(Updated as of 2019/01/07)
Over time I refine a driving simulator.
Here I report the hardware/software choices I made, and a few comments if you are interested in tackling a similar project.
Wheel
T500RS by ThrustMaster
A matter of taste and budget.
I have no manual gearbox; I prefer sequential since I am more oriented toward track racing than rally.
Seat
Again a matter of taste.
Before that one I had an RSeat RS1, but unfortunately it was incompatible with the DOF platform I bought later.
Wind
Fan Controller by Sim Projects and two SANYO high speed fans ( 16.000 RPM , 12V, 3A ).
The Sim Dash software connects to telemetry data from several titles (Project Cars 2, Assetto Corsa, iRacing etc.) to regulate wind based on speed.
It is very enjoyable: it greatly increases the perception of speed, and it is very pleasant in summer because it keeps the headset from fogging up when it is hot.
Shake
Elite SRS ShakeCombo by Sim Racing Studio
This also connects to telemetry data; the kit is seen by the OS as a sound card to which the driver sends bass for vibrations.
Three areas: seat, pedals, backrest.
Nice; obviously it is for physically feeling when you hit a curb or enter a dirt section.
Motion Platform
P3 by DOF Reality
Platforms are classified by how many axes they handle (from 1 to 6).
The first three axes are rotation on the X, Y, Z axes. The other 3 are translation on the axes.
I chose the P3 model (3 DOF) from DOF Reality for its contained cost (not having a way to try several), and because it leaves me the option to upgrade later to the P6 model (6 DOF).
VR Headset / HMD
Pimax 5K+
Dual Customized CLPL panels with 5Kplus 2*2560*1440
200° Diagonal FOV, physical IPD adjustment
The headset has no audio; I use Sennheiser wireless headphones.
The choice is between using 2D monitors or a VR headset.
With monitors you usually use 3 (plus others for stats and telemetry), but I prefer VR for realism. That is why I opted for the Pimax, which has a huge FOV (Field Of View) greatly reducing the “mask effect” of other headsets (Oculus, Vive etc.), as well as a notable resolution against the screen-door effect.
If you opt for 3 monitors, keep in mind that they should move together with the DOF platform.
Probably for hour-long professional sessions, 2D monitors are less tiring on the eyes.
Keep in mind that few racing titles support VR.
Video card
Asus ROG STRIX RTX 2080 Ti Advanced Edition 11 GB GDDR6 (Amazon.it)
A lesser graphics card can also be acceptable, as long as you give up graphical quality while keeping 90 fps if you use a VR headset. Frame rate is fundamental to avoid motion sickness, especially for novice guests/friends. For this reason I tend to avoid any interpolation (reprojection), trying to keep the headset rate at the expense of graphics.
If you opt for 2D monitors, a lesser card is sufficient.
PC
Any mid-high PC (an i7 at minimum), suitable for the graphics card.
Software
Windows 10.
Sim Racing Studio, SimDash for the hardware
fpsVR , PiTool, SteamVR for VR.
As for simulators that support VR, there are few; currently I use
- Project Cars 2 – Entertainment, for example driving a Lamborghini on the Côte d’Azur, or rallying on snow. The favorite for guests and novices. Overall a configuration that favors graphics and fun over precision. For example, no real damage.
- Assetto Corsa – Simulation, generally Michael Schumacher’s F2004 at Monza. Configured for the most realistic experience possible.
- iRacing I have it configured, but I prefer Assetto Corsa in its target.