[Xlot]

This is related to the open source functional specs - I'm posting separately because I'd like to draw expertise from a wider base

In fact, one issue is which/how many controller interfaces one would have to provide in the base station/control unit

SCX Digital : not really, I think it's too much of a proprietary system

Carrera Pro-X : plunger type, nah

SSD : the controller feels nice, it remains to be seen how sturdy it is - I'd say definitely to be interfaced

Analog resistor controllers : for those who cannot bear the separation trauma from their beloved Parma (but how many ohm ?) - I fail to understand, but undoubtedly there are many

Apart from this - and getting to the point - I'm wondering if in the videogame world there is already some sort of trigger/push button device that could be adopted

Beppe

 

[astro]

someone else mentioned this before - but video game foot pedals (that come with the steering wheels) might be good. Maybe even use the wheel for lane changing - although a bit of an overkill!

 

[Difflock]

Or just use a PS2 dualshock pad with its twin analogue thumbpads.

 

[The Muffin Man]

Any form of analogue joystick could easily be adapted, the trigger could then be used as the lane change mechanism and even pulling back on the joystick to brake. Using something like the well established usb interface and plug would also enable non-system specific solutions.....

.....other than that....how about one of those dance mats ?!???!????

 

[pupkick]

DANCE DANCE!!!!

 

[SWoRd]

Hi Beppe
QUOTE (Xlot @ 29 Dec 2004, 16:32)Apart from this - and getting to the point - I'm wondering if in the videogame world there is already some sort of trigger/push button device that could be adoptedHow about gluing some wires to your scull ... that would really freak out your competitors.

Just kidding.

 

[astro]

i like it! left eyebrow raised for lane change, deep frown for braking, dropped jaw for full velocity?

 

[McLaren]

I have been thinking about brain powered cars for a while...

It would save all that finger ache and blisters for a start, but i'm not too sure about connecting an 18 volt, 3 amp power supply straight to my brain...

Andy

 

[Difflock]

You'd have to find it first!! OOOH LOL!!

Ahem...
Happy New Year McLaren!

 

[McLaren]

Why's everyone picking on ME today?!?!?!

 

[Xlot]

QUOTE (McLaren @ 5 Jan 2005, 00:48)I have been thinking about brain powered cars

....those straights will suddenly become soo long !!

(don't complain, you asked for it

)

Ciao

Beppe

 

[SinclairZX81]

I was thinking that adapting an idea from Shimano road bike gear changers might work.

For those who aren't cyclists, on modern road bikes the squeezing the brake levers (much like the action used to squeeze a slot car controller trigger) applies the brakes, but waggling the lever sideways changes gear.

The tricky part would be waggling without accidentaly accelerating, not a problem with the bike component since the squeeze is a brake (and you don't brake and change gear at the same time). Still, it would be interesting to try and design a trigger that made this possible.

 

[astro]

i wonder whether force-feedback (a vibrator thing in the controller) would be good. I was skeptical about it for the x-box until I tried it - somehow it does convey the feeling of driving over gravel then tarmac, crashing, being shot and lots of other stuff...

 

[SinclairZX81]

QUOTE (astro @ 6 Jan 2005, 02:01)i wonder whether force-feedback (a vibrator thing in the controller) would be good. I was skeptical about it for the x-box until I tried it - somehow it does convey the feeling of driving over gravel then tarmac, crashing, being shot and lots of other stuff...
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Totally. I mentioned this ages ago in one of the digital forums. Of course you'd really need 'smart' track for the full effect. So that off-road style track could feel differnt than smooth track.