VXR GamePod GTX

[kris8583]

Hey guys,

Since getting a bit miffed with my PVC cockpit I decided to invest in something a little more substantial. After deciding on a GamePod GT2 I stumbled across their special offers and found this little beauty up for grabs:

So i am now the proud owner of a GamePod GTX that was used for VXRacing in the BTCC. Im really pleased with this since its a bit more exclusive than the GT2.

Just need to arrange collection and then order a seat and a few goodies to go with my G27.

Happy days!

 

[Mr Latte]

Congratulations!!!

Looks really nice that, love the red and black.
I hope you go for a really good seat, imagine something like this...

I have this one (in different colour) and can really recommend it for giving a racey feel and snug fit. However prices on these with the metal supports are going to put you back £500 - £600. I guess you have to look at it long term and spending so much on a seat was a hard decision for me but I dont regret it at all. Of course you will find other alternatives which are still decent around £150 upwards.

 

[kris8583]

Thanks for the reply fella. I would love an evo seat but my budget won't stretch that far so going to settle for a Monaco and add surround sound. can't wait to pick it up and give it a test drive. your rig is looking great i will be looking forward to seeing some more progress!

 

[kris8583]

Hi all, Ive been having a look around at seats and really like the look of these;

R333

R100

Now the problem I have is:
A) Do I stick with a Cobra Monaco

B) Choose between the two above as they are both recliners and would be ideal as I shall be using the cockpit for all my games.

C) How to mount a Sparco to my frame. I believe the mounting of the actual frame is 290x330mm and I cant find a spec for the above seats to see if they would bolt straight on.

Any opinions guys?


Oh Mr Latte, any chance of resizing those seat pics!

 

[Jose']

Great colour which you chose!

Regarding to the seats, the first one is breathtakingly beautiful, more even than the Cobra Evolution (in my opinion). The second one not so much...

Sorry, I have no idea how to mount that thing.

 

[kris8583]

Thanks mate, I do like the R333 I just need to find out if its going to be a pain in the backside to mount before I order.

If its going to be loads of hassle I might just stick with the Cobra, however I really want a recliner if possible and these 2 are reasonably priced compared to the Monaco.

I was thinking of mounting my surround sound speakers behind the seat and through the harness slots.

I still haven't collected the frame, Im waiting to hear from GamePod about a suitable time for collection, hopefully have it home by the end of the week.

 

[Mr Latte]

The Sparco R333 looks a nice seat and surprisingly affordable.
It probably needs a "Sparco Universal" type seat mount which is no use for your Gamepod.

However you could likely mount a wooden board (paint it black or red) to the Gamepod frame and then drill holes for bolting a set of seat runners. Then just bolt the seat onto the runners. Of course youd only need to use a board if the width in distance of the underside mounts of the R333 seat differ to the width of Gamepods uprights. I think Gamepod just uses the standard width for seat runners though best checking with Sparco what their R333 seat requires.

*Try to make sure he throws in a seat of adjustable seat sliders.
These are now £35-£60 depending where you shop.

For general comfort yes a recliner might be better but for sheer racing looks/styling and having that racey snug feeling will really only come from a bucket style race seat. Depends what you really want.

 

[kris8583]

Hi Mr Latte, one other small problem i have is that im looking into a BKG2 for under the seat.

I dont know how a wooden sheet would affect it. I would like to keep this project as tidy as possible and I may have to find somewhere to fabricate a bracket to mount the seat.

Depending on how much room there is under the seat I was wanting to store my surround sound control unit there and the BKG2 amp. Until I get the rig home I dont know how much room I will have to play with.

I even thought of getting the seat side mounted. If this ends up been too much of a pain i will have to stick with the Monaco and keep things simple.

 

[Mr Latte]

It wont be that hard to find a mounting solution. Some car seats though need specialist adapters/brackets for actual car make/models. At the end of the day for a cockpit adding something like a wooden board can easily be drilled where you need to add bolts/washers and then paint it.

