JIG's SX02 Extreme Race Simulator by Simworx

[Jig]

This is not a car, but its still considered a ride because it has a seat. A racing seat at that!

I am never been a gaming person but I have always adored driving and flight simulators. I got hooked back in 2002 when I went to Guam for a conference and was treated to a state of the art gaming arcade with simulators. Few years on, I decided to revisit this and came across a company in Melbourne called, Simworx.

After many conversations and much deliberation, I have decided to purchase Simworx's SX02 Extreme Race Simulator. The details are;

SX02 Aerodyne Chassis
Xtreme Gaming Computer | I opted for the PC version rather than PS2 or XBOX
Professional licensed rFactor Motorsport software
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Remote Keyboard Stand
Custom 2K automotive paint
Race Team graphics
Logitech Force Feedback Driving Controls
Leather Steering Wheel
Stainless steel paddle shift
Stainless Steel Pedal Set
26.5” LCD HD Widescreen Samsung Professional Monitor
SimworX Monitor Mounts
HDMI cables & gold plated audio connectors
On board surge protected power board
Sparco or Cobra style Race Seat
Adjustable sliding tracks
Dolby 2.1 sound system with amplifier and subwoofer built in to chassis
Remote volume and bass control mounted on seat frame
Brackets and fittings finished in Carbon Graphite
Personalised number plate
Chrome tipped audio horns

With:

Simworx Pro Series Competition Pedals
OMP FIA Race Steering Wheel
Motec Style Data Dash
HRT Pro Series Sequential Shift

Here is a picture of what it looks. Note however that my Steering wheel is the OMP FIA race version. The H Pattern stick will be on the left and the HRT shift will be on the right. I have opted for a "White and Black" coloured theme and Euro decals.

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/SX02.jpg

The Sim can include a motion motor which I have not included for this initial setup as I wanted to learn and experience the Sim first. Kind of like modifying a car bit by bit so you know what each modification does to the car.

How does racing work on this Sim?

You can either race on your own or with computer cars. You can adjust the strength of the computer cars as well. So if its low they brake early for corners and try and avoid your car. On difficult, they will try and out brake you, and dive in on corners.

You can also race multiplayer online! And you can link two sims together and race with each other.

What racing software does it come with?

This Sim comes with the rFactor Software. The same software F1A Red Bull racing team uses for their Sims.

It consists of various competition and non-competition race tracks around the world used by various motorsport icons like F1, DTM, V8 Supercars, Indy. It also includes WRC locations around the world. In addition, it also consists of race tracks that are not necessarily used for race events like Nordschliffe(The Ring), Eastern Creek Raceway, et al.

You can race on any of these tracks on any cars you want. Customizing any cars to your desires. The rFactor software changes the behaviour of the Sim in terms of response, acceleration, braking et al to the actual car's dynamics and power. So its never the same experience driving on the Ring on a Murcielago compared to a Mclaren SLR.

With a sub woofer located under your race seat and speakers behind your neck and 2.1 Dolby Surround, you are cocooned in this race chair with a 26" LCD screen right in front of you. Note that this can be upgraded to a 3 Matrix LCD screens as well which, I did not choose for now.

There is no doubt, this is a serious racing simulator. Nothing comes close to this Sim in this market or overseas for that matter. Its an extreme simulator as the name suggests.

Simworx's website address is http://www.simworx.com.au. Speak to Gareth. Very nice people, very customer centric and more importantly, they love what they do.

[Mr_Bob]

rFactor is awesome, had a play on a mate's PC (G25 wheel, but not an elaborate setup like yours)
The realism is on another level, the detail for modification is insane.

I think it's harder to drive than a real race car, as you don't get the actual g-force feeling that tells you when you're on the limit.
Although the game does do a good job of displaying the vehicle dynamics.

I had all sorts of issues driving a high compression race car, that wanted to get sideways on downshifts.
Double clutching wasn't enough to stop it, so i had to learn to ride the throttle during a downshift...

I'm sure you'll get many hours of fun out of this :)

[Frenchie]

Jig I will have no choice but to hand out an ( and my first >D ) infraction notice if you don't at least have me over for one test drive !

