Fine I'll do it - SIM RACING TALK

Eww Evo · 10-28-2023, 11:36 AM

For those wanting to get started into SIM Racing. Those who have experience share your knowledge and setups?

Some of your popular options:
Fanatec
https://fanatec.com/us-en/

Moza Racing
https://mozaracing.com/

Sim-Lab
- Known for their cockpits, pedals, mounts and accessories.
https://sim-lab.eu/en-us

----

I am aware some people have their Logitech setups and enjoy them, but I don't know to much about them.

----
https://www.iracing.com/

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

f4phantomii · 10-28-2023, 01:22 PM

I can't say I have a "setup".

I have a Logitech wheel & pedal combo mounted to a Playseats base.

I use it to play F1 on a PS4 with a 58" plasma.

It's nothing special.

One of the biggest issues I have with the Playseat base is the support column for the wheel mount comes up between your legs. Thus tends to block one of the 3 pedals.

I had to do some mods to shift the pedals over to the right. I can more easily use gas & brake pedals with my right foot. This completely blocks the clutch pedal, but I don't really use it. But I don't like that either because for racing games I often use both feet, one for gas and one for brake.

thechickencow · 10-28-2023, 02:10 PM

I’m in.

I have an old setup (Logitech G27 on an Amazon wheel stand).

Been playing off and on for a long time but wanting to get in to more “sim” type stuff.

I have Assetto Corsa (the 2014 one) and have played a little bit.

Wanting to test out iRacing soon I think.

Been thinking about upgrading my setup, currently have 2 mismatched monitors with a 3rd office one I could set up. Wheel/pedals are workable but I don’t love the pedals especially brake.

Anybody willing to share a picture of their setup? I’m trying to decide if I move my PC to a dedicated space for this.

Compressed · 10-28-2023, 02:26 PM

Mine is not connected at the moment. I think I'm going to go to a dedicated triple monitor setup soon.

I went pretty deep into the rabbit hole during Covid. Started with a Logitech setup on the Xbox playing AC and had fun with that, upgraded to Fanatech stuff which was a huge upgrade in feel in both the brake performance and FFB. Moved to PC and then got ACC which was fun but the feel wasn't amazing at that time although I've heard it's improved. Got iRacing now three years ago and din't look back. I haven't driven in a year though but starting to miss it some.

My setup is VRS direct drive base, VRS pedals and a Balkn wheel. This is all on a 80/20 aluminum rig with a Summit Racing seat which is comfortable enough. The DD base is amazing and true to everything you've read. I was using it on a 65" LCD tv which was immersive to a point but didn't have enough width and it was hard to spot apexes and forget about seeing someones nose on your side. That's why I want triples.
Will get some pics at some point of mine but this is the rig I have from Rigmetal.
His pics below.

Eww Evo · 10-28-2023, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Compressed

Mine is not connected at the moment. I think I'm going to go to a dedicated triple monitor setup soon.

I went pretty deep into the rabbit hole during Covid. Started with a Logitech setup on the Xbox playing AC and had fun with that, upgraded to Fanatech stuff which was a huge upgrade in feel in both the brake performance and FFB. Moved to PC and then got ACC which was fun but the feel wasn't amazing at that time although I've heard it's improved. Got iRacing now three years ago and din't look back. I haven't driven in a year though but starting to miss it some.

My setup is VRS direct drive base, VRS pedals and a Balkn wheel. This is all on a 80/20 aluminum rig with a Summit Racing seat which is comfortable enough. The DD base is amazing and true to everything you've read. I was using it on a 65" LCD tv which was immersive to a point but didn't have enough width and it was hard to spot apexes and forget about seeing someones nose on your side. That's why I want triples.
Will get some pics at some point of mine but this is the rig I have from Rigmetal.
His pics below.

Does the 80/20 aluminum come precut already? Can you order that aluminum setup? I love it!

f4phantomii · 10-28-2023, 02:36 PM

Yes, if you are going to play competitively, you need triple monitors or VR.

