iRacing

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Okay, well I thought my new 3D 65" plasma was a pretty good setup for racing gaming, however that is far more realistic. While not such a realistic racing game, Motorstorm Apocalypse in 3D is pretty damn intense experience on a 65" plasma 11' from your face. Grand Turismo 5 has a 3D option and its cool, but it is a very subtle execution.

KendtEklund · **Joined:** Tue Mar 27, 2007 7:29 pm **Posts:** 1204

Donnie Barnes wrote:

Steven Carter wrote:

Simply to whet the appetite.....this is what a 3-monitor iRacing setup looks and feels like.
http://jalopnik.com/5867605/racing-simulators-are-getting-scary-realistic

Edit...that's five monitors. Plus gloves....and I think the dude is wearing a GoPro. That may be a bt over the top.

Okay, I would like to restate my request: What hardware would I need to run five monitors??? Jeez, that's pretty awesome. And what is that display behind the wheel? Is that part of the feedback wheel packages these days? I'm so out of that loop. Do they have H pattern shifters on them now, or are they all still just sequential style?

--Donnie

For the gaming side - ATI/AMD Eyefinity is the ticket. IIRC each of the higher-end cards can support 3 monitors. What you'll need is 2 cards in a CrossfireX setup at least, so you'll need a Crossfire capable motherboard at least.
I haven't watched the video, but the minimum wheel/shifter combo would be the Logitech G25/G27 models. It is pretty good, but there some *really* high end units out there too.
I used to be big on the price/performance of AMD processors, but Intel is stomping all over AMD on the latest generation - just built an i5-2500K system. Overclocking 3.3->4.4 Ghz does not suck.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:12 pm

So you have to join iRacing just to get on the forums? I could see having a "drivers only" forum that requires membership, but for folks like me who want to find out info first, it really sucks.

Looks like the G27 wheel would be fine, but I really don't want to mess with shitty plastic pedals. Finding out info on what to do to best remedy that looks like I need their forums. Some random web searches are turning up a few products, but not REALLY helping. And I can't find anything much for the smaller display other than a few shift light products and a few more DIY projects for that. It's cool that you CAN do that, but it appears there's a lot more info out there that I'm missing out on. *sigh*

I try to get past the Windows thing, but this keeping the info behind a wall is really annoying. They REALLY need more documentation "out there" on hardware support. I mean it appears they support ALL KINDS of cool things based on the amazing youtube videos and full motion simulators out there, but getting to the info is hard. Too hard.

--Donnie

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:33 pm

Huh....didn't know all the forums were private . Sorry about that. Does this help?
http://www.iracing.com/membership/system-requirements/

Or....
http://www.iracing.com/membership/faqs/

Beyond that, check out general gamer forums for set up ideas, since the hardware issues (which video card, CPU etc) are universal to gaming. iRacing is less intensive than many games, so you don't need the top of the line stuff to get a good experience. There is a wide range of cost for computer systems, so it really depends on how much you want to spend and what kind of experience you want.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:42 pm

No no no, I don't care about the PC side of it. I'm only talking about finding out hardware issues with respect to controllers, honestly. I just want to find the best non-huge-dollar solution for a decent feeling pedal setup, and I'm really curious on the shift-light kind of thing. Looks like there are MUCH better feedback steering setups out there, too, and I'm curious about those as well. See, I'm a bit of a hacker when it comes to such things, and I also have access to a LOT of "real" video game stuff...the original Atari Hard Drivin', for example, used a huge washing machine motor for the feedback. And I have not only a working version in my gameroom, but spare parts to boot. If that kind of thing is DIY capable, well, I'm down. If it's not really, that's fine, but I'm trying to find the info on other stuff out there. Seems to be a few pedal options, too, including upgrading the brake on the G27 setup, entire pedal setups, etc. But all roads appear to lead to the official forums for info on making it all work and what compromises there might be.

--Donnie

Jason Tower · **Joined:** Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:31 pm **Posts:** 1173

donnie i've been researching all this crap too, and have reached a few conclusions. there are really only two biggies - video cards and driving controls. the rest is pretty straightforward. some of this info i learned from peter krause on rennlist http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/r ... sim-6.html

video - both ati and nvidia work fine, if you want triple display you need ati card w/ eyefinity (easiest way) and three monitors (one of which must have a displayport input). or nvidia sli setup with two cards which requires a sli compatible mainboard. since i intend to connect to my big tv at least initially i'm just gonna find a single reasonably priced card with a hdmi port and will upgrade if i feel the need for a triple. note that these big ass video cards require hefty power supplies that most standard desktop PCs don't have.

controls - logitech g25 (no longer made) or g27 are the standards, they're decent but not great, folks bitch about the pedals most. but the pedals can be modified in various ways to improve feel, mainly the brake pedal. step up a notch and get a fanatec wheel and clubsport pedals which are very well regarded, this is the route i'll probably take. getting a set is the problem, poor availability and long lead times seem to be the norm. at the top end are things like todd cannon pedals, too rich for me.

i'll build you a box if you want, getting ready to order my stuff anyway.

