Sim Setup with real car

I was thinking. I was at this mall and they had half a car. Basically just the front end of a car. Just the wheel, dashboard and windshield. It got me thinking, wouldn't it be cool to wire it up so you can use it with a computer. I think it's doable but has anyone done it? If so any sites? I've seen people make indycar cockpits out of wood. But has anyone actually taken the cockpit of a real indy car (or any car for that matter) and rigged it up to a computer? I'd love to go to my local junk yard and pick up the front end or just the dashboard of a CRX or something.

Very easy, but think about the "side effects". How do you sneak a front end of car in your flat/house without taking it apart, unless you have some very wide doors... lot of work, but if you have the time... <[email hidden]> a �crit dans le message news: [email hidden]...

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> I was thinking. I was at this mall and they had half a car. > Basically just the front end of a car. Just the wheel, dashboard and > windshield. It got me thinking, wouldn't it be cool to wire it up so > you can use it with a computer. I think it's doable but has anyone > done it? If so any sites? I've seen people make indycar cockpits out > of wood. But has anyone actually taken the cockpit of a real indy car > (or any car for that matter) and rigged it up to a computer? > > I'd love to go to my local junk yard and pick up the front end or just > the dashboard of a CRX or something. >

Yeah, don't see how it would fit through the door but. It would be nice to have in the garage. On Thu, 18 Jan 2001 09:04:32 GMT, "Txl" <[email hidden]> wrote:

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>Very easy, but think about the "side effects". > >How do you sneak a front end of car in your flat/house without taking it >apart, unless you have some very wide doors... > >lot of work, but if you have the time... > > ><[email hidden]> a �crit dans le message news: >[email hidden]... >> I was thinking. I was at this mall and they had half a car. >> Basically just the front end of a car. Just the wheel, dashboard and >> windshield. It got me thinking, wouldn't it be cool to wire it up so >> you can use it with a computer. I think it's doable but has anyone >> done it? If so any sites? I've seen people make indycar cockpits out >> of wood. But has anyone actually taken the cockpit of a real indy car >> (or any car for that matter) and rigged it up to a computer? >> >> I'd love to go to my local junk yard and pick up the front end or just >> the dashboard of a CRX or something. >> >

I do have enough room to set up a front end of a car as a simulator im my house and have actually thought of doing so, but i don't know how realistic it is sitting in your, for example, stockcar simulator while driving a F1 sim or GPL. I feel that if you build a simulator like that you're kinda be stuck to just one type of racing, the type you build the simulator for... --Blues <[email hidden]> schreef in berichtnieuws [email hidden]...

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> I was thinking. I was at this mall and they had half a car. > Basically just the front end of a car. Just the wheel, dashboard and > windshield. It got me thinking, wouldn't it be cool to wire it up so > you can use it with a computer. I think it's doable but has anyone > done it? If so any sites? I've seen people make indycar cockpits out > of wood. But has anyone actually taken the cockpit of a real indy car > (or any car for that matter) and rigged it up to a computer? > > I'd love to go to my local junk yard and pick up the front end or just > the dashboard of a CRX or something.

<[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> I was thinking. I was at this mall and they had half a car. > Basically just the front end of a car. Just the wheel, dashboard and > windshield. It got me thinking, wouldn't it be cool to wire it up so > you can use it with a computer. I think it's doable but has anyone > done it? If so any sites? I've seen people make indycar cockpits out > of wood. But has anyone actually taken the cockpit of a real indy car > (or any car for that matter) and rigged it up to a computer? > > I'd love to go to my local junk yard and pick up the front end or just > the dashboard of a CRX or something.

A buddy of mine runs the touring display for Craftsman Tools, the one that appears at all the NASCAR Truck races, and a few CART events, in the vendors display areas. In the display, they have a NCTRS Ford Truck that has been converted by a company in Charlotte, co-owned by Bobby and Terry Labonte. They took a truck chassis, put the computer under the hood, and outfitted the cockpit with a 21" monitor and ECCI wheel and pedal setup. To the side, they have a seperate monitor so the folks standing in line can watch the race. They are running a customized version of Papy's Craftsman Truck software, set up to run short races in arcade mode with no damage and give each person a 5 lap race, 10 on the short tracks. Check it out if you get to a NASCAR Truck race this year, it's really a blast, and the ECCI setup is quite good. If you get there early and bribe them with Krispy Kremes, they might give you a few extra runs<g>. -- don GPL Programs for the Converted Tracks: http://www.ianparker.co.uk/gpl/bapom/

http://www.interactiveracing.com/sim_conversions.htm <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> I was thinking. I was at this mall and they had half a car. > Basically just the front end of a car. Just the wheel, dashboard and > windshield. It got me thinking, wouldn't it be cool to wire it up so > you can use it with a computer. I think it's doable but has anyone > done it? If so any sites? I've seen people make indycar cockpits out > of wood. But has anyone actually taken the cockpit of a real indy car > (or any car for that matter) and rigged it up to a computer? > > I'd love to go to my local junk yard and pick up the front end or just > the dashboard of a CRX or something.