Compressed · 10-28-2023, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eww Evo

Does the 80/20 aluminum come precut already? Can you order that aluminum setup? I love it!

Yep, all precut and came with all the hardware needed and then some. It's one of the more affordable options, or was at least but I've had no complaints.

https://rigmetal.com

The precision it gives for braking and of course steering is a very worthy upgrade. Just takes up more space.

hkerekes · 10-28-2023, 04:04 PM

I have a racecar that costs many times more money than a sim setup. Thats why i cant afford a sim setup.

You should should rent a seat in my racecar, its cheaper than a sim setup.

thechickencow · 10-28-2023, 04:12 PM

I’ve done the race car thing.

I am trying to think this through, would still like ability to do other games on the PC.

I have a back room in the basement where a huge ridiculous setup could live full time without scrutiny.

I should set up triples with the monitors I’ve got and try that. It sure seems like a rabbit hole of $$$ but for a guy with a family and commitments it seems pretty fun for that 9pm-11pm time slot that’s actually my own time.

Eww Evo · 10-28-2023, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkerekes

I have a racecar that costs many times more money than a sim setup. Thats why i cant afford a sim setup.

You should should rent a seat racecar, its cheaper than a sim setup.

It's possible to have it all

I get real track time and been doing it for the past 12 years. Sim setups are technically cheaper, buy a setup and enjoy. Don't have to worry about real fuel, tires ect, ect.... I do it for a fun time with the homies and preparing for tracks.

thechickencow · 10-28-2023, 04:46 PM

I can say without a doubt if I spend just what one rally weekend cost me 15years ago I’d have a pretty decent setup.

If I add in typical post-rally repairs we start getting even further into a top notch setup.

hkerekes · 10-28-2023, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thechickencow

I can say without a doubt if I spend just what one rally weekend cost me 15years ago I'd have a pretty decent setup.

If I add in typical post-rally repairs we start getting even further into a top notch setup.

Same.

Just bought two $330 brake calipers, a set of rotor rings $ 800, might have enough brake fluid if not its $80, need a different torque converter $230, Need 12 quarts of ATF $150?, $60 oil pressure sensor, needs a regear to 3.55 $500?, $400 in brake pads. New engine needs a dyno tune. $500 ish. Going to rent a local roundy round track to test the new motor at $250

All of that is before the next race expenses, not including the race entry fee $1600, fuel $600, truck rental $250 etc. I probably have one or two more races out of these tires $1200.

f4phantomii · 10-28-2023, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thechickencow

I should set up triples with the monitors I’ve got and try that. It sure seems like a rabbit hole of $$$ but for a guy with a family and commitments it seems pretty fun for that 9pm-11pm time slot that’s actually my own time.

Hehe. I hate to tell you this, but by the time you get this set up and working, you'll be falling asleep by 9pm.

Take it from a recent empty-nester. All those years waiting until you have time to do stuff you want to do, and then won't have the energy to do anymore.

thechickencow · 10-28-2023, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f4phantomii

Hehe. I hate to tell you this, but by the time you get this set up and working, you'll be falling asleep by 9pm.

Take it from a recent empty-nester. All those years waiting until you have time to do stuff you want to do, and then won't have the energy to do anymore.

You’re probably right lol.

Eww Evo · 10-28-2023, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkerekes

Same.

Just bought two $330 brake calipers, a set of rotor rings $ 800, might have enough brake fluid if not its $80, need a different torque converter $230, Need 12 quarts of ATF $150?, $60 oil pressure sensor, needs a regear to 3.55 $500?, $400 in brake pads. New engine needs a dyno tune. $500 ish. Going to rent a local roundy round track to test the new motor at $250

All of that is before the next race expenses, not including the race entry fee $1600, fuel $600, truck rental $250 etc. I probably have one or two more races out of these tires $1200.

