Thrustmaster T3PA vs. PRO

In general, I'm interested. But it looks as if there were a threshold up to which the resistance builds up and then hardly any resistance, at all. That's not how my car's clutch feels like, at all.

 

I came up with a better idea than the one in the vid posted. The clutch pedal needs a toothed rack attached to it's top end. The toothed rack operateson a toothed wheel fixed to the base plate. The wheel is on a shaft where a nylon string is attached in a way that it will wind up on the shaft on rotation. The other end of the nylon string is attached to a spring that is attached somewhere to the base plate. On pushing, you will extend the spring.
There will be a lot less variance in the force than with the lever-based idea. Tricky part will be to stabilize the toothed rack.
All parts should be available from RC car stores plus some sheet metal, sheet metal scissors and hammer wouldn't be bad.

I'll post a drawing later.

 

I'm up for trying to build one, probably both of the above?


T300rs, t3pa with Bodin load cell brake conversion, t8ha, ps vr

 

Nice. I'll fix the drawing later when I'm on the train and upload it tonight. Very interested in whether it'll work well.

 

I don't think that's what it is. I'm not sure my calculations are correct yet (and some of it so far is just guesswork), but this is an example of a pressure curve I calculated for it. At least the general shape should be correct:



I don't think there's a way to get an upshot at the end, but otherwise the plot looks pretty good to me.

BTW this results from this:

Looking forward to it. Maybe I can simulate the resulting forces too?

BTW are there physics experts around here? I'd like to check with someone if my math is correct.

 

I think you are the physics expert, judging by your graphs.
In the industry at least, a graph like this makes you an expert

So this peak in your first diagram - that's what I meant: at some point the additional pedal throw doesn't extend the spring much further. I have never driven a car where the clutch behaves like that. In my experience it's a steady force with a bit of friction/resistance. This peak with steep falloff afterwards would feel weird to me.

I'm sure you can simulate the forces with my drawing.

 

Huh? All clutches I've driven so far have a clear pressure point beyond which the pedal pressure decreases.

http://thecartech.com/subjects/design/Automotive_clutch.htm
http://www.buckeyetriumphs.org/technical/clutch/ReliableClutch/ClutchMeas.gif
http://grannys.tripod.com/diaphragmpressurecurve.png

Even the Heusinkveld pedals have a similar curve to what my calculations give me (also without the upshot at the end):
http://www.h-engineering.net/support/sim-pedals-pro/

 

Thx. I have no doubt that you're right and I was wrong. The original video in here seems to be a good approach, then and my idea is obsolete.

 

I didn't mean to shut you up with that post, and I'm happy to discuss different opinions and approaches. After all, the solution from the video seems to do a decent job, but it isn't necessarily perfect.

 

I know you didn't And I won't shut up...I just realized I had no clue how a clutch works ;-) If this mod is good I might try it, too. My idea would just have been a linear resistance...obsolete now that I learned about clutches.

Thanks.

 

Here's the current state of the simulation and planning.

I made an overview of what effect certain changes have, coming from a standard configuration close to what's in the video.
It may not be spot on since for now I put in some imprecise guesswork regarding the spring that is under the clutch pedal. Nevertheless, it should outline the relative effect that changes to the standard configuration could have.

 

This discussion has gotten really interesting! I'm loving it!

 

I'm just getting more confused!!

 

Fascinating stuff you're working on!
What software are you using to simulate all that?

 

I wrote a little python script, and I hope I got the math right If anyone has a clue about mechanics, I'd be happy to check back with them. I have no background whatsoever in this field, and I kinda didn't bother reading up on it, so I just went with logic (I hope). The curve looks roughly like what you'd expect, so I'm hopeful I got it right.

Anyways, I bought most of the parts by now, with some ordered online and still pending. Once I have it all I'll get to work. There's some drilling and Dremeling required to make it all fit. After it's all done I'll check if it feels right. Despite the simulation I can't be 100% sure it will, for example cause I don't know the specs of the spring under the pedal. So it might take a few iterations until I get it right.

Once I have it all I will probably make a longer video about it. I was also thinking about selling it as a kit, but that's not really viable. I'll probably end up putting a detailed instruction video + python code online, including a list of all parts and instructions for assembly. And then maybe a donate button or something. IF it all turns out to be a proper mod and not some DIY rubbish

Part of my thinking was that the T3PA Pro pedal base itself is actually really good. Solid build and very mod-able. I was always considering getting a Fanatec, but since I keep hearing stories about their stuff failing... why not turn my existing T3PA Pros into a pedal set that can take it up with the Clubsports for less (additional) cost? Will see how it goes.

 

I just bought the Pro pedals. So if anyone is after a set of T3PA pedals. Let me know!
Im following you very closely Leon!

 

It would be very interesting to see the improvement you might get in terms of laptimes with the new pedals
Let us know!

 

I think with the plain pedals lap times should be the same. A brake mod could make a difference, though.

 

Basquiat/ Ravellron. Will let you know how I find them!
The main reason I am swapping is for the GT config. My feet just feel a bit awkward with the standard T3PA. Mainly pressing the throttle. My right foot tends to slip off (downwards if you get my drift).