Not your typical rig: a computer cabinet + DIY transducer platform and pedal box
I’m simracing for several years now, and since I do not have a spare room for it, I’m racing in the living room. That’s often asking for trouble
. But my wife and I found a solution: a computer cabinet which can be used for normal use (browsing, e-mail etc.) and for racing as well. When the computer is not in use the cabinet is closed and you will hardly notice it: only the computer case is visible, nothing more.
This is what it looks like when the computer is not in use:
Normal use (keyboard + mouse tray extended):
My equipment: an Intel Core i7 at 4.4 GHz, nVidia GTX 970, 8 GB RAM, Logitech Driving Force GT, TH8RS shifter and CSR Elite pedals. The pedals have been built into a DIY pedal box (inverted).
Sony PS3 Eye camera with daylight filter + FreeTrack software for head tracking.
Games: Stock Car Extreme, Race07 + all add-ons, RaceRoom Racing Experience, Assetto Corsa, Dirt 2 and Dirt 3.
I’m using SimVibe as well (highly recommended), with 3 transducers / bass shakers. To isolate the transducers I have built a wooden platform with a foldable shifter holder. The transducers are mounted onto the platform and onto the DIY pedal box. Isolation is necessary, but kept simple: toy foam footballs cut in half and glued onto the bottom. They are cheap, but isolate VERY well. I got that tip from a subwoofer forum.
The pedal box (pedal height and width measurements came from my car
):
The transducer is mounted on the side panel of the box. I had it mounted on the back panel at first, but could not feel anything when my feet were resting on the bottom. When mounted on the side panel the whole box is shaking, that’s much better.
Molex power plugs are used for connection to the amp.
Foam footballs at the bottom (back ones are kept a bit higher so the pedal box is tilted a bit).
Pedal box built into the computer cabinet:
Cable mess
Pioneer 60 Watts AV 5.1 surround amplifier (5 separate analog in- and outputs) powering the three transducers:
The transducer platform with shifter holder:
Toy foam footballs cut in half for isolation on the bottom:
Shifter holder with transducer.
(Note the Logitech touchpad: very handy when the keyboard + mouse tray is shifted in.)
Keyboard + mouse tray extended:
Note: the DFGT is mounted on a plank, the plank is mounted to the cabinet with C-clamps so the wheel is extended from the cabinet and a bit higher for more comfort.
Let the race begin!
Lights out (more immersed):
When not in use the platform is folded and stowed away:
If you have questions, just ask.
What do you think? Be gentle