Converting a PC Driving Wheel from 270

[Knievel]

So as discussed in my recent thread I've got a PC wheel working for the 270

[dema]

What I'd like to know is if anyone can convert the PS2's Logitech Gran Turismo 4 900 degree wheel so it can be played on an xbox. I'm guessing it's not possible but it would be cool. Forza online with a 900 degree wheel would be sweet, and a great thing to build a driving cab around.

[Flinkly]

* Flinkly whispers 270 degree...

[PoDunkMoFo]

270 Wheels use potentiometers.  The potentiometer does not spin continuously in a circle.  Spinners (and 360 wheels) use optical sensors.  It would be easier to just build a spinner using one of the guides and a mouse.

[Knievel]

Thanks.

Just wanted to say I am going ahead with the conversion. I pulled my extra Sidewinder apart last night and with a little work I was able to get the wheel spinning freely...all the way around.

A hacked PS2 mouse will provide the input, just need to get it all mounted up.
I'll post some pictures when I get it done.

[jelwell]

I assume the hack with turn the 270 degree wheel into a 360 permanently, and not allow you to switch back and forth easily.

Has anyone seen/implemented a wheel that can be switched back and forth?

And what's this about a 900 degree wheel? Can they be used, well, on 360 degree games? Or are there any PC 360 degree wheels out there?
Joseph Elwell.

[Knievel]

Permanent. I'm going to connect both wheels to one set of pedals though, since they are the same kind.
It'll just be a matter of pulling the clamp and swapping the wheel...or leave them both mounted if I'm in a real driving mood.

I saw an idea someone had for a combo wheel not long ago, but it was just an idea...a complicated one.

Don't know what's up with the 900

[froggerman]

How have you been doing with this mod? Any pictures to share with us?

[Knievel]

Well I've been very busy this week. I did manage to get the encoder wheel mounted to the wheel shaft. I just have to get the mouse board mounted. I'll post the results this weekend.

[nickbuol]

What games are 360 degree (or greater) vs. 270 degree?  I have a Logitech Wingman Formula Force (the original one that was built better than the more recent ones) with pedals, but I am pretty sure it is a 270 degree wheel.  I use it maybe once a year on my PC, so the arcade may be a good new home for it.

[Knievel]

Well I finally got this mod done and it works great.

Basically I just cut the end off the driving wheel shaft and forced a piece of 1/2" wooden dowel into it. Then I drilled a small hole into it and glued the encoder wheel shaft in.

All that was left then was to mount the mouse PCB, making sure the encoder wheel passed through the sensors properly. I glued it to a block of wood and then glued the block to the wheel bracket.

Here's a couple of pics...

[froggerman]

Do the pedals still work with this modified wheel? Is there any problem caused by the elimination of the normal steering wheel input?

I would imagine that this modification would work with most 270 degree PC steering wheels. What do you think?

[ahofle]

Wow that's awesome, nice work.  Could the pedals be mapped to the mouse buttons?  Have you tried it with Super Sprint? 

[Knievel]

Pedals work great, no issues. I actually have both wheels mounted on my CP at the moment...connected to just one set of pedals.