In Las Vegas several years ago (I forget which casino), they had a Mazda Miata hooked up to a giant screen (probably 10-20 feet wide) running Ridge Racer. It was tough, and you were looking up at the screen, but was fun. Not sure if it was really worth the $8 or so, but interesting! Also, here in Minnesota, a few miles from home at the Mall of America is one of a small handful of Silicon Raceway's. These are full sized Nascar chassis, with a proper racing seat, gear shifter, pedals, the whole nine yards, all running on a hydraulically operated system. This is by far the most realistic sim I've ever driven! There are some subtle differences in handling between it and GPL, due to the tire model I'm sure, but the drive is simply awesome! You can run full length league races there. I tried a smaller version that lasted for about half an hour or so, and my arms were hurting by the end of it! Todd Wasson --- Performance Simulations Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction Software http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

Glad you've tried our stuff (I consult for Silicon Motor Speedway). Have you been to SMS recently (last 6 weeks or so)? There was a big system update that added many new features, I think it was in early December 2000 or so (not sure of the exact date). On 19 Jan 2001, J. Todd Wasson wrote: ....

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> Also, here in Minnesota, a few miles from home at the Mall of America is one > of a small handful of Silicon Raceway's. These are full sized Nascar chassis, > with a proper racing seat, gear shifter, pedals, the whole nine yards, all > running on a hydraulically operated system. This is by far the most realistic > sim I've ever driven! There are some subtle differences in handling between it > and GPL, due to the tire model I'm sure, but the drive is simply awesome! You > can run full length league races there. I tried a smaller version that lasted > for about half an hour or so, and my arms were hurting by the end of it!

Funny, there isnt anything on the website about it I ran a TON of SMS and just flat out got bored quick with their daytonausa mentality A great idea gone horribly in the wrong direction imho Doug Milliken <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > > Glad you've tried our stuff (I consult for Silicon Motor Speedway). Have > you been to SMS recently (last 6 weeks or so)? There was a big system > update that added many new features, I think it was in early December 2000 > or so (not sure of the exact date).

>Glad you've tried our stuff (I consult for Silicon Motor Speedway). Have >you been to SMS recently (last 6 weeks or so)? There was a big system >update that added many new features, I think it was in early December 2000 >or so (not sure of the exact date). > Nope. Not since last May actually, when I came here on vacation from Arizona before moving back to St. Paul. I'll definately have to go check it out again. It's about 15 minutes away, and I party at the mall on weekends rather frequently... :0) The thing that really grabbed me was the tire model (aside from the obvious stuff, of course). You can induce power oversteer at moderate slip angles, well before reaching the traction limit. After the car settles into a turn, you increase the throttle a little, and it actually turns tighter to a point, then understeers with more throttle. Very cool! I managed to grab first of the human bunch a couple times, but have yet to get better than second place against the computer cars. Loads of fun though! If anybody gets a chance to drive these, shell out the cash. You WON'T be disappointed :0) When I go back again, I'll let you know. BTW, tell those guys to put in a road course for the league racers! <BG> Todd Wasson --- Performance Simulations Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction Software http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

>Funny, there isnt anything on the website about it >I ran a TON of SMS and just flat out got bored quick with their daytonausa >mentality > >A great idea gone horribly in the wrong direction imho > You haven't actually driven it, have you? :0P You'll change your mind once you get in the seat and take a few laps. IF you can manage not to spin out at the starting line (I did that a couple times, rather embarrassing!!) :-) Todd Wasson --- Performance Simulations Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction Software http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

Tim, Actually, the SMS web site does mention the system upgrades, but I don't know why it is buried under "Press Releases". Down inside this article is some info on the features of the new software. 30 Oct 00 Silicon Entertainment Has Fans Riding High in 2000 Action Cup 15,000 Enthusiasts Expected To Compete For Thousands in Cash At NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedways <http:www.smsonline.com> Did you ever send any comments to the home office or discuss things with the management at your local site? Without your comments, it will be hard for them to figure out why you lost interest...and even harder for them to figure out how to improve things. I am pretty sure that they would like to keep you as a customer! Best Wishes, -- Doug Doug Milliken <[email hidden]> On Sat, 20 Jan 2001, Tim wrote:

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> Funny, there isnt anything on the website about it > I ran a TON of SMS and just flat out got bored quick with their daytonausa > mentality > > A great idea gone horribly in the wrong direction imho > Doug Milliken <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > > > Glad you've tried our stuff (I consult for Silicon Motor Speedway). Have > > you been to SMS recently (last 6 weeks or so)? There was a big system > > update that added many new features, I think it was in early December 2000 > > or so (not sure of the exact date).

