A direct-drive simulator steering wheel (sometimes abbreviated "DD") is a simulator steering wheel with a direct-drive mechanism between the drive and output, i.e. without gearing (as opposed to simulator steering wheels with reduction gearing via gears or belts [1] [2] [3] [4] ), and is used similarly as with other simulator steering wheels for providing torque feedback (often called ""force" feedback") so that the driver, through movement in the steering wheel, gets an interface for sensing what is happening to the car in the simulator. It is an example of human–computer interaction in driving simulators, racing simulators, and racing video games, and is an example of haptic technology
Direct-drive steering wheels typically differ from geared or belted sim racing wheels by being stronger (having more torque), and being able to more accurately reproduce details from the simulator. They are typically constructed using a 3-phase brushless AC servomotor (on more expensive models), or sometimes a hybrid stepper-servomotor, or only a stepper motor [5] (on very affordable models).
Direct-drive mechanisms for use in industrial arms began to be possible in the 1980s, with the use of rare-earth magnets, [3] of which today the most commonly used are neodymium magnets. [6]
Before the 1980s, servo motors were not powerful enough (did not have enough torque) to be used directly, and therefore reduction gears or mechanical belts were added to the motor to leverage and multiply its power. [3] Higher-power motors were not feasible due to the expensive rare-earth materials needed to build them. This problem was surpassed in the 1980s, with the development of less-expensive high-power magnets. [3]
In 2013, direct-drive sim steering wheels were introduced in large scale to the consumer mass market as a more advanced alternative to gear- and belt-driven steering wheels. The first commercially broadly available direct-drive wheel base was released in 2013 by the UK-based Leo Bodnar Electronics, after having been retailing to racing teams and professional centers since 2008. [7] It was followed in 2015 by the US-based SimXperience AccuForce V1, and by the first do-it-yourself open-source hardware OpenSimwheel or "OSW" kits for users with good technical knowledge.
In 2015, a preliminary comparison of gear-driven and direct-drive wheels in the 0–30 Hz frequency range, for a study on hard real-time multibody simulation and high-fidelity steering wheel force feedback, concluded that direct-drive wheels are preferable. [8]
Simucube was one of the manufacturers who previously provided Open Sim Wheel kits, and is a brand name owned by the Finnish manufacturer Granite Devices, which also supplies driver electronics for controlling servomotors and stepper motors, both for sim racing and industrial use. Granite Devices started as a hobby project by the Finn Kontkanen Tero when he was building a CNC milling machine, and realised that there was many alternating current servomotors of high quality on the market, but that driver electronics for controlling such motors was expensive or hard to come by. He investigated the operation of AC servos, and realized that it was possible to make usable control electronics with a handful of the latest electronic components and some real-time algorithms. The development of the controller then took around a year. The electronics are based on an IONI motherboard and STM32F4, and a proprietary firmware called MMos. An open source version of this software has been planned for release, but has not yet been released as of 2022. [9]
Issues, quality, and performance indicators of direct-drive wheels, and of sim racing wheels in general, include detail and fidelity of force feedback, smooth torque transmission, nearly-zero backlash, rotary encoder resolution, clipping, dynamic range, torque ripple, [2] cogging torque, [10] drivers and digital signal processing with control electronics, [2] [11] signal filtering, [8] backdrive friction, [10] [12] low inertia, [12] damping, [12] fast response, precise positioning, electromagnetic interference, [13] and latency.
The Leo Bodnar, OSW kits, Sim-pli.city and VRS systems are based on industrial servo motors (typically MiGE, Lenze, or Kollmorgen motors), while SimXperience's AccuForce, Frex, Simucube (which initially used a MiGE motor), Fanatec, and Simagic use custom-made motors. The types of motors used vary between high-end 3-phase brushless servomotors [14] and lower budget hybrid stepper-servo motors. [1]
Other than the motor, other parts of a complete direct-drive wheelbase include a rotary encoder (the position sensor), a controller board (that translate the FFB data from the game into steering wheel forces), and a motor driver board (servo drive), which fits into a slot of the controller board, and that controls the position, velocity and torque output of the motor. [15] Examples of encoders are the Biss-C and the SinCos encoders, an example of a controller board is the Simucube board, and some examples of motor driver boards are the IONI and the Argon ones.
