Cab #2 for me... Which driving controls?

[chrisindfw]

Well it is time for me to create cab number two and apply the lessons learned in cab number 1. My plan at first was to have rotating control panels but after doing the geometry realized I suck at math and opted to just go for swapable panels.

One of my panels I plan to create is a dedicated driving panel. After looking around for a year or so I realized there are a number of different driving options. So I ask my fellow posters for help.

1) 360 or 270? Which is more popular and which will allow for the play of most games? (even toying with a 360 with a way to lock it to 270)

2) Shifters... High/Low? High low with a trigger? Actual gears?

3) Pedals? 1 or 2 pedals?

4) Is it better to go with the arcade wheels like seen on ultimarc or go with a Microsoft one? I had one before and it seemed to require alot of work to calibrate each game. Just curious.

Thanks for all the help everyone... Cab #1 wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for this board.

Chris
http://tall-chris.blogspot.com/  (new blog for arcade stuff for me)

[Jdurg]

I would actualy suggest three pedals.  This way if you want to have an automatic or manual transmission you'll be able to.  (Clutch, Gas and Brake).  Then again, I'm the type who always tries to go and plan for every possibility and that usually costs me more money. 

[NoOne=NBA=]

360 or 270?

If you're going to do swappable panels anyway, you could make one of each.
Whichever one you pick, you're going to see a bunch of games that you'd love to play, and can't.

Shifters... High/Low? High low with a trigger? Actual gears?

Again, if you're looking for a one-size-fits-all solution, you're not going to find it.
You might consider going completely modular, and being able to swap shifters/wheels at will.
A 4-speed gated shifter, like the ones used on Cruisin', etc... will allow you to play most of the games, but isn't perfect for all.

Pedals? 1 or 2 pedals?

This one depends on what games you intend to play, and what your playing style is.
I can get by with only an analog gas pedal for most arcade games.
For sim games I do use the brake pedal alot.

Is it better to go with the arcade wheels like seen on ultimarc or go with a Microsoft one? I had one before and it seemed to require alot of work to calibrate each game. Just curious.

For 360 games, an arcade wheel is really the only choice.
For 270 arcade games, a good quality wheel, like those that Happ's makes is great, but they are fully playable with a PC wheel as well.
For PC games, I would highly recommend the Logitech Driving Force Pro, or G25.
Logitech's Force Feedback makes the experience for me, and I wouldn't settle for anything less.

[divemaster127]

I'm using the G25 on my cab, pricey but the quality & feel is awesome
dm

[buick4u2nv]

i have a g25 as well... best wheel on the market..hands down..

[tommyinajar]

How is the Logitec Momo for a cab ?

 I know it's not a G25 but it is 1/5th the price. It got good reviews when it came out..

[divemaster127]

I had the momo, its ok, I figured I'm doing this one time & wil have forever.  So I  sold my momo & went with the G25, it makes the experiance that much better
dm

[NoOne=NBA=]

The Driving Force Pro is alot cheaper than the G25, and still supports the 900 degree steering.
It's not officially supported on PC, but the Logitech Gaming Software recognizes it, and works great.
The 900 degree steering really improves the "real driving" feel.
I usually keep mine set to 360 degrees in the software.
That keeps it from having the 270 stops, which make it feel less arcade-like.

[rberger3]

I just purchased the logitech momo force feedback wheel.  I got it for $40 of ebay with shipping.  I love the feel of the feedback and it's got 8 or 10 programmable buttons.  I was looking at the g25, mainly because of the separate shifter, but it was a little too pricey at the moment.  Flatout 2 is great with it along with mariokart.  I haven't setup and mame games yet so not sure how compatible it is just yet.