Regards wood and a Buttkicker, no problems their as wood is usually a good material for transducers. PM me on the Buttkicker and what your using for your surround sound. If you want a simple non upgradeable path then get the BK Gamer2 if youd like something more for big boys, that easily out performs that and can be upgraded then like several guys on the forums here recently I can help via PM.

 

[kris8583]

Thanks for the help Mr Latte, I will be keeping it plain and simple. Thats great news about wood and transducers.

I know GamePod produce a bracket for the BKG2 but fitment again may be an issue, I wanted the mounting plate also because it has the fitment for the gear lever side bracket. I have emailed Lee for a price on the BKG2 and looking on the net the cheapest I can find is £150, or am I looking in the wrong place?

 

[Mr Latte]

No probs.
I've had both the standard and the EVO ButtKicker mounting plates. It would be a good thing to add but then you need to also consider the rubber isolators For the seat runners which they charge a fortune for.

Or You could get alternatives below.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Rubber-Mounts-and-Isolators

Yeah the BKG2 is £150.
ButtKicker amplifiers are seriously overpriced for what they are.

Personally I'd import 2x Aura Pro and use a decent Cambridge Audio stereo amplifer (Richer Sounds) or even a 2nd hand bargain stereo amplifier with 4ohms amplification. Not only will that be out performing the Gamer but would be giving you stereo tactile immersion over a mono and rather limited experience.

 

[kris8583]

Personally I'd import 2x Aura Pro and use a decent Cambridge Audio stereo amplifer (Richer Sounds) or even a 2nd hand bargain stereo amplifier with 4ohms amplification. Not only will that be out performing the Gamer but would be giving you stereo tactile immersion over a mono and rather limited experience.

A what with a what, not really had much experience with tactile A/V equipment! Just had a quick google and found them on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ZPTBI/?tag=gtplanet-20

Is this the sort of thing Im after (2) with the amp that is also listed? If so its not a bad price but being from the States how would postage and customs be? Is there not a UK dealer?

Thanks for the link to the isolators, I have emailed GamePod a few times about collection but still waiting to hear back from them, just want to get started on this project but cant until I get the frame.

 

[Mr Latte]

Hi Kris.

Yes their is nothing complicated really about this "Stereo Tactile" configuration.
1x stereo amplifer 2x tactile units. The basic problem with Buttkickers is that all their amplifers only work from a single channel input.They either operate from a subwoofer channel or mix L/R together to form a mono combination. Certainly some models can power multiple tactile units but again only of the same effect not independant/different effects.

An example of stereo tactile is being able to feel independant effects like a car on your left or right hand position or feeling rumble strips on left or right kerbs. It just adds more to the experience.

Several guys here on the forums use the "Aura Pro". Certainly not the best tactile units for full home cinema or music applications but for games and cockpits they are excellent.

Amazon work through "Parts Express" for the Aura's
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=299-028

I have used these guys several times but yes you will likely get a customs/duty charge and have carriage to pay. I would recommend you purchase a decent stereo amplifer in the UK with 50-100 watts but that they can use 4ohm speaker rating. Easily could get one of those new for £70 - £100 and 2nd hand much cheaper.

What are you using for your surround sound?

 

[kris8583]

Thanks for the info, I don't know about surround sound yet, but certainly wont be going overboard price wise. I will have a look around and see what amps are available and post a couple of links to see if you think they are suitable, or do you have one in mind within that price range that you would recommend.

Going to drop GamePod another email tonight if they don't get back to me today and find out what's going on, does anyone know if they are away again at a race or special event?

 

[Mr Latte]

What type of budget have you for your surround sound and what are you connecting this too, eg X360/PS3/PC?

Give me a price point, will put a few here that might be ideal or worth considering.

This LG unit seems very good spec for its price and think it would be hard to beat without going into the £400+ market or seperates.
Also comparing it to something like the popular "Logitech Z5500" Id say this would not only out perform it but also has much more features.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0054U4KHA/?tag=gtplanetuk-20

Or also available a bit cheaper here.

http://www.electrocentreltd.com/viewproduct.asp?pid=7138

 

[kris8583]

I will be running a PS3 on this, I dont want to be spending more than £100 really on surround sound, I have 2 kids so cant splash out too much!

