1. Do not share user accounts! Any account that is shared by another person will be blocked and closed. This means: we will close not only the account that is shared, but also the main account of the user who uses another person's account. We have the ability to detect account sharing, so please do not try to cheat the system. This action will take place on 04/18/2023. Read all forum rules.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. For downloading SimTools plugins you need a Download Package. Get it with virtual coins that you receive for forum activity or Buy Download Package - We have a zero Spam tolerance so read our forum rules first.

    Buy Now a Download Plan!
  3. Do not try to cheat our system and do not post an unnecessary amount of useless posts only to earn credits here. We have a zero spam tolerance policy and this will cause a ban of your user account. Otherwise we wish you a pleasant stay here! Read the forum rules
  4. We have a few rules which you need to read and accept before posting anything here! Following these rules will keep the forum clean and your stay pleasant. Do not follow these rules can lead to permanent exclusion from this website: Read the forum rules.
    Are you a company? Read our company rules

Sequential shifter using $3 game pad

Discussion in 'DIY peripherals' started by Wormy, Dec 4, 2016.

  1. Wormy

    Wormy New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2016
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Melbourne, Australia
    Balance:
    326Coins
    Ratings:
    +8 / 0 / -0
    I have started my DIY sequential shifter. I created a new thread as I couldn't edit the title. Admin, please delete my other thread.
    I'm using a cheap Chinese clone game pad off eBay, they cost around $3
    I unscrewed the 5 small screws on the game pad and pulled the PCB out. It was relatively simple to follow the tracks to find a good solder point.
    I soldered on some micro limit switches to "L" and "R" buttons as they had the largest, easiest to solder to pads.
    The board could even be cut down another couple of cms either side of the two L and R buttons. Although I won't do this yet just in case I decided to use other buttons on the game pad to make a small button box or similar.

    I have plugged the modified game pad PCB to the PC and iRacing is accepting the limit switches as change gear up and change gear down

    Now I need to incorporate this into the mechanical shifting mechanism

    Attached Files:

    • Like Like x 3
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,460
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    144,596Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,741 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
  3. Wormy

    Wormy New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2016
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Melbourne, Australia
    Balance:
    326Coins
    Ratings:
    +8 / 0 / -0

    Thanks noorbeast!
    • Like Like x 1
  4. Wormy

    Wormy New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2016
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Melbourne, Australia
    Balance:
    326Coins
    Ratings:
    +8 / 0 / -0
    I welded up the shifter. Although I realized the shaft with the spring needs to pivot. I'll need to cut it off and try again. Doh. Another day

    Attached Files:

  5. Wormy

    Wormy New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2016
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Melbourne, Australia
    Balance:
    326Coins
    Ratings:
    +8 / 0 / -0
    Finished the shifter. All up cost was around $20. It looks average and doesn't feel like a shifter engaging but works a treat. Just finished playing Dirt for a few hrs and worked perfect. Dirt is pretty demanding on hardware so I'm happy the shifter didn't fail.

    Attached Files:

    • Like Like x 2