Racing car cockpit sim

**BobL** · 13th March 2011, 11:50 PM

Because MDF is not really wood, I don't consider this to be woodwork - it's more of a family project to make a fun product for my son (he's one of those lovable late 20's going on 15 type characters

)

Sorry about the crappy photos - sometimes all I had available was a fuzzy phone camera.

It starts out like this - a 1.5 x 0.6 x 0.5 m high mdf box.
Attachment 164114

To meet son's girlfriend acceptability factor it get's a lid and upholstered like this - thanks SWMBO

).
Attachment 164115

Inside the box is this.
Attachment 164116
The equipment is the Logitech steering wheel/pedals/gear stick for Gran Turismo the computer game - racing car simulator.

Some details
Attachment 164117
Attachment 164118
The steering wheel and pedals has force feedback for added realism.
The seat is an old boat seat - finding something that is not too high was tricky -0 fold down boat seats are one option but very expensive for what they are..
Just like a real car the seat position and steering wheel positions are adjustable - pedals are fixed. Seating position has been measured and adapted from a small sports car.
A laptop or flat screen monitor can be place on the little platform above the pedals or connect to large screen TV

Enjoying the fruits of the project - note fan for extra special environmental effect.

Attachment 164121
Attachment 164120
When it's not in use, steering wheel gets removed (it fits inside the box), lid goes back on and it acts a giant footrest.

Girlfriend is happy and son says his scores are dropping rapidly compared to using the same setup on an old card table.
I think she maybe spoke too soon!

**Sawdust Maker** · 14th March 2011, 10:16 AM

great

My little brother would like one of those
35 going on 15

**NCArcher** · 14th March 2011, 10:40 AM

Nice work Bob.

Junior looks like he's having fun. Love the wind in the hair effect.

**Master Splinter** · 14th March 2011, 10:42 AM

Too cool - forget the rellies - I'd like one of those! (late 40's going on 15)

Maybe some rockers underneath so you can really lean into corners! (or save that for the motorbike sim)

Actually, I'd prefer one of these in my back yard....if you've got a moment to knock one up...

**BobL** · 14th March 2011, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Master Splinter

Too cool - forget the rellies - I'd like one of those! (late 40's going on 15)

Maybe some rockers underneath so you can really lean into corners! (or save that for the motorbike sim)

We thought of attaching springs underneath but that would have made it too tall. We did think of offsetting the springs inside the box, maybe in V2?

The other added sensory input is the realistic audio. Engine sounds are supposedly sampled from real vehicles. Junior has a Marshall amplifier and speaker cabinet and I suggested he connected that to the big screen TV be maybe his neighbors appreciate it that he doesn't.

**Master Splinter** · 14th March 2011, 12:41 PM

Jaycar used to sell subsonic transducers - if they've still got them, they could add low frequency rumble without too much noise.

**Arry** · 14th March 2011, 02:33 PM

Bob

That is just @&$#)*& awesome !!!

**Harry72** · 14th March 2011, 06:18 PM

I likes too Arry!

**crowie** · 14th March 2011, 07:46 PM

G'Day "BobL",
Looks great;
you might consider mounting the whole unit on springs to expand the driving experience.
Cheers, Crowie

**Christos** · 19th March 2011, 12:27 PM

Nice car.

How does she handle?

**BobL** · 19th March 2011, 01:58 PM

Cheers Guys.

Handling is said to be a combination of a box and a sofa.

Son has put in record hours on the sim this week, girlfriend is most unhappy but she has had a drive and admits it's addictive.

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