After being asked a lot about my controller I decided to make a post here so I dont have to keep answering the same questions over and over again cos I'm pretty lazy and I hate typing
I have tried a few controllers and got the one I use now cos it was much cheaper than a wheel and only a bit more than a cheapo crappy warehouse one.
I use the Logitech Dual Action Gamepad and you can get it from Dick Smith Electronics for just under $50.00 or on TradeMe for between $30 and $45 depending on who is bidding at the time. TradeMe often have the cordless version, which would be even better, for between $30 and $100.
click here to see them at dick smith electronics
click here to see whats available at trademe
There are a few other controllers around. I have tried Saitek, XBOX360 and those 2 for $15 jobbies off trademe and to me they just seem bad compared to the logitech.
Once you have plugged in your controller, go to the Windows Game Controllers configuration...
click START ---> Control Panel ---> Game Controllers
or click START ---> Run ---> type "joy.cpl" then hit enter
In the window that opens, select the controller and click "Properties"
On the Settings tab, click Calibrate and follow the instructions to setup the controller.
Next fire up Stockcar Heat and go to the Options ---> Controls screen
This is how mine is set up:
Steer Left and Steer Right are left and right on the left joystick
Throttle and Brake are up and down on the right joystick
Upshift and Downshift are the two buttons on the front left
Reverse and Clutch are the two buttons on the front right
Look Left and Look Right are the left and right hat buttons
Note auto reverse and auto shifting are not ticked
Next click the advanced link...
As you can see everything is set to zero. This gives the controller a full range of movement. Notice auto clutch is ticked. A manual clutch is faster but if you can use it you're a legend. Every time I try running with a manual clutch I stall it and have to hit the starter button... good for a laugh or two but sucks for racing. Also note that gamepad is not ticked.
Finally, on each setup page, you have a list of stuff on the left hand side:
The Wheel Lock is the most crucial thing for controlling the car. After a bit of experimentation I have settled on 30% wheel lock. Going to 36% might be better for those of you with super steady nerves of steel but I find 30% has the right combination of precision and forgiveness.
Next you need some setups. There are lots of them here on the forum:
The Great Stockcar Heat Setup Thread
CopB8s Basic Setup
lil Caspers Setup
Skinstads Setup
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End of 2009 Here you go everyone (that hasn't already got them)... a compilation of all my sets
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My advice in using these setups and pretty much any setup is to try and steer as little as possible, and be aware of what your steering wheel is doing compared to the actual movement of your car. Also listen to what the revs of your engine is doing compared to the actual speed of the car. Use the throttle and brake to control the car because you need traction to go the way you want on dirt... revving the crap out of the car generally won't get you anywhere fast except maybe into the wall. Try to keep the car as straight as possible, especially around the corners. Drifting, opposite lock and wheelspin will slow you down and/or hurt your speed in the straights.
The important thing is to practise practise practise and even though it is pretty boring, single player mode is the best place to get to grips with controlling your car and the lines you want to use on each track. Sitting in an experienced drivers' car in spectator mode can also be a great way of learning what good lines look like.
Also if you are going to try a wheel instead, Inspector has provided this info:
Logitech DFP Wheel Settings & Garage Setups
There is also this great tutorial on what all that stuff on the setup page means here:
Help with setup's
Hope those that need help find something they can use here and if there are any more questions it would be much easier to answer them in here rather than on the heat server in the middle of racing
uturn
