Formula AU Sim Racing Cockpit - Development worklog

[aXLe]

(Quite) Some time ago, I started designing a sim-racing cockpit that would use the Logitech G25/G27 driving controls.

My aim was to build something that was fairly ergonomically correct versus a real single seater race car such as Formula Ford or similar, and something that would give you that semi-enclosed feeling.

The original design and build worklog is here

The project has now reached a point where it is pretty much complete other than the originally planned fibreglass nose.

This new worklog therefore, allows me to effectively start from fresh as I document the development of the prototype.

The Original CAD design :



Current prototype build progress :



My plans for the current prototype are as follows :

1. Minor redesign of the front and rear sections to enable quick and easy removal of the front section for shipping/storage.

2. Reinforcement of pedal plate as the 3mm steel does flex with load

3. Development of the H-Shifter mount

4. Development of a nose support structure

5. Design and development of a free standing triple monitor mount.

6. Design of suitable wiring harness to tidy up all cables

[brayway]

Will be good to see this finally finished

but seriously, the design looks really good

[aXLe]

Ok. This prototype has now had several hours logged and its going pretty well.

I've started to think about the nose again, and decided that the fibreglass route is too complex (for me to make!).

A simple tubular nose will likely be used - more for form than function.

I drew this in CAD (which incorporates some of the other changes for chassis #2) :



And followed it up with a rather crude mock up using fencing wire, cable ties, and silver split loom tube from IKEA :



What do you think?

To me it looks way better than the naked cockpit :



some more photos with the mock up nose :





This prototype chassis will get one of these tubular noses when I find a tube bender with the right radius mandrels :-)

The tube will bolt on so its removable for storage, plus I'll likely have a small panel at the very tip of the nose for a racing number or other decals

Chassis #2 will feature a larger rear wing also (not yet drawn up).

You will note that I haven't done the nose support for the prototype as yet - or the shifter mount, or the cable management - all to come

[aXLe]

Originally Posted by brayway

Will be good to see this finally finished

but seriously, the design looks really good

Yeah - taken quite some time to get to where it is - LOL.

I tell you what though, it looks awesome in the flesh - way better than in the photos. I'm quite surprised how professional it looks to be honest!

[c.f4]

Axle, where in Brisbane are you located. Might have to swing by and take a look at this awesomeness! (If you let me and if the wifey lets me).

She thinks if I come along I will want something similar to you. And that requires countless man hours away from the missus

[aXLe]

In order to boost my dropbox space a little (which I use for my CAD work) I'm offering anyone interested a copy on my G25 Solidworks models (the pedals which I spent quite a bit of time measuring).

Sign up here and install Dropbox : http://db.tt/IJGIDxD

Once completed, PM me your email address and I'll invite you to the folder where you can download the models.

[SpeedyReadie]

This looks awesome mate. Well done!

As for driving position goes, I believe this isn't a position open wheelers take anymore, it's definitely more of a V8 Supercars position. See this video..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zMfiB8ck20

Open wheelers have their pedals sitting much much higher.

But none the less, still a very cool project. Hopefully all goes well

[dbens1]

Yeah formula one position is a lot more laid back. Nico Rosberg recently demonstrated it



more info here http://brakebanzeen.com/2012/04/26/v...ting-position/

[aXLe]

cool pic :-)

Yeah I wasnt going for the F1 position - more for a regular formula ford or vee type position with a low nose. To be honest I'd still like to build a supersport one day (LMP style) and this serves as a mockup for the seating position I'd have in that.

The pedals are slightly higher than the seat of your pants in this one though (25mm), and Chassis #2 will be slightly higher again, but not too high as the G25/G27 driving controls arent really suited to that laid back position (the housing is a bit bulky and blocks the forward view). Chassis #2 will have a couple of different positions available for the nose.

Its very comfy though - feels good and with the tubes along the side it does give you a feel of jumping into a racecar of sorts.

Originally Posted by dbens1

Yeah formula one position is a lot more laid back. Nico Rosberg recently demonstrated it

image

more info here http://brakebanzeen.com/2012/04/26/v...ting-position/

[dbens1]

Little off topic but if you want to see better what an F1 drivers position is like, why not cut an F1 car in half

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wn1EFLa2C8

[aXLe]

Originally Posted by dbens1

Little off topic but if you want to see better what an F1 drivers position is like, why not cut an F1 car in half

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wn1EFLa2C8

Love it :-)

[Rainey]

Are your ears burning aXLe? We're talking about you in the iRacing thread:
http://forums.overclockers.com.au/sh...1#post14432938

Nice build by the way!

[aXLe]

Finally got going on this again - Chassis #2 is taking shape. May not look it but there are actually quite a few changes

[aXLe]

I've abandoned my plan for a triple monitor mount - with this Kickstarter project I've seen the future of SimRacing



Just finalising the new steering adjustment mechanism for Chassis #2 and I'll get some quotes on laser cutting all the tubes

[Jtech]

Originally Posted by aXLe

I've abandoned my plan for a triple monitor mount - with this Kickstarter project I've seen the future of SimRacing

image

Just finalising the new steering adjustment mechanism for Chassis #2 and I'll get some quotes on laser cutting all the tubes

image

wow looking good bro