Pictures of my steering wheel and pedal stand thingy !!

[schwantzz]

Firstly hello.
As you may have gathered I am not sure what to call my creation. I don't think it counts as a cockpit but is a bit more than a desk - kind of a cross breed. Perhaps I should call it a 'deskpit or a co......' Actually NO that is not a good idea!

I came across this forum whilst trawling the web looking for a solution to my problem, I didn't find any product that fitted the bill so decided to make my own.

I have a PS3 and 32" LCD tv for my gaming (poor old pc isn't up to racing games - solitaire is about it's gaming limit) I wanted a stable platform to clamp my shinny new Driving force pro onto which also incorporated a mount for the pedals. However I don't have much space so wanted to sit on my sofa.
I am fortunate to have a nice Mig welder and a bit of steel kicking about left over from a Kit car project - here is what I have so far. Please bear in mind it isn't quite finished yet.



The scissor action allows height adjustment and can be collapsed for easy storage.



Plenty of adjusment.



The pedal mount is adjustable forward and back. My mate is 8" taller than myself and this adjustment is very usefull. Angle however was pre set as it all started getting a bit too complicated !!
The pedals sit snuggly over two steel pegs which stop any movement. The pegs fit into existing holes on the pedal assy so no nasty drilling was required.



So what do you think?
Constructive critisism welcome. One area I would like to improve is the top, I was thinking of rounding the corners for a start.

[GPI Steve]

I like it matey, thinking of doing something simalar for my ps2 as ive got a pc/ps2 wheel spare. I like the adjustability of the pedal set up 

[xTHExSTIGx]

Top job mate, looks sweet.

bet you can't wait for Gran Turismo 5 now 

oh and welcome 

[nailz]

good work. function & performance, and easy storage!

top marks 

[Tysmyster]

Looks good so far. Welcome to TWIP! I'm glad you decided to put your 'cocktop' on display, oh right, we decided not to use that word... 

Anyway, it's a great solution and the best thing about it is that it's a non permanent cockpit. Like you said you can fold it up and store it. That's a big plus. I think there might be a lot of people that would be interested in this kind of compromise solution. Also it could be a good base for a more extensive maybe permanent cockpit. I'm very curious to hear how you like playing racing games, namely GT5, on the ps3 with that wheel you have. It's a great wheel as I understand it so that should be great fun. Wondering how good the handling with wheels is with GT5.

So thanks for putting it up! See you around here 

[schwantzz]

bet you can't wait for Gran Turismo 5 now 

Damn right I can't ! I bought my PS2 all those years ago specifically because of GT3, before that I was a PC gamer. I just couldn't afford to keep updating the PC every year so I could play the latest titles. I have been on PS2 now PS3 since.

[schwantzz]

Looks good so far. Welcome to TWIP! I'm glad you decided to put your 'cocktop' on display, oh right, we decided not to use that word... 

Anyway, it's a great solution and the best thing about it is that it's a non permanent cockpit. Like you said you can fold it up and store it. That's a big plus. I think there might be a lot of people that would be interested in this kind of compromise solution. Also it could be a good base for a more extensive maybe permanent cockpit. I'm very curious to hear how you like playing racing games, namely GT5, on the ps3 with that wheel you have. It's a great wheel as I understand it so that should be great fun. Wondering how good the handling with wheels is with GT5.

So thanks for putting it up! See you around here 

Thanks for the nice comments everyone -
With regards to the Logitech Driving force Pro on the PS3. First impressions were what an improvement in quality to the previous wheel I had bundled with the PS2 and GT3.
My excitement quickly turned to disappointment though, I had spent hours making a stand to mount it and when I finally tried it on Colin Mcrae Dirt the car was uncontrollable  I couldn't even drive in a straight line without spinning!
I was gutted but thought I should stick with it and did improve slightly. I then found a hidden 'fix' on the web which unlocked the 900deg movement by pressing a 3 button combo on the wheel. Having tweaked the setting to give around 540 deg movement I am loving it 
I can hold nice tight lines round sweeping curves and laptimes are far more consistent now.
The only race I still prefer the analouge controller with is the off road buggys which can snap sideways at any moment - the quick steering of a controller is easier to catch it before you spin.

[Tysmyster]

I'm looking at your topic with renewed interest now that I got a second wheel, and I want to make as compact a second racing setup as possible. Did you do any further work on it?

[skibbad]

looks like a very great weling Job

What games do you playin on PS³ ?
i actually got GT4(PS2); GT5P and NFS:prostreet
so we can play around online if u want.. ouh forgot motorstorm 

PSN_nick: skibbad_us skibbad_jap skibbad
for the ingame prefered language a own login..
i think u have the same problem :D

Backto  Topic..

I love your Rig..
and your Name too 

 

[Den]

 I just got Colin McRae3 for my PS2 and with the DFP found it took a bit of practice to even get around the corners. Still have to plan hairpins with no proper "handbrake" but what a blast!!

[schwantzz]

Hi all,

Sorry I haven't replied to the questions - my only excuse is GT prolouge!!!

I have made a couple of refinements. I've added a horizontal brace to the legs to stiffen things up. Some of the bolts have been replaced for quick thumbscrews. I have rounded some corners off the top and I have also made a new pedal bracket to tilt the pedals further.
Problem is it still looks like an ugly coffee table!! I haven't painted it as I am planning on making a Mk 2 version which should look a little better.

From a functional point of view though it has been great, rock solid and as mentioned above I am loving GT Prolouge on the PS3 at the moment. Racing Suzuka online in my Audi A8 is my favourite at the moment. The wheel took some getting used to but I won't go back now.

So I have the welder and some steel, I just need some ideas for my MK2. Has to fold and be used in front of the sofa but look more 'racey / sporty' and less picnic table!