cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/51305553

I’ve been wanting an F1-style steering wheel for sim racing for ages, but I didn’t want to spend massive amounts of cash on a commercially-built steering wheel that could be great but had loads of features I didn’t care about (especially LEDs and a screen) since I play in VR.

A colleague of mine, who is also into sim racing, built a steering wheel that was better than almost anything you can find from Fanatec/Moza/Thrustmaster/whatevs for around 500€.

So, of course, I decided to buy the same thing build it myself from scratch for the challenge and to save some money. Because I’m an idiot, I guess. I thought it would take me 2-3 weekends. It took 4 months. It’s basically a wheel-shaped mechanical keyboard. It was the biggest non-essential project of my life. I learned a lot, including not getting myself delusional enough to start that kind of project on a whim.

Steering wheel's back

Features:

  • F1-shaped steering wheel, heavily inspired by Ferrari’s one with the general shape and front. Back is closer to Mercedes’.
  • Magnetic shift paddles
  • Analog clutch (WIP)
  • 7 rotary encoders
  • 10 face buttons + 2 back buttons + 5 clickable encoders
  • Quick-release connection to the steering column
  • Aviator-style USB connector
  • QMK firmware
  • Everything is 3D-printed except for the aluminium mid-plate and the quick-release

If you guys are interested I have a few WIP pictures, so I could start a build log. WDYT?

Installed Front Installed Back

  • INeedMana@piefed.zipEnglish
    1·
    22 hours ago

    not getting myself delusional enough to start that kind of project on a whim

    I’m DIY-ing something completely different and not a physical thing but I can relate so much. Never underestimate the amount of time, effort and knowledge to do a thing. Better to pick up something open source already existing and help improve it, than making from scratch

    But then, the satisfaction of the project working is another level

    • WFH@lemmy.zipOP
      1·
      16 hours ago

      Well technically I already had the skills 😅

      I’m decent at 3D modeling technical parts, I know how to hand wire a keyboard, I’m familiar with QMK.

      The sheer scale and packaging issues and ergonomics is on another level there though