Race Sim Central
Rec.Autos.Simulators Archive

UltraForce GS-1 G-Seat

30 posts by 9 people · 14 Dec 2006 16:56 UTC - 19 Dec 2006 01:12 UTC

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.

Pat Dotson 14 Dec 2006 16:56 UTC#7698
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
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:
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 > >
Yes, but as long as it's functional
rqk 15 Dec 2006 00:16 UTC↳ reply to Albert Ross#7708
Albert Ross wrote:
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 functional
Sounds extremely interesting, but the price seams way high at $3295 (US) :(.
Pat Dotson 15 Dec 2006 03:11 UTC↳ reply to rqk#7710
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
"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. > > Ed
What 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.net
I 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..
news 15 Dec 2006 18:33 UTC↳ reply to Pat Dotson#7721
[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 15 Dec 2006 18:35 UTC↳ reply to news#7722
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. :)
news 15 Dec 2006 18:59 UTC↳ reply to Pat Dotson#7723
[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
news 15 Dec 2006 20:28 UTC↳ reply to Pat Dotson#7728
[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
rqk 15 Dec 2006 23:28 UTC↳ reply to Pat Dotson#7740
[email hidden] wrote:
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 >
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 :) :) :)
rqk 16 Dec 2006 00:41 UTC↳ reply to rqk#7742
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:
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 > >
you know,your almost up there in price with force dynamics,a hole bunch of money for movable "PADS"
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
Pat Dotson 17 Dec 2006 07:35 UTC↳ reply to rqk#7801
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.
rqk 17 Dec 2006 15:34 UTC↳ reply to Pat Dotson#7806
[email hidden] wrote:
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. >
That's very good to know. Thanks for the information.
[email hidden] wrote:
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 >
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.
jwilson54 wrote:
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.
Oh Yea the 301 starts at $10000
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:
Quoted text (14 lines)> 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 >
It was listed on thier site about a year ago,and I just might take you up on your offer.

Sponsors

Affiliate Links

Sim Gaming Expo MOZA Racing Sim-Lab Fanatec TrakRacer Asetek Internet Privacy From NordVPN Dreamhost Capital One Credit Card Application Fanatical CDKeys Amazon Amazon UK Project Motor Racing iRacing Get your racing gloves, boots and more from Demon Tweeks. Enlist at Roberts Space Industries, developers of Star Citizen and Squadron 42


Back from the ashes since July, 2019. First created in 2001 with the merger of Legends Central (founded 1999) and simracing.dk.

A site by a sort of sim racer, for sim racers, about racing sims. News and information on both modern and historic sim racing software titles.

All products and licenses property of their respective owners.


Facebook Threads Bluesky Twitter Mastodon Instagram YouTube Tiktok Twitch Reddit Google News Apple News Subscribe via WordPress Flipboard eBay

Race Sim Central © 1999-2026 | Some links pay RSC a commission. Advertising does not equal endorsement.Cookie Policy