Sneak peak of the worlds first "home use" full Porsche chassis simulator
- Thread starter Mayaman
- 94 comments
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- 1,166
- The Netherlands
- HoiHman
- HoiHman
Mayaman
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- 2,224
Got the Doors hung and scuff plates installed. 
I ditched the real roof as it was just too heavy at 30lbs and have gone with a nice composite roof at only 9 pounds
Tomorrow the floor goes in, just waiting for my Porsche racing track mats. Aluminum mats with the Porsche script.
I ditched the real roof as it was just too heavy at 30lbs and have gone with a nice composite roof at only 9 pounds
Tomorrow the floor goes in, just waiting for my Porsche racing track mats. Aluminum mats with the Porsche script.
- 532
- Canada
Cool screen, Very Poor per car wheel setup. 
Mayaman
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- 2,224
These are demo units nick. Literally put together for demo. He has dedicated dbox setups as well. The important part of this is that stunning screen setup. You can cater the rig any way you want. The screen assembly moves up and down for different size rigs.
Also because of his special black pearl screen you can use this in a fully lit room.
Also because of his special black pearl screen you can use this in a fully lit room.
Mayaman
Premium
- 2,224
Time for an update. The simulator is pretty much complete. I'm waiting for Tomas from SimPit to send my custom Icarus fittings as the shipper lost another box. So, for this simulator I'll be running a custom SimPit Icarus that is more than double the size of the stock Icarus. Screen has a height of 5' and width of 12' with an agressive curvature of 230 degrees of visual coverage. The projectors used are Optoma GT1080s. PC is an Alienware running an i7 5820k with GTX 980ti in SLi and 16Gb of RAM. I"m running the gauges with Symprojects Pro-Gauge, the seat with 5 point harness is a GS4 G seat. The shifter is a Fanatec SQ, the Handbrake is a Fanatec piece as well. My pedals are ARC Carbons, which I can't tell you how fantastic they are, just awesome.
The point of this two person chassis, was to have the most realistic and immersive simulator I could build. With the Icarus, I'll have complete visual FOV coverage. And before someone asks, because someone always asks lol, only the exterior veiw will be projected. I'm already in a cockpit so I don't need an interior projected.
My other simrig is a custom Human Racing Chassis using a VR3 seat mount and GS4 seat with 4x Dbox custom programmed by Dbox so I can run an SRP along with loose actuators. Thanks to Yannick for that one! This simrig has a curved projection screen. This has been my main rig since 2011 and is running triple pocket projectors. This simrig will also pull double duty as my Oculus/Valve VR/Project Morpheous VR racing rig.
The last set of pictures are of a small portion of my sort of Porsche shrine.
The model was custom built to my specs by Wilco Micheals, a famous model builder from Denmark. He hand delivered it to me in NY. Not cheap but worth every penny.
I'll have much more detailed pics once the Icarus is up and I'll have gopro head mounted videos when running both rigs, so stay tuned.
Anyway, let me know your thoughts. Oh yeah, I originally had a 964 real steal roof. It not only proved to not be ideal due to the A pillars not being compatibe, but also it just wasn't wide enough as the 996 roof is a little wider and the A pillars have a much more aggressive rake. So I built the roof from scratch myself using fiberglass. Its not perfect but get the job done.
Accuforce wheel, Stephen Spenceley is making me a custom Porsche GT3 RS wheel
The 7 inch LCD runs Z1 software so I can keep track of times, track map, telemetry, etc
Fully functioning speedo, 10k Tac, and gear shift indicator
When in the simulator you cannot tell you're not in a real car
5 point harness on the GS4 for the driver
ARC Carbons at the ready down low
The HR chassis
Excuse the mess, the room and the Porsche museum is still under construction
C
Can you see all the custom pieces?
