Driving with DS3 - Any tips?

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jucksmanBR

jucksmanBR

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jucksmanBR
After many years driving with a wheel, I moved to a smaller apartment while my house is being renovated, so there's no space for the wheel there.

I'm trying to race using the DS3, but I'm finding a lot of difficulties. In an online test, a friend of mine was about 2 secs per lap faster than myself, with the same car and same tune.

Are there any good driving techniques for the DS3? Any suggestions?
 
Thumb control on the Throttle and Brake. I use X and O and have always used their analogue capabilities instead of swapping to the R2 L2 setup. Basically, don't hammer the Throttle too hard and don't Brake too hard. It's just the basics you do with a wheel but you have to use your thumbs instead and there is much less travel distance compared to a pedal. 1mm is like 25% Throttle or more compared to a pedal which is fair greater distance for the same result.

Practice, practice and more practice is the only way. I've never used a wheel since GT1 and I guess that helps the thumb control. It'll just take time adapting.

If you're finding trouble with the X and O setup try R2 and L2 for Throttle and Brake, it's much easier.
 
Fuelmyfire
..
Practice, practice and more practice is the only way...
...try R2 and L2 for Throttle and Brake, it's much easier.
Click to expand...

I believe that is the essential:
1) Get used to it, take a car/track you know well and exercise
2) Change the controls to more sensitive buttons
3) You might want to tune differently when using the DS3, but that is up to your style
 
Don't leap into a Zonda R etc or you'll be going in circles all day. Start slower.

Maybe even try drifting first so you get used to how the car feels sliding on the controller.
 
Fuelmyfire
Thumb control on the Throttle and Brake. I use X and O and have always used their analogue capabilities instead of swapping to the R2 L2 setup. Basically, don't hammer the Throttle too hard and don't Brake too hard. It's just the basics you do with a wheel but you have to use your thumbs instead and there is much less travel distance compared to a pedal. 1mm is like 25% Throttle or more compared to a pedal which is fair greater distance for the same result.

Practice, practice and more practice is the only way. I've never used a wheel since GT1 and I guess that helps the thumb control. It'll just take time adapting.

If you're finding trouble with the X and O setup try R2 and L2 for Throttle and Brake, it's much easier.
Click to expand...

I think I'll try the X and O combination. I've been using R2 L2 but I think they aren't as precise as they could be, specially for acceleration control...
 
jucksmanBR
After many years driving with a wheel, I moved to a smaller apartment while my house is being renovated, so there's no space for the wheel there.

I'm trying to race using the DS3, but I'm finding a lot of difficulties. In an online test, a friend of mine was about 2 secs per lap faster than myself, with the same car and same tune.

Are there any good driving techniques for the DS3? Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

I'd wait a few weeks until your house is finished renovating, then grab a wheel. :)
 
The thumbsticks provide the best range of input so use them for steering and brake/accel. Get some grips (GripIt, FPSfreek, etc) for the thumbsticks -- I truly could not believe the fine input control and precision after I got a set of these, and they are cheap. I've had great results applying the brakes gradually instead of slamming them on - I take about 1/2 to 3/4 second to go from no brakes to full application, in one smooth motion... the car will slow much more quickly and in a more controlled fashion. Similarly, partial throttle is very helpful when turning, this is one area in which the finer input ability is really great. Hope this helps... good luck and have fun!

EDIT: forgot to add the d-pad button function mapping (I use R2 to bring up the RA menu)
D-Pad Up = (RA Function) Select +
D-Pad Down = (RA Function) Select -
D-Pad Left = (RA Function) Adjust -
D-Pad Right = (RA Function) Adjust +
 
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DGXR
The thumbsticks provide the best range of input so use them for steering and brake/accel. Get some grips (GripIt, FPSfreek, etc) for the thumbsticks -- I truly could not believe the fine input control and precision after I got a set of these, and they are cheap. I've had great results applying the brakes gradually instead of slamming them on - I take about 1/2 to 3/4 second to go from no brakes to full application, in one smooth motion... the car will slow much more quickly and in a more controlled fashion. Similarly, partial throttle is very helpful when turning, this is one area in which the finer input ability is really great. Hope this helps... good luck and have fun!
Click to expand...

It also makes a lot of sense, but it looks like a very steep learning curve. I think I'll try both methods and see wich one fits better with my driving style. The triggers are just too innacurate to be consistent...
 
Get a set of Real Triggers or similar attachments for $5.
 
