously with reasonable access still.
A dash is an important addition to create a pod look as opposed to a rig, in my opinion.

Timppaq, the list to do is getting shorter very quickly.
An aluminium frame is a great idea, that's what I've been collecting from job site bins.
The lack of welding and using aluminium leads me to think that you are thinking of packaging and transport. 👍

 

[jswilli1]

I would recommend a Buttkicker, and the Cup holder is a must! I found a cupholder/phone holder combined at a local auto parts store and integrated it into my chair for about $9 US. Good Luck! 👍

(See my Sig below for some pics!)

 

[Timppaq]

Timppaq, the list to do is getting shorter very quickly.
An aluminium frame is a great idea, that's what I've been collecting from job site bins.

Yes suprisingly quickly for once it's been smooth designing this one. I guess the experiences & 'mistakes' in the earlier has shown me the way (or maybe just "a" way)

The lack of welding and using aluminium leads me to think that you are thinking of packaging and shipping. 👍

Oh, good point!


edit,

And I will consider that buttkicker thing too. Might be hard to find the space for it though...

 

[zed300]

5.accessories
- TV stand [ok]
- keyboard support [to be done]
- place for ps [to be done]- cup holder [to be done]
- sound system mounting holes [to be done]
- setup for inverted pedals [to be done]

I thought maybe this could be adjustable also, allowing for the fat ps3 and the thin. Possibly under the seat.
Also if export is on the cards, the *whispers* xbox360

 

[Timppaq]

As it needs to be very open anyway to keep the air changing, I think a simple shelf / rack etc. will be sufficient. 👍