Full 5.1 surround. I like to mix and match rig parts, so this rig has HR chassis with VR3 seat mount, GS4 seat and Obutto surround speaker mount
Here is the Wilco Michael's Martini Racing LeMans winning diorama. Can't tell you how much I love this piece.
The detail is nuts
My fav part of the diorama lol. Notice the bullet holes
The level of detail Wilco goes to is pretty astounding. All in 1:24 scale
Sooooooooo after more than two years of bad health, moving, having my home purchase in limbo and all my belongings in storage, I'm finally almost done. More to come soon.
The point of this two person chassis, was to have the most realistic and immersive simulator I could build. With the Icarus, I'll have complete visual FOV coverage. And before someone asks, because someone always asks lol, only the exterior veiw will be projected. I'm already in a cockpit so I don't need an interior projected.
My other simrig is a custom Human Racing Chassis using a VR3 seat mount and GS4 seat with 4x Dbox custom programmed by Dbox so I can run an SRP along with loose actuators. Thanks to Yannick for that one! This simrig has a curved projection screen. This has been my main rig since 2011 and is running triple pocket projectors. This simrig will also pull double duty as my Oculus/Valve VR/Project Morpheous VR racing rig.
The last set of pictures are of a small portion of my sort of Porsche shrine.
I'll have much more detailed pics once the Icarus is up and I'll have gopro head mounted videos when running both rigs, so stay tuned.
Anyway, let me know your thoughts. Oh yeah, I originally had a 964 real steal roof. It not only proved to not be ideal due to the A pillars not being compatibe, but also it just wasn't wide enough as the 996 roof is a little wider and the A pillars have a much more aggressive rake. So I built the roof from scratch myself using fiberglass. Its not perfect but get the job done.
Accuforce wheel, Stephen Spenceley is making me a custom Porsche GT3 RS wheel
The 7 inch LCD runs Z1 software so I can keep track of times, track map, telemetry, etc
Fully functioning speedo, 10k Tac, and gear shift indicator
When in the simulator you cannot tell you're not in a real car
5 point harness on the GS4 for the driver
ARC Carbons at the ready down low
The HR chassis
Excuse the mess, the room and the Porsche museum is still under construction
C
Can you see all the custom pieces?
Full 5.1 surround. I like to mix and match rig parts, so this rig has HR chassis with VR3 seat mount, GS4 seat and Obutto surround speaker mount
Here is the Wilco Michael's Martini Racing LeMans winning diorama. Can't tell you how much I love this piece.
The detail is nuts
My fav part of the diorama lol. Notice the bullet holes
The level of detail Wilco goes to is pretty astounding. All in 1:24 scale
Sooooooooo after more than two years of bad health, moving, having my home purchase in limbo and all my belongings in storage, I'm finally almost done. More to come soon.
- 239
Jaw dropping, Mayaman... 
Thinking about buying the Fanatec handbrake, is it any good? Some people complain about flex...?
Thinking about buying the Fanatec handbrake, is it any good? Some people complain about flex...?
- 1,166
- The Netherlands
- HoiHman
- HoiHman
Looking great Mayaman 
How about a video ?
Perhaps a tip if you want to use the Fanatec 918 Porsche rim on the Accu Force:
You can buy a USB conversion board at Leo Bodnar specially made for converting the Fanatec wheels to AF / OSW.
This will give you full funcionally of the Porsche 918 rim through the QR of the AccuForce, including rev lights ect ect.
http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=236
How about a video ?
Perhaps a tip if you want to use the Fanatec 918 Porsche rim on the Accu Force:
You can buy a USB conversion board at Leo Bodnar specially made for converting the Fanatec wheels to AF / OSW.
This will give you full funcionally of the Porsche 918 rim through the QR of the AccuForce, including rev lights ect ect.
http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=236
Mr Latte
Premium
- 5,011
- N Ireland
Super Happy for you to reach this point and be in a position to enjoy it all soon coming from the issues of recent past you described.