DGXR
The thumbsticks provide the best range of input so use them for steering and brake/accel. Get some grips (GripIt, FPSfreek, etc) for the thumbsticks -- I truly could not believe the fine input control and precision after I got a set of these, and they are cheap. I've had great results applying the brakes gradually instead of slamming them on - I take about 1/2 to 3/4 second to go from no brakes to full application, in one smooth motion... the car will slow much more quickly and in a more controlled fashion. Similarly, partial throttle is very helpful when turning, this is one area in which the finer input ability is really great. Hope this helps... good luck and have fun!
Click to expand...

This 👍
 
DGXR
The thumbsticks provide the best range of input so use them for steering and brake/accel. Get some grips (GripIt, FPSfreek, etc) for the thumbsticks -- I truly could not believe the fine input control and precision after I got a set of these, and they are cheap. I've had great results applying the brakes gradually instead of slamming them on - I take about 1/2 to 3/4 second to go from no brakes to full application, in one smooth motion... the car will slow much more quickly and in a more controlled fashion. Similarly, partial throttle is very helpful when turning, this is one area in which the finer input ability is really great. Hope this helps... good luck and have fun!
Click to expand...

I think the only problem with the thumbsticks for braking and acceleration is that you can't apply both at once. I do like to do this from time to time... ^^
 
DGXR
The thumbsticks provide the best range of input so use them for steering and brake/accel. Get some grips (GripIt, FPSfreek, etc) for the thumbsticks -- I truly could not believe the fine input control and precision after I got a set of these, and they are cheap. I've had great results applying the brakes gradually instead of slamming them on - I take about 1/2 to 3/4 second to go from no brakes to full application, in one smooth motion... the car will slow much more quickly and in a more controlled fashion. Similarly, partial throttle is very helpful when turning, this is one area in which the finer input ability is really great. Hope this helps... good luck and have fun!
Click to expand...

This is how I've been doing it ever since the ability to map the sticks this way came out. It's just like the traditional controls of an RC car.

Left stick to steer, right stick for accel/brake.

L1/R1 for Down and Up shift.
 
Fuelmyfire
I think the only problem with the thumbsticks for braking and acceleration is that you can't apply both at once. I do like to do this from time to time... ^^
Click to expand...

Also map the brake to L2 then. You'll have it available when you need it.
 
I have always used the sticks plus L1+R1 for gears. Just setup other buttons as required like L2 for brake as mentioned above, R2 for handbrake etc ... whatever takes your fancy.

Unmap L3 & R3 otherwise you may find the wipers and horn (which I think is the default) going just when you do not want them. Some people use rubber bands (around eack stick and each handle) to 'tighten' the feel of the sticks but I have not found it necessary.

Just play and practice until you find something that works for you.
 
You mentioned that you think it's awkward to map the accel/brake to the thumbstick because sometimes you like to do both at the same time (god knows why). I'm saying that you can have the accell/brake mapped to the thumbstick and ALSO map the brake to one of the shoulder buttons for when you feel like you need to accelerate and brake at the same time (again, not sure why you're trying to simulate heel/toe technique with a DS3 when there's no clutch.)
 
Spiderman_Geek
You mentioned that you think it's awkward to map the accel/brake to the thumbstick because sometimes you like to do both at the same time (god knows why). I'm saying that you can have the accell/brake mapped to the thumbstick and ALSO map the brake to one of the shoulder buttons for when you feel like you need to accelerate and brake at the same time (again, not sure why you're trying to simulate heel/toe technique with a DS3 when there's no clutch.)
Click to expand...

Actually, it can be very useful to map another button for the brake even if you ara using the thumbsticks, specially if you are racing online.

During online standing starts in races with false start checks, a great technique is to keep the brake pressed by only 50 or 25% (just enough to make the car stand still) while revving the engine close to the max and releasing the brake just as you see the "start" sign. This gives better traction and is great for gaining positions at the stard, but it's impossible to do with the thumbstick.
 
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet that can help dramatically when you are just starting out is to try to leave the car in a gear higher than is suggested. For example, if a turn is a 2nd gear one, don't downshift past 3rd until you have your steering inputs smoothed out, then gradually make your way into shifting more "properly."

It helps take one aspect (rear tire spin) out of the equation as you practice the fundamentals.
 
jucksmanBR
Actually, it can be very useful to map another button for the brake even if you ara using the thumbsticks, specially if you are racing online.

