newbie custom 'cockpit' question

[cgranju]

I just picked up the dual arcade driving setup (see attached, 1995 "Cruisin USA") & I'm gutting a lot of it to make a dedicated GT4 dual cockpit setup. I'll have (at least) two DFPs, two PS2s (linked.....how?) and two TVs & a stereo/sub (the seats of the arcade console may have subs in them already too). Hopefully, some folks here would be gracious enough to point me to some info or share what they know on these questions:

The cabinet has HAPP pedals (hinged from the top, which I would prefer....and heavy duty metal stuff). Can the logitech pedals' input be modified to use the HAPP pedals? Anyone here done that? From reading about repairs here, it looks like these things work the same way (a pot, a hinge, a spring)

What about HAPP force feedback wheels/motors? Can these interface easily with the PS2? I have two complete setups, but was planning on using the DFPs instead originally.....Maybe the shaft on the DFP can be lengthened & modified to use the HAPP wheel/shaft?

Linking two PS2 together for side-by-side racing....what's the best way to do this? - (cheapest/easiest/most stable/etc.)

Thanks in advance for advice and/or URLs that would be helpful. Yes, I realize I'm probably years behind the 'ball' on this...but, hey, I've been busy with other things

-chris

 

[Teh_Loserer]

Wow, man. That's a helluva project! I wish I had some useful information to give, but it seems like you're waaaay ahead of me on this thing. Keep us posted, though, I'd really like to see how this turns out.

 

[MasterGT]

Out of curiosity, how much was the arcade display?

 

[cgranju]

not sure if you mean the monitors or the cabinets & hardware.....but, the whole thing as seen in the photo was $50. someone had robbed the controller board for the wheel & the wiring had a few really questionable splices (probably what led to it being sold as a non-runner). IMHO, the original game wouldn't be worth any more than that if it worked just fine....but the control/seating setup is cool. I'm gutting what I dont' use & trying to sell the boards I won't need on Ebay or craigslist. Between that & the change that was left in the coin boxes, the thing may end up being free or better!

I'm using TVs as monitors (hoping to have to modify the cabinet for them as little as possible).

The cabinet has a heavy duty forced feedback wheel with really simple looking wiring, but the jury's still out on whether it's worth trying to use it at all. If nothing else, the shear heavy-duty construction of the wheel with real bearings, some weight, etc. makes it sound worth trying.

Each has a working 4-speed gear selector...feels right, sprung ok & a very straight-foward but heavy duty microswitch deal. I'll probably change that out (and relocated) in favor of the up/down DFP shifter (or input to a hacked DFP shifter using a similar rig to what this cabinet has).

I checked out the pedals last night & they're works of art in simplicity. Same basic works as the DFex pedals I have for investigation (waiting for some DFPs to come in the mail right now), but heartier & somewhat adjustable...and (what I like) hinged from above.

I'll use the panel buttons for the console controls & maybe (or somewhere else) Reverse. I'd like to add a handbrake (I've got a basement full of old sports car parts, so I'll have some vintage Italian handbrake levers...lol) with a microswitch (thank you, coin slot mechanism).

The seats are OK. About as comfortable and padded (not) as many real racing seats, but perfect ergonomics & nice arcade-hearty adjusters...plus subwoofers built into their pedestals.

It ought to be a pretty cool rig once done. Very geeky, but not very pricey. Great winter project since I'd prefer to be tinkering on real cars any other time of the year. Takes a lot of space...not apartment-friendly. Thankfully, I have a lot of space.

I'll keep y'all posted & try to ask questions. Maybe I need to ask better, 'cause it seems like there wasn't much to say about my initial post.

 

[JLightning]

in my experience linking ps2's the easiest way is with a router/switch. with gt3 i remember being able to link 2 (and only 2) ps2's together with a firewire or cat5 cable but the settings were weird and unintuitive. once you get everything put together, if you're using a router or switch, i'd be glad to send you a screen shot of the settings that work for me.

as for the pedals and steering wheel. i've pulled apart a DFP pedal box before and it's pretty simple inside. i don't see why you wouldn't be able to adapt it to work with a top-hinge motion. hell, if you're really lazy, i'm sure you could just mcguiver some levers or something to work the DFP pedals mounted inside the cabinet lol!! i don't know how you would be able to get the steering that thing came with to work with a ps2 though.

i've thought about trying to do a setup like that but never really got around to looking for used video game equipment to tear apart. i'm looking forward to pics of your completed product!

edit: the "How to LAN GT4" link in MasterGT's signature is by far the most complete guide I've found for linking ps2's for gt4. I'd take a look there once you're ready to link everything up.

 

[cdn57]

You might have already tried Racesimcentral, but member "Isamu" has purchased some Happ products and may be able to help. I believe he has posted here before as well.
Regardless, do a search for Happ at RSC and there may be some helpful information. Below is one of a few threads.

http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=252140&highlight=happ

 

[cgranju]

hey folks. I've test run one of the cabinets. it's not hard work....completely hacked the DFP casing, but the mount works well (and I didn't end up needing to extend the steering column). i may break down & get a Happ arcade shifter since it would mount right into the 'dashboard'....but for now I set up the shifter as a remote element that uses telephone cable (CAT?) to connect. I think I need some madcats controllers to hack to connect console controls & the handbrake. Networking is on hold for a day or so while I wait for UPS. Here are a few picks of points in the progress.

 

[cgranju]

in my experience linking ps2's the easiest way is with a router/switch. with gt3 i remember being able to link 2 (and only 2) ps2's together with a firewire or cat5 cable but the settings were weird and unintuitive. once you get everything put together, if you're using a router or switch, i'd be glad to send you a screen shot of the settings that work for me.

I'd love to see that. Had to spend time on other things & am just now getting to the mechanics of networking. Got all the pieces for it now, though!

thanks