12/14/06
UltraForce Simulators
http://www.ultraforcesim.com
Kokomo, Indiana - Ultraforce Simulators LLC Announces Launch of the
GS-1:
The UltraForce GS-1 brings ground-breaking G-Seat technology to racing
sim drivers and flight sim pilots. The patent-pending GS-1 translates
X, Y, and Z axis inertial accelerations calculated by the simulation
software physics into three dimensional motion cues. Race drivers and
pilots alike will experience "seat of the pants" feedback from their
favorite simulation software like never before.
The height and angle of the GS-1 G-Seat is fully adjustable. The chair
is upholstered with a rubberized material that grips - helping
translate 100% of the chair feedback to the body of the user. The seat
frame is constructed from aluminum and steel. The seat upholstery and
powder-coated legs are available in multiple colors: black, red, blue,
green, or yellow. The seat provides mounting points for an optional
3-point harness. The GS-1 is powered by electric motors. Just plug
the chair into an electrical wall outlet and connect USB cable to a
computer. That's it! The chair is ready for software installation on
your computer.
UltraForce GS-1 G-Seats begin shipping in January 2007.
See the "Sneak Preview" product review in the December issue of
AutoSimSport - Available at:
www.autosimsport.net
UltraForce GS-1 G-seat launched
Pat Dotson announced his company's UltraForce GS-1, a 3,295-dollar seat with 14 motors moving pads to simulate g-forces. Readers criticised the prototype's lawn-chair look and the price, and he explained material costs, offered a race-seat version, and pointed to an AutoSimSport review.
With Pat Dotson (UltraForce Simulators)
release/newshardware: wheels/pedals
Automated summary.
sounds interesting. but it looks uucking fgly
Thanks! :)
Actually, that's just a picture of the current prototype on the web
site. There is a CAD rendering of the production model in the lower
left column. I think the production units look nicer. Pictures of a
production seat will be on the web site in a couple of weeks.
Pat Dotson
Osarenren wrote:
> sounds interesting. but it looks uucking fgly
[email hidden] wrote:
Yes, but as long as it's functional
Quoted text (16 lines)
> Thanks! :) > > Actually, that's just a picture of the current prototype on the web > site. There is a CAD rendering of the production model in the lower > left column. I think the production units look nicer. Pictures of a > production seat will be on the web site in a couple of weeks. > > Pat Dotson > > > > Osarenren wrote: > >>sounds interesting. but it looks uucking fgly > >Albert Ross wrote:
Sounds extremely interesting, but the price seams way high at $3295 (US) :(.
Quoted text (18 lines)
> [email hidden] wrote: >> Thanks! :) >> >> Actually, that's just a picture of the current prototype on the web >> site. There is a CAD rendering of the production model in the lower >> left column. I think the production units look nicer. Pictures of a >> production seat will be on the web site in a couple of weeks. >> >> Pat Dotson >> >> >> >> Osarenren wrote: >> >>> sounds interesting. but it looks uucking fgly >> >> > Yes, but as long as it's functionalR wrote:
> Sounds extremely interesting, but the price seams way high at $3295 (US) :(.
The materials required to build the GS-1 G-seat are expensive. For
example, there are 14 individual motors driving the chair motion.
Metal costs for the steel and aluminum tubing are also very high right
now. I can't apologize for the price.
This is definitely a high-end product, but it delivers high-end
performance that isn't found anywhere else. I hope everyone will get a
chance to try it eventually to see what it does - and how well it
really works!
Pat Dotson
"Osarenren" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
> sounds interesting. but it looks uucking fgly
>and a 10% downpayment of $360 bucks....... That would be a cost of over
$3,600US........A bit overprised for something that looks like a lawn chair.
Ed
OK, so not everyone is thrilled with the appearance of the prototype!
:)
I can understand that. I'm a little surprised at the strong reaction,
though, since nobody complains much about the "T-slot" aluminum based
products out there. I'm sitting in that prototype as I type this, and,
honestly, I think it looks at least as good as some of the less
expensive race frames out there. So I'll concentrate on improving the
aesthetics of the production model.