During online standing starts in races with false start checks, a great technique is to keep the brake pressed by only 50 or 25% (just enough to make the car stand still) while revving the engine close to the max and releasing the brake just as you see the "start" sign. This gives better traction and is great for gaining positions at the stard, but it's impossible to do with the thumbstick.
Click to expand...

Something I noticed while online, you can hold the car on the hand brake, with the revs pegged at the limiter for example the same as if you have the clutch in. And the car doesn't move, but as soon as you release the handbrake you get a penalty. Some dodgy logic going on their. Not tried it manual mode yet.
 
Spiderman_Geek
You mentioned that you think it's awkward to map the accel/brake to the thumbstick because sometimes you like to do both at the same time (god knows why). I'm saying that you can have the accell/brake mapped to the thumbstick and ALSO map the brake to one of the shoulder buttons for when you feel like you need to accelerate and brake at the same time (again, not sure why you're trying to simulate heel/toe technique with a DS3 when there's no clutch.)
Click to expand...

Yes I said it would be awkward to do that, if you used the thumb sticks. I however do not. The reason I use the Brake and Throttle at the same time is for standing starts with the false start checker on.

I do agree with your point though if you use the thumb sticks to use the L2 as a Brake as well.

And on an assuming note I don't even have a DS3. I have the old SIXAXIS controller <3
 
I am a stick user myself, having the same issue with wheel, no space :(. I do have several tips, if you used to own a PS2 before, and the old DS2 sticks are laying around, it might be a good time to give them a try, with luck, you'll be surprised how good they are. You will need a USB converter though, which is cheap enough and usually can be used with PC as well. Check my posts below for more infos :

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7237156#post7237156

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=256326

By the way, the rubber band trick could help a lot if you find the left analog stick is too light or sensitive.
 
Set the sensetivetie ( not sure how you spell that ) at 7 and change throtlle and braking to R2/L2 m
 
Fuelmyfire
Yes I said it would be awkward to do that, if you used the thumb sticks. I however do not. The reason I use the Brake and Throttle at the same time is for standing starts with the false start checker on.

I do agree with your point though if you use the thumb sticks to use the L2 as a Brake as well.

And on an assuming note I don't even have a DS3. I have the old SIXAXIS controller <3
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The only difference between the DS3 and the SixAxis is vibration feature in the DS3 (or the SIXAXIS's lack thereof)
 
My set up:

- Left stick to steer (see below for method)

- R2/L2 for throttle and brake respectively. To me this is so much more realistic than having them mapped to one stick, can you imagine if it was one pedal in "real life" you had to lift in order to brake? They are two different functions entirely and sometimes need to be used in unison.

- Right stick for gear up/down I think will suit me best, when I stop relying on AT (I know, I know) though perhaps R1/L1 is less prone to accidental shifts. I miss the "semi-automatic" gearbox from the previous games :(

- I strongly recommend grips for the sticks, and clip-on triggers that go on the R2/L2 buttons. The most popular brand is Gioteck (sp?) but in the UK there is a lesser known brand called Orb and they make tougher ones. I also use a silicone skin that covers the whole controller, which makes it grippier and a little larger to hold, which I picked up for £1 at Poundland =)

Personally I don't find there is enough travel in the stick to truly "steer", in other words I don't hold the stick under my thumb all of the time and tilt it. I do some of the time but for minor adjustments or straightening out I flick the stick or kinda tap-tap-tap on the side. For this I recommend the grip "caps" for the sticks that have the little bumps on. If you manage to steer with your thumb on the stick 100% of the time, firstly I take my hat off to you, then I would recommend the grips with the concave recess in the top, to rest your thumb in.

For some of the Nascar events where you have to stay between those cones, there is a method where you can push the stick fully forward (12 o'clock) then kinda grind it around to the left and right a little to steer, but this only works when you need very small and very precise steering inputs, else it's too hard to go full-lock. Works wonders for those challenges though.

I also tend to "pump" the gas and brake occasionally to prevent wheelspin, oversteer, lockups etc. though I keep ABS at 1.

When all is said and done, the DS3 is a pretty nifty controller but just does not have the travel/"play" in the sticks or buttons to provide a fully realistic experience, and whilst you can still put in quick laps (check the seasonal boards, plenty of DS3 users like Doodlemonopoly do very well) it's generally achieved in a much less smooth way. Tyre deg as a result also comes more swiftly.
 
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Go Cold turkey: Get a well Balanced car, give it lots of power, Comfort Hard Tires, and goto a twisty track.. that will teach you how to control a car;)
 
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