Do not know what to admire more, the determination or plain craziness of the whole thing both of which just make it even more brilliant. Then again it was always going to be just incredible.
You should have it featured in some Porsche related magazine, it with your story and passion would make a wonderful article.
Congratulations Mayaman
Look forward to the full completion.
Do not know what to admire more, the determination or plain craziness of the whole thing both of which just make it even more brilliant. Then again it was always going to be just incredible.
You should have it featured in some Porsche related magazine, it with your story and passion would make a wonderful article.
Congratulations Mayaman
Look forward to the full completion.
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Mayaman
Premium
- 2,224
Seth Franics stopped by today. Seth is a GT planet member who lives nearby. He is virgin to motion/tactile and VR. I wanted an unbiased opinion on all three. We spent a couple of hours doing laps on the HR chassis and I filmed it. I'll try and have the video up tonight and I'll link to it. Seth will give you his impressions. Hopefully the sound came out OK. Update soon.
- 156
- Branford Ct.
- scaudi7187
Hey guys, yes that is definitely an awesome setup, a bit overwhelming at times as you can see from my driving. It was so fun and immersive though, especially once the forces were turned down a bit and I was on VR. That was when I could actually start to drive well and use the forces to my advantage. I can't express enough how helpful it was to have my head movement translate into movement of my entire field of view, and being able to look up, over and around objects. The depth perception felt very natural coming into corners and I really felt like I was in the cockpit of the car. It was really something else and I cant wait to see what advances are made in the future with VR.
I think the only "issue" I had with the VR was the usual nausea, which I've heard will go away over time. I will definitely have to put in some more time so my equilibrium gets acclimated to the new experience. It did take a good amount of time for it to happen the first time. I had been using the Oculas for some time outside of game prior to the video so it wasn't until I had the headset on for at least 30 minutes before I started feeling effects. I was a little nauseous for the after convo, until I got some water, but it is not enough of a deterrent to keep me from trying it again that's for sure.
The D-box however was free from any negative effects. Once I got acclimated to the experience, and the forces weren't so strong, it was so immersive and down right fun. I'm looking at my static PVC rig that I built and designed myself thinking where I wen't wrong in life lol (JK). No but seriously its that awesome. For me the two most immersive and envy inducing effects are the bouncing (road bumps, small dips, small inclines etc) and the tactile vibration. The tactile was sctually amazing, as I expressed in the video. I feel it was so much more realistic an believable than a buttkicker or other similar vibration. Don't get me wrong, I love my buttkicker and it does a great job, but the d=box simply does a better job. At least in the way of engine, curb, and shift effects which is what I had a chance to experience. The previously mentioned effects actually helped me feel what the car was doing once I got comfortable with movement in general. The roll, and long rang movements are what helped simulate g-force, which I like and it is very nice to have but I don't think it is as important as the road bumps/powerful bouncing, and tactile effects. The exception to this is the traction loss effects, as I'm pretty sure it is the long range movement and roll type effects that (along with the bouncing from skipping tires) give that indication or pit of stomach feeling of traction loss right at the moment the rear end breaks free. The d-box really did a nice job of emulating this without actually producing yaw. Of course all of these effects come from the D-box so its not like you have to choose between roll effects or road bumps/tactile, you really get it all. Overall d-box was a great experience and was the one thing I left thinking I really need to find a way to get some day, it is that awesome!
I am a novice with this type of setup so I may not be using the proper words to express what I have experienced. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, I am happy to provide any info I can. I am going to be going back to mayamans to do more work on the screen and to do some more racing and testing of gear and I will certainly give more feedback as I become more well versed. I apologize for not being the most fluid talker in video, I am pretty novice in front of the camera and the whole experience was a lot to take in and comprehend all at once, especially never having played these particular sims. As long as it is ok with mayaman, next time I am going to take some time just getting the sim settings dialed in without any motion or effects, then bring the effects in once by one so the sim and hardware is setup to best suit me and my driving.