You've could at least opted for 2 seats, co-pilot style >D

Very nice piece of work J

[nath_mk6]

very nice Jose, looks the goods and am sure it will provide you with hours of fun!

[stephen8512]

Wow Jose that looks awesome!!

Any way of hooking a PS3 and GT5 up to this? Or does it already come preloaded with the stuff? and can u customise the cars too? like set the damper rebound on the suspenion etc?

next GTG @ jose's!!

[Jig]

Thanks Ben. Yes it sounds unreal does'nt it. The G25 is a std wheel as per the pic but opted for the F1 Wheel with "what else" alcantara covering it.

LOL. Thanks Frenchie. Let me familiarize myself with the Sim first then will send the invites out C.

Indeed Nath. Hours of fun. Its also good familiarizing yourself with some of the race tracks in Sydney before going out to the real track with your car. It also assists L platers learning how to drive which is great for my kids and yes you can hook up a PS2 or XBOX to it.

Stephen, not 100% sure about the suspension adjustments. I believe it can but the best way to feel it is if I have the motion motor included in the Sim. I will let you know when I get it.

[stephen8512]

This thing is going to be awesome!!!

Couple this to GT5....BlackOps on my desktop and NBA 2K11 on the PS3 = goodbye social life! hehe

Also, regarding the cars, can you choose the F1 cars they use? i.e RedBull, Ferrari, McLaren, Toro Rosso, Williams etc etc?

[Jig]

Yes you can choose any F1 cars you want to drive on any F1 circuit around the world Stephen. In fact, if you are a die-hard F1 Fan, you could have opted for an F1 chassis 1/2 or full at a premium cost of course. Just check out Simworx's website. For those of you in Melbourne, you should go and check out their soon to be new premises and have a feel for their Sims.

[J.T]

very nice Jose, i can see some late nights / early mornings coming your way!!
Have fun with it!

[Bizi]

OMP wheel - one of these, Jig?

http://www.simworx.com.au/i//tn_Temp_Simworx_Images_003.JPG


Or:
http://www.simworx.com.au/i//tn_SimworX_Pro_Series_FF_Ball_Bearing_Steering_Box .JPG

SimworX Ball bearing Force Feedback Steering Box for our Formula One 1/2 and Full Size Cars.
It also features a "Quick Release" steering wheel hub
Electronically Adjustable Pedal Set designed for our Formula One Cars

Programmable PC version:
http://www.simworx.com.au/i//tn_SimworX_OMP_Programmable_Race_Wheel.JPG

http://www.simworx.com.au/page/page/5313948.htm

I hope it's ready for you in time for Christmas. :)

[Jig]

The first Pic Ben. The 2nd one is the removal unit. Dont see the need really and the third one definitely not. It looks too confusing even for me.

The Sim is arriving on Dec 8. They have just moved to a new factory so pics will follow as soon as they can muster.

[Bizi]

Jig, thanks and no rush, but you have a lot of interested driving gamers looking to see how it can be done with 'real' controls like you are getting. :)

Just for fun, here's a pic from a sim thread on OzAudi - a Daytona console is the basis and it now has an Audi A4 seat and is a nice arcade-style variation:
http://www.ozaudi.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6411&d=1279294526

[∆pex]

that's an awesome setup jig! quality looks amazing, that would be so much fun.

i was just drooling over these the other day...
http://www.fanatec.de/html/index.php?id=240&lang=en

[Justin Fox]

You're nuts Jig that's hilarious... HAHAHAHA. Any chance we can have a time attack night at yours some time soon? :)

[mshl1979]

You're nuts Jig that's hilarious... HAHAHAHA. Any chance we can have a time attack night at yours some time soon? :)

Haha that would be fun...

[Shonen]

OMFG. That is awesome.

I didnt know there was a company in Oz that sold these kind of products.

GT5 would be so intense.

