Apologies for yet another question along the line of whats the best wheel?,
but there seems to be so many good wheels around Im totally confused.
Thrustmasters seems to be cheap and cheerful, but break a lot?
Microsofts FF seems expensive but well built - I know I dont need FF for
GP2 and GPL, but Ill buy an FF wheel if means have a durable, self-
centering wheel, Ill consider buying one.
Ideally, Id like paddles for shifting, and I live in the UK so thats a
consideration too.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Craig
**** Posted from RemarQ - http://www.remarq.com - Discussions Start Here (tm) ****
After breaking 2 Thrustmaster wheels and 1 F1 sim I am now about 4 months
into my 1st Microsoft FF wheel and it's holding up well. I know it's a bit
more expensive than some others but I think it's worth the extra because of
the very accurate calibration. There are absolutely no "Jitters" and the
calibration never go's out.
The FF is good with games that support it well (Viper Racing) and games
without can use the electronic self centering which is configurable for
tension.
The wheel also works for DOS games (except Nascar2) so you can still run
older games too.
Downside is the brake pedal feels a bit too soft for me, but that's a
personal preference.
Overall I like this wheel and would now only consider a TSW, ECCI or
hyperstimulator as a replacement.
Other people have said the Logitech FF wheel is good but I haven't seen one
anywhere in the UK yet.
--
Ian Parker
ICQ 21772592
>Apologies for yet another question along the line of whats the best
wheel?,
>but there seems to be so many good wheels around Im totally confused.
>Thrustmasters seems to be cheap and cheerful, but break a lot?
>Microsofts FF seems expensive but well built - I know I dont need FF for
>GP2 and GPL, but Ill buy an FF wheel if means have a durable, self-
>centering wheel, Ill consider buying one.
>Ideally, Id like paddles for shifting, and I live in the UK so thats a
>consideration too.
>Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
>Craig
On the above topic, I have not been able to get my MSFF wheel to work with N2,
either. Is this something that is actually known to be impossible, or are
there people out there who have gotten this working??
I'm not THAT dependent on this, since GPL, ICR2 and MGPRS2 take up my time, but
I did enjoy running an occasional race in N2, and was hoping there is a way to
use the MSFF wheel with it. Any replys would be appreciated.
Most people can't get it to work at all with N2, me included. Some have
reported that they could at least get it to work, I dont know how well.
I can get in and calibrate but its very jittery, once in the game the
controls just dont work for me.
BTW, Microsoft, in there infinite wisdom used the two upper right hand
buttons on the front of the wheel as buttons 1 & 2 leaving the shifter
paddles as 7 & 8 which DOS games can't see. This is OK for games that you
can configure the keyboard for gear changes because you can set that up
using the Sidewinder control panel, but in others you have to use the wrong
buttons:(
--
Ian Parker
ICQ 21772592
>>The wheel also works for DOS games (except Nascar2) so you can still run
>>older games too.
>On the above topic, I have not been able to get my MSFF wheel to work with
N2,
>either. Is this something that is actually known to be impossible, or are
>there people out there who have gotten this working??
>I'm not THAT dependent on this, since GPL, ICR2 and MGPRS2 take up my time,
but
>I did enjoy running an occasional race in N2, and was hoping there is a way
to
>use the MSFF wheel with it. Any replys would be appreciated.
I had 2 Thrustmaster F1's (Nascar Pro in America), so I cant comment on the
FF wheel.
The problems I had were
Where the wheel mounts to the shaft, it constantly kept loosening,
Wheel front buttons stopped working
and the usual pedal springs breaking.
There were no configuration problems except for a bit of spiking, even when
new although that may have been my soundcard.
The feel of the wheel was very good, and I liked the brake pedal which had
more resistance than the gas.
I would have no trouble recommending the TM wheel to anyone if it wasn't for
the lack of reliability.
--
Ian Parker
ICQ 21772592
>PMJIH, but I'd be curious as to the problems that you've had with your TM
>gear, Ian. I've had mine for a few days, and no complaints so far. It has
>been basically PnP for my system. I'm new to FF, so am not sure what the
>performance should be.
>Things I Like:
>-Great ergonomics for F1 sims
>-The shifter for GPL
>-USB. this allows me to keep my flight sim HOTAS (F22, TQS, ProPedals)
>attached
>-No install problems
>-Pedal tension, ergos., and travel are not bad
>Things that need improving (I won't hold my breath)
>-Non FF games compatibility. The tuning slider seems to have no effect;
>tough for GPL
>-FF in games needs refinement
>Overall, thumbs up for FF and the TM, but I don't have anything else to
>compare it with.
>For what it's also worth, I'm one of the few people owning a non-spiking
>F22.
Sorry about the repeats Outlook Express did it not me.
--
Ian Parker
ICQ 21772592
% I had 2 Thrustmaster F1's (Nascar Pro in America), so I cant comment on the
% FF wheel.
% The problems I had were
% Where the wheel mounts to the shaft, it constantly kept loosening,
Yep, this happens alot. Solution, get some LocTite for the***
mounting the wheel to the shaft.
% Wheel front buttons stopped working
Ouch, after much turning and and turning, this one will bite you. Poor
design on TM's part. Before this happnes, open up the wheel unit and
protect those wires coming through the shaft. Electronic supply stores
will have wire tubing that can be placed over the wires to help protect
them from the edges of the shaft. Electrician tape is also a quick
preventative method (wrap it around the wires). It is best to check the
condition of your protective wrap as a regular maintenance check. Good
news is that the design of the SuperSport (haven't seen the insides of a
Sprint) should avoid this problem.
% and the usual pedal springs breaking.
TM's new spring design brings longer spring life, but this will happen
(eventually). Have Thrustmaster send you a spare set, so you will
always have them to swap out. Then order replacements whenever you put
in your new springs (www.thrustmaster.com).
% There were no configuration problems except for a bit of spiking, even when
% new although that may have been my soundcard.
% The feel of the wheel was very good, and I liked the brake pedal which had
% more resistance than the gas.
% I would have no trouble recommending the TM wheel to anyone if it wasn't for
% the lack of reliability.
Even one's family sedan requires some preventative maintenance once in
awhile.
--
**************************** Michael E. Carver *************************
Upside out, or inside down...False alarm the only game in town.
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