The torque says something about how "powerful" the engine is, and can be specified in two ways:
The latter always gives a higher number in newton-meters, and is therefore the number that usually is communicated the most by manufacturers to consumers, but is actually a less useful specification since the steering wheel in theory does not perform any work when rotation has stopped. One must therefore be aware of the type of torque specification given when comparing two motors. The relationship between the continuous torque and stall torque can vary between motors, and can say something about the motor characteristics (responsiveness versus strength).[ citation needed ]
For comparison, usually around 7-10 Nm is experienced in a street car, and on steering wheels with very high torque (e.g. 20 Nm) it may therefore be appropriate to adjust the torque down in the software. However, the stronger motors will often have a faster slew rate (the time an amplifier takes to respond to a signal) which gives better steering response and more realism.
Similar to many real-world racing cars, sim-racing steering wheels usually come with a bolt circle of 6×70 mm, which means the wheel is mounted to the base via 6 evenly spaced out screws along a 70 mm circle on the steering wheel. Other bolt circles are sometimes used.
Some steering wheels attach to the base via quick release, as is commonly seen on many real-world racing cars, and these come in many varieties: Proprietary quick releases (e.g. Fanatec QR1 or Simucube SQR, the latter which has a wedge-shaped dovetail), or standardized quick releases such as the D1 spec (used by many manufacturers, including SimXperience, Simagic, Moza, IMMSource). D1 spec couplers are built to the same pattern as the NRG quick coupler approved for use in real-world racing cars per SFI Spec 42.1. [16] Formerly, another common aftermarket quick release has been the Q1R type (not to be confused with the Fanatec QR1). Some quick releases have (often proprietary) integrated contact pins for transferring power and data to buttons and displays on the wheel, but these usually do not work across manufacturers. Others instead use wireless transmission via Bluetooth and inductive (magnetic) power transfer via the quick release. If using a steering wheel and base from two different manufacturers, it is usually possible to connect the steering wheel electronics to the base via a separate USB cable, for example connecting between USB-C, Micro, Mini, or Type B interfaces on the base and wheel.
On bases with a high torque, the most robust mounting is usually achieved using an industry-standard front-mounted flange mount, and this is often preferred among sim racers, as such base mounts usually are less inclined to bend during heavy steering movements. This typically gives a shorter lever and therefore more sturdy mounting due to less torque on the mounting interface. A de facto industry standard among sim wheels, which again stems from a widely used mechanical industry standard, is a front mount with a bolt circle measuring 4×130 mm diameter and metric M8 screws, which means that four screws are evenly placed along a circle measuring 130 mm in diameter. This roughly corresponds to a square of 91.9 mm × 91.9 mm, which is often quoted as a square pattern with 92 mm long sides.
There are also a number of other proprietary patterns for mounting the base to a sim racing cockpit or table. Some of these instead have mounting on the sides or underside of the base.
Sorted chronologically by time of introduction:
Model | Introduced | Wheel bolt circle | Wheel quick release | Front base mount | Other base mounts | Peak torque (stall torque) | Holding torque | Slew rate | Resolution | Motor | Other notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LeoBodnar Sim Steering | 2013 [7] [17] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×140 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 99 mm × 99 mm) | No | 16 Nm [18] | 8 Nm | 40k cpr / 10k ppr EJ encoder [18] [19] [20] | Kollmorgen AKM52G-ANCNEJ00, [21] brushless servomotor, ⌀ 24.2 mm shaft | 3000 r/min [18] | |