I would also like to say thank you to mayaman for offering me this experience, it was really something that I would not have been able to experience otherwise. Thanks man, I can't wait to come back to do some more racing and get your screen completed!
I think the only "issue" I had with the VR was the usual nausea, which I've heard will go away over time. I will definitely have to put in some more time so my equilibrium gets acclimated to the new experience. It did take a good amount of time for it to happen the first time. I had been using the Oculas for some time outside of game prior to the video so it wasn't until I had the headset on for at least 30 minutes before I started feeling effects. I was a little nauseous for the after convo, until I got some water, but it is not enough of a deterrent to keep me from trying it again that's for sure
.The D-box however was free from any negative effects. Once I got acclimated to the experience, and the forces weren't so strong, it was so immersive and down right fun. I'm looking at my static PVC rig that I built and designed myself thinking where I wen't wrong in life lol (JK). No but seriously its that awesome. For me the two most immersive and envy inducing effects are the bouncing (road bumps, small dips, small inclines etc) and the tactile vibration. The tactile was sctually amazing, as I expressed in the video. I feel it was so much more realistic an believable than a buttkicker or other similar vibration. Don't get me wrong, I love my buttkicker and it does a great job, but the d=box simply does a better job. At least in the way of engine, curb, and shift effects which is what I had a chance to experience. The previously mentioned effects actually helped me feel what the car was doing once I got comfortable with movement in general. The roll, and long rang movements are what helped simulate g-force, which I like and it is very nice to have but I don't think it is as important as the road bumps/powerful bouncing, and tactile effects. The exception to this is the traction loss effects, as I'm pretty sure it is the long range movement and roll type effects that (along with the bouncing from skipping tires) give that indication or pit of stomach feeling of traction loss right at the moment the rear end breaks free. The d-box really did a nice job of emulating this without actually producing yaw. Of course all of these effects come from the D-box so its not like you have to choose between roll effects or road bumps/tactile, you really get it all. Overall d-box was a great experience and was the one thing I left thinking I really need to find a way to get some day, it is that awesome!
I am a novice with this type of setup so I may not be using the proper words to express what I have experienced. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, I am happy to provide any info I can. I am going to be going back to mayamans to do more work on the screen and to do some more racing and testing of gear and I will certainly give more feedback as I become more well versed. I apologize for not being the most fluid talker in video, I am pretty novice in front of the camera and the whole experience was a lot to take in and comprehend all at once, especially never having played these particular sims. As long as it is ok with mayaman, next time I am going to take some time just getting the sim settings dialed in without any motion or effects, then bring the effects in once by one so the sim and hardware is setup to best suit me and my driving.
I would also like to say thank you to mayaman for offering me this experience, it was really something that I would not have been able to experience otherwise. Thanks man, I can't wait to come back to do some more racing and get your screen completed!
- 156
- Branford Ct.
- scaudi7187
Yes, that was me
. Trust me I fully understand my racing lines. As mayaman pointed out, we were having an issue with the hall sensor sticking causing the throttle to spike and get stuck wide open. Also, as this was my first time using any sort of motion, or AC. I literally sat down jumped in a car and track and drove without setting anything up. So it was a combination of things that caused my driving to be horrid. I assure you that I am fully capable of maintaining my lines and putting down solid lap times, but that wasn't the point or concern of this video. Next time I will take the time to set things up properly for the sim, wheel and car to give an accurate depiction of my driving skills. Not saying I'm anything special when it comes to simulation based racing, but certainly a thousand times better than what is shown in the video.
Thank you so much for your valuable contribution to this thread though, I don't know what I would have done had you not informed me of my inability to drive. Its a wonder I made it home last night!
Mr Latte
Premium
- 5,011
- N Ireland
Great to see and covers some really interesting points.
Should of been doing videos long ago sir.
