Summary of AN EASY DIY PEDAL SET FOR RACING SIMS
[ilge] built a DIY sim-racing pedal set using mostly 3D-printed parts, springs, nuts, and bolts. Gear teeth on the pedal arms mesh with gears mounted on potentiometers; the pots are read by an Arduino Pro Micro, which presents as a USB HID to the computer. The build is tested with games like Euro Truck Simulator and iRacing and is presented as an inexpensive starting point, with suggestions for future upgrades such as a load-cell brake or an H-shifter.
Parts used in the DIY Sim-Racing Pedal Set:
- 3D-printed pedal arms and structural components
- Springs
- Nuts and bolts
- Gears (3D-printed or purchased) for pedal-to-potentiometer interface
- Potentiometers
- Arduino Pro Micro
- Wiring (for connecting potentiometers to Arduino)
- USB cable (Arduino to computer)
The racing sim scene has always had a strong DIY subculture, as enthusiasts seeking the most realistic-feeling peripherals set out to modify off-the-shelf offerings for greater authenticity. Others go further and craft their own builds from the ground up. [ilge] has done just that, putting together his own set of pedals for sim racing.
The build relies primarily on 3D printed components, with a few springs and some nuts and bolts to hold everything together. Gear teeth on the pedal arms interface with matching gears mounted on potentiometers. These are then wired into an Arduino Pro Micro, which reads the individual pots via analog inputs and then acts as a USB Human Interface Device to the computer.
[ilge] tests the setup with a variety of games, including the popular Euro Truck Simulator and iRacing. It’s a great cheap way to get started with a pedal set for a sim rig. From here, the sky really is the limit; we’d love to see an upgraded version with a load-cell on the brake for better pedal feel. We’d be surprised if an H-shifter isn’t in the works, too. Video after the break.
Source: AN EASY DIY PEDAL SET FOR RACING SIMS
- What materials are primarily used to build the pedal set?
The build relies primarily on 3D-printed components, with springs, nuts, and bolts. - How do the pedals measure position?
Gear teeth on the pedal arms interface with matching gears mounted on potentiometers to measure pedal position. - What microcontroller is used to read the potentiometers?
An Arduino Pro Micro reads the individual potentiometers via analog inputs. - How does the pedal set communicate with the computer?
The Arduino Pro Micro acts as a USB Human Interface Device to the computer. - What games were used to test the pedal set?
The setup was tested with Euro Truck Simulator and iRacing. - Is this pedal set inexpensive to build?
Yes, the article presents it as a great cheap way to get started with a pedal set for a sim rig. - Can the pedal set be upgraded for better feel?
The article suggests adding a load-cell on the brake for better pedal feel as an upgrade option. - Might the builder add other peripherals later?
The article speculates an H-shifter may be in the works as another possible upgrade.