LeoBodnar Sim Steering 2 (standard 52 version) | 2015 [7] [18] [22] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×140 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 99 mm × 99 mm) | No | 16 Nm [1] | 8 Nm [18] | 16.7M cpr C resolver ("SFD, Smart Feedback Device") [18] | Kollmorgen AKM52G-ANCNC-00, [18] [23] brushless servomotor, ⌀ 24.2 mm shaft | 3000 r/min, [18] rated speed 5600 r/min, [24] rotor inertia 4.58 kg-cm2 [24] | |
LeoBodnar Sim Steering 2 (53 version) | 2015 [7] [18] [22] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×140 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 99 mm × 99 mm) | No | 20.5 [25] | missing data | 16.7M cpr C resolver ("SFD, Smart Feedback Device") [18] | Kollmorgen AKM53G, brushless servomotor, ⌀ 24.2 mm shaft | Rated speed 5100 r/min, rotor inertia 6.64 kg-cm2 [24] | |
"OSW" DIY kit, Lenze | 2015 [26] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 29 Nm [27] | 11.4 Nm [27] | 16k ppr [27] | Lenze MCS12H15L [1] [27] | 1500 r/min, rotor inertia: 7.3 kg cm2 [27] | |
"OSW" DIY kit, M15 | 2015 [26] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 30 Nm [27] | 15 Nm [27] | 10k ppr [27] | MiGE 130ST-M15015 (large MiGE), [27] ⌀ 22 mm shaft | 1500 r/min, rotor inertia: 27.7 kg cm2 [27] | |
"OSW" DIY kit, M10 | 2015 [26] | 6×70 mm | Q1R (optional) | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 20 Nm [27] | 10 Nm [27] | 10k ppr [27] | MiGE 130ST-M10010 ("small MiGE"), ⌀ 22 mm shaft | 1000 r/min, rotor inertia: 19.4 kg cm2 [27] | |
"OSW" DIY kit, Hobbystar | 2015 [26] | 6×70 mm | Q1R (optional) | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 20 Nm [27] | 10 Nm [27] | 10k ppr [27] | MiGE 130ST-M10010 ("small MiGE"), ⌀ 22 mm shaft | 1000 r/min, rotor inertia: 19.4 kg cm2 [27] | |
Reimer Motorsports OpenSimwheel Premium [28] | 2015[ citation needed ] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 29 Nm [28] | 20 Nm [28] | 16k cpr [28] | Lenze MCS12H15L [28] | Granite Devices Argon electronics [28] | |
Reimer Motorsports OpenSimwheel Premium AKM52 [14] | 2015[ citation needed ] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 24 Nm [14] | missing data | 32k cpr [14] | Kollmorgen AKM52 3-phase AC servo, [14] ⌀ 24.2 mm shaft | Granite Devices Argon electronics [14] | |
SimXperience AccuForce V1 | 2015 [29] | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | No | Under, rectangle: ▭ 79.4 mm × 135 mm (M5) | 16 Nm | 13 Nm [29] | 16k PPR encoder [29] | Stepper motor, ⌀ 14 mm shaft | ||
Frex SimWheel DD | 2016 [30] | 3×50.8 mm | Frex quick release | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 16 Nm | missing data | MiGE servomotor | Mini USB | ||
Sim-pli.city SW20 | 2017 [31] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 20 Nm [31] | 10 Nm | 10k ppr encoder [32] | MiGE 130ST-M10010 (small MiGE), [32] ⌀ 22 mm shaft | Controller: Granite Devices IONI Pro and SimuCUBE; [32] 1000 r/min; rotor inertia 19.4 kg cm2 [27] | |
SimXperience AccuForce V2 | 2017 | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | No | Under, rectangle: ▭ 39.4 mm × 135 mm | 15.6 Nm | 13 Nm | 16k resolution | Hybrid stepper/servomotor, [1] ⌀ 14 mm shaft | ||
Simucube-based pre-assembled OSW kit (large MiGE) | (before 2018) | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 30 Nm [33] | 15 Nm [33] | 5k or 10k ppr encoder [33] | MiGE 130ST-M15015, inrunner, ⌀ 22 mm shaft | IONI Pro HC (25A) [33] controller, SimuCUBE motherboard; 1500 r/min (MiGE M15); 27.7 kg cm2 (M15) [27] | |
Simucube-based pre-assembled OSW kit (small MiGE) | (before 2018) | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 20 Nm [33] | 10 Nm [33] | 5k or 10k ppr encoder [33] | MiGE 130ST-M10010, inrunner, ⌀ 22 mm shaft | IONI Pro (18A) [33] controller, SimuCUBE motherboard; 1000 r/min (MiGE M10); rotor inertia: 19.4 kg cm2 (M10) [27] | |