The point, though, is not really the appearance of the product. Almost
everyone who has tried the prototype has uttered the words "awesome",
or "totally cool", or something similar within the first two minutes.
You literally feel what the car is doing underneath you. Weight
transfer, bumps and dips, curbs - it's all there, direct from the
simulation physics. You aren't going to get this kind of experience
out of a regular race frame, even with a "bass shaker" or some other
vibration based enhancement. The experience this seat provides
requires some expensive component hardware.
Thanks, and keep the comments coming!
Pat Dotson
Ed Medlin wrote:
Quoted text (8 lines)
> "Osarenren" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > sounds interesting. but it looks uucking fgly > > > and a 10% downpayment of $360 bucks....... That would be a cost of over > $3,600US........A bit overprised for something that looks like a lawn chair. > > EdWhat is the IETAG.dll that your site is trying to feed me, pdotson?
I cannot seem to figure out how this chair moves? you moving all of the
little pads on it?
[email hidden] enlightened us with:
Quoted text (30 lines)
> 12/14/06 > UltraForce Simulators > http://www.ultraforcesim.com > > Kokomo, Indiana - Ultraforce Simulators LLC Announces Launch of the > GS-1: > > The UltraForce GS-1 brings ground-breaking G-Seat technology to racing > sim drivers and flight sim pilots. The patent-pending GS-1 translates > X, Y, and Z axis inertial accelerations calculated by the simulation > software physics into three dimensional motion cues. Race drivers and > pilots alike will experience "seat of the pants" feedback from their > favorite simulation software like never before. > > The height and angle of the GS-1 G-Seat is fully adjustable. The > chair is upholstered with a rubberized material that grips - helping > translate 100% of the chair feedback to the body of the user. The > seat frame is constructed from aluminum and steel. The seat > upholstery and powder-coated legs are available in multiple colors: > black, red, blue, green, or yellow. The seat provides mounting > points for an optional 3-point harness. The GS-1 is powered by > electric motors. Just plug the chair into an electrical wall outlet > and connect USB cable to a computer. That's it! The chair is ready > for software installation on your computer. > > UltraForce GS-1 G-Seats begin shipping in January 2007. > See the "Sneak Preview" product review in the December issue of > AutoSimSport - Available at: > > www.autosimsport.netI agree that some t-slot alum is not as pleasing to the eyes as some
of the awesome woodframes poPing up on rscnet lately. but they are
extremely functional and upgradeable. I use a frex now and the only
reason for updating it would be to get a better looking, if less
adjustable, wood cockpit.
I think the coMents are just based on initial reaction to the looks. in
b this genre, aesthitics as well as functionality are applauded. people
want something that looks like it came out of a race car for that
immersion factor.
I would also like to know. does the whole chair move like frex
simconmotion, or is it just the motors a like i-vibe. the i-vibe has 6
motors and is $259 but I don't think they actually move, just vibe..
[email hidden] wrote:
> OK, so not everyone is thrilled with the appearance of the prototype!
> :)
> not to slam your seat, but you did ask for comments, so here goes:
Ugly but works = good sales.
Sexy but doesn't work = good sales.
Sexy and works = great sales.
You need to add two more pads on the side for that cracked rib feeling
if you hit the wall. Seriously. Or at least to help feel the force of
cornering.
I'd also consider including race belts to strap you in so it's more
realistic.
But then, I'm a sucker for realism so I went and bought a real race car.
probably should have saved my money and bought this instead with the
way I go through parts.
:)
news wrote:
> I'd also consider including race belts to strap you in so it's more
> realistic.
>
ignore this part. I obviously didn't read all the way to the bottom
where you say
"The seat provides mounting points for an optional 3-point harness"
I still think the seat needs side "wings" for a little rib slamming fun.
:)
[email hidden] wrote:
> OK, so not everyone is thrilled with the appearance of the prototype!
> :)
oh, and I'd like to add that I've added this to my xmas list for 2007...
Plowboy wrote:
> What is the IETAG.dll that your site is trying to feed me, pdotson?
