Summary of 900-DEGREE RACING WHEEL HELPS YOU NAIL THE APEX
This article details a DIY racing wheel project by [ilge], designed to overcome the limitations of cheap, low-range motion wheels. The build features an Arduino Leonardo for USB HID functionality and uses a 10K potentiometer read via analog input. To achieve realistic 900 degrees of rotation instead of the standard 270 degrees, the creator employs 3D printed gears (15 and 54 degrees) mounted on a stout bearing. The setup is completed with a high-quality MOMO drift steering wheel, offering enthusiasts a customizable, no-frills entry into sim racing.
Parts used in the DIY Racing Wheel:
- Arduino Leonardo
- Standard 10K potentiometer
- 3D printed gears (15 degrees)
- 3D printed gears (54 degrees)
- Stout bearing
- MOMO drift steering wheel
There are many racing wheels on the market for the budding sim enthusiast. Unfortunately, lower end models tend to have a limited range of motion and ship with cheap plastic wheels that don’t feel good in the hand. As always, if what’s on the shelf doesn’t meet your needs, you can always build your own. [ilge]’s DIY racing wheel build is a great example of how to go about it.
It’s a no-frills build, with an Arduino Leonardo doing the USB Human Interface Device duties in this case. It reads a standard 10K potentiometer via an analog input to determine wheel position. To enable a realistic 900 degrees of motion, unlike the standard 270 degree rotation of the potentiometer, [ilge] uses 3D printed gears of 15 and 54 degrees respectively. This also has the benefit of allowing the wheel to be mounted to a stout bearing for smooth motion. The steering wheel itself is a high quality drift wheel from MOMO, and the benefit of building your own setup is that you can choose whatever wheel you like to taste.
It’s a simple build both mechanically and electronically speaking, but one that serves as a great entry into building a DIY sim for the beginner. We’d love to see further upgrades towards force feedback, or even shift paddles added on the back. Those looking to go all out can even consider building a motion platform. Video after the break.
Source: 900-DEGREE RACING WHEEL HELPS YOU NAIL THE APEX
- What problem do lower end racing wheels have?
They tend to have a limited range of motion and ship with cheap plastic wheels that do not feel good in the hand. - How does the build determine wheel position?
It reads a standard 10K potentiometer via an analog input using an Arduino Leonardo. - How are 900 degrees of motion achieved?
The build uses 3D printed gears of 15 and 54 degrees respectively to convert the standard 270 degree rotation. - What type of steering wheel is used in this project?
A high quality drift wheel from MOMO is used as the steering wheel. - What component allows for smooth motion of the wheel?
The wheel is mounted to a stout bearing which provides smooth motion. - Can users choose their own steering wheel for this build?
Yes, building your own setup allows you to choose whatever wheel you like to taste. - What upgrades are suggested for future builds?
Suggested upgrades include adding force feedback or shift paddles on the back. - What can those looking to go all out consider building?
They can consider building a motion platform.