I have a Sony STRKS1000 hooked up in my living room, I know its an old model but I like it so if I could find something on Ebay similar or for a good price I would probbably go for it.

I will be struggling for room so I would do away with the sub from the surround sound and rely on the tactile and speakers for the bass. I was even looking at the Logitech PC surround systems for under £100.

I don't want a high end system because I just would not get the benefits from it, to me a lot of cheaper systems sound just as good as the more expensive counterparts.

Thanks again for the advice for a noob like me!

 

[Mr Latte]

So that is a tight budget but not impossible to get a decent system. Most including this one won't have a digital input but will give stereo input and enhance it to 5.1 via surround decoding.

http://www.bestbuy.co.uk/product/10...ms&srccode=cii_18510613&cpncode=00-32863889-2

 

[kris8583]

Thanks fella looks a nice system, I will have a look around and post any I find of interest. I did have some other good news today though, GamePod emailed me and I can collect the rig on Monday so will have to get some pics posted and seat issue sorted.

 

[kris8583]

Time to revive my build!

I got the GTX picked up and have now finally ordered a seat.

While browsing ebay I found an Autostyle T Eco seat, new and with runners and in the right colour for £99 so really cannot grumble for the price.

It is not the seat I plannned on getting but for the amount of cash I have saved Im not too concerned, at the end of the day it will do the job its intended for!

I have started wiring up, running cables through the frame so they cannot be seen. Ordered a new HDMI and power cable to run to the PS3 which will be stored under the seat.

I will post some pics soon to show how its coming along.

 

[kris8583]

Will be looking for a 24" - 26" TV/Monitor to fit to my rig, has anyone got any recommendations for me? Must have HDMI input and VESA compliant. Not too concerned about freeview etc or about sound quality as I will be running 5.1 on the build eventually and will be purely used for gaming.

 

[Ya Pops]

That seat looks great for the price. I'd be happy with it, in fact I might have to get one if the planned scrapyard search goes badly.

As for monitors, you'll be paying £120+ unless you find a cracking deal. I'd get on Gumtree though and find a real bargain.

 

[occasionalracer]

Nice rig, I own a 24" Acer which I'm really impressed with, but also comes in a 27". A bit pricy but it's such a crisp picture.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ACER-27-Wide-16-EcoDisplay/dp/B003V5M6C6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

[kris8583]

That seat looks great for the price. I'd be happy with it, in fact I might have to get one if the planned scrapyard search goes badly.

The seat is an ex display seat from a motorparts showroom, got really lucky especially since it includes the runners. Will only take a minor adjustment to the rails to get it to fit the frame and then can concentrate on finishing the wiring and searching for the TV and surround sound.

I thought I would be looking around the £120 upwards mark to get a monitor but are there any pros/cons with a monitor compared with a conventional flatscreen HDTV?

This rig is going to start getting a bit heavy and the 13.6kg from the seat will only add to the weight of the frame, I have had to order some castors to ensure I can slide it around the house easily!.

Once the seat is fitted I will need to order some cut to size red acrylic to provide the shelving under the seat for the PS3 to sit on.

I hope there will still be enough room for a buttkicker at a later date, if not I will have to have a think and fabricate some sort of bracket for the buttkicker to hang out the back end.

 

[Ya Pops]

The seat is an ex display seat from a motorparts showroom, got really lucky especially since it includes the runners. Will only take a minor adjustment to the rails to get it to fit the frame and then can concentrate on finishing the wiring and searching for the TV and surround sound.

Ah.. Congrats in that case 👍

I thought I would be looking around the £120 upwards mark to get a monitor but are there any pros/cons with a monitor compared with a conventional flatscreen HDTV?

I used to use 19" and 22" 16:10 monitors with no problems (since moved to a 37" HDTV). Best bang for buck imo.
Nowadays, 16:9 monitors are more common and even if they don't have HDMI, you can easily use a HDMI>DVI cable or adaptor.
The only con I can think of is poor quality sound (if it has speakers at all), but that's not an issue if you're going 5.1 anyway.
Viewing angles *may* not be quite up there with a TV, but I doubt that'll be an issue either for obvious reasons

Get yerself on Gumtree mate

 

[phil-t]

It's worth noting that IMO a PC Monitor is probably preferable, since it has the least internal processing etc, this means less lag and less possible artefacts.

You can get 24" LCD Monitors with DVI (HDCP Compliant) so a cheap HDMI->DVI converter will work on a PS3 for £130 from most e-tailers at the moment, and they are 1920*1080, so a perfect match for the consoles.

 

[Mr Latte]

Hey I wondered where you had gone to with this thread.

Hi, again....
24" monitors are decent I went for iiyama 24" and think those were about £170 or less now.

Although have to say Ive been eagerly awaiting news on a specific gaming projector announced way back in June at E3. Linked it on here before but this is first Ive seen it listed for pre order in the UK and much cheaper than I thought. It is HDMI 1.4 720p 3D and Nvidia 3D capable. Also is a short throw model so will give you a massive screen from a short distance. Now a 3D screen 100"+ or a 120HZ 2D for this money aint bad at all I reckon.

See here & sorry just wanted to tempt you.
£559 (amazing bargin) * 3D Glasses extra

 

[phil-t]

Just out of interest, if Gamepod ever sell these things off again, what would be a fair price for the GTX bare chassis?

 

[kris8583]

Mr Latte: Because of how close I will be to the screen, size is really important so unfortunately no projector Mr Latte! I will be using it for long periods on GT5, MW3 etc so dont want it to be overbearing.

Its good to get some info about a monitor, think I will be getting a DVI adapter and going along the monitor route. The thickness of the screen will also be important because of the amount of space between where it bolts to and my G27.

Phil-t Check this out my friend!:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GamePOD-G...essories_JN&hash=item231450a28f#ht_707wt_1270

I have seen this re-listed a few times, I went direct to Gamepod for mine and its the only one I have ever seen on ebay.

The Gamepod GTX are not normally sold, I have only ever seen 2-3 of them on Gamepods own site. I paid £160 for mine barebones which I think is a real bargain considering they are quite exclusive and compared to the GT2 you get more for your money. If your interested snap that baby up you will not be dissapointed.

Thanks for the input guys, good to get some opinions and compliments about the build.

Will get some pics up as soon as the bucket arrives.

 

[phil-t]

Mr Latte: Because of how close I will be to the screen, size is really important so unfortunately no projector Mr Latte! I will be using it for long periods on GT5, MW3 etc so dont want it to be overbearing.

Its good to get some info about a monitor, think I will be getting a DVI adapter and going along the monitor route. The thickness of the screen will also be important because of the amount of space between where it bolts to and my G27.

Phil-t Check this out my friend!:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GamePOD-G...essories_JN&hash=item231450a28f#ht_707wt_1270

I have seen this re-listed a few times, I went direct to Gamepod for mine and its the only one I have ever seen on ebay.

The Gamepod GTX are not normally sold, I have only ever seen 2-3 of them on Gamepods own site. I paid £160 for mine barebones which I think is a real bargain considering they are quite exclusive and compared to the GT2 you get more for your money. If your interested snap that baby up you will not be dissapointed.

Thanks for the input guys, good to get some opinions and compliments about the build.

Will get some pics up as soon as the bucket arrives.

Thanks! Have got in touch with the seller, hopefully the will be picking it up tomorrow as he's only about 50 miles away! Your guide price was useful in agreeing a fair deal, I hope it doesn't fall through!

 

[kris8583]

Thanks! Have got in touch with the seller, hopefully the will be picking it up tomorrow as he's only about 50 miles away! Your guide price was useful in agreeing a fair deal, I hope it doesn't fall through!

Great news mate, you have got yourself a right bargain! So me thinks we need to start our very own exclusive VXR Gamepod GTX club! These are the only 2 I know in existence made for VX Racing. Hope it all goes smoothly for you. I will be watching your build closely from now on!