I wouldn't let other peoples including my own doubts/difference from the past regards motion/tactile or the VR get to you too much Mayaman. You will never please everyone nor will everyone always agree. Thank you for sharing though and wish you well with the continuation of your build.
Request if I may for a future video, please show the d-box menus and screen options, surely the simpleness of it compared to other motion and tactile software is one of its major advantages? Do game profiles come complete or allow much variation by the user? What I liked the most was how quiet it was without sounding like a cage of "cheeping canaries" and how compact a d-box motion system can be.
Take care oh and well done Seth, you looked a bit green though
Should of been doing videos long ago sir.
I wouldn't let other peoples including my own doubts/difference from the past regards motion/tactile or the VR get to you too much Mayaman. You will never please everyone nor will everyone always agree. Thank you for sharing though and wish you well with the continuation of your build.
Request if I may for a future video, please show the d-box menus and screen options, surely the simpleness of it compared to other motion and tactile software is one of its major advantages? Do game profiles come complete or allow much variation by the user? What I liked the most was how quiet it was without sounding like a cage of "cheeping canaries" and how compact a d-box motion system can be.
Take care oh and well done Seth, you looked a bit green though
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Mayaman
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- 2,224
Yeah no worries about other opinions, I made the video for educational purposes. My next videos will be more detailed and polished hopefully. We'll revisit the triple projector setup, the VR aspect, the room itself, the challenges of setting this up and the GT3 rigs progress. Hopefully the large surround screen will start taking shape this weekend. Finally some traction after a long journey. Thanks.
Yeah VR will make you nauseous in certain games, racing more than others, because of the constantly changing directions. I never get nauseous playing FPS or Flight games.
Yeah VR will make you nauseous in certain games, racing more than others, because of the constantly changing directions. I never get nauseous playing FPS or Flight games.
Mr Latte
Premium
- 5,011
- N Ireland
Wish you well, just stay true to openness and your hobby not commercial interests dude and people will respect you all the more for it. Too many you-tubers etc are swayed and not saying you are at all but sure you understand.
I kinda wish though your room had 1x d-box system and 1x specialist build (other motion) and also using top end tactile for the complete comparison. I find it fascinating from a tech perspective and not necessarily, what is most realistic but most enjoyable, entertaining and fantastic for general immersion too.
Dean is used to what level of Buttkicker experience or configuration?
Do not take this the wrong way I still query why some cockpit manufacturers still incorporate a Buttkicker with d-box on their cockpits. One specific builder use only the mid range "BK Advance" solution. I doubt it is just to make an extra $30 profit so I question why are they mixing the experience with I presume game audio tactile?
Serious question can the d-box tactile directional immersion feel be improved in detail with no engine effect? Is the engine effect via all 4 or font or rear? We need to see and learn more and I raise this not as any dig but as a factor of true interest. Such questions I do not see tackled or answered nowhere at all. Curious why they do it, what's the benefit or purpose even their top tier models using the most powerful d-box motion available?
Appreciate if you take it into consideration to explore...
I kinda wish though your room had 1x d-box system and 1x specialist build (other motion) and also using top end tactile for the complete comparison. I find it fascinating from a tech perspective and not necessarily, what is most realistic but most enjoyable, entertaining and fantastic for general immersion too.
Dean is used to what level of Buttkicker experience or configuration?
Do not take this the wrong way I still query why some cockpit manufacturers still incorporate a Buttkicker with d-box on their cockpits. One specific builder use only the mid range "BK Advance" solution. I doubt it is just to make an extra $30 profit so I question why are they mixing the experience with I presume game audio tactile?
Serious question can the d-box tactile directional immersion feel be improved in detail with no engine effect? Is the engine effect via all 4 or font or rear? We need to see and learn more and I raise this not as any dig but as a factor of true interest. Such questions I do not see tackled or answered nowhere at all. Curious why they do it, what's the benefit or purpose even their top tier models using the most powerful d-box motion available?
Appreciate if you take it into consideration to explore...
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