Steering Wheel Sugestions

[RetroBorg]

I've just got me a driving cab shell and I want to set it up with a computer to play Mame games like Pole Position, Turbo, Monaco GP etc. plus also run Daytona on Nebula plus any PC type racing game.

I've already lined up some pot pedals which I'm going to hook up with an A-Pac.

I just need suggestions from the experienced members here on a steering wheel setup.

Do I go for a 360 degree optical type wheel or a pot based wheel?

What are the pros and cons of each type?

Thanks in advance.

Retro

[u_rebelscum]

... play Mame games like Pole Position, Turbo, Monaco GP etc. plus also run Daytona on Nebula plus any PC type racing game....

360 pros:
works great with 360 games in mame (Pole Position, Turbo)
works okay to good with 270 games in mame (super Monaco GP)
there are more "classic" (pre 1985) 360 games than 270 games

270 pros:
works great with 270 games in mame
works great with PC racing games
there are more 270 games in mame


360 cons:
doesn't work with most (any?) PC racing games
doesn't return to center like 270 wheel; some 270 games need this IMO

270 cons:
works poorly in 360 games in mame (~equal to a digital joystick)


Personally, I like more 360 games than 270, but like you, I like some of both.

Also, I don't see Monaco GP in mame; Super Monaco GP, yes, but maybe I'm just looking in the wrong place?

[johnperkins21]

Not the answer you're looking for, but if you're really undecided, don't make a decision. Get both and make swap-able panels.

[hng]

Not the answer you're looking for, but if you're really undecided, don't make a decision. Get both and make swap-able panels.

how about figuring out a way to make a  switchable 360/270 like a top switchable 4way/8way joy?

from the end of the 360 shaft, you could make an extension with a slip fitting so you could engage a 270 section. It would contain some type of stops, and the electronics. Basically all you'd have to do is center the wheel, and pull a lever... kinda like engaging a PTO.

[NoOne=NBA=]

You really do need both.

If you plan to play alot of PC racing games, I would highly recommend that you pick up either a Logitech Driving Force Pro, or a Logitech G25 (if you have alot of money to spend).
Both those wheels are really top-notch.
The Driving Force Pro isn't officially supported by Logitech for PC use though.
Arcade wheels just don't feel as nice as either of those wheels, especially in newer PC games that support Logitech force feedback well.

[RetroBorg]

Thanks for all the replies guys, they gives me something to think about.

Not the answer you're looking for, but if you're really undecided, don't make a decision. Get both and make swap-able panels.

how about figuring out a way to make a  switchable 360/270 like a top switchable 4way/8way joy?

from the end of the 360 shaft, you could make an extension with a slip fitting so you could engage a 270 section. It would contain some type of stops, and the electronics. Basically all you'd have to do is center the wheel, and pull a lever... kinda like engaging a PTO.

This sounds like the best cheap option.

Has anybody ever made one of these?

[NoOne=NBA=]

Has anybody ever made one of these?

Swappable panels were easier, so I went that route.

[hng]

how about figuring out a way to make a  switchable 360/270 like a top switchable 4way/8way joy?

from the end of the 360 shaft, you could make an extension with a slip fitting so you could engage a 270 section. It would contain some type of stops, and the electronics. Basically all you'd have to do is center the wheel, and pull a lever... kinda like engaging a PTO.

This sounds like the best cheap option.

Has anybody ever made one of these?

I just came up with that idea while reading the thread... (although I can't guarantee that no body else has done it)

I've got a Pole Position panel in the basement... next week at work I'll see if I can rig something up. Now that I've thought of it, I have to make it. Stupid OCD.

I'm wondering... mechanical coupling would be the cheapest (I could fab it out of scrap metal), but to get it to work all nicey-nice might be a challenge. If I could find an electric clutch... it would be real simple... press a button to engage the clutch, and BAM... a 360 is now a 270.

[RetroBorg]

how about figuring out a way to make a  switchable 360/270 like a top switchable 4way/8way joy?

from the end of the 360 shaft, you could make an extension with a slip fitting so you could engage a 270 section. It would contain some type of stops, and the electronics. Basically all you'd have to do is center the wheel, and pull a lever... kinda like engaging a PTO.

This sounds like the best cheap option.

Has anybody ever made one of these?

I just came up with that idea while reading the thread... (although I can't guarantee that no body else has done it)

I've got a Pole Position panel in the basement... next week at work I'll see if I can rig something up. Now that I've thought of it, I have to make it. Stupid OCD.

I'm wondering... mechanical coupling would be the cheapest (I could fab it out of scrap metal), but to get it to work all nicey-nice might be a challenge. If I could find an electric clutch... it would be real simple... press a button to engage the clutch, and BAM... a 360 is now a 270.

Sounds like a good project, I look forward to seeing your results.