Using steering wheel in loungeroom

[BigandY]

Hi chaps, hi how are you?

Lately I've been really enjoying GT5P and Ferrari Challenge, and am really looking forward to GT5 and Supercar Challenge coming out. I've got a G25 (lucky me) that until now I've only used with my PC - I really think it's time to use it with the PS3, in the loungeroom.

I'd really love one of those wooden framed DIY jobs, or one of those tubular steel cockpits you see around. But frankly, I don't want something like that lying around when I'm not using it.

So, I'm looking to you guys for suggestions on how I can use my G25 in the loungeroom. Clamping it to the coffee table is out, because my legs wouldn't fit underneath it. What sort of setup can you guys suggest? Is there a sort of "half frame" that you can use in conjunction with a couch?

Any thoughts would be welcomed, thanks in advance.

[mshagg]

One of the better ideas ive seen is a basic mitre/saw bench that you clamp the wheel and shifter to, so you're able to sit on your couch and chuck your legs underneath the thing.

[bl4ck32]

http://www.wheelstandpro.com/order.html

?

[SaMbO]

have a look at the racebase, its fairly compact (by the look of it)when 'packed up' and i think it should fit in a cupboard (on its end)

[BigandY]

Originally Posted by mshagg

One of the better ideas ive seen is a basic mitre/saw bench that you clamp the wheel and shifter to, so you're able to sit on your couch and chuck your legs underneath the thing.

great homebrew idea

Originally Posted by bl4ck32

http://www.wheelstandpro.com/order.html

?

that is exactly 100% what I want. But $300? wow. I don't think I can warrant spending $300 on something like that.

Originally Posted by SaMbO

have a look at the racebase, its fairly compact (by the look of it)when 'packed up' and i think it should fit in a cupboard (on its end)

That's a cockpit, right? yeah, looks good.


You know, I'm seriously considering saying "FUCK IT" and getting a cockpit. Maybe one of those DIY jobs that was mentioned somewhere here (I think in the GT5 thread). Free plans, $50 worth of wood... and better than anything using the couch could offer. Hmmmmmm.

[FFC]

retrofit it into your car along with your tv andy


you can thank me for the best idea ever later...slightly before you regret going through with said idea

[Andres]

With the G25 you really need something pretty sturdy - I don't reckon that linked stand would do the job.

What kind of coffee table do you have? I'm thinking of making a stand that clamps to the edge of the coffee table (almost in the same manner the G25 claps to a table). That way its not toooo big, but still uses the bulk of the coffee table to add stability. Can make it so it pushes the wheel away from the coffee table so the pedals basiclly sit infront of the table.

If I get around to making it up this weekend I'll post up some pics for sure. At the moment I have a card table taking pride of position in the lounge room. The GF isn't really loving it

[BigandY]

Originally Posted by FFC

retrofit it into your car along with your tv andy


you can thank me for the best idea ever later...slightly before you regret going through with said idea

thanks dave you genius

or i could retrofit my car into the loungeroom!

Originally Posted by Andres

What kind of coffee table do you have? I'm thinking of making a stand that clamps to the edge of the coffee table (almost in the same manner the G25 claps to a table). That way its not toooo big, but still uses the bulk of the coffee table to add stability. Can make it so it pushes the wheel away from the coffee table so the pedals basiclly sit infront of the table.


If I get around to making it up this weekend I'll post up some pics for sure. At the moment I have a card table taking pride of position in the lounge room. The GF isn't really loving it

sounds interesting. a bit hard to imagine but I'm really interested to see pics of it if you do make one since utilising the coffee table would probably be ideal.

The coffee table is a bit hard to explain. it's a normal rectangular, and probably knee height coffee table. except instead of just empty space underneath, there's two drawers.

from side on it looks kinda like this:

|===========|
|ffffffffffffffffffff|
|dddddddddddd|
|ffffffffffffffffffff|

| leg
= tabletop
f empty space
d drawers

the empty space between the top and the drawers is probably around 15cm, likewise the space between the drawers and the carpet. hence not really being able to put my legs underneath it. But I reckon I could clamp the wheel (or something else) to the top pretty easily!

[Andres]

Originally Posted by BigandY

the empty space between the top and the drawers is probably around 15cm, likewise the space between the drawers and the carpet. hence not really being able to put my legs underneath it. But I reckon I could clamp the wheel (or something else) to the top pretty easily!

Yeah, I have a simlar table with a magazine rack thingy underneath it. I'm hoping I could make a 'structure' that hangs the wheel far enough away from the table that the pedals will not have to be 'under' the actual table.

It would probably be a more upright position than most cockpits, but finding room in our place for a dedicated cockpit isn't an option.

[methodman213]

i likey very much much: http://www.elitepros.com/eds1.html


looks very stable from the video, i.e. the streering wont fall off when your turning or wont move.

Oh and they are in Melbourne - buy australian!!!

[bl4ck32]

Originally Posted by BigandY

that is exactly 100% what I want. But $300? wow. I don't think I can warrant spending $300 on something like that.

I wouldnt pay $300 either, but it look easy enough to knock one up for a lot cheaper.

Originally Posted by Andres

With the G25 you really need something pretty sturdy - I don't reckon that linked stand would do the job.

looks sturdy to me

[MillenniumPanda]

Originally Posted by methodman213

i likey very much much: http://www.elitepros.com/eds1.html


looks very stable from the video, i.e. the streering wont fall off when your turning or wont move.

Oh and they are in Melbourne - buy australian!!!

Anyone here have one of these?

[Alby1976]

Yeah, I have the EDS1 with my G25, awesome setup, but pricey.
I was going to make up a cockpit, but came across the EDS1 and bit the bullet.
Also got the bracket upgrade, which a thicker main bracket that goes under your feet to stiffen up the whole frame, next upgrade that I will get is a bracket that tilts the pedal setup, although it is comfortable to use as is, tilting the pedals a few degrees will make it a bit better.
Seat is very comfortable, and adjustable both in backrest tilt, and forward/back for different hight people.
The only thing now is to make up a base for the whole thing, approx 300mm high, to raise the assembly to make it easier to get in and out of, it is fine for me and my mates, but it is currently too low for my old man and the missus old man, although they would love to give it a go.

All in all, a great setup that you wont regret buying, and aussie made too, as Panda said. (And the shifter is on the left!!!)

[evilgnome]

I used to use an ironing board back when I had a Logitech Driving Force Pro & GT4.

Its height adjustable and chances are you already have one.

Looks ghetto but it works and it costs zilch.

[Davo1111]

my mate uses a small coffee table from ikea to mount his wheel to. However, you can't sit on the couch, have to be seated on a proper chair.

Ironing board seems a good idea tbh