Simucube-based pre-assembled OSW kit Biss-C (2018 version), M15 | 2018 [34] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 30 Nm | 15 Nm | 2018 version: 4.2M cpr with 22-bit [34] | MiGE 130ST-M15015, [34] inrunner, ⌀ 22 mm shaft | Biss-C encoder; [34] 1500 r/min, 27.7 kg cm2 rotor inertia [27] | |
Simucube-based pre-assembled OSW kit Biss-C (2018 version), M10 | 2018 [34] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 20 Nm | 10 Nm | 2018 version: 4.2M cpr with 22-bit [34] | MiGE 130ST-M10010 or MiGE 130ST-M15015, [34] inrunner, ⌀ 22 mm shaft | Biss-C encoder; [34] 1000 r/min, 19.4 kg cm2 rotor inertia [27] | |
simracingbay "OSW" DIY kit | 2018 [35] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 20 Nm [35] | 10 Nm [35] | 22-bit 4.2M cpr [36] (originally 2.1M cpr) [35] | MiGE 130ST-M10010, [35] ⌀ 22 mm shaft | SinCos encoder; [35] driver board: Granite Devices IONI servo drive, IoniProHC 25A; [35] [36] 1000 r/min, 19.4 kg cm2 rotor inertia [27] | |
Augury Simulations SimuCube OSW Kit | 2018 | 6×70 mm | Quick release directly on axle (option) [37] | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 18 Nm [23] | 6 Nm | MiGE servomotor, ⌀ 22 mm shaft | |||
Sim-pli.city SW7C | 2018 [23] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 7.1 Nm [23] | 2.4 Nm | Mige 80ST Series Motor, [23] inrunner, [38] ⌀ 21.5 mm shaft | |||
Sim-pli.city SW20 V3 [39] | 2019 | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 20 Nm [1] | 10 Nm | 8M cpr [40] | MiGE 130ST-M10010, [1] [40] inrunner, ⌀ 22 mm shaft | 1000 r/min, 19.4 kg cm2 rotor inertia [27] | |
Simucube 2 Pro | 2019 [1] | 6×70 mm | Simucube SQR hub | 4×145 mm bolt circle (□ 102.5 mm × 102.5 mm) (M8) | No | 25 Nm | missing data | 8.0 | 4.2M cpr [41] | Brushless Servomotor [42] | |
Simucube 2 Sport | 2019 | 6×70 mm | Simucube SQR hub | 4×145 mm bolt circle (□ 102.5 mm × 102.5 mm) (M8) | No | 17 Nm | missing data | 4.8 | 22 bit absolute, 4M cpr [43] | Brushless Servomotor | |
Fanatec Podium DD2 | 2019 [44] | Requires adapter | Fanatec QR1 quick release | No | Under, triangle: ▽ 78.4 mm (b), 66 mm (h) (M6) Side: ◦ Two screw holes on each side (M8) | 25 Nm | missing data | 16 bit 65k cpr (was 8 bit initially) [45] [46] | Custom-made outrunner servomotor, [42] hollow ⌀ 1+1⁄4 in (32 mm) shaft with USB-C for data and power | 12-bit MHL200 rotaty position hall encoder [47] (Hall-position-sensor) | |
Fanatec Podium DD1 | 2019 [44] | Requires adapter | Fanatec QR1 quick release | No | Under, triangle: ▽ 78.4 mm (b), 66 mm (h) (M6) Side: ◦ Two screw holes on each side (M8) | 20 Nm | missing data | 16 bit 65k cpr (was 8 bit initially) [45] [46] | Custom-made outrunner [nb 1] servomotor, [48] [42] hollow ⌀ 1+1⁄4 in (32 mm) shaft with USB-C for data and power | 12-bit MHL200 rotaty position hall encoder [47] (Hall-position-sensor) | |
Fanatec Clubsport DD | 2023 | Fanatec QR2 quick release | 12 [49] | ||||||||
Fanatec Clubsport DD+ | 2023 | Fanatec QR2 quick release | 15 [49] | ||||||||
Simagic Dynamic M10 | 2020-01 [50] [51] | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | No | Side, rectangle: ▭ Via slots for T-nuts (M6) | 10 Nm [52] | missing data | Servo-Stepper Motor [52] | LME2500FE encoder [53] | ||
Sim-pli.city SW8C+ | 2020[ citation needed ] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 8 Nm [52] | 6 Nm | 8M cpr [40] | MiGE 110ST-M06030, [1] [40] inrunner | ||
VRS DirectForce Pro | 2020 [1] | 6×70 mm | Not included | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 20 Nm | 10 Nm | 22 bit [45] 4M cpr, Biss encoder [54] | MiGE 130ST-M10010, inrunner, ⌀ 22 mm shaft | 1000 r/min; rotor inertia 19.4 kg cm2 [27] | |
Simagic Alpha | 2020-12-05 | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 15 Nm [1] | missing data | 18 bit [45] | 3-phase servomotor [1] | ||
Fanatec CSL DD (with optional 180 W power supply) | 2021-04-21 [55] [56] | Requires adapter | Fanatec QR1 quick release | No | Under: ▭ 3 T-slots, 40 mm and 80 mm c-c (M6) Side: ▭ 2 T-slots, 70 mm c-c (M6) | 8 Nm | missing data | Brushless servomotor, hollow ⌀ 1+1⁄4 in (32 mm) shaft with USB-C for data and power | Flux Barrier Rotor, hall-position-sensor | ||