[Tim]

you shoulda gotten one like this :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMLarxR-q08

[Jig]

that's an awesome setup jig! quality looks amazing, that would be so much fun.

i was just drooling over these the other day...
http://www.fanatec.de/html/index.php?id=240&lang=en

Yes I saw this Steve and I love how it is all stealth. Big bucks this is but my 2 concerns were;

1. Local Support
2. rFactor Software preference

[Jig]

You're nuts Jig that's hilarious... HAHAHAHA. Any chance we can have a time attack night at yours some time soon? :)

Very possible Justin. Very possible.

[Jig]

you shoulda gotten one like this :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMLarxR-q08

Thanks Tim!

Wow. that is another level in itself but I dont like the idea that I am half suspended in the air + I need a warehouse to host it... It looks awesome though!

[saad]

Nice one Jig! I'm in the process of building my own simulator too. Got my wheel and pedals sorted, and picked up a MINT WRX seat for $80. Now to build it all out of wood and Al.

[Jig]

Good to know you have all that time in your hands. I wish I did! Show us when its done Saad.

My Sim is in transit now and I should get it on Monday.

[Bizi]

Good to know you have all that time in your hands. I wish I did! Show us when its done Saad.

My Sim is in transit now and I should get it on Monday.

I hope it's not coming via Allied Express. I can't begin to say how disappointed I am with the stuffups in something a particular driver should have delivered well before somebody's birthday. Three or more days and no sign of it, but it's been in and out of the warehouse, lost, found etc.

I'd imagine SimWorx can run their business better than the fools at Bigbrownbox (no wonder BBB is going out of business!)

[saad]

Good to know you have all that time in your hands. I wish I did! Show us when its done Saad.

My Sim is in transit now and I should get it on Monday.

Im making most of my time right now, before I start work at IBM! Then no more play time, for a few years anyway. At least that way, I can come home, relax and bang out a few races! Mine wont be anything too flash, but sturdy and moveable if needed.

Eventually, Id love to have a full motion rig, when Im older and have more time - , theres a mob in Japan, Frex ( http://frex.xsrv.jp/gpshop/catalog/default.php?cPath=1_26&osCsid=6bea517d9630863e75e870f99824135b) who have a really good one, and you can build up to it, ie just buy the intial frame. Its made of T slot aluminium tubing which is amazing stuff, like Lego.

http://www.frex.com/gp/cockpit/home1.4-w300.JPG

Eventually builds up to this:

http://www.thewayiplay.com/systeemplaatjes/devices/simconmotion.jpg

[Jig]

Nice!

Its not Allied Express Bizi.

[Jig]

Here are the phots of my Simworx SX02 Simulator.

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/ABT-SX02-4.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/ABT-SX02-3.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/ABT-SX02-2.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/ABT-SX02-1.jpg

[Bizi]

Classy! I like that it's not overdone.

Does it have the ABT sound effects when you floor it? :p
I think I see where it's headed, Jig, like a white privateer car getting some attention in the races and having and lots of available white space for rent. :D

[saad]

Dude that is nice! Im gonna get some of the metal flooring stck on stuff from supercheap for mine!

[Jig]

Yeah. Did not want to go overboard with the decals. My license plate is not ready yet so that will stick behind the seat at the bottom. I might add some Pirelli and DTM decals.

Thanks Saad.

[∆pex]

you remember how to use that left pedal?! :p

[Paolo]

you remember how to use that left pedal?! :p

word, can you stall the car while playing? hehe

[SUGA]

Crazy shit guys!!! HAHA I'd spend waaaaaay too much time in that thing Jose!!!

Oooops posting as Suga again (lol).

[SUGA]

Can you clutch kick it? What about heel to toe rev matching?!

[OraQube]

Very nice, Jig :)

Where are the front speakers located? Cos I can only spot the two rears and sub underneath the seat.

[saad]

Can you clutch kick it? What about heel to toe rev matching?!

Yep you have to in certain games, ie iRacing, otherwise youll be too slow, and can even blow your engine!

[Jig]

Can i remember the clutch? Hmmm. I was driving a manual few days ago for 2 days and when I came back to my car, my left foot was looking for the clutch which did not exist obviously and may hands was wanting to shift my DSG. Weird feeling for sure... I have to admit though, its been a while since I have driven a stick properly and I have forgotten how scary it is to start the car on incline even with the handbrake on. I am glad most modern cars these days have auto hold on manual cars coz if I were to buy a manual car again, auto hold is a must feature. What I am interested to feel more is the shift sequential on the right just like the DTM, V8 Supercars. I have been told it feels so mechanical and just like the real deal. The same goes with the pedals.