Zach Hill · **Posted:** Thu Dec 15, 2011 1:16 pm

Logitech G27 is the way to go. Sure, you don't get the resistance in the brake pedal like a real car, but it's a sub-$300 for the 900° wheel, 3 pedals, and H-pattern shifter. The more "true simulation" controllers are several times that cost.

Jeremy Ellison · **Joined:** Fri May 13, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 186

Zach Hill wrote:

Logitech G27 is the way to go. Sure, you don't get the resistance in the brake pedal like a real car, but it's a sub-$300 for the 900° wheel, 3 pedals, and H-pattern shifter. The more "true simulation" controllers are several times that cost.

I'm dangerously close to getting the G27 and setting up my windows machine again. It looks like you can upgrade to a significantly nicer set of pedals later for about $200. I've got an Nvidia 8800 laying around that will have to do for now. I'd love to upgrade to one of the nice ATI's with eyefinity support for 3+ displays, but that gets a bit pricey.

What are your guys thoughts on a seat? Is clamping it to the coffee table sufficient? Anyone have a cool DIY setup?

Zach Hill · **Posted:** Thu Dec 15, 2011 2:01 pm

Jeremy Ellison wrote:

What are your guys thoughts on a seat? Is clamping it to the coffee table sufficient? Anyone have a cool DIY setup?

I bought an el-cheapo seat/frame from eBay a couple years ago for around $300 shipped (it weighs about 90lbs). It was my "I'm newly single and am going to build a racing simulator and put it in my living room because she would never have allowed it" present to myself! :lol:

The shifter support broke almost immediately, luckily a friend of mine welds and fixed it right up for me. The pedals support also is wobbly, and had to be modified slightly. It's a GT Revolution (here's a review). Not sure if I'd really recommend it, but it's alright for what it is and it does the job. If you're a DIY sort and are a good carpenter or welder, I suspect you could make your own frame (and attach a real car seat perhaps?) for cheaper or about the same price and have a much nicer finished product.

People are welcome to come over sometime and check out my setup if they're interested.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Thu Dec 15, 2011 2:24 pm

Jeremy Ellison wrote:

Zach Hill wrote:

Logitech G27 is the way to go. Sure, you don't get the resistance in the brake pedal like a real car, but it's a sub-$300 for the 900° wheel, 3 pedals, and H-pattern shifter. The more "true simulation" controllers are several times that cost.

I'm dangerously close to getting the G27 and setting up my windows machine again. It looks like you can upgrade to a significantly nicer set of pedals later for about $200. I've got an Nvidia 8800 laying around that will have to do for now. I'd love to upgrade to one of the nice ATI's with eyefinity support for 3+ displays, but that gets a bit pricey.

What are your guys thoughts on a seat? Is clamping it to the coffee table sufficient? Anyone have a cool DIY setup?

Couple things...if you use Eyefinity You need an adapter for the third monitor that is DisplayPort on one end and DVI on the other end--not necessary to have monitors with DisplayPort connections. The adapter is $15 ish from the usual suspects. I bought all three identical monitors from Costco, if that helps. I think those monitor prices have come down enough such that a three display setup cost nearly the same as a 46" TV.

I think the seat thing is somewhat overrated, as there is no proprioceptive input with sim racing except force feedback from the wheel. Well, unless you spring for the insanely expensive huge hydraulic-controlled thing like they have at VIR. I race at my desk, sitting i a regular chair. I am also not that good at driving, so there may be a connection........ :stick:

Also, the 58xx series cards are now mid-range, pricing around $160ish, but confirm with NewEgg as I haven't checked recently. They will undoubtedly be cheaper come Jan 1. (edit: 57xx series is in the 160 range, but the 58xx series replacement 6870 is $169 on sale at NewEgg currently.)

Oh, and there is a current buy 3 months for the price of 1 promotion at iRacing. Not that you needed more motivation!

