Randy - 8 inch steering wheel on TT2 ?

[TPB]

Hi Randy,

Are there any plans to release an 8 inch steering wheel accessory, with future incarnations of the TT2 ?

I presume that'd require a new model in the TurboTwist range, incorporating a larger base assembly, to ensure it was structurally capable of accommodating the larger wheel.

Perhaps a TT2 Maxi, or TT3 ?

The advantage of an 8 inch wheel, is it would have the same size & feel as the arcade-authentic 360 Happs wheel (which is also sold by Ultimarc at a lower price).

The Happs wheel is 8.15 inches, from edge to edge.

That extra inch makes all the difference.

It'd be great to have a similar sized wheel available for a derivative of the TT2.   


Links to the Happs wheel :

http://www.happcontrols.com/driving/50283700.htm

http://www.happcontrols.com/driving/50283700e.htm

http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=9

http://www.ultimarc.com/controls.html#cabparts

[TPB]

EZMount Arcade Spinner :

http://batman.servebeer.com/spinner/index.htm


The above spinner has a 7.5 inch steering wheel accessory, which surpasses the largest wheel currently available on the TT2 (being 7 inch).

Although the TT2 is undeniably a better all-round spinner, in terms of reputation, build quality (eg, steel components instead of plastic), and vastly superior resolution (1,200 vs. 50).

It does demonstrate though, that larger steering wheels can be mounted upon a spinner base.

Albeit the above spinner probably achieves this feat, through the cheaper and lighter all-plastic construction of its steering wheel ... an engineering change we would not want to see introduced to the TT2.


The ideal size would be 8 inch, to match the size of the arcade-authentic 360 Happs wheel.     

[RandyT]

It should be mentioned that just because you see someone else doing something, that doesn't automatically mean that it's a good idea

I actually have an 8-inch version of the Mini Racer wheels here that was evaluated for use with the TT2.  Yes, one could use it, but that extra inch of diameter allows for a lot more leverage to be placed on the spinner.

Ultimately, what made me decide against it was a matter of the higher cost to keep inventory and greater possibility of damage to the spinner (or panel) if abused.  That being said, if someone were to request the larger wheel, they could be accommodated for the difference in cost.

RandyT

[Fozzy The Bear]

Hi Randy,

Are there any plans to release an 8 inch steering wheel accessory, with future incarnations of the TT2 ?

It'd be easy enough to build your own using a real steering wheel a couple of bearings and a metal shaft. Then attach the tt2 to the back end of the shaft using a piece of rubber pipe to take up any shock loading and difference in alignment.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[TPB]

Randy,

Thanks for your prompt response.

It should be mentioned that just because you see someone else doing something, that doesn't automatically mean that it's a good idea

True.

But if anyone was capable of properly engineering a spinner, to withstand the inherent forces of an 8 inch wheel, you'd be the man in whom we'd trust to do it.     

I actually have an 8-inch version of the Mini Racer wheels here that was evaluated for use with the TT2.

Interesting ... I never realised you had an 8 inch wheel floating around.

Is it still in New condition, or is it a test unit that's had a bit of "wear & tear" ?

Do you have just the one solitary unit on hand, or do you have a couple (or more) of them ?

... if someone were to request the larger wheel, they could be accommodated for the difference in cost.

Which is ?
 

[TPB]

It'd be easy enough to build your own using a real steering wheel ...

I guess if I scoured through the wrecking yards, I could pick up as large a steering wheel as I like, and then hack this to the circuitry of the TT2.

Hell, if I wanted to go the whole hog, I could even score the steering wheel from an old 18 wheeler ... if only I had a CP as large as the dashboard on a Mack Truck.  Hey, we can always dream.   


I'd rather something that's plug and play, and ready to go.

I'm not confident in my experimentation capabilities, or in jigging up my own customised circuitry.

Randy's 8 inch wheel for the TT2 sounds promising.   

[RandyT]

... if someone were to request the larger wheel, they could be accommodated for the difference in cost.

Which is ?
 

The 8" would be an additional $7 over the 7" version.  There are even a couple of larger ones available, but the costs skyrocket as the size increases.

I have only one on the shelf, and it is like new.  These could be supplied by request and would need to be a "special order" item.

RandyT