I don't really know why people are arguing against you steviemax, I understand where you're coming from. I've spent hours trying to get a setup that's fast, then it doesn't work for the next track. I've tried the setups available online, and I usually find them to be way too stiff and not fun to drive. I just want to race. And when things get close, and I'm battling the same guys each race, I like to know that it's skill, not setup.

I DID make a Spec XRG and XRT setup, based on Race_1 with modifications to make it work for any track. It's also soft and easy to drive (IMHO). It's what I race all the time. While there's usually someone (or a few people) that will beat me when I go out to CTRA or similar large servers, they're good enough for me to have a good race.

I ran a Spec server for a little while, had trouble finding enough people who would actually show up, and lost interest. If we've got a handful of people now and could agree on some times, I'd be happy to set it up again.

http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=26027

Feel free to try out my setups in the meantime, you'll definitely want to change the steering lock to whatever you usually use:

Last edited by ecpreston, Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:27.

Quote from srdsprinter :

Why? As of yet, I've seen no concrete argument as to how the digital speedo makes LFS better.

I guess I have to assume you're just trying to stir the pot!

But in case you're at all serious, I mean, I PERSONALLY don't see how having drag racing, or any of the cars I don't like, including any front wheel drive cars, or allowing this cruising stuff to go on, or allowing a 3rd person view camera, or having an oval track makes the game any better for ME either. But the devs decided to make those things, people like them, it doesn't hurt the game or my experience, so game on, the more the merrier!

What exactly was the "concrete argument" for getting rid of the digital speedo again?....

Last edited by ecpreston, Wed, 9 Jan 2008 02:20.

Quote from sgt.flippy :

^^ And for the millionth time, you try to turn your head with a helmet and a harness... You'll be glad to see 45°

ok.... but you can move your eyes too. A slight head turn with the combination of your eye movement easily gets you a 90 deg view.

Quote from JTbo :

It is correct size, same as in real version.

yeah, I'm not really understanding this. The dash on screen, unless I'm playing on a 6 foot wide monitor, is not actual size. So why should we limit ourselves to reading scaled down gauges that are on the dash when the dash isn't the correct size either?

At least cbalbinot gets it!

Quote from M.Mos :

ask the manufactures of racing grade dashboard components why they sell digital speedos if no one needs them

I'm really surprised at how many people don't realize this. Digital dashes are everywhere in even club level racing, and almost required in pro. Sure, it's more for the data logging and other features, but it still has a digital speedo too.

Also, what kind of argument is "I don't use it so I think it shouldn't exist and you shouldn't use it"? If one guy likes to use the tach, another the sounds, another the speedo, all of those things are available IRL, and have already been programmed into the game, then who cares?

And really, "the car didn't come with it, so it shouldn't have it" argument? Come on. Did it come with a rollcage, adjustable suspension and race tires from the factory? Honestly. Even a very restricted "spec" series focused on low-buck racing would allow a driver to add extra gauges.

Any club racer who prefers a digital speedo would be able to get one pretty easily IRL. Comfort of the driver is paramount, and if he wants some easy to read gauges, freakin mirrors all over the cockpit, lights to tell him what to do, and a cigarette lighter and cupholders, he could have them. If more information makes him more comfortable, then he can drive faster. Simple.

Sorry I'm late to the party. Great patch otherwise.

Last edited by ecpreston, Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:51.

I have not "raced" IRL, but I do a lot of track days and have helped out a lot of actual racers. I use my speedo to check corner exit speeds all the time. Sometimes the tach is more useful, sometimes not. And I've rarely seen a race car without a functioning speedo for long. In fact, if they're allowed, even club racers have usually switched over to a Stack dash or similar for data logging and better info, and you can bet that has a big 'ol digital speedo on it too.

Most professional race cars have a digital speedo, at least all the stuff I've seen in the US. Once you've figured out a track 100% or are in a racing environment, then, sure it might not be much good. But while testing and learning tracks, it's just another tool to help you improve.

Last edited by ecpreston, Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:48.

Everything seems great to me other than the digital speedo issue. It's hard for me to get a sense of speed in a racing sim, and that was all I had.

cool thanks. Long live CTRA

this may have been covered before, but does it subtract for yellows caused right after the finish line? Just wondering if it assigns the score right at finish or counts what most people (myself included) usually do after the finish line.... crash party!

sooo.... where are you guys? Is there some good time that we could all meet up?

Quote from Syfoon :

The thing with forced setup usage is that everyone drives differently.

You're right, and as ajp71 stated, that's part of the challenge. But these setups are based off of the Race 1 setups, which I thought were decent. The only modifications I made were attempts to make the tires last longer, make them easier to drive, and gear them so they'll work ok for anything from slow corners to ovals. They're softer than most people go for, so be extra smooth! It may take some getting used to if you've been running stiff setups, but I'm sure you'll do fine.

See you tonight!

How about a few races thursday night? I'll be on around 8PM EST, anyone interested?

