Derek Speare
24 December 10, 20:56
Hi folks:
There’s been quite a bit of discussion regarding the topic of load cell/pressure based braking systems for our various wheels. I really knew very little of the subject, but I set out to learn and to educate myself on this topic to see if I could use and benefit from this type of braking control mechanism. I have gotten quite a bit of education, but it wasn’t easy as the information is very much spread out. It’s my desire to summarize the various systems here in one central location.
As it stands, the PC racer must interpret certain visual, tactile and audible cues received from the sim and translate those messages into meaningful mental information in an effort to drive his car to the optimum. Most of us, the vast majority, do not have the force of gravity acting on our bodies in the sim, so our other senses must be at a heightened state of attenuation to compensate. Gravity, actually, is such a major factor, that we tend to overlook the value it has is much of our racing endeavors. Braking is certainly a major factor which implicates gravity, and the fact that we lack this feedback sense, means we must pay that much more attention to how we brake.
Moreover, the present state of retail and mainstream PC racing wheels and pedals do not help. While there are great products to be had, all still utilize a braking pedal that simply converts the pedal's angular position into “braking force”. This is not how it is in a real car, as we know, and although our “stock” pedals for braking are adequate, there are better options. Better options use pedal pressure, measured through a load cell or other pressure sensor, for the transmission of braking force and simultaneously give the racer a more realistic pedal sensation and greater amount of vehicle control. Obviously, the end desire is to have a greater sense of immersion , and in my opinion, and others, the alternatives to the “Plain Jane” pedals would bring that into reality.
As it stands, the following options are available to the PC racer:
Fanatac’s Club Sport Pedal System:
http://www.fanatec.de/html/index.php?id=293
The “Perfect Pedal”:
http://sim-sport.net/the_perfect_pedal.html
AP Electrix Pedal:
http://www.apelectrix.com/index.html
Cannon Simulation Technologies:
http://www.cannonsimulationtechnologies.com/pedal-feature-pics.htm
Frex:
http://frex.xsrv.jp/gpshop/catalog/default.php?cPath=1_22_30
DIY Solutions:
http://www.hux.net.au/?p=89
http://www.nakka-rocketry.net/strainlc.html#Excel
http://www.jamesyawn.com/electronicstand/amp/board2.html
Leo Bodnar Load Cell Amp:
http://www.leobodnar.com/products/LC-amp/
Essentially this list will give you some greater amount of information about pressure/load cell braking options in a central location. I have literally scoured the internet and this is most of what I found. I know there are a couple of omissions, and I have them in my notes, so the others should follow when I dig them up. I hope you find this information useful , and if you have other solutions, please post them. The list should be updated as necessary. Lastly, I found some of this information here on nogrip and many members right here give me valuable direction. That help is very much appreciated!
Cheers!
Derek
EDIT - Here are some new finds, and these are really something!
http://www.motopc.de/index.html (site's in German)
http://www.drivingitalia.net/articoli.php?sez=hardware&id=77v (this one is in Italian)
There’s been quite a bit of discussion regarding the topic of load cell/pressure based braking systems for our various wheels. I really knew very little of the subject, but I set out to learn and to educate myself on this topic to see if I could use and benefit from this type of braking control mechanism. I have gotten quite a bit of education, but it wasn’t easy as the information is very much spread out. It’s my desire to summarize the various systems here in one central location.
As it stands, the PC racer must interpret certain visual, tactile and audible cues received from the sim and translate those messages into meaningful mental information in an effort to drive his car to the optimum. Most of us, the vast majority, do not have the force of gravity acting on our bodies in the sim, so our other senses must be at a heightened state of attenuation to compensate. Gravity, actually, is such a major factor, that we tend to overlook the value it has is much of our racing endeavors. Braking is certainly a major factor which implicates gravity, and the fact that we lack this feedback sense, means we must pay that much more attention to how we brake.
Moreover, the present state of retail and mainstream PC racing wheels and pedals do not help. While there are great products to be had, all still utilize a braking pedal that simply converts the pedal's angular position into “braking force”. This is not how it is in a real car, as we know, and although our “stock” pedals for braking are adequate, there are better options. Better options use pedal pressure, measured through a load cell or other pressure sensor, for the transmission of braking force and simultaneously give the racer a more realistic pedal sensation and greater amount of vehicle control. Obviously, the end desire is to have a greater sense of immersion , and in my opinion, and others, the alternatives to the “Plain Jane” pedals would bring that into reality.
As it stands, the following options are available to the PC racer:
Fanatac’s Club Sport Pedal System:
http://www.fanatec.de/html/index.php?id=293
The “Perfect Pedal”:
http://sim-sport.net/the_perfect_pedal.html
AP Electrix Pedal:
http://www.apelectrix.com/index.html
Cannon Simulation Technologies:
http://www.cannonsimulationtechnologies.com/pedal-feature-pics.htm
Frex:
http://frex.xsrv.jp/gpshop/catalog/default.php?cPath=1_22_30
DIY Solutions:
http://www.hux.net.au/?p=89
http://www.nakka-rocketry.net/strainlc.html#Excel
http://www.jamesyawn.com/electronicstand/amp/board2.html
Leo Bodnar Load Cell Amp:
http://www.leobodnar.com/products/LC-amp/
Essentially this list will give you some greater amount of information about pressure/load cell braking options in a central location. I have literally scoured the internet and this is most of what I found. I know there are a couple of omissions, and I have them in my notes, so the others should follow when I dig them up. I hope you find this information useful , and if you have other solutions, please post them. The list should be updated as necessary. Lastly, I found some of this information here on nogrip and many members right here give me valuable direction. That help is very much appreciated!
Cheers!
Derek
EDIT - Here are some new finds, and these are really something!
http://www.motopc.de/index.html (site's in German)
http://www.drivingitalia.net/articoli.php?sez=hardware&id=77v (this one is in Italian)