Fanatec CSL DD (with base 90 W power supply) | 2021-04-21 [55] [56] | Requires adapter | Fanatec QR1 quick release | No | Under: ▭ 3 T-slots, 40 mm and 80 mm c-c (M6) Side: ▭ 2 T-slots, 70 mm c-c (M6) | 5 Nm | missing data | Brushless servomotor, hollow ⌀ 1+1⁄4 in (32 mm) shaft with USB-C for data and power | Flux Barrier Rotor, hall-position-sensor | ||
Simagic Alpha Mini | 2021-06-27 | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | Side, two holes: ─ (50 mm) Under, rectangle: ▯ 67 mm × 80 mm | 13 Nm [57] | 10 Nm [57] | 16k pulses per revolution [58] | 3-phase servomotor optimized for sim racing use [58] | ||
Moza R21 | 2021-06-23 | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | No | Under, rectangle: ▯ 78.5 mm × 66 mm (M6) | 21 Nm | missing data | Servomotor | 480 W, 262 144 ppr resolution, 1000 Hz USB, wireless wheel | ||
Moza R16 | 2021-06-23 | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | No | Under, rectangle: ▯ 78.5 mm × 66 mm (M6) | 16 Nm | missing data | Servomotor | 360 W, 262 144 ppr resolution, 1000 Hz USB, wireless wheel | ||
IMMSource (IMMS) ET5 | 2022-02-12 [59] [60] | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | 4×130 mm bolt circle (M8) (□ 92 mm × 92 mm) | No | 17 Nm (8 Nm in low torque mode) | missing data | 18 bit encoder (262 144 steps) | Servomotor | ||
IMMSource (IMMS) ET3 | 2022-02-12 [59] [60] | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | 4×130 mm bolt circle (□ 92 × 92 mm) (M8) | No | 10 Nm | missing data | 18 bit encoder (262 144 steps) | Servomotor | Wireless wheel, with USB-C as an alternative | |
Moza R9 | 2022-03-10 [61] [62] | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | No | Under, rectangle: ▯ 78.5 mm × 66 mm (M6) [63] | 9 Nm | missing data | Servomotor | 180 W power supply, wireless wheel | ||
Moza R5 | 2022-08-30 [64] | 6×70 mm | D1 spec | No | Under, rectangle: ▯ 78.4 mm × 40 mm (M6) [63] | 5.5 Nm | missing data | 15 bit encoder (32 768 steps) | Servomotor | Wireless wheel, with USB-C as an alternative | |
Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel | 2022-09-21 [65] | 6×44.5 mm (1.75") | Logitech quick release | No | Table clamp | 11 Nm | Missing data | Separate models with support for either Xbox or PlayStation. The paddles can be used for gear shifting or for throttle/braking. Separate paddles for dual clutch operation. | |||
Asetek Invicta | 2022-11-10 [66] | missing data | Asetek quick release (with USB and power) | Front: Proprietary (M5) | Under: ▭ 2 T-slots, 87 mm c-c (M6) | 27 Nm | ~18 Nm [67] | 9.4 [68] | 22 bit encoder (4 194 304 steps) | MiGE servomotor | Power and USB to the steering wheel through the quick release, via a hollow drive shaft and a slip ring. Integrated measurement of the motors torque output. Initial models only for PC via USB-C. USB-C hub with 5 ports for extra peripherals (pedals, levers, etc.). Integrated control electronics. External power supply via Molex connector. |
Asetek Forte | 2022-11-10 [66] | missing data | Asetek quick release (with USB and power) | Front: Proprietary (M5) | Under: ▭ 2 T-slots, 87 mm c-c (M6) | 18 Nm | missing data | 6.7 | 22 bit encoder (4 194 304 steps) | MiGE servomotor | Power and USB to the steering wheel through the quick release, via a hollow drive shaft and a slip ring. Integrated measurement of the motors torque output. Initial models only for PC via USB-C. USB-C hub with 5 ports for extra peripherals (pedals, levers, etc.). Integrated control electronics. External power supply via Molex connector. |
Asetek La Prima | 2022-11-10 [66] | missing data | Asetek quick release (with USB and power) | Front: Proprietary (M5) | Under: ▭ 2 T-slots, 87 mm c-c (M6) | 12 Nm | missing data | 22 bit encoder (4 194 304 steps) | MiGE servomotor | Asetek's entry-level model. Power and USB to the steering wheel through the quick release, via a hollow drive shaft and a slip ring. Integrated measurement of the motors torque output. Initial models only for PC via USB-C. Only one USB-C connection directly to PC. Integrated control electronics. External power supply via Molex connector. | |