Agree race weekends are expensive, i know lol. I am saying you can definitely still have both (sim & race car). Sims are not that bad, no need for a super decked out one just to get some SIM seat time.

hkerekes · 10-28-2023, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eww Evo

Agree race weekends are expensive, i know lol. I am saying you can definitely still have both (sim & race car). Sims are not that bad, no need for a super decked out one just to get some SIM seat time.

I was being sarcastic, the only reason i dont have a sim setup is that im hardly home to get use out of it.

thechickencow · 10-29-2023, 07:00 PM

I got iRacing set up today.

Trying to not hit anybody, trying to go fast, trying to stay on the track. Lots to learn!

imp2.5 · 10-29-2023, 09:18 PM

I have an old Logitech steering wheel/and junky Samsung Odyssey Plus VR Headset that I got for super cheap. It works well and I can honestly say it helps with "feeling" the car. Lately I've been playing Assetto Corsa with all sorts of mods from Content Manager.

I just like the VR thing with a desk because it doesn't take up a lot of space. The office is shared space with my wife and kids, so it's nice being able to disconnect the wheel and slide it back.

Also, I'm sure there's gonna be a WRC League coming up pretty soon with the new release of EA/Codemasters update

imp2.5 · 10-29-2023, 09:18 PM

double post

aod · 10-30-2023, 09:45 AM

GT7 with VR and a decent wheel/pedal setup and you are basically in the car racing. It's wild. Next big purchase will be a motion simulator to tie it all together. That's going to be a while off though.

Fish · 10-30-2023, 10:26 AM

Had been a logitech simmer since they started making wheels, but as a Pandemic project I built fresh rig.

Aluminum extrusion frame with triple 27's.. miata seat.. STi shift knob.
Fanatec DD-2 wheel, CSL V3 pedals and their shifter.
4-channel Bass-shaker transducers.
LCD dash + shift lights that I got 3d-printed and then soldered all the things together.
Center console/button box with gear number indicator.
Elgato streamdeck for some programmable buttons.

I got going in iracing, joined some leagues because I wanted to get gooder at traffic..
and as soon as covid subsided mostly in 2021 I joined a 24 Hours of Lemons team in real life,
I completed my 6th endurance race finish yesterday.. and I'm considered to be "decent" on track as in they know I'm slow but I don't break things.

nab911 · 10-30-2023, 11:23 AM

Rigmetal 80/20 rig with Fanatec CSL DD and CSL pedals. Beastly gaming rig with a Reverb G2 VR setup. I really only play iracing and mostly open wheel at that. Vee, FF, and F4

Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

Compressed · 10-30-2023, 12:31 PM

Going to VR exclusively instead of a triple monitor setup would solve a lot of issues for me. Really considering going triples but space considerations and then difficulty for using my pc for other uses make it hard to pull the trigger.

VR would be an interesting new thing to check out and would certainly check the immersion box for sim use.

Compressed · 10-30-2023, 12:32 PM

Going to VR exclusively instead of a triple monitor setup would solve a lot of issues for me. Really considering going triples but space considerations and then difficulty for using my pc for other uses make it hard to pull the trigger.

VR would be an interesting new thing to check out and would certainly check the immersion box for sim use.

Fish · 10-30-2023, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Compressed

Going to VR exclusively instead of a triple monitor setup would solve a lot of issues for me. Really considering going triples but space considerations and then difficulty for using my pc for other uses make it hard to pull the trigger.

VR would be an interesting new thing to check out and would certainly check the immersion box for sim use.

That's how I did it to start out with, you can get a Rift S pretty cheap these days that'll be plenty good to get going with.
the problem VR will have over triples is that you're kind of using a periscope view and mirror checks will need you to turn your head a bit to be able to see the mirrors.

Vs triples where the mirror is over there where the mirror is and I can just check with my eyes.

Triples are the more competitive setup overall and easier to live with, you reduce the complexity and pickiness VR can sometimes introduce. you'll need to make sure there is enough environment light for it to track movements well.

but yes, by all means VR is awesome.. but I haven't used it since the triples got going.