Nothing personal against anyone I met from SMS but those emails and phone calls are lip service at best I got the calls, and they listened, but nothing ever came of them, and I wasnt alone with those feelings either Very few of the original league members still race, most stores cant keep them going I spent one year racing SMS, every week, 6 months str8 at one stretch, and compared to online sims, it just wasnt going anywhere 4 tracks in 3 years? No setups, no cautions, no damage model So finally they add tire wear, great ! Then they add the most rediculous drafting model I have ever seen :( THEN they take away the expert leagues, and the prize money ! Maybe Im wrong but just feels SMS seems content on turnover, and the 'retail' side of it For certain they are not geared for the hardcore sim racing enthusiast Doug Milliken <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> > Tim, > > Actually, the SMS web site does mention the system upgrades, but I don't > know why it is buried under "Press Releases". Down inside this article is > some info on the features of the new software. > > 30 Oct 00 Silicon Entertainment Has Fans Riding High in 2000 Action > Cup 15,000 Enthusiasts Expected To Compete For Thousands in

Cash > At NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedways <http:www.smsonline.com> > > Did you ever send any comments to the home office or discuss things with > the management at your local site? Without your comments, it will be hard > for them to figure out why you lost interest...and even harder for them to > figure out how to improve things. I am pretty sure that they would liketo

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> keep you as a customer! > > Best Wishes, > > -- Doug > Doug Milliken <[email hidden]> > > > > On Sat, 20 Jan 2001, Tim wrote: > > > Funny, there isnt anything on the website about it > > I ran a TON of SMS and just flat out got bored quick with their

daytonausa

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> > mentality > > > > A great idea gone horribly in the wrong direction imho > > > > Doug Milliken <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:[email hidden]... > > > > > > Glad you've tried our stuff (I consult for Silicon Motor Speedway).

Have > > > you been to SMS recently (last 6 weeks or so)? There was a big system > > > update that added many new features, I think it was in early December2000 > > > or so (not sure of the exact date). >

Trust me, I spent a LOT of time at that mall over one year, raced countless leagues At one point I had raced so much my league racing was basically paid for Think I know what Im talking about :) J. Todd Wasson <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > You haven't actually driven it, have you? :0P You'll change your mindonce > you get in the seat and take a few laps

>Trust me, I spent a LOT of time at that mall over one year, raced countless >leagues >At one point I had raced so much my league racing was basically paid for >Think I know what Im talking about :) Oh. My mistake. What didn't you like about it? I love that thing! Todd Wasson --- Performance Simulations Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction Software http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

Sorry, Tim. Didn't see your other post. Todd Wasson --- Performance Simulations Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction Software http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

On 20 Jan 2001, J. Todd Wasson wrote: > >Glad you've tried our stuff (I consult for Silicon Motor Speedway). Have <snip of nice comments, thanks> > When I go back again, I'll let you know. BTW, tell those guys to put in a > road course for the league racers! <BG> I drew the basic layout for a small road course some time ago and the "graphics folks" turned it into a complete track. Not sure if it's available to league players or not, you could ask when you visit.

>I drew the basic layout for a small road course some time ago and the >"graphics folks" turned it into a complete track. Not sure if it's >available to league players or not, you could ask when you visit. > I'll do that. I may go up there tonight. I'll let you know if it's there. It seems that a road course would be really tough to drive on. Folks seem to have enough problems driving the ovals with no braking or downshifting. We'll see :-) Todd Wasson --- Performance Simulations Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction Software http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

Doug, I stopped by Silicon Motor Speedway last night. There was a private event being held, so I couldn't get in to race or ask about the road course. From the outside monitor, I noticed skidmarks being made by the cars. Is this new? Quite a nice addition if it is. Todd Wasson --- Performance Simulations Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction Software http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

Yes, skid marks are also new. Too "black" imo, but much better than nothing. On 21 Jan 2001, J. Todd Wasson wrote: > I stopped by Silicon Motor Speedway last night. There was a private event > being held, so I couldn't get in to race or ask about the road course. From > the outside monitor, I noticed skidmarks being made by the cars. Is this new? > Quite a nice addition if it is.