Thrustmaster T818 | 2022-11-17 [69] | No | New proprietary Thrustmaster quick release | No | Under: ▭ 4 scrw holes, spaced 79 mm c-c lengthwise, 63 mm c-c widthwise (M6) | missing data | 10 Nm [70] | 168 W power supply, RJ-45 and USB-C interface in the base, proprietary 3-pin contact for electric signals via wheel connector. | |||
Model | Introduced | Wheel bolt circle | Wheel quick release | Front base mount | Other base mounts | Stall torque | Maximum continuous torque | Resolution | Motor | Other notes |
Legend:
Radio-controlled cars, or RC cars for short, are miniature model cars, vans, buses, trucks or buggies that can be controlled from a distance using a specialized transmitter or remote. The term "RC" has been used to mean both "remote controlled" and "radio controlled". "Remote controlled" includes vehicles that are controlled by radio waves, infrared waves or a physical wire connection. RC cars are powered by one of the three energy sources—electricity, nitro fuel or petrol. Electric RC models are powered by small but powerful electric motors and rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride(NiMH), or lithium polymer (LiPo) cells with the former two being the most used. Both NiMH and LiPo have advantages and disadvantages in various RC applications where NiMH is mainly used for recreational and LiPo for more demanding purposes. There are also brushed or brushless electric motors—brushless motors are more powerful, long lasting and efficient, but also much more expensive than brushed motors.
In mechanical and control engineering, a servomechanism is a control system for the position and its time derivatives, such as velocity, of a mechanical system. It often includes a servomotor, and uses closed-loop control to reduce steady-state error and improve dynamic response. In closed-loop control, error-sensing negative feedback is used to correct the action of the mechanism. In displacement-controlled applications, it usually includes a built-in encoder or other position feedback mechanism to ensure the output is achieving the desired effect. Following a specified motion trajectory is called servoing, where "servo" is used as a verb. The servo prefix originates from the Latin word servus meaning slave.
A brushless DC electric motor (BLDC), also known as an electronically commutated motor, is a synchronous motor using a direct current (DC) electric power supply. It uses an electronic controller to switch DC currents to the motor windings producing magnetic fields that effectively rotate in space and which the permanent magnet rotor follows. The controller adjusts the phase and amplitude of the DC current pulses to control the speed and torque of the motor. This control system is an alternative to the mechanical commutator (brushes) used in many conventional electric motors.
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles.
Simulated racing or racing simulation, commonly known as simply sim racing, are the collective terms for racing game software that attempts to accurately simulate auto racing, complete with real-world variables such as fuel usage, damage, tire wear and grip, and suspension settings. To be competitive in sim racing, a driver must understand all aspects of car handling that make real-world racing so difficult, such as threshold braking, how to maintain control of a car as the tires lose traction, and how properly to enter and exit a turn without sacrificing speed. It is this level of difficulty that distinguishes sim racing from arcade racing-style driving games where real-world variables are taken out of the equation and the principal objective is to create a sense of speed as opposed to a sense of realism.
