PC and Setup
We’re on OCC, so we’ll have to talk PC
Simulation is one of the “extreme” cases for PCs, because ideally we use a 3-screen configuration. So it’s easy to bring smaller configurations to their knees.
Here, we’re aiming for 120fps in triple 1440p gaming. So we’re opting for a 4080S, a 7800X3D, 32GB at 6000 Mhz. We’ll probably switch to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D when it’s available and tested on simulator games.
It’s common to have the PC on the floor, but to counterbalance the weight of the screens, for dust, and to minimize the electrical cables on the floor, a steel tray is fixed behind the screens. In this case, it’s not painted, for lack of time, but that’s not the case for our customers, who receive a beautiful matt black powder coating.
Settings and software
Now that everything’s plugged in, it’s time to install the games, drivers and software for each peripheral. We calibrate everything, then finish by configuring each game, and the peripherals in the games. Always with a view to ensuring that the customer can enjoy the simulator as soon as it’s delivered. Plug & play.
But that’s something any company could do. So for me, it was necessary to go one step further. By sponsoring racing cars, Porsche Cup in Asia and GT3 in Europe, Indycar and Nitrocross in the USA, we get closer to the drivers and now use their feedback to copy the real feel of their race cars.
This is the case for steering wheel force feedback, pedal force and, of course, the haptic system. You’d think all this would be simple, but it’s actually a lot of work, with a hundred or so parameters in all to configure for one type of car… So we’re just getting started, and our long-term aim is to update our database so that all our customers can switch from one configuration to another in just a few clicks.
Transport
It’s impossible to deliver the simulator in 1 block, as the aim is to pre-assemble and parameter everything for the customer. The screens and PC are therefore returned to their packaging for transport, and the simulator is separated from the screen support. 3 new connections (2 current, 1 USB-C) are required to reconnect the chassis to the monitor stand. No screws are required for the screens, which are simply fitted with the Vario-VESA system, and reconnected to the power supply and Display port.
Finally, the same story for the PC. Once it’s been placed on the display stand, each cable must be reconnected. Note that they all stay in place and are labelled. It’s impossible to make a mistake.
