The Thing V2.0

[davidboda46]

The Thing

So after a lot of trial and error, Gonzo Mechanics are extremely proud to present THE THING V2.0. I know it looks like a piece of crap from a bad Mad Max movie, but it works (sort of). More pictures after the description, including some rare behind the scene wip pics

20170814_005222 by David, on Flickr

Base
1 x Sidewinder FF Wheel (USB)
1 X Sidewinder Precision Wheel (USB)
1 x Logitech GP FF Wheel (USB)
1 x Logitech Gamepad (only the analogue sticks + their button function)
1 x large piece of metal square pipe ("borrowed" from a "under construction sign", cut into 3 pieces)
1 x bicycle steering bar
2 x bicycle brake levers
1 x throttle handle from a moped
1 x old vacuum cleaner pipe (foot pegs)
1 x cork from a wine bottle (the shifter knob, screwed on to a bolt)

Carved up and used
3 x Sidewinder Wheel Pedals (clutch, front brake, rear brake)
1 x Sidewinder Wheel Pedal base (rear brake)
1 x Sidewinder FF Wheel for steering + 6 functioning steering wheel buttons
1 x Sidewinder Precision wheel rod + spring mechanism + cut steering head for the gear shifter
1 x Logitech GP FF Racing wheel circuit board (controlling the clutch, shifter, rear brake, the pots are Sidewinder FF wheel ones, not the small plastic shite ones that Logitech uses)
X number of various old joysticks, wheels and gamepads

Misc
5 pots (all from the Sidewinder wheels)
Nuts and bolts
Screws
Plastic parts from several different steering wheels and joysticks (for throttle house, gearshift parts and more)
Electric wires (from old motherboards, phone cables and more)
PSU housing (for the gearshift cover and Logitech GP FF circuitboard mount)
Wooden plank (for steering wheel-mount base)
2 x screw clamps (for attaching it to the desk)
Lots of "sugar cubes" for the wires that were to thick for my solder tool (the solder gun was to strong and kept melting the plastic, while still not heating up the wire for a proper solder)
Computer power cable and female counterpart from a CPU (connects/disconnects the clutch to/from the rear brake and Logitech circuit board)
Electrical tape

Tools used
Very crappy shite + lots of manual violence 

Workplace
Kitchen table 

Total cost
(Excluding things I did have lying around for ages, I am a horder unfortunately, or things I found on the street/recycling house), about 20-30 Euros

Previous knowledge of soldering, electronics in general and metal work
None

Estimated life span of The Thing
Who the fuck knows

Recurring problems
Electrical glitches
Calibration hassles
Pots needing a firm whack
Nuts and bolts requiring retightening
Replacement of failed plastic parts

Feeling when riding with The Thing
8/10

Feeling when riding with wireless Xbox 360 controller
5/10 (used to be higher before I started using The Thing)

Lap times with The Thing compared to wireless Xbox 360 controller
About 80%

The best aspect
If the gear shifter knob breaks I just have to buy another bottle of wine

© Gonzo Mechanics 2017

20170814_005111 by David, on Flickr
20170814_005051 by David, on Flickr
20170814_005024 by David, on Flickr
20170814_005017 by David, on Flickr
20170728_132826 by David, on Flickr
20170723_202722 by David, on Flickr
20170723_200652 by David, on Flickr
20170723_200637 by David, on Flickr
20170723_200628 by David, on Flickr
20170722_004304 by David, on Flickr
20170608_150137 by David, on Flickr
20170608_150120 by David, on Flickr

[HornetMaX]

[poumpouny]

Wow  ! Respect man !

How's the Sidewinder FFB compared to a Logitech G Wheel ?

[teeds]

eheh, sweet man! 

[tchemi]

What the f  

Maybe some day I will recycle my old g27 and give a try at doing my own FFB controller for gpb. Interesting post mate !

[Joeski]

superb! Looks exactly how a home made invention should look....whens it going retail?? 

[davidboda46]

Wow  ! Respect man !

How's the Sidewinder FFB compared to a Logitech G Wheel ?

Can't us the FFB as GPB only gives output from the front wheel. Even on the lowest settings the FFB is to strong and you loose control of the bike because of unwanted steering wheel movement. I have the FFB activated on the wheel, but turned of in the game, that way it gives a bit of turning resistance without the shaking.

Cheers,

/David "Gonzo" Boda #46

[janaucarre]

Woooooooow

[poumpouny]

Yes i notice that also with the Normal Steering mode, but it's very different with the Direct Steering mode, but it's another story lol

[matty0l215]

Sweet baby jesus

This is brilliant

[MultiCOOLFRESH]

I can't stop laughing

[Warlock]

Hahaahh the perfect gif for it 


Respect David, a man has to do what it has to do,  with whatever he can, respect.