As far as dumping the clutch, I guess I will have to report on that Paolo.

No front speakers. I did not opt for it when I have a 2.1 dolby sound surround system behind my ears, sub woofer under the seat as you picked up and an amplifier at the very front of the Sim. I can opt for a 5.1 system but I think it will be so overkill. I might have to wear ear plugs when I drive this thing... If i really like this, I might upgrade to a triple matrix screen and put the motion motor. But first, need to just enjoy this as is and learn how to play this thing.

[Jig]

Can you clutch kick it? What about heel to toe rev matching?!

Mate, will have to wait and see or come over and give it a go yourself Justin!

[saad]

Jig 5.1 is worth it - 2.1 isn't surround, its just stereo, with a subwoofer. 5.1 will immerse u in the game and you will be able to hear cars front, behind, left and right of you. It would be a cheap upgrade anyway, and well worth it IMO.

[Jig]

Just to show you how much I know about sound system. I dont have a dolby surround system anywhere in my house coz I am not into that stuff. We shall see.

[Bizi]

Jig, this sound stuff, it's all fluff... we know the only sound system that interests you has an ABT badge!

Getting down to the biz... has this rig helped you reduce lap times in any games? Isn't that the challenge and the reason to get this gear, for not just a more realistic sim, but to help you get a better rhythm on the laps?

[Jig]

So its been 2 days now since I took delivery of my Sim. What can I say... Its a league of its own! The feedback you get on the steering wheel, the real engine noise you hear depending on what car you choose(I like the Redbull F1) behind your ears, the rumble you feel of the engine on your butt and the pedal feel and force feedback when you go too far. Its Insane!

I have driven to the Nurburgring, Eastern Race Creek and other circuits around the world in various race series and cars and its just overwhelming.

Here are some more shots of the Sim in my Entertainment room.

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-17.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-16.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-15.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-14.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-13.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-12.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-11.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-10.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-9.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-8.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-7.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-6.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-5.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-4.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-3.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-2.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jig69r/Simworx/Sx02-1.jpg

[Mr_Bob]

I hear The VWGolf sticker takes 2-3 seconds off your lap time.

Lookin good Jig, i wish i had the $$ and space for a setup like this!

[J.T]

Wow Jose... that looks awesome!! Im surprised you actually took time out to take photos of it.. I would still have my rear end the seat, lol.
Taking delivery just before the xmas break couldnt be anything but a god send, lol..
Enjoy!!!

[sxcR32]

wow jose
thats some gaming equipment right there!!!!!!!!

[sxcR32]

i got one recently as well although its way way less hardcore haha

Its the Next Level Racing simulator with the Logitech G25 wheel...

[sxcR32]

http://img96.imageshack.us/i/img0367nr.jpg/

http://img823.imageshack.us/i/img0364e.jpg/

http://img824.imageshack.us/i/img0369vv.jpg/

haha gonna get some golf stickers soon ;)

[Bizi]

Thanks for the pics, Jig.

[Jig]

Thanks guys.

The best car so far and the most stable around the ring is:

1. Ferrari F430
2. Porsche GT3 Cup

The fastest F1 car around the ring is:

1. Mclaren Mercedes - this car feel faster and sounds better
2. RedBull - this car feel as fast but very slow on upshifts. Does not sound as good as the Mclaren as well. Weird.

The craziest car around the ring is;

1. Lambo Gallardo
2. Zonda

Best time around the ring with the F430 is 9mins+.

[stephen8512]

love this mancave!

have you taken the bugatti veyron around the ring?

[faijai]

Holy crap! this is awesome!
my setup at home is clamping a g27 to a pc desk..cant compare to this!
I love your entertainment room also :D

[kaoticice]

oh my lord... can i move in with you jose? =D

btw congratz on the motor magazine feature. its on my bedroom wall at the moment