Steering wheel worth it if you have no where for one?

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probull3t

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probull3t
I've wanted to buy a steering wheel for a long time, and Bestbuy has a really good deal for the Driving Force GT. Problem is that I dont' really have anywhere to clamp one down. My tv is in an armoir and the only way to clamp it onto that is if I push the tv back every time I wanna play. Thing is, I'd have to sit so far back in order to have room for the pedals, that I don't know how comfortable it would to use. Is it possible just to get like a thick board and clamp it to that and sit it on your lap? I've heard the wheel is heavy and has powerful feedback. So, I'm really not sure on what to do..
 
Many people build an entire driving rig; complete with race seat and all. I might suggest that, but you have to be handy--depending on how complex you want it to be. There is an entire section on it.

Otherwise, I'd say hit up the local garage sale for a table that your TV can rest on and have a ledge where you can clamp the wheel to.
 
Goatsie
Many people build an entire driving rig; complete with race seat and all. I might suggest that, but you have to be handy--depending on how complex you want it to be. There is an entire section on it.

Otherwise, I'd say hit up the local garage sale for a table that your TV can rest on and have a ledge where you can clamp the wheel to.
Click to expand...

Some people are just nuts when it comes to that sort of thing. Im yet to get a wheel cause you need to make a set up as described. It would be intense though legit racing like that in front of a 32 LCD. Money is an issue to get a set up like that, looks like dual shock 3 is doing it.
 
You can go to your local Wal-Mart, HH Greg or whatever and buy a simple laptop stand and mount the wheel to that. It isn't the best solution, but it's better than using a Dualshock 3.
 
peobryant
You can go to your local Wal-Mart, HH Greg or whatever and buy a simple laptop stand and mount the wheel to that. It isn't the best solution, but it's better than using a Dualshock 3.
Click to expand...

That might be a good idea. I don't really have room for a real racing rig.
 
I copied this guys wheel stand:
http://www.seasonedgamers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44896&hl=racing wheel&st=0
Another take on the design:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=6755

Build time was about 2 hours, it does fold up for easy storage, cost about tenner since I had sum MDF kicking about, the bolts cost most.
When not in use I fold it up and stick it in a cupboard, wheel and pedals stay attached.
I am thinking of getting a rennsport when ma fanatec wheel arrives and there's also the wheel stand pro.

http://www.fanatec.de/html/index.php?id=220
http://www.wheelstandpro.com/

There's favourable reviews of both on Gtplanet

Edit: presently using logitech momo red
 
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Placing any old board on your lap will not work since the wheel itself is pretty hefty and the forcefeed is pretty strong.

peobryant
You can go to your local Wal-Mart, HH Greg or whatever and buy a simple laptop stand and mount the wheel to that. It isn't the best solution, but it's better than using a Dualshock 3.
Click to expand...

This is probably the most practical advice you're going to get. Just make sure the rollers on the laptop stand has a lock feature or the ability to take the them off altogether. Your stand will move around a lot when you use your steering wheel unless the rollers at the bottom of the stand are removed/stopped.

And its absolutely worth getting a steering wheel. It's not a racing sim unless you have a steering wheel, period.
 
probull3t
I've wanted to buy a steering wheel for a long time, and Bestbuy has a really good deal for the Driving Force GT. Problem is that I dont' really have anywhere to clamp one down. My tv is in an armoir and the only way to clamp it onto that is if I push the tv back every time I wanna play. Thing is, I'd have to sit so far back in order to have room for the pedals, that I don't know how comfortable it would to use. Is it possible just to get like a thick board and clamp it to that and sit it on your lap? I've heard the wheel is heavy and has powerful feedback. So, I'm really not sure on what to do..
Click to expand...

That is the point of simulation. Buy a specific stand too driving force GT costs less than 100$ when sale :) The stand is also around that.
 
Daviekhan
I copied this guys wheel stand:
http://www.seasonedgamers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44896&hl=racing wheel&st=0
Another take on the design:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=6755

Build time was about 2 hours, it does fold up for easy storage, cost about tenner since I had sum MDF kicking about, the bolts cost most.
When not in use I fold it up and stick it in a cupboard, wheel and pedals stay attached.
I am thinking of getting a rennsport when ma fanatec wheel arrives and there's also the wheel stand pro.

http://www.fanatec.de/html/index.php?id=220
http://www.wheelstandpro.com/

There's favourable reviews of both on Gtplanet

Edit: presently using logitech momo red
Click to expand...

I copied the same design and use it with the DFGT and Microsoft wheel. Works great.
 
A wheel make the game. Enough said.
I used a small old TV tray type table for my wheel setup. It old and looks a bit "hack" but the seating position is perfect for my driving chair. PM me for a picture of the setup, I can email you'd one if you would like.
 
Only you can decide if it's worth it. To me it's not worth the time, effort and money of setting up a comfortable rig for it. I have fun with just the controller so that works for me.
 
I have a 4x3ft wooden table. Stays very sturdy even in rally races with force feed back on 10. Got it at a garage sale for 15 bucks. I had a card table before but I couldnt feel the road with that due to its instability. Only the most luxury cars have wooden interiors.:) I also Have a fully adjustable computer chair I got half off at office max for 150. I can drive for hours without getting tired. Well worth the money and adds to the sim factor. Have DFGT btw..
 
A stable platform to clamp the wheel on is as important as the wheel itself, IMO. You can buy a 3rd part wheel stand or some type of compact foldable table - a properly setup wheel adds immensely to the gaming experience. It's worth it even for the casual gamer.
 
i use the ironing board! As its height adjustable i can set it easily enough, i put the pedals where the legs cross over and surprisingly enough it is acually really comfy. NOt as much as a racing rig would be, but my wife really would not appreciate a car chair being left about.
I have to put my wheel and everything away after every game so a rig would not be practival as would take for ever to put away.
 
I bought my wheel, and worried about where to put it after. When its there, you'll think of something.

Here's what I made in an afternoon, after the postman had been.

DFGT3.jpg


DFGT2.jpg


DFGT1.jpg


It's made from a kitchen cupboard, 2 speaker stands and a bookshelf.
 
The wheel is worth the money IF you are willing and have the time to figure it out. Dont expect to pick it up and be the stig as you will inevitably crash. you should start with weak FFB and power steer on. then ramp them up as you get better.

BTW i made my own driving rig and admittably its rather rough :) it does however hold my wheel nice and sturdy. up till now though i sat a plank of wood across the arms of my couch. this worked really well for such a dumb idea :)

there is one thing i am dissapointed with about my driving rig and be sure to remember that race car seats are not built for comfiness and after a hard day of enduro racing you probably wont be able to get out of your rig. that is why i used the old couch & plank set up for the 24 Hrs of LM :) hope im helpful :)
 
I got a $30 folding card table at Wal-Mart. It works absolutely great for me. I do have to sit on a pillow on the couch but other than that it's very stable and a good driving experience. One day I'll build a proper DIY stand/seat but for now this works for me.
 
We have absolutely no room, but seeing as we registered for the PS3 for our wedding-- just to get GT5 (almost 2 years later... exactly), we used wedding money to buy... I think it's the G25, as, well, you *have* to have a wheel! :P

Anyway, I bought a fold down tray table and attached everything. Is a bit of a pain to pull out when we want to play, but at least we can use it until we someday have room (and $) to buy a "real" chair! It also folds up nicely to tuck away into an open space. (we have the additional issue of having a pet rabbit... so no cords can *ever* be exposed... we already had an electrician friend reattach the cord to the foot pedals during a stupid lapse...)
 

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