DIY GT5 Racing Simulator

[imoloq]

http://imageshack.us/a/img201/8035/fkcn.jpg

What do you do what you can't afford a proper racing simulator from those name brand companies? In true Malaysian spirit, I decided to DIY one. This DIY took me 2 months to complete. Actual time working on it was 2 full days plus some time on and off working on the misc and aesthetic parts. Started end of August and just managed to finish it. For those who want to DIY it, you can PM me for details. I'll be happy to provide sketches of some design components like the adjustable arm for your reference. And if you think you have a better design, let me know and I will put it in my next build.


http://imageshack.us/a/img20/336/nae1.jpg

The sketch that started it all. Designed to give the user a more inclined seating position. I also try to make everything adjustable to fit users of all heights (and width). Turns out the pedals do not need to be adjustable as the seat can already move to and fro.

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/3087/ls5l.jpg

Frame is made of 50mmx25mm mild steel rectangular sections 1.2mm thick. The main frame is welded together but the other parts like the steering mount and seat are removable.

http://imageshack.us/a/img401/4204/kv11.jpg

Test fitting seat angle. More support plates were welded to the frame after this picture was taken.

http://imageshack.us/a/img33/4272/xptk.jpg

Seat test fitting, from another angle

http://imageshack.us/a/img132/6515/2wyy.jpg

Knobs for adjusting steering rake and reach.

http://imageshack.us/a/img594/855/ngjn.jpg

Adjustable steering wheel angle. CNC plasma cutter was still under repair so had to cut the groove by jigsaw.

http://imageshack.us/a/img15/1702/97be.jpg

Welding everything together. This is a good example of a messy workplace.

http://imageshack.us/a/img32/1212/q7dr.jpg

Test fitting with seat, wheel and pedals.

http://imageshack.us/a/img833/6093/kpl3.jpg

After welding and test fitting. Ready to be painted.

http://imageshack.us/a/img109/8733/ojwy.jpg

Spray painting the frame black. This is the only item in my build that I regretted. Should have powder-coated it for a more lasting finish. Spray paint tend to chip off easily, especially around the parts that are adjustable and in contact with each other.

http://imageshack.us/a/img163/25/2zhz.jpg

Halfcut condition. Seat is from a Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version5.

http://imageshack.us/a/img23/644/gw4k.jpg

After an hour of scrubbing with a soft bristle brush and Dynamo washing liquid. The whole seat was wet and took 4 days to properly dry out.

http://imageshack.us/a/img577/6615/crmj.jpg

Test run!

http://imageshack.us/a/img856/7971/q0ry.jpg

"Butt-kicker" diyed from a 12 inch subwoofer. Bolts straight to the frame of the sim. Provides strong vibrations and feedback for rumble strips, road roughness and contact with other cars. Adds another level of realism for racing sims. Once you have tried a "butt kicker" sim, you never want to go back to static sims. Google or Youtube "DIY Tactile Transducer" on how to complete this DIY.


This part is purely for aesthetic purposes only. Was going to order plastic caps to cover the holes at the end of the rectangular sections. But, why buy when you can DIY?

http://imageshack.us/a/img703/5160/a1cq.jpg

Sketch of GT logo in Google Sketchup.

http://imageshack.us/a/img443/9756/k8f9.jpg

Printing the GT logo out on the 3D printer. This model is a Solidoodle 3D printer. Cheapest 3D printer on the market now. Prints decently for the price you are paying. UP! 3D printer is also another economical printer.

http://imageshack.us/a/img20/5958/ak17.jpg

Mass producing GT logos

http://imageshack.us/a/img845/544/32ic.jpg

Ready to be spray painted white

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8190/jtkj.jpg

Sprayed white with black backing.

http://imageshack.us/a/img713/671/pzuo.jpg

Black backing glued behind like this.

http://imageshack.us/a/img822/433/rsq1.jpg

All done with black backing

http://imageshack.us/a/img854/7917/ascw.jpg

GT logos to cover up all the gaping holes.

http://imageshack.us/a/img405/2623/xn11.jpg

Red switch to deactivate vibrations.

http://imageshack.us/a/img51/5066/y1ul.jpg

More GT logos

http://imageshack.us/a/img39/2430/ebnf.jpg

And some more. Now, this is unmistakably a GT-themed race sim.

http://imageshack.us/a/img547/1426/qt3l.jpg

Cable management.

http://imageshack.us/a/img15/5499/nss7.jpg

One of the objectives of this build is to eliminate messy cabling.

http://imageshack.us/a/img11/6046/4c52.jpg

Cable routing to steering wheel

http://imageshack.us/a/img407/1200/vgf9.jpg

Added some aesthetic features like the front and back GT logo plate (still going with the GT theme)

http://imageshack.us/a/img201/8035/fkcn.jpg
And we're done!

http://imageshack.us/a/img29/4648/8wkl.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img29/7035/2css.jpg

 

[6UE5t]

Salute to a true GT5 fan!

 

[Waiora_ProTuner]

owh..thought that you build the 'moving' simulator..

salute the 'vibrating' idea!

 

[ahfox]

wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

 

[pwhyze]

Dude..O.M.G

I'm speechless. Awesome effort!

 

[fazidk]

Daaaamn dis is a kick-ass DIY bro...

 

[esthapo]

Great build! can u do it another 1 & sell it to me??

 

[garychong1]

WOW! You can make some extra income out of this for sure.

 

[stupidcar]

SUPER! At first i thought the frame is from the bike machine hahahaha

 

[imoloq]

Thank you for all the kind words! I like cutting and welding metal and building things that relate to my hobby. But I don't think I have the time to build for other people due to my busy schedule.

I am thinking of letting this rig go as I am going to start another one with F1 style seating position. PM me with your best offer! Everything goes including the steering wheel (Driving Force GT) and vibrator + amplifier.

 

[Tom]

brilliant!, love the dedication and innovation with the 3D printed badges and vibrator idea. congrats!