I don't know. That file is not present on my server. I created the
pages with MS Word. I'll look through the HTML for a reference to that
file name. The only thing I can guess is that it's related to the hit
counter I'm using.
I'll let you know what I find.
> I cannot seem to figure out how this chair moves? you moving all of the
> little pads on it?
Yes. Each pad can move independently. It's not just back-and-forth
vibration - it's precise movement in response to the G forces developed
by the simulation physics. When going around a corner in a real car,
your body slides sideways in the seat, which pulls the skin on your
back and posterior. The same thing happens when using this seat,
except that instead of your body sliding sideways, the pads will move
in the opposite direction, giving the same sensation of weight transfer
you get in a real car.
Plus, my patented method for integrating movements in the X,Y and Z
axes create realistic three dimensional motion cues. You feel forward
and rearward accelerations from stepping on the gas or braking, plus
you can feel the car start to move as you release the clutch. You also
feel the car get light as you go over the crest of a hill, or get heavy
as you hit tthe bottom of a dip in the road.
It's really unlike anything else currently available to consumers.
Military flight simulators have been using this type of technology for
years, but the movement has always been provided by a hydraulic or
pneumatic system - and comes with a military-sized price tag.
Pat Dotson
Plowboy wrote:
> What is the IETAG.dll that your site is trying to feed me, pdotson?
That file is a Microsoft Office component. I don't know anything else
about it yet. Maybe it has something to do with fact that I used MS
Word to create the web pages.
I'll go through the code this evening to see where it's coming from.
Thanks,
Pat
Osarenren wrote:
> I think the coMents are just based on initial reaction to the looks. in
> b this genre, aesthitics as well as functionality are applauded. people
> want something that looks like it came out of a race car for that
> immersion factor.
I agree. See what you think of the production model once it comes out.
It won't look like a race car since it's just a chair, but it will
look better than the prototype.
> I would also like to know. does the whole chair move like frex
> simconmotion, or is it just the motors a like i-vibe. the i-vibe has 6
> motors and is $259 but I don't think they actually move, just vibe..
Have you had a chance to read the review in Autosimsport? Lou Magyar
came to my house and tried the seat. The article has some good
information about how the seat works, plus his impressions of the
experience.
The chair frame does not move. Only the pads move. See my response to
Plowboy for more details. To summarize, each pad moves independently
in response to G forces calculated in the simulation physics. The pads
recreate the sensations you feel while sliding around in a real car
seat. You get true 3D motion feedback on your back and posterior.
The I-Vibe seat cushion would actually complement the GS-1 nicely.
While the GS-1 is designed to provide lower frequency-high amplitude
handling force response, the TFS2 can create higher frequency
vibrations. I've talked to Craig about adding his hardware directly
to the pads in my seat. That may become an option in the future.
Everybody seems to be experiencing a bit of "sticker shock" at the
moment, so we'll have to see! :)
Pat Dotson
UltraForce Simulators
http://www.ultraforcesim.com
Well, thanks p.
I wish I was near a place to try one, sounds pretty cool! good luck, maybe
you sell enough or I win the lottery and price wont matter, still seeing the
small image didnt look that bad. some people choose form over function...
not me, you should see the POS I drive daily...
[email hidden] enlightened us with:
Quoted text (11 lines)
> Plowboy wrote: >> What is the IETAG.dll that your site is trying to feed me, pdotson? > > That file is a Microsoft Office component. I don't know anything else > about it yet. Maybe it has something to do with fact that I used MS > Word to create the web pages. > > I'll go through the code this evening to see where it's coming from. > > Thanks, > Pat[email hidden] wrote:
> I agree. See what you think of the production model once it comes out.
> It won't look like a race car since it's just a chair, but it will
> look better than the prototype.
>
what about partnering with Logitech or Momo or ??? to build the ultimate
racing setup? $3500 for the ultimate seat and wheel combo?
I told my boss (who has a bad back) he should try and get it prescribed
for him by his doctor. :)
[email hidden] wrote:
> I agree. See what you think of the production model once it comes out.
> It won't look like a race car since it's just a chair, but it will
> look better than the prototype.
