HPP Simulation is best known for their high-end pedal systems, and now they may be getting into the wheel market! Mark Hargett has decided to show us some interesting designs for a custom formula-style wheel rim.
The HPP Sim Wheel Rim, depending on consumer interest,will be available as a DIY project, or a turnkey rim. The main unit will be a 1-piece billet construction, made from a single piece of aluminum weighing only 350 grams. Four paddle shifters will be integrated into the rim, which will save weight. The two bottom shifters will be fully analog, to work as gas/brake or clutch. A 70mm bolt pattern will allow the rim to be used on a wide variety of wheels, including the SimSteering and Accuforce units.
The front plate can be configured to work with virtually any layout of buttons/dials you can think of. The shown concept features ten buttons, two rotary dials, and a “Mode” dial which can be adjusted with two thumb wheels. An SLI-Pro unit can be utilized in the rim as well. From what it sounds like, you would be able to discuss different designs with Mark to see what you would want on your unit.
Pricing has not been determined yet, and likely will not until some physical units have been developed. If you are an iRacing member, you can check out this thread to learn more, and provide input in the development of the rim.
Would you use an HPP-developed wheel rim? Let us know in the comments below!
The problem with it that I see is that it needs to be attached to a steering wheel motor and then you need to update, some games accept these things, some do not. I have a simple l.e.d. tachometer button box and not all games accept it, then they change their plug ins and you are back to zero… It can be a beautiful thing when they work and I am sure this is really cool. However, I race on PS3 and PC and probably will need to race on PS4 and I can see this becoming very complicated unless you only race on one platform and one game then it might be worth the hassle. So, no I would not be interested. It looks great though.
cold, but true !
It does read harshly, I want folks to keep developing these products to improve the sim racing, but with all the hacking going on the games have to keep changing their protocols and that makes it harder to use these great products. However, again it does look like a great product.