A simulation cockpit, simpit or sim rig is an environment designed to replicate a vehicle cockpit. Although many pits commonly designed around an aircraft cockpit, the term is equally valid for train, spacecraft or car projects.
A direct-drive mechanism is a mechanism design where the force or torque from a prime mover is transmitted directly to the effector device without involving any intermediate couplings such as a gear train or a belt.
Power steering is a system for reducing a driver's effort to turn a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, by using a power source to assist steering.
A drive wheel is a wheel of a motor vehicle that transmits force, transforming torque into tractive force from the tires to the road, causing the vehicle to move. The powertrain delivers enough torque to the wheel to overcome stationary forces, resulting in the vehicle moving forwards or backwards.
rFactor is a computer racing simulator designed with the ability to run any type of four-wheeled vehicle from street cars to open wheel cars of any era. rFactor aimed to be the most accurate race simulator of its time. Released in November 2005, rFactor did not have much competition in this market, but it featured many technical advances in tire modeling, complex aerodynamics and a 15 degrees of freedom physics engine.
A servomotor is a rotary or linear actuator that allows for precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration in a mechanical system. It constitutes part of a servomechanism, and consists of a suitable motor coupled to a sensor for position feedback. It also requires a relatively sophisticated controller, often a dedicated module designed specifically for use with servomotors.
The Logitech G25 is an electronic steering wheel designed for sim racing video games on the PC, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. It uses a USB interface.
S-AWC is the brand name of an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system developed by Mitsubishi Motors. The technology, specifically developed for the new 2007 Lancer Evolution, the 2010 Outlander, the 2014 Outlander, the Outlander PHEV and the Eclipse Cross have an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system. Mitsubishi Motors first exhibited S-AWC integration control technology in the Concept-X model at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. According to Mitsubishi, "the ultimate embodiment of the company's AWC philosophy is the S-AWC system, a 4WD-based integrated vehicle dynamics control system".
A bolt circle diameter or pitch circle diameter (PCD), sometimes simply called bolt circle or pitch circle, is a common term for when a number of screw holes for bolts are evenly distributed with their centers along an imaginary circle with a given diameter.
A sim racing wheel is a control device for use in racing games, racing simulators, and driving simulators. They are usually packaged with a large paddle styled as a steering wheel, along with a set of pedals for the accelerator, brake, and clutch, as well as transmission controls. An analog wheel and pedal set such as this allows the user to accurately manipulate steering angle and pedal control that is required to properly manage a simulated car, as opposed to digital control such as a keyboard. The relatively large range of motion further allows the user to more accurately apply the controls. Racing wheels have been developed for use with arcade games, game consoles, personal computers, and also for professional driving simulators for race drivers.
The Logitech G27 is a racing wheel made by Logitech. It supports PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PC. It replaced the Logitech G25 in 2010, with some new features including the use of helical gearing instead of the previous straight gears used on the G25. As of December 2015, the G27 is no longer sold by Logitech, in favor of the newer G29 and G920 steering wheels now offered by Logitech.
Torque vectoring is a technology employed in automobile differentials that has the ability to vary the torque to each half-shaft with an electronic system; or in rail vehicles which achieve the same using individually motored wheels. This method of power transfer has recently become popular in all-wheel drive vehicles. Some newer front-wheel drive vehicles also have a basic torque vectoring differential. As technology in the automotive industry improves, more vehicles are equipped with torque vectoring differentials. This allows for the wheels to grip the road for better launch and handling.
TETRIX Robotics consists of two robotic kits by Pitsco Education. The two sets are the TETRIX MAX building system and the TETRIX PRIME building system. They are intended to be used as educational robotics and for competitions such as the FIRST Tech Challenge.
The Audi R8 LMS Cup was a one-make sports car racing series by Audi based in Asia. Audi R8 LMS Cup cars were based on the Audi R8 LMS (GT3).
A simulator pedal, sim pedal or gaming pedal is a pedal used in a simulator for entertainment or training. Common examples are throttle and brake pedals for driving simulators, and rudder pedals for flight simulators. For minimum latency, they are often connected to a computer or gaming console via cabling, for example with USB-C.