In an unrelated note, I have a Mk I version of the BobEarl racing seat with G25/27 mount for sale. It's a ground-level, formula-seat style with adjustable foot and wheel mounts. For sale = cheap. Like I paid $249 for it and want $50.

http://bobearlracing.com/Feedback.html

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:47 pm

Jason Tower wrote:

donnie i've been researching all this crap too, and have reached a few conclusions. there are really only two biggies - video cards and driving controls. the rest is pretty straightforward. some of this info i learned from peter krause on rennlist http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/r ... sim-6.html

video - both ati and nvidia work fine, if you want triple display you need ati card w/ eyefinity (easiest way) and three monitors (one of which must have a displayport input). or nvidia sli setup with two cards which requires a sli compatible mainboard. since i intend to connect to my big tv at least initially i'm just gonna find a single reasonably priced card with a hdmi port and will upgrade if i feel the need for a triple. note that these big ass video cards require hefty power supplies that most standard desktop PCs don't have.

controls - logitech g25 (no longer made) or g27 are the standards, they're decent but not great, folks bitch about the pedals most. but the pedals can be modified in various ways to improve feel, mainly the brake pedal. step up a notch and get a fanatec wheel and clubsport pedals which are very well regarded, this is the route i'll probably take. getting a set is the problem, poor availability and long lead times seem to be the norm. at the top end are things like todd cannon pedals, too rich for me.

i'll build you a box if you want, getting ready to order my stuff anyway.

Alright, I ordered a complete Fanatec setup (well, not their seat, but pedals, wheel, shifter). Will wait and see when it actually ships before I bother with the PC side, but I can handle that on my own. Thanks for the offer, though. I've got a couple custom seat frames and seats we built a while back and never used much, so I'm gonna see about modifying them to hold three monitors somehow. No idea what I'm going to do for that part just yet, though.

--Donnie

Jason Tower · **Joined:** Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:31 pm **Posts:** 1173

Donnie Barnes wrote:

Jason Tower wrote:

donnie i've been researching all this crap too, and have reached a few conclusions. there are really only two biggies - video cards and driving controls. the rest is pretty straightforward. some of this info i learned from peter krause on rennlist http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/r ... sim-6.html

video - both ati and nvidia work fine, if you want triple display you need ati card w/ eyefinity (easiest way) and three monitors (one of which must have a displayport input). or nvidia sli setup with two cards which requires a sli compatible mainboard. since i intend to connect to my big tv at least initially i'm just gonna find a single reasonably priced card with a hdmi port and will upgrade if i feel the need for a triple. note that these big ass video cards require hefty power supplies that most standard desktop PCs don't have.

controls - logitech g25 (no longer made) or g27 are the standards, they're decent but not great, folks bitch about the pedals most. but the pedals can be modified in various ways to improve feel, mainly the brake pedal. step up a notch and get a fanatec wheel and clubsport pedals which are very well regarded, this is the route i'll probably take. getting a set is the problem, poor availability and long lead times seem to be the norm. at the top end are things like todd cannon pedals, too rich for me.

i'll build you a box if you want, getting ready to order my stuff anyway.

Alright, I ordered a complete Fanatec setup (well, not their seat, but pedals, wheel, shifter). Will wait and see when it actually ships before I bother with the PC side, but I can handle that on my own. Thanks for the offer, though. I've got a couple custom seat frames and seats we built a while back and never used much, so I'm gonna see about modifying them to hold three monitors somehow. No idea what I'm going to do for that part just yet, though.

--Donnie

where did you order them from? their distribution seems to be rather limited.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:02 pm

Jason Tower wrote:

where did you order them from? their distribution seems to be rather limited.

Their own website. It said things will be here in "2-5 days", but I'll believe it when I see it. I got the CSR Elite wheel, which according to the blog has a shipment in the US but still maybe in customs. But it says the "pre-orders", which may mean those are all spoken for already or something. No idea. I'm quite sure SOMETHING in that order won't be available now or maybe for a while.

I got the CSR shifter, pedals, and the pedal inversion kit. I'll add an iPad mount for iRaceData, too:

--Donnie

Jason Tower · **Joined:** Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:31 pm **Posts:** 1173

Donnie Barnes wrote:

Jason Tower wrote:

where did you order them from? their distribution seems to be rather limited.

Their own website. It said things will be here in "2-5 days", but I'll believe it when I see it. I got the CSR Elite wheel, which according to the blog has a shipment in the US but still maybe in customs. But it says the "pre-orders", which may mean those are all spoken for already or something. No idea. I'm quite sure SOMETHING in that order won't be available now or maybe for a while.

I got the CSR shifter, pedals, and the pedal inversion kit. I'll add an iPad mount for iRaceData, too:

--Donnie

roger that, i'm leaning towards the clubsport pedals but undecided on which wheel to get. csr elite is gorgeous but way out of my price range!

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:37 pm

My biggest beef with my Logitech pedals/wheel is the linear force-displacement brake pedal as it is soooo unlike the highly non-linear brake pedal in real life. Hence I always have brake modulation trouble since it is super easy to way overbrake. It's actually been a couple of years since I used iRacing, but if I sign up again, I want to do something about the brake pedal. Do more expensive pedal setups have a load cell brake pedal setup? If not that, then a stiff rubber bumper of some sort could provide non-linearity I suppose.

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