Controlling the game

[Surveyor]

I have a Logitech G27 FFB wheel and the Thrustmaster's T.16000M FCS Flight Pack and no gamepad. Since TT IoM doesn't support direct steering, I feel like using a joystick makes more sense than a wheel. The problem is, whenever I try to start the game with the FCS plugged in, it only sees the joystick part of the HOTAS. Which is even worse, I can't use the Y axis for throttle and braking, it's already assigned to the front-back rider lean. I ended up having throttle and brakes on the buttons, which is a no go for me.

Ok, I tried switching to the wheel instead... The game simply doesn't see it. Why can't I assign any analog axis to any control I wish?

[cleanrunner]

If controller recognized, the controller assignments shoulg be resetable in game. I have G920 wheel, would be nice option if TT would recognize it (any help appreciated). I'm using a PS4 controller pad (Gyro on, horizontal axis only) lean can be controlled by by tilting controller (and with joystick), good option for motorcycle.

[Surveyor]

Well, "should be" and "are" is a huge difference. It's a silly misconception that FFB wheels are not suitable for controlling a bike sim and that for some reason they should be less usable in this role than gamepads. In my experience gamepads are good for absolutely nothing. That's why I never bothered to buy one for myself. They are not exactly cheap, and I'd rather spend this amount on something sim-related instead.

By the way, cleanrunner, do you know of GP Bikes by Piboso? If you haven't already, give it a try (there is a demo).

[cleanrunner]

Will check out the GP Bikes by Piboso DEMO, thanks for tip Surveyor. I particulary like the accurate 37.73 mile Snaefell Mtn course on TT

I just have regular PS4 wireless controller, also called Dual Shock 4, was using joy stick, lately using the Gyro set to joy stick, horizontal axis only, works fairly well, slight delay, must anticipate, starting to get used to it. I may not know just what a pad is, will do some searching. Also Juan.Pelota says motionjoy software is quicker than Gyro (more searching).

I also think Wheel would be nice, tilt wheel bike leans, basically same as gyro motion control on PS4, Motorcycles use hands and feet for control, car shifter and pedals, though different, seems closer than hands only, at least a good option. Finding perfect controller and right set-up for motorcycle is a challenge, on real motorcycle gear shifting easier and I never overturn, course I also don't go 200 mph.

Hope you find some controller satisfaction.

[cleanrunner]

Use of term gamepad or pad started with Ninetendo D-pad controller (no joystick), but now is used generally for most handheld controllers (Most controllers have a D-pad). Gyro motion control now common controller feature (Xbox, DS4, Steam), so question is, which one responds fastest (lowest latency).

[Surveyor]

Thanks. I found something called "Xbox 360 Controller Emulator". Looks like it could help me to map my controllers into a virtual Xbox 360 gamepad. Will try that at some point later, since at the moment I'm mostly occupied with Dirt Rally 2.0 :)

The devs of this TT game are really disappointing though. Normally I shouldn't be needing to look up workarounds like this.

[cleanrunner]

Thanks Surveyor for telling me about "Xbox 360 Controller Emulator". Been playing Grid 2, a decent game with pad, but would be better with wheel set-up. I will give it a try. DS4windows worked to get PS4 controller recognized, but no luck with G920 wheel.

[Surveyor]

Originally posted by cleanrunner:

Thanks Surveyor for telling me about "Xbox 360 Controller Emulator". Been playing Grid 2, a decent game with pad, but would be better with wheel set-up. I will give it a try. DS4windows worked to get PS4 controller recognized, but no luck with G920 wheel.

You are welcome. I think you'd be better off with something like Project CARS 2, Assetto Corsa or maybe even rFactor 2. These titles are specifically made with a wheel in mind. Though you need to make sure the one you choose will support G920, because it's a relatively new wheel with less support in older titles.

The recent DiRT Rally 2.0 is also a great choice if you are into rallying at all. Though if you are not into hardcore stuff, you might enjoy DiRT 4 more instead.

[cleanrunner]

I also have Assetto Corsa and F1 2018 (which doesn't seem to recognize R gear, despite my custom set-up efforts, it insists on combing brake and reverse). I like the the way things move in Grid 2, The Mustang drifts in a very realistic manner, Tilting controller or turning a wheel pretty similar, but you don't have to hold up a wheel. Been using Steam controller recently, the bottom tilt buttons make good shifters, delay about the same as PS4. The Demos of Project Cars and rFactor seem a little less satisfactory than Grid 2 (my opinion, others may not agree), but I did get those to work with the G920 wheel. Will try a Dirt race game next good sale, have plenty for now.

[Surveyor]

Very realistic? I wouldn't say so... Just tried the Grid 2 demo and it's definitely a typical arcade with "realistic elements".
rFactor 2 is surely the best for drifting, though it barely has any cars or tracks suited for it.

[cleanrunner]

I just like the way the Mustang fishtails and slides in Grid 2, but don't like the no wheel support. Since no game seems perfect, I end up buying several (plot to sell more games? ha-ha). rFactor surely will be a future purchase. These games all seem to play decent with a considerable amount of time spent tuning, but house fixing using most of my time now.

[Surveyor]

Yes, I also end up buying most of the sims I can get. Even got BeamNG.drive. Its driving physics turned out to be much more decent than I expected.

[n.mcewen]

I have modified a budget "XBOX LIKE" controller. rewiring the inside to make the right hand side thumb stick act like a joystick. I then drilled a hole in the top and stuck in a small pole to replicate holding a joystick. The bikes are so much easier to control and I am getting some fantastic lap times. Why the makers of these race games cannot be bothered to either allow a joystick to be used or proper remapping frustrates me so much!

[Surveyor]

Indeed. But for my riding needs I still use GP Bikes 95% of the time anyway.

[n.mcewen]

often wondered how interesting BeamNG is to play. It would be great if the makers of TT IOM would start designing some of the old bikes through history.

[Surveyor]

BeamNG is probably the best thing that happened to car sims so far, though maybe handles a little bit twitchy (just a bit). I wish it had proper bikes support. You can find a couple or so bikes for it, but they are barely rideable.