10-28-2023, 11:36 AM	#1
Eww Evo Scooby Specialist Member#: 299687 Join Date: Nov 2011 Chapter/Region: RMIC	Fine I'll do it - SIM RACING TALK For those wanting to get started into SIM Racing. Those who have experience share your knowledge and setups? Some of your popular options: Fanatec https://fanatec.com/us-en/ Moza Racing https://mozaracing.com/ Sim-Lab - Known for their cockpits, pedals, mounts and accessories. https://sim-lab.eu/en-us ---- I am aware some people have their Logitech setups and enjoy them, but I don't know to much about them. ---- https://www.iracing.com/ * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

10-28-2023, 04:04 PM	#8
hkerekes Scooby Specialist Member#: 66310 Join Date: Jul 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Removing passenger seat Vehicle: 2023 weiner sedan	I have a racecar that costs many times more money than a sim setup. Thats why i cant afford a sim setup. You should should rent a seat in my racecar, its cheaper than a sim setup. Last edited by hkerekes; 10-28-2023 at 07:11 PM.

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10-28-2023, 01:22 PM	#2
f4phantomii Scooby Specialist Member#: 58504 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Ready to try OpenECU.org!!! Vehicle: 2004 STi Aspen White / Silver	I can't say I have a "setup". I have a Logitech wheel & pedal combo mounted to a Playseats base. I use it to play F1 on a PS4 with a 58" plasma. It's nothing special. One of the biggest issues I have with the Playseat base is the support column for the wheel mount comes up between your legs. Thus tends to block one of the 3 pedals. I had to do some mods to shift the pedals over to the right. I can more easily use gas & brake pedals with my right foot. This completely blocks the clutch pedal, but I don't really use it. But I don't like that either because for racing games I often use both feet, one for gas and one for brake.

10-28-2023, 02:10 PM	#3
thechickencow Scooby Guru Member#: 16840 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: CO Vehicle: 17 4Runner	I’m in. I have an old setup (Logitech G27 on an Amazon wheel stand). Been playing off and on for a long time but wanting to get in to more “sim” type stuff. I have Assetto Corsa (the 2014 one) and have played a little bit. Wanting to test out iRacing soon I think. Been thinking about upgrading my setup, currently have 2 mismatched monitors with a 3rd office one I could set up. Wheel/pedals are workable but I don’t love the pedals especially brake. Anybody willing to share a picture of their setup? I’m trying to decide if I move my PC to a dedicated space for this.

10-28-2023, 02:26 PM	#4
Compressed Scooby Newbie Member#: 12271 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Colorado	Mine is not connected at the moment. I think I'm going to go to a dedicated triple monitor setup soon. I went pretty deep into the rabbit hole during Covid. Started with a Logitech setup on the Xbox playing AC and had fun with that, upgraded to Fanatech stuff which was a huge upgrade in feel in both the brake performance and FFB. Moved to PC and then got ACC which was fun but the feel wasn't amazing at that time although I've heard it's improved. Got iRacing now three years ago and din't look back. I haven't driven in a year though but starting to miss it some. My setup is VRS direct drive base, VRS pedals and a Balkn wheel. This is all on a 80/20 aluminum rig with a Summit Racing seat which is comfortable enough. The DD base is amazing and true to everything you've read. I was using it on a 65" LCD tv which was immersive to a point but didn't have enough width and it was hard to spot apexes and forget about seeing someones nose on your side. That's why I want triples. Will get some pics at some point of mine but this is the rig I have from Rigmetal. His pics below.

10-28-2023, 02:36 PM	#6
f4phantomii Scooby Specialist Member#: 58504 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Ready to try OpenECU.org!!! Vehicle: 2004 STi Aspen White / Silver	Yes, if you are going to play competitively, you need triple monitors or VR.

10-28-2023, 04:12 PM	#9
thechickencow Scooby Guru Member#: 16840 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: CO Vehicle: 17 4Runner	I’ve done the race car thing. I am trying to think this through, would still like ability to do other games on the PC. I have a back room in the basement where a huge ridiculous setup could live full time without scrutiny. I should set up triples with the monitors I’ve got and try that. It sure seems like a rabbit hole of $$$ but for a guy with a family and commitments it seems pretty fun for that 9pm-11pm time slot that’s actually my own time.

10-28-2023, 04:46 PM	#11
thechickencow Scooby Guru Member#: 16840 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: CO Vehicle: 17 4Runner	I can say without a doubt if I spend just what one rally weekend cost me 15years ago I’d have a pretty decent setup. If I add in typical post-rally repairs we start getting even further into a top notch setup.

10-29-2023, 07:00 PM	#17
thechickencow Scooby Guru Member#: 16840 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: CO Vehicle: 17 4Runner	I got iRacing set up today. Trying to not hit anybody, trying to go fast, trying to stay on the track. Lots to learn!

10-29-2023, 09:18 PM	#18
imp2.5 Scooby Newbie Member#: 11354 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Eagan, MN Vehicle: 2025 I5N	I have an old Logitech steering wheel/and junky Samsung Odyssey Plus VR Headset that I got for super cheap. It works well and I can honestly say it helps with "feeling" the car. Lately I've been playing Assetto Corsa with all sorts of mods from Content Manager. I just like the VR thing with a desk because it doesn't take up a lot of space. The office is shared space with my wife and kids, so it's nice being able to disconnect the wheel and slide it back. Also, I'm sure there's gonna be a WRC League coming up pretty soon with the new release of EA/Codemasters update

10-30-2023, 09:45 AM	#20
aod Scooby Newbie Member#: 7121 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: D2F.1 = D2F.2, D2F.3 = D2F.4	GT7 with VR and a decent wheel/pedal setup and you are basically in the car racing. It's wild. Next big purchase will be a motion simulator to tie it all together. That's going to be a while off though.

10-30-2023, 10:26 AM	#21
Fish RIP Sirkbac Member#: 869 Join Date: Feb 2000 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Southern NH Vehicle: 1984 GPZ-750 TURBO 90' MX-5/11' DGM STi Sdn	Had been a logitech simmer since they started making wheels, but as a Pandemic project I built fresh rig. Aluminum extrusion frame with triple 27's.. miata seat.. STi shift knob. Fanatec DD-2 wheel, CSL V3 pedals and their shifter. 4-channel Bass-shaker transducers. LCD dash + shift lights that I got 3d-printed and then soldered all the things together. Center console/button box with gear number indicator. Elgato streamdeck for some programmable buttons. I got going in iracing, joined some leagues because I wanted to get gooder at traffic.. and as soon as covid subsided mostly in 2021 I joined a 24 Hours of Lemons team in real life, I completed my 6th endurance race finish yesterday.. and I'm considered to be "decent" on track as in they know I'm slow but I don't break things.

10-30-2023, 11:23 AM	#22
nab911 Scooby Newbie Member#: 119866 Join Date: Jul 2006 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Atlanta	Rigmetal 80/20 rig with Fanatec CSL DD and CSL pedals. Beastly gaming rig with a Reverb G2 VR setup. I really only play iracing and mostly open wheel at that. Vee, FF, and F4 Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

10-30-2023, 12:31 PM	#23
Compressed Scooby Newbie Member#: 12271 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Colorado	Going to VR exclusively instead of a triple monitor setup would solve a lot of issues for me. Really considering going triples but space considerations and then difficulty for using my pc for other uses make it hard to pull the trigger. VR would be an interesting new thing to check out and would certainly check the immersion box for sim use.

10-30-2023, 12:32 PM	#24
Compressed Scooby Newbie Member#: 12271 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Colorado	Going to VR exclusively instead of a triple monitor setup would solve a lot of issues for me. Really considering going triples but space considerations and then difficulty for using my pc for other uses make it hard to pull the trigger. VR would be an interesting new thing to check out and would certainly check the immersion box for sim use.