Interesting that you have designed a chair rather than using a basic
race seat. Is this because the customer would need to mount a race seat
to a frame (and probably have to bolt it down to the floor) rather than
the more portable chair approach?
For those of us with racing rigs with race seats is there likely to be a
diy kit where we can fix on the pads? Presumably with some additional
bracing to the seat, or is it unlikely to be a solid enough structure?
A very inventive product Pat.
Cheers
Tony
[email hidden] wrote:
My "criticism" of the price is not that I think that it is not worth
that amount, I just think it is a lot of money for a racing sim device.
It is certainly not in the price range of try and if you don't like
it, your only out a few bucks. Also, it needs to be supported to work
in all future sims to guarantee its value in the long run. That may be
the plan, but one never knows how things turn out.
As with most of these "add on" devices, there is usually no way to ever
try before you buy. That's not a criticism specifically of this
product, but just a general comment.
I hope this device is very successful so that so many are sold that the
price can come down and then I can buy one :) :) :)
Quoted text (15 lines)
> R wrote: >> Sounds extremely interesting, but the price seams way high at $3295 (US) :(. > > The materials required to build the GS-1 G-seat are expensive. For > example, there are 14 individual motors driving the chair motion. > Metal costs for the steel and aluminum tubing are also very high right > now. I can't apologize for the price. > > This is definitely a high-end product, but it delivers high-end > performance that isn't found anywhere else. I hope everyone will get a > chance to try it eventually to see what it does - and how well it > really works! > > Pat Dotson >Another thing I wanted to mention, there should be a version available
that is much lower. At this price and state of the art, the real
customers are the die-hard racing sim fans. They probably already have
a cockpit/race frame setup and would be looking for a low seat, not one
that just mates up to the standard height computer desk (with a seating
position like driving a truck or a van :). It looks like it would be
easy to adapt this seat to a race frame mount, but I am not sure and for
the price (here we go again) it would be nice not to have to make
modifications.
Plowboy wrote:
you know,your almost up there in price with force dynamics,a hole bunch
of money for movable "PADS"
Quoted text (22 lines)
> Well, thanks p. > > I wish I was near a place to try one, sounds pretty cool! good luck, maybe > you sell enough or I win the lottery and price wont matter, still seeing the > small image didnt look that bad. some people choose form over function... > not me, you should see the POS I drive daily... > > > > [email hidden] enlightened us with: >> Plowboy wrote: >>> What is the IETAG.dll that your site is trying to feed me, pdotson? >> That file is a Microsoft Office component. I don't know anything else >> about it yet. Maybe it has something to do with fact that I used MS >> Word to create the web pages. >> >> I'll go through the code this evening to see where it's coming from. >> >> Thanks, >> Pat > >jwilson54 wrote:
> >
> you know,your almost up there in price with force dynamics,a hole bunch
> of money for movable "PADS"
Not sure where you are getting your information. A FD 301 costs at
least $20K as far as I know. I've seen prices mentioned as high as
$30,000. They don't put the price on their web site.
Plus, it's like the comedian Steven Wright says about "You can't have
everything - where would you put it?" Here's quote from their web
site:
"Q: How hard is it to move?...
A: It's easiest to move the 301 with a fork lift..."
I'm not running the 301 down or anything. It's awesome! I want one.
If I sell a couple thousand GS-1's maybe I'll get one :) But, the
GS-1 is in a totally separate category when it comes to price.
Pat Dotson
UltraForce Simulators
http://www.ultraforcesim.com
Great idea!
Actually, the lower portion of the chair can be removed, or you could
buy just the seat without the base. I will offer a version of the
chair with mounting rails on the bottom. It will be a drop-in
replacement for a regular racing seat - Sparco, etc.
In fact, I'm shipping a seat to Europe this week that has no base. It
will be installed in a mock-up of an airline cockpit for flight
simulation. So it can definitely be added to an existing race cockpit.
Thanks,
Pat Dotson
UltraForce Simulators
http://www.ultraforcesim.com
R wrote:
Quoted text (9 lines)
> Another thing I wanted to mention, there should be a version available > that is much lower. At this price and state of the art, the real > customers are the die-hard racing sim fans. They probably already have > a cockpit/race frame setup and would be looking for a low seat, not one > that just mates up to the standard height computer desk (with a seating > position like driving a truck or a van :). It looks like it would be > easy to adapt this seat to a race frame mount, but I am not sure and for > the price (here we go again) it would be nice not to have to make > modifications.[email hidden] wrote:
> Great idea!
>
> Actually, the lower portion of the chair can be removed, or you could
> buy just the seat without the base. I will offer a version of the
> chair with mounting rails on the bottom. It will be a drop-in
> replacement for a regular racing seat - Sparco, etc.
To replace these?
http://www.baldrick.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gpl/images/seats.jpg
:)
Tony
[email hidden] wrote:
That's very good to know. Thanks for the information.
Quoted text (7 lines)
> Great idea! > > Actually, the lower portion of the chair can be removed, or you could > buy just the seat without the base. I will offer a version of the > chair with mounting rails on the bottom. It will be a drop-in > replacement for a regular racing seat - Sparco, etc. >[email hidden] wrote:
Maybe I came across wrong,what I'm saying is at $3000,if your hoping to
get a diehard simracer to buy it,it should look like more than a massage
pad on a lawn chair.It may be as awesome as you say,but,it doesn't look
like the technology justifies the cost.Judging solely on the picture and
discription of the "pads" I'd be hardpressed to shell out $50 for it.And
thats from a fellow Hoosier.
Quoted text (23 lines)
> jwilson54 wrote: >> you know,your almost up there in price with force dynamics,a hole bunch >> of money for movable "PADS" > > Not sure where you are getting your information. A FD 301 costs at > least $20K as far as I know. I've seen prices mentioned as high as > $30,000. They don't put the price on their web site. > > Plus, it's like the comedian Steven Wright says about "You can't have > everything - where would you put it?" Here's quote from their web > site: > > "Q: How hard is it to move?... > A: It's easiest to move the 301 with a fork lift..." > > I'm not running the 301 down or anything. It's awesome! I want one. > If I sell a couple thousand GS-1's maybe I'll get one :) But, the > GS-1 is in a totally separate category when it comes to price. > > Pat Dotson > UltraForce Simulators > http://www.ultraforcesim.com >jwilson54 wrote:
Oh Yea the 301 starts at $10000
Quoted text (30 lines)
> [email hidden] wrote: >> jwilson54 wrote: >>> you know,your almost up there in price with force dynamics,a hole bunch >>> of money for movable "PADS" >> >> Not sure where you are getting your information. A FD 301 costs at >> least $20K as far as I know. I've seen prices mentioned as high as >> $30,000. They don't put the price on their web site. >> >> Plus, it's like the comedian Steven Wright says about "You can't have >> everything - where would you put it?" Here's quote from their web >> site: >> >> "Q: How hard is it to move?... >> A: It's easiest to move the 301 with a fork lift..." >> >> I'm not running the 301 down or anything. It's awesome! I want one. >> If I sell a couple thousand GS-1's maybe I'll get one :) But, the >> GS-1 is in a totally separate category when it comes to price. >> >> Pat Dotson >> UltraForce Simulators >> http://www.ultraforcesim.com >> > Maybe I came across wrong,what I'm saying is at $3000,if your hoping to > get a diehard simracer to buy it,it should look like more than a massage > pad on a lawn chair.It may be as awesome as you say,but,it doesn't look > like the technology justifies the cost.Judging solely on the picture and > discription of the "pads" I'd be hardpressed to shell out $50 for it.And > thats from a fellow Hoosier.Really? Where did you find that price?
BTW, I'm with you on the appearance issue. The seat will be available
as part of an integrated cockpit. Work on that project is progressing.
Expect some really cool new products.
Also, since you are in Indiana, if you ever find your was to Kokomo
give me a call and you can try the seat for yourself :)
Pat
jwilson54 wrote:
> Oh Yea the 301 starts at $10000
[email hidden] wrote:
It was listed on thier site about a year ago,and I just might take you
up on your offer.


































