iRacing session with the Force Dynamics 401cