BRAVO. Besides the professional engineering and thought, you have (unlike expensive commercial rigs) properly replicated the correct race driving position. I bang on about it a lot but it's so frustrating to see expensive, sexy, engineered-to-the-max rigs which put you in a bus-driving position. Even GT, NASCAR and sedan racers are seated with backside on the same level as feet, knees and arms slightly bent and steering wheel at chin level. Nice job.
I am working on a modular version so people can get the parts they need without having to manufacture the whole rig themselves. You can find details here or at my website (expand the About text for the URL).
Very cool. I'd like to learn about anything that helps with the design of the adjustable steering rack. That is something I have been working on for a long time. The building the rig part 3 video will outline the latest iteration which, while much, much, stronger, is still not as good as I'd like.
This is real engineering!. Excellent flexibility and quality, while keeping costs down to a minimum. I would love to see what you could to with a unlimited budget.
really nice job. So far this is the best and thoughest homemade simulator I have ever seen. I will definetely try to make one like that. Once again well done, great idea ;)
Very professional work there Gregg, from the fasteners used to the clearly thought out ergonomics. Unusual to see such a professional video too made only to benefit the community and not for typical greed and advertising. I made a PVC rig & attempted to get a custom layed out seating position, but seeing yours made me realise i am way too upright to achieve the hybrid posiiton. I wish I 'd seen your diagrams for the various seating positions and angles beforehand. Thanks again!
To all who asked for Simulator Sled build support, I'll be posting a new video series which outlines how to build the Mk I chassis in more detail. I can't spend much more time on the Mk I chassis because I'm working on the new Mk II version that incorporates key improvements over this initial design.
I would probably say I spent almost a year planning the designs before building the first full rig. I made about 20 completely different design builds before settling on this one. I also prototyped various types of solutions for the components. After building one for real, you learn from it and change things. My next design incorporates a lot of lessons learned on this initial prototype.
I choose the bucket in order to have something completely self contained. The bucket seat is solid and it transmits the vibrations from the pucks very easily. With a spring loaded seat (a typical car seat or chair) it is much harder to get the low-end vibrations through. Plus, the single bucket is cheap, comfortable, and easy to work with.
Renderings of the Mk II modular design prototype can be found on my website at lagnese.me/Hub/Photos/Pages/Simulator_Sled_2014_Prototype.html#0 Depending on your feedback, I'll design kits for certain elements (steering, monitor rack, etc.)
Looking at the setup and your rendering for the MkII, why have you made the base so wide? I can't see any practical reason for the size of the base? Am I missing something or is this just a personal preference?
Lufferov The Mk II is actually the same physical dimensions as the Mk I. The side pods are the width shown for multiple reasons. For example, they are wide enough for most mouse pads, or they can accommodate drop in shifters or recessed HOTAS controls. I've also made them the size they are to be able to hold internal sub-woofers (not shown in the renderings yet) and integrated speaker systems. My goal with the Mk II is to make it completely modular and inclusive with no separate external components (speakers, USB, etc.) if desired. I think it looks wider in the renderings because of the lens used and the fact that the monitor rack is more narrow at the base. I'll revise that in subsequent renderings as I flush out the design and start building one.
Gregg Lagnese That makes sense, though if I was to build one myself, I'd want the footprint to be as small as possible. But I can see the benefits! Thanks for the reply.
Great work! Can't wait to build my own. I just need to make a few modifications to suit my space, nothing a little CAD can't fix. Thanks for doing the hard parts!
Gregg, that's a real nice setup you have there, the design is extremely thought out and looks ergonomically pleasing, well done. I have my own playseat on my channel not like yours but it suits my needs, all custom built. Happy driving mate :-)
The seat just uses two boards, a finish grade 2x4 as a spacer and a piano hinge available at the hardware store for a few dollars. The height adjusters in the front are parts I machined from 6061 aluminum.
Excellent video - really enjoyed it. Looks like you really nailed every aspect of what makes a comfortable driving simulator. I had the original Playseat Classic and recently upgraded to the Playseat Evo, which is much more comfortable, but as you said there are several things I wish were different. If you are ever interested in racing online with fellow sim racing addicts, let me know as we have a great group and have lots of fun (and banter), but don't take ourselves too seriously.
Amazing work Greg! Finishing my rig with some of your design ideas in a very slim (width) mobile cockpit optimized for vr use , with a single 27" on an articulating gas arm for non-vr use and overall tuning...
Gregg Lagnese - it's not NEARLY as thought out as yours, especially since I lacked certain woodworking tools, so the frame is a bit tweaked, but it still looks good. I think I'll call it a prototype. Will post video and credit you with some of the ideas. Currently waiting for my paint to cure more before mounting internal surge protector and powered usb 3.0 hub...
That is a very nice setup. Great engineering. I just use a cheap school desk that I have all my stuff clamped to which I can move from the corner of my room in front of my actual desk and move my monitor up. Cost me under 20 dollars. A cheapo "cockpit" setup with no need to remove stuff from my actual desk.
What I've already posted is all I have to share. I used 3ds Max to create the designs and pulled them in Inventor as SAT files to create the blueprints. I don't have any intention of recreating the entire rig in native Inventor format at this time. The add-on's I am working on now will be designed in similar manner.
I'm not sure you are seeing how this works. The wheel pitch (how slanted it is in relation to the ground), can be pitched down (towards your lap) or up (towards the ceiling), and locked into place. In addition it can go in and out and the whole platform can go up and down. Think of it like a typical telescoping car wheel but you can also adjust the wheel pitch which no car I know of allows.
It really doesn't deflect that much at all but I am re-designing the entire steering rack to be even tighter. Currently, it could take about 300lbs in a vertical load before bending. I'm trying to double that and reduce the custom parts required.
Looks fantastic, but I am not sure I could live with that much 'wobble' in my steering wheel mount. The rest is fantastic though and I will probably copy a lot of it when I come to re-build my rig ;)
Not in this video but I do use it. I also have another video I will be posting shortly which adds on a H-Shifter and a full dash using a Pro-Race LED display.
I haven't thought of a fully enclosed sim for driving, but I did a while ago for flight sims. I thought it would be too hot so I didn't take it very far.
The details are in the video but the short answer is about $800 in materials including the seat, bolts, transducers, and paint stuff. That did not include the computer, monitors, or controls.
Hmm. The steering wheel can go up or down up to 12 inches. It can also go in and out almost 20 inches. Not sure I understand what you mean by too low. I can raise it up so it blocks my line of sight (which isn't good). :)
Amazing job, even the quality of the renders are awesome, and the detail of the DWF are simply perfect. Can I ask you a file format compatible with Autodesk Inventor? It would be really useful. Do you ever considered to make it dynamic? I build myself a dynamic sim rig and it's totally worth it, but I think you have to redesign some part of your current rig.
That's a really well thought out rig. Good Job Gregg. I'm contemplating building something that would have to share space in a living room. Do I really need a bucket seat given there are no G forces to deal with?
Really looking forward for the mk II steering rack. This one looks too unstable for me. Im used to a rock solid table. And also if a good keyboard table for other gaming, not just the "usual" sim rig tray.
And the pedals position is good for f1 style but for gt style it should be much lower , so maby if you make it possible to adjust it to much lower level it will be great
Thank you for reply. That's very good price compare to the other simulator and acctualy looks really good. I have got same steering wheel with both rims ( BMW and F1 ) with fanatec V2 pedals and I using playseat WRC what cost me £400 what is roughly same price as yours but nowhere as good as yours - comparison. Thanks
Great video and design! I had some ideas on making my own, but with house and car payments, I don't think I'm quite there yet. Great to see people creating things from scratch, don't see it much anymore in this day and age. So kudos to you on that. Any chance you could let me know what that song is at the very end of the video? Would make for good autocross music :D
This is exactly the type of racing position I want, the other commercial simulators are to similar to a normal car position. I downloaded the blueprints and I'm struggling how to read them or where to start. Just wondering if you could help me out
Yes, I hear that a lot, but honestly the movement is not perceivable in use. I move around in my real car relative to the wheel much more than this. In fact, if anything, it adds to the realism I find. That said, I am building an even stronger steering rack setup that will (hopefully) eliminate all play. All of the flex in this design comes solely from the channel cut in the extension tube which weakens the metals torsional strength.
Gregg Lagnese Well i can imagine, and true you can't besure how it feels only by watching a video. That said my rig is a pretty study wooden one since im not made of money and i dont have any welding gear. But i still prefer to build my own. ;)
yes you can but it wont stay straith / leveled like in a f1 car the wheel will get at an angle. but very nice and wel tought out rig. i am just beeing an ass ;) myself i have a cheap solution just a raceseat on a box behind my desk.
I've only used one commercial rig, the Playseat, which I modified slightly. You really just have to decide what level of adjustment and flexibility in fit you'd like. Then there is the cost of course. For me, nothing was available that worked with three monitors, fit the kids and me, had built in storage, was easily movable, and didn't cost an arm and a leg. That's why I ended up building my own.
quick tips to research that will lead some of you to good solutions... 8020 rig, 4play racing, simvibe, OSW, accuforce, amd freesync monitors/ G-sync monitors (lowest input lag, smoother and nicer than no-vsync, best for racing). NO SLI, i repeat, NO SLI, Keep tripple screens mounted seperate from rig to avoid shake. MDF for a base, not for a rig for least amount of work. 8020 for scafolding and structure, and lighter than steal. 8020: 350-700$ investment. modular for life. end of tips.
See building the simulator sled part 2 for 80/20 designs. ruclips.net/video/b1FEwQmfdHY/видео.html SLI will perform best for multiple monitors and is the least hassle (I have tried 2, and 3 way SLI). While a single 980ti is okay, it is not as good for triple monitors. However, it is better for an Oculus setup. The mounts described in the aforementioned video isolate shake. This isn't a full motion rig. Freesync/G-sync definitely not required. Steel is used because it is solid and cheap. A by product of the weight is that it reduces monitor vibrations too. In the aforementioned video I describe how much more expensive and cost prohibitive 80/20 is for a full rig. The 80/20 is not particularly expensive, but all the connector and support costs add up fast. All of this is provided as a BOM on my website too.
+Gregg Lagnese multiple graphics cards is not necessary for tripples and is actually inferior, due to the delay inherent with trading frames. most iracing guys use 1 GPU, even with tripples. sli also causes more problems than it solves by requiring many tweaks and special settings on games that don't support it well too. on a single card, frame rate doesn't have to be a problem. gsync takes care of frame rate. smooth even under high load, and doesn't require overpowered gpu's in sli to maintain fps limit and avoid stuttering...and my 980 shreds through Iracing on tripple Asus rog swifts @ qhd resolution.
I agree with SLI hassles and I've tried them many configurations of SLI (2/3) as well as powerful single cards (i.e., 980ti as of today). I personally found that the 2 (or 3) 970's outperformed the 980ti. It may be my case, but I had a lot of problems getting the triple monitor config to 'stick'. Often on boot one or two monitors would no longer register. This is probably due to me having cheap old HDMI monitors and the card having Display Port connections. Also, going to G-Sync monitors is a big investment for many and is somewhat counter to one of the original goals (build it cheap). Now that the Oculus is production, I'll be ditching the triple display anyway for one big curved single display for non-racing games, shooters, etc. I'll stick with the 980 for now too since it drives the Oculus better. Honestly, I am an Oculus convert, now that I've sunk some serious time into solving some of the issues (like VR sickness). Racing with the Oculus is just so much more fun and immersive for me. I can't race without it anymore. Best regards.
Can you please send me the picture or the URL to the picture at 2:40, I want to make my own simulator but I want a formula one style seat and haven't been able to find any dimensions or even angles of the seating position. Thank you and can't wait to hear back from you.
I don't know why people assume that. It is very stable. I have my FF cranked up to about 125-140% and it's a workout on an hour long drive. It does flex a little (
One last point, if you look at the end of the video when I'm using the big BMW wheel, that feedback setup is too strong for most kids under 15 and you can see that the base hardly moves at all. When I hit the curb the camera shook because of the force sent through my arms but the base remains stable. The fact that I can put 200lbs on it with it deflecting
i am not assuming , i can see it moving and shaking , its not going to break its strong , many people dont mind about that but its moving too much for some one take sim racing seriously
Well, I'm not going to argue with what you perceive. All I can say is that I've never had anyone who has actually used it, comment on that aspect. Regardless, the MK II setup will be much stiffer.
very good rig but you make it sound like if its easy to make ..i wish i could build it just like yours ..you sohould sell them rigs ..i will buy one ...but i sure wont be able to built it like yours even if you gave me the blue prints
modesto vargas Check out my videos on how to build the unit. Part 2 shows a T-Slot monitor rack option that won't require any heavy machining. I would have to sell these things for several thousand dollars which defeats the purpose of making a low cost, self contained, game center.
You can review the Anatomy of a Driving Simulator video and the building how-to videos I have done for starters. My website also has a number of notes about the trials and errors I encountered.
How much would it cost to have you build it with everything that u have in there + the monitors and tower with what you said to have in it ??? Please give me an answer as soon as u can thanks
The cost of the materials is about $800. The cost of the computer hardware depends, but is around $1,500 for an equivalent computer and about $750-800 for the three monitors. The steering wheel, pedals, and dash will add another $600-800 if you go the pricey CSW route like I did. I don't build these for people simply due to the sheer bulk of the base and the cost to ship it (not to mention the lack of time). If twenty people wanted one, I might reconsider, but I don't want to get into building one-offs. I might sell the complicated parts as a unit, like the Mk II steering rack however. See my profile page to read about the new steering rack design I'm building. I haven't decided on that yet because I'm not done ironing out the kinks.
Steven Boss The small parts and some assemblies (like the steering rack) would be okay. I'm finishing up the last of the mods on the new components now. After that, I need to revise all drawings and create a parts list to be able to service requests like this. So, net-net, is yes, but not yet. I also want to post a few video's of the new parts so people can see how it works and decide if they want to tackle it themselves.
![Kodak Black - Sharp Vibes [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oEV0OoLJeIs/mqdefault.jpg)
Very nice. That's the most adjustable cockpit I've ever seen.
BRAVO. Besides the professional engineering and thought, you have (unlike expensive commercial rigs) properly replicated the correct race driving position. I bang on about it a lot but it's so frustrating to see expensive, sexy, engineered-to-the-max rigs which put you in a bus-driving position. Even GT, NASCAR and sedan racers are seated with backside on the same level as feet, knees and arms slightly bent and steering wheel at chin level. Nice job.
I am working on a modular version so people can get the parts they need without having to manufacture the whole rig themselves. You can find details here or at my website (expand the About text for the URL).
this is basically the EXACT design I run myself, from a positional aspect that is... Well done video. Should help alot of guys.
Very cool. I'd like to learn about anything that helps with the design of the adjustable steering rack. That is something I have been working on for a long time. The building the rig part 3 video will outline the latest iteration which, while much, much, stronger, is still not as good as I'd like.
This is real engineering!. Excellent flexibility and quality, while keeping costs down to a minimum. I would love to see what you could to with a unlimited budget.
really nice job. So far this is the best and thoughest homemade simulator I have ever seen. I will definetely try to make one like that.
Once again well done, great idea ;)
Very professional work there Gregg, from the fasteners used to the clearly thought out ergonomics. Unusual to see such a professional video too made only to benefit the community and not for typical greed and advertising.
I made a PVC rig & attempted to get a custom layed out seating position, but seeing yours made me realise i am way too upright to achieve the hybrid posiiton. I wish I 'd seen your diagrams for the various seating positions and angles beforehand.
Thanks again!
What a great adjustable rig, amazing. Nice work!
To all who asked for Simulator Sled build support, I'll be posting a new video series which outlines how to build the Mk I chassis in more detail. I can't spend much more time on the Mk I chassis because I'm working on the new Mk II version that incorporates key improvements over this initial design.
Gregg Lagnese Sir you gave me exactly what i needed a proper and amazing blue print !
Cuqebaqer I'm glad they helped.
great job! have you made any changes to the rig since you made it?
Nothing that hasn't been documented in the video series.
I would probably say I spent almost a year planning the designs before building the first full rig. I made about 20 completely different design builds before settling on this one. I also prototyped various types of solutions for the components. After building one for real, you learn from it and change things. My next design incorporates a lot of lessons learned on this initial prototype.
I choose the bucket in order to have something completely self contained. The bucket seat is solid and it transmits the vibrations from the pucks very easily. With a spring loaded seat (a typical car seat or chair) it is much harder to get the low-end vibrations through. Plus, the single bucket is cheap, comfortable, and easy to work with.
Renderings of the Mk II modular design prototype can be found on my website at lagnese.me/Hub/Photos/Pages/Simulator_Sled_2014_Prototype.html#0
Depending on your feedback, I'll design kits for certain elements (steering, monitor rack, etc.)
Looking at the setup and your rendering for the MkII, why have you made the base so wide? I can't see any practical reason for the size of the base? Am I missing something or is this just a personal preference?
Lufferov
The Mk II is actually the same physical dimensions as the Mk I. The side pods are the width shown for multiple reasons. For example, they are wide enough for most mouse pads, or they can accommodate drop in shifters or recessed HOTAS controls. I've also made them the size they are to be able to hold internal sub-woofers (not shown in the renderings yet) and integrated speaker systems. My goal with the Mk II is to make it completely modular and inclusive with no separate external components (speakers, USB, etc.) if desired.
I think it looks wider in the renderings because of the lens used and the fact that the monitor rack is more narrow at the base. I'll revise that in subsequent renderings as I flush out the design and start building one.
Gregg Lagnese
That makes sense, though if I was to build one myself, I'd want the footprint to be as small as possible. But I can see the benefits! Thanks for the reply.
Thank you for the blueprints. Your rig has it all, superb design!
Great work! Can't wait to build my own. I just need to make a few modifications to suit my space, nothing a little CAD can't fix. Thanks for doing the hard parts!
Very nicely executed....in the construction of the rig and the editing of the video.
Great stuff.
Gregg, that's a real nice setup you have there, the design is extremely thought out and looks ergonomically pleasing, well done. I have my own playseat on my channel not like yours but it suits my needs, all custom built. Happy driving mate :-)
The seat just uses two boards, a finish grade 2x4 as a spacer and a piano hinge available at the hardware store for a few dollars. The height adjusters in the front are parts I machined from 6061 aluminum.
Excellent video - really enjoyed it. Looks like you really nailed every aspect of what makes a comfortable driving simulator. I had the original Playseat Classic and recently upgraded to the Playseat Evo, which is much more comfortable, but as you said there are several things I wish were different. If you are ever interested in racing online with fellow sim racing addicts, let me know as we have a great group and have lots of fun (and banter), but don't take ourselves too seriously.
Amazing work Greg! Finishing my rig with some of your design ideas in a very slim (width) mobile cockpit optimized for vr use , with a single 27" on an articulating gas arm for non-vr use and overall tuning...
That sounds awesome! I'd love to see your new design.
Gregg Lagnese - it's not NEARLY as thought out as yours, especially since I lacked certain woodworking tools, so the frame is a bit tweaked, but it still looks good. I think I'll call it a prototype. Will post video and credit you with some of the ideas. Currently waiting for my paint to cure more before mounting internal surge protector and powered usb 3.0 hub...
Great job. Every little detail have been planned!!! Congratulations!
That is a very nice setup. Great engineering.
I just use a cheap school desk that I have all my stuff clamped to which I can move from the corner of my room in front of my actual desk and move my monitor up. Cost me under 20 dollars. A cheapo "cockpit" setup with no need to remove stuff from my actual desk.
very high quality rig and video, nicely done
Great work gregg
Excellent setup! I love all the easy adjustability! :)
It's niice. It reminds me of the sitting position of an Indycar.
Great video Gregg! Fantastic build!
What I've already posted is all I have to share. I used 3ds Max to create the designs and pulled them in Inventor as SAT files to create the blueprints. I don't have any intention of recreating the entire rig in native Inventor format at this time. The add-on's I am working on now will be designed in similar manner.
I'm not sure you are seeing how this works. The wheel pitch (how slanted it is in relation to the ground), can be pitched down (towards your lap) or up (towards the ceiling), and locked into place. In addition it can go in and out and the whole platform can go up and down. Think of it like a typical telescoping car wheel but you can also adjust the wheel pitch which no car I know of allows.
It really doesn't deflect that much at all but I am re-designing the entire steering rack to be even tighter. Currently, it could take about 300lbs in a vertical load before bending. I'm trying to double that and reduce the custom parts required.
Looks fantastic, but I am not sure I could live with that much 'wobble' in my steering wheel mount. The rest is fantastic though and I will probably copy a lot of it when I come to re-build my rig ;)
You are awesome. I am yet to build mine and I will post you a video of it. Thanks a lot
Yes, Thank you very much for your incredible engineering and design. Great Job! :)
Really nice rig.
Nice job on your video. Clear explanation, good detail. Thanks for sharing.
Not in this video but I do use it. I also have another video I will be posting shortly which adds on a H-Shifter and a full dash using a Pro-Race LED display.
Thanks for sharing very professional rig
Very nice job and work only flaw that i see is a too low steering wheel
Two words........BAD ASS... Very nice job lot's of great ideas,
Also, have you kicked the idea around for a fully enclosed sim ?
I haven't thought of a fully enclosed sim for driving, but I did a while ago for flight sims. I thought it would be too hot so I didn't take it very far.
The details are in the video but the short answer is about $800 in materials including the seat, bolts, transducers, and paint stuff. That did not include the computer, monitors, or controls.
very nice set up.
Great rig, it's very well planned, but I would have bigger monitors there, to improve immersion, besides that Great job :)
Or go to the Rift, no monitors needed :)
It's in the description under the video itself, just expand the description (click the 'more' button).
Only one way to sum this up...BAD ASS... Awesome design, explanation, video, prints etc... Do you ever use the set up for flight sim?
Excellent job, that thing is awesome! Thanks for posting.
very inspiring, thanks for sharing this, Amazing and high quality built
Amazing work!!! Impressive! Can you send me the project in PDF Version???
Simply amazing
Amazung really good adjustments
Hmm. The steering wheel can go up or down up to 12 inches. It can also go in and out almost 20 inches. Not sure I understand what you mean by too low. I can raise it up so it blocks my line of sight (which isn't good). :)
This is amazing. Thanks for the detail! Awesome!
Great video. Good job.
More weirdos like myself with too many monitors and too many graphic cards : I like that !!! :D
Keep up the good work !!
Superb Video and content . Posted it on BsimRacing
Actually, I have a shifter add-on and dash completed but haven't had the time to post the video and corresponding blueprints.
Amazing job, even the quality of the renders are awesome, and the detail of the DWF are simply perfect. Can I ask you a file format compatible with Autodesk Inventor? It would be really useful. Do you ever considered to make it dynamic? I build myself a dynamic sim rig and it's totally worth it, but I think you have to redesign some part of your current rig.
Very good job!!!
good tutorial btw. I'll send friends over here when theyre asking about DIY rigs and setup reqs
That's a really well thought out rig. Good Job Gregg.
I'm contemplating building something that would have to share space in a living room. Do I really need a bucket seat given there are no G forces to deal with?
Really looking forward for the mk II steering rack. This one looks too unstable for me. Im used to a rock solid table. And also if a good keyboard table for other gaming, not just the "usual" sim rig tray.
And the pedals position is good for f1 style but for gt style it should be much lower , so maby if you make it possible to adjust it to much lower level it will be great
That could be adjusted in the new design (the entire platform can go up or down). I'll be posting a few renderings of the new design shortly.
Very professional, thank you.
Thank you for reply. That's very good price compare to the other simulator and acctualy looks really good.
I have got same steering wheel with both rims ( BMW and F1 ) with fanatec V2 pedals and I using playseat WRC what cost me £400 what is roughly same price as yours but nowhere as good as yours - comparison.
Thanks
Great Video and very impressive work😀👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Wow, this is really amazing! How many hours in all would you say this took from inception to realization?
Thanks for sharing!!
Great video and design! I had some ideas on making my own, but with house and car payments, I don't think I'm quite there yet. Great to see people creating things from scratch, don't see it much anymore in this day and age. So kudos to you on that. Any chance you could let me know what that song is at the very end of the video? Would make for good autocross music :D
Ignite Me by Chelsea Bain
simply amazing...
thank *YOU*
very usefull video . i am doing my own race/space sim)) thanks
That is some amazing work, right there :) Your kids should be proud, heheh
cool build. sounds like youre talking into a fan though
This is exactly the type of racing position I want, the other commercial simulators are to similar to a normal car position. I downloaded the blueprints and I'm struggling how to read them or where to start. Just wondering if you could help me out
I coulden't use it since the wheel-mount flexes sligthly, nice design though . . . good job. :)
Yes, I hear that a lot, but honestly the movement is not perceivable in use. I move around in my real car relative to the wheel much more than this. In fact, if anything, it adds to the realism I find. That said, I am building an even stronger steering rack setup that will (hopefully) eliminate all play. All of the flex in this design comes solely from the channel cut in the extension tube which weakens the metals torsional strength.
Gregg Lagnese Well i can imagine, and true you can't besure how it feels only by watching a video. That said my rig is a pretty study wooden one since im not made of money and i dont have any welding gear. But i still prefer to build my own. ;)
What an incredibly altruistic thing to do. Good on you, sir! :)
For the record, I think you have a profitable business here though.
yes you can but it wont stay straith / leveled like in a f1 car the wheel will get at an angle. but very nice and wel tought out rig. i am just beeing an ass ;) myself i have a cheap solution just a raceseat on a box behind my desk.
Ferrari red, nice choice.
Of all of the commercial rigs you evaluated, which would you recommend for overall experience and cost?
I've only used one commercial rig, the Playseat, which I modified slightly. You really just have to decide what level of adjustment and flexibility in fit you'd like. Then there is the cost of course. For me, nothing was available that worked with three monitors, fit the kids and me, had built in storage, was easily movable, and didn't cost an arm and a leg. That's why I ended up building my own.
quick tips to research that will lead some of you to good solutions... 8020 rig, 4play racing, simvibe, OSW, accuforce, amd freesync monitors/ G-sync monitors (lowest input lag, smoother and nicer than no-vsync, best for racing). NO SLI, i repeat, NO SLI, Keep tripple screens mounted seperate from rig to avoid shake. MDF for a base, not for a rig for least amount of work. 8020 for scafolding and structure, and lighter than steal. 8020: 350-700$ investment. modular for life. end of tips.
See building the simulator sled part 2 for 80/20 designs. ruclips.net/video/b1FEwQmfdHY/видео.html
SLI will perform best for multiple monitors and is the least hassle (I have tried 2, and 3 way SLI). While a single 980ti is okay, it is not as good for triple monitors. However, it is better for an Oculus setup.
The mounts described in the aforementioned video isolate shake. This isn't a full motion rig. Freesync/G-sync definitely not required.
Steel is used because it is solid and cheap. A by product of the weight is that it reduces monitor vibrations too.
In the aforementioned video I describe how much more expensive and cost prohibitive 80/20 is for a full rig. The 80/20 is not particularly expensive, but all the connector and support costs add up fast.
All of this is provided as a BOM on my website too.
+Gregg Lagnese multiple graphics cards is not necessary for tripples and is actually inferior, due to the delay inherent with trading frames. most iracing guys use 1 GPU, even with tripples. sli also causes more problems than it solves by requiring many tweaks and special settings on games that don't support it well too. on a single card, frame rate doesn't have to be a problem. gsync takes care of frame rate. smooth even under high load, and doesn't require overpowered gpu's in sli to maintain fps limit and avoid stuttering...and my 980 shreds through Iracing on tripple Asus rog swifts @ qhd resolution.
I agree with SLI hassles and I've tried them many configurations of SLI (2/3) as well as powerful single cards (i.e., 980ti as of today). I personally found that the 2 (or 3) 970's outperformed the 980ti. It may be my case, but I had a lot of problems getting the triple monitor config to 'stick'. Often on boot one or two monitors would no longer register. This is probably due to me having cheap old HDMI monitors and the card having Display Port connections.
Also, going to G-Sync monitors is a big investment for many and is somewhat counter to one of the original goals (build it cheap).
Now that the Oculus is production, I'll be ditching the triple display anyway for one big curved single display for non-racing games, shooters, etc. I'll stick with the 980 for now too since it drives the Oculus better.
Honestly, I am an Oculus convert, now that I've sunk some serious time into solving some of the issues (like VR sickness). Racing with the Oculus is just so much more fun and immersive for me. I can't race without it anymore.
Best regards.
That is interesting !
You should manufacture your own rigs
sorry i m french i d ont speak English verry good job men !
Yes, by all means. I only ask that if you use my designs, you don't try to sell them as your own.
Hello Gregg,
Great job! I'm interested in the picture at 2:34. But I can not read the information. Could you send me it please?
Thank you
Greg
Impressive! what software did you use to design the sim?
Autodesk 3ds Max for the conceptual and simulated design, and Autodesk Inventor for the blueprints.
Nice work. Thanks Gregg!
Simply awesome keep on keeping on :) a bit out of my league :( maybe one day lol
See the end of the video for the location of the plans.
hi you sell the total blueprunts to do the same rig is exelent!!!
The blueprints are free. See the URLs in the notes above.
great cockpit video but i have a question
under your recommendation if i have the fanatec clubsport shifter what would be an optimum mounting set up
Rick Moises See my video, Expansion of a Driving Simulator for a drop in solution.
ruclips.net/video/UUH9SDZUeMs/видео.html
Please forgive me for this question, but is it ok for me to build this rig for myself?
Can you please send me the picture or the URL to the picture at 2:40, I want to make my own simulator but I want a formula one style seat and haven't been able to find any dimensions or even angles of the seating position. Thank you and can't wait to hear back from you.
But still the steering wheel base is not stable especially if you use high power force feedback wheel
I don't know why people assume that. It is very stable. I have my FF cranked up to about 125-140% and it's a workout on an hour long drive. It does flex a little (
One last point, if you look at the end of the video when I'm using the big BMW wheel, that feedback setup is too strong for most kids under 15 and you can see that the base hardly moves at all. When I hit the curb the camera shook because of the force sent through my arms but the base remains stable. The fact that I can put 200lbs on it with it deflecting
i am not assuming , i can see it moving and shaking , its not going to break its strong , many people dont mind about that but its moving too much for some one take sim racing seriously
Well, I'm not going to argue with what you perceive. All I can say is that I've never had anyone who has actually used it, comment on that aspect. Regardless, the MK II setup will be much stiffer.
i am not here for arguing ether , i really like your project and it's very kind to make it available for anyone , looking forward to
What product did you use for the tilt mechanism on the seat. I would like to add something similar to my 80/20 rig.
what about H Pattern shifter did you forget ig omg
If I may ask how much roughly cost you material to make it?
Thank you
Please can you make a modular kit
wow, did my wallet just get lighter?
very good rig but you make it sound like if its easy to make ..i wish i could build it just like yours ..you sohould sell them rigs ..i will buy one ...but i sure wont be able to built it like yours even if you gave me the blue prints
modesto vargas Check out my videos on how to build the unit. Part 2 shows a T-Slot monitor rack option that won't require any heavy machining. I would have to sell these things for several thousand dollars which defeats the purpose of making a low cost, self contained, game center.
Thanks and thank you very much for Sharing this
fan-ah-tec?
it's pronounced FANATEC
like what you would call a crazy insane fan of something
Amazing. But I'll have to make do with my XBox 360 controller, 20" monitor and dinning chair till I win the lottery :-(
Hi Sir,
I am being part of simulation team so i want to learn the basics of this technolgy , so is there any posts regarding to this ??
You can review the Anatomy of a Driving Simulator video and the building how-to videos I have done for starters. My website also has a number of notes about the trials and errors I encountered.
How much would it cost to have you build it with everything that u have in there + the monitors and tower with what you said to have in it ??? Please give me an answer as soon as u can thanks
The cost of the materials is about $800. The cost of the computer hardware depends, but is around $1,500 for an equivalent computer and about $750-800 for the three monitors. The steering wheel, pedals, and dash will add another $600-800 if you go the pricey CSW route like I did. I don't build these for people simply due to the sheer bulk of the base and the cost to ship it (not to mention the lack of time). If twenty people wanted one, I might reconsider, but I don't want to get into building one-offs. I might sell the complicated parts as a unit, like the Mk II steering rack however. See my profile page to read about the new steering rack design I'm building. I haven't decided on that yet because I'm not done ironing out the kinks.
ok if i asked you would you making the complicated parts
Steven Boss The small parts and some assemblies (like the steering rack) would be okay. I'm finishing up the last of the mods on the new components now. After that, I need to revise all drawings and create a parts list to be able to service requests like this. So, net-net, is yes, but not yet. I also want to post a few video's of the new parts so people can see how it works and decide if they want to tackle it themselves.
ok tanks again gregg