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INTRODUCTION
The age of the analog controller device is slowly coming to an end. Yes, there are still some fantastic analog steering devices out there such as the ECCI and TSW's. However, they cannot provide the same precise control that a digital wheel can and in almost all cases are more expensive. Furthermore, they currently cannot offer any kind of Force Feedback. This may be just fine for many of you out there, and I completely understand. I was never a huge fan of the idea behind Force Feedback technology, at least in its previous form. However, times do change and so has my opinion! I always thought that competing online using Force Feedback would be a disadvantage because you would be experiencing an "obstacle" that the analog wheel users were not. This would be true if all Force Feedback did was provide a few rumbles when you come into contact with something. However, when the technology is emerging such that you can start to "feel" the handling of the car, Force Feedback can not only add to the immersion of simulator racing, but also give you an advantage.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Force RS wheel will work with virtually any PC. The disclosed minimum requirements are a 486 or higher processor, 2X CD-ROM, 5MB of hard disk space, DirectX 5 or higher, and a free serial or USB port. I highly suggest Windows98 and USB to avoid any conflicts you might have with using a serial modem and a serial steering device at the same time for online racing. The Force RS comes with both a USB and serial connector included. Whatever you do, DO NOT connect both at the same time!
MY SETUP
- Intel Celeron 400 (o/c 450)
- Slot 1 AOpen AX6BC motherboard
- 96mb of SDRAM
- Windows98 SE
- 19in ProView PRO900 monitor
- SoundBlaster PCI 128 sound card
- Voodoo3 2000 PCI video card
I tested the ACT LABS Force RS on NASCAR Racing 3, Grand Prix Legends, Viper Racing, and Need For Speed III: Hot Pursuit.
PRICE
The ACT LABS Force RS has a suggested retail price of $139.00. However, you may find it on the net for less than that. I did not look extensively, but I have seen it listed as low as $119.00. For less than $120, the ACT LABS Force RS is one heck of a bargain for a quality steering device!
INSTALLATION
- It doesn't get much easier than this:
- Remove any devices you have in the game controller setup in control panel.
- Turn off your PC.
- Plug the cartridge into the back of the wheel unit.
- Plug the power cord into the cartridge and plug the power adapter into an outlet.
- Plug your connector into the back of your PC, in my case, USB.
- Put the installation CD in your CD-Rom. Turn on your PC.
- It will then look for the drivers as it would for any device installation.
NOTE: ACT LABS has new drivers available on their web site. I suggest you download and use those before installing from the CD.
BAM! You are ready to use your new ACT LABS Force RS wheel. No calibration needed. You can go into the game controllers under control panel and play with the settings until they match your preference. Everyone seems to have different preferences when it comes to the strength of certain feedback characteristics so experiment until you find what you like. The Force RS also comes with a nice little utility that lets you create custom configurations for each racing simulation or game that you use. Note that you should check the "READ ME" file (You know, those little text files no one ever takes the time to read ) for each game/sim you use as some of them might have their own characteristics for setting up Force Feedback. For example, NASCAR Racing 3 from Papyrus has you put two lines in the N3.ini file with a value of 0 � 200 to set the relative strength of the Force Feedback tensions. The pedal base has 4 rubber grips, which work well on flat surfaces. The pedals have a decent amount of weight to them so they do not slide around under your desk too much. Not to mention you are pushing more down than back using these pedals. If you are like me and have a large anti-static rug protector, you may want to get some Velcro tape to make sure they remain firmly planted. The wheel unit has a very sound clamping system with only one limitation I can see. On my desk, I have a front "lip" which prevented me from mounting the wheel to my desk. The clamps did not lower enough to get under the "lip" on the front. So this is one thing to be aware of ahead of time. Not letting something this simple stop me, I simply went to the basement and got out the 'ol trusty hack saw and cut myself two � in high grooves in the front "lip" just wide enough to accommodate the clamps. However, I do not believe this will be a common problem at all. This clamping mechanism does work extremely well to keep the unit in place. The wheel also has a good amount of weight to help keep it firmly stationed.
ERGONOMICS
For those of us who compete in races that are medium or longer in length, one thing we cannot overlook is the ergonomics of the steering device. I suffer as it is with my racing setup as I use one of those folding poker chairs with about � inch of cushion so my rear end is numb by the end of my races anyway. So, I cannot skimp on the comfortability of my steering device! I may have to add a leather back executive chair to see how it works for sim racing applications.
THE WHEEL
The wheel itself is extremely comfortable. It is wrapped in faux-leather, which is about as real of a feel as you can get without genuine leather in my opinion. The diameter of the wheel is large enough to give you a good leverage feel, but not too big to cause any problems with getting comfortable and mounting it on your desk. The diameter is about 10 � inches, which is about � of an inch larger than the Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro wheel. The circumference of the grip is also a bit larger than I'm use to, but again, it's extremely comfortable. I have used this wheel for hours at a time and have had no problems with "sweaty palms" or hand cramping.
PEDALS
I have to be honest. I was prejudice against the pedals for the Force RS from the start. I looked at the pictures on the ACT LABS web site and immediately said there is no way I will like those pedals! Well, I am here to eat my crow. When I pulled these pedals out, the first thing that came to mind was "odd". They definitely have a unique shape and are rather large. It gives you plenty of space to rest your left foot on for further stability. They are heavy and stay in place pretty well on their own. Although the pedal plates will not bring any images of F1 or NASCAR to your mind, they are OK. The movement of the pedals is down, instead of forward such as the case with most wheels like the Thrustmaster products. At first, the pedals seem to be a little "sticky", but after a few hours of use that went away. I guess I needed to wear the "new" off the pedals. Like I mentioned above, I sit in a folding poker chair at my computer desk and the pedals are in a very comfortable position for me to use. Pushing down on the pedals was a little different, but the pedals do have a little angle and swivel to them so it's not that hard at all to get use to. After about an hour or so of use, I was actually very surprised at just how much I enjoyed using this pedal base. The throw for the each pedal is long enough to give you good throttle response and control, but not too long.
 
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