I'm with the XRG lovers. It's easy to drive, and leads to the best close racing online because people can actually control it. And at the slower speeds, a little fender rubbing doesn't take anyone out.

XRT is 2nd place for me just since it's better suited to the larger tracks.

Last edited by ecpreston, Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:56.

ok guys, Spec XRG & XRT is a dedicated server as of 30 min ago.

I'm going to leave it up tonight/tomorrow to see if this pile of old hardware is up for it, please stop by and test it out. I've left it so you can change tracks and such. Please help out by using the setups here and sharing them with anyone who connects. Obviously I need a webpage or something so people can grab the setup and rules without finding this thread.... I'll get on that.

Right now, other than not driving like a jerk, the only rules are that you can change these things:

steering lock <---mine is WAY lower than most people use, so change it!
max brake pressure
tire pressures
fuel

And if any other racer asks for your setup, then you MUST send it to him before pitting.

Last edited by ecpreston, Thu, 28 Jun 2007 04:25.

I'm working on it!

http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=26027

I was trying to get a dedicated server up and running, but need to work out a few bugs before it's up. It helps that I barely know what I'm doing. Basically if you don't share your setup with any racer that asks, or with the admin when asked, you're gone. With the XRT and XRG, the setups are pretty basic and it only takes a few seconds to check one over and make sure it's up to spec.

I might get a server up for a bit tomorrow night.

Quote from richo :

Mmmm i have been driving my high mileage XF GTi for quite a few years and i really want to trade it in on the 07 model GTi but i,m having trouble finding any dealerships to help me out has anyone got any ideas?

The problem is that you're driving a FWD, unreliable, POS! It was never designed for track use. I'm sure the book value is less than what you owe on it, but if it still has any value left, trade it in for a XRG before it falls apart completely!

yeah... that's why you have to change it to .set

But I didn't know this forum would host files, sweet!

Last edited by ecpreston, Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:28.

Well, we had a few takers tonight and some terribly close races!

I'll be back up friday night for a bit at well, I'm working on a permanent server.

Here's the two setups, they're based off the race 1 setups and are softer than some people like, but they're easy to drive, easy on tires, less drama on the curbing. Change the steering lock to something you like, as I use a much lower setting than most people!

Right click and save, change the file type to .set when you save and it should work (sorry for the crappy file host):

http://www.mediamax.com/ecpres ... GT%20TURBO_Spec%20XRT.set

http://www.mediamax.com/ecpres ... ed/XR%20GT_Spec%20XRG.set

Server is up, called "Spec XRG & XRT". Come try!

Quote from morcs :

I also like the idea of fixed cockpit view and dials etc., as well as forcing no auto-clutch and blip and other realistic constraints. Would this be a bit elitist by restricting servers to G25/other pedal users though?

Hey, a lot of people, myself included, don't even use a wheel! If at all possible, I want anyone to feel welcome.

Last edited by ecpreston, Fri, 15 Jun 2007 03:16.

I'll have it back up tonight by 7PM (U.S., eastern standard time). I've had people connect to me before when I had it just like it was last night... I'll have to test further.

Anyway, as far as checking the setup goes, obviously there's no 100% way to do it at this point. Oh well. If we were having a serious race, I (or whatever admin) could randomly check setups after each race. If I understand correctly, as long as someone doesn't pit, if they send their setup to someone to check, then it'd be tough to cheat that. And if it was just casual racing, then we'll just make it a rule that if any other racer wants to check your setup, then you send it to him after finishing, without pitting first, no questions asked. You pit first, we'll boot you.

Hey, there's no way to 100% enforce "spec" rules in a real race series either, I'll just have to do my best!

As far as forcing a veiw, or anything else, I'm not a big fan. You race how you want to race, whatever driver aid you need, I don't care. For these slower cars, it's just not an issue IMHO.

Hmm... that really sucks. Sorry about that! I'll try again tomorrow night.

I don't like bothering with different setups for tracks. I've been running the same, easy/fun to drive, fast enough, setup on multiple tracks for a long time.

I've got a server up right now called "Spec XRG", and would like to know if anyone would be interested in a spec setup race group. We would all use the same basic setup for all tracks. The only things a driver would be allowed to change:

steering lock
max brake pressure
tire pressures
fuel

I also wouldn't mind some feedback on the setup. We can try the XRT setup as well. Come join! If I get any interest, I would be willing to set up a more permanent server, and a website to track results and talk about rules.

2ghz core 2 duo, 17inch iMac (w/ 128M ATI card)
Gravis Eliminator gamepad

That's it!

clearly it's been talked about quite a bit before, but I wouldn't pay one extra cent to have more "real" cars in the game. Who cares?

chicanes seem to screw them up the most, like any of the FE or SO tracks, they're always slapping the wall, spinning, or just hopping too big of a curb and spinning. Cold or hot tires. And then yes, it's donut time. I've even tried to park my car in front of something they like to hit, hoping that they'd have some programming to try to avoid me and then maybe learn where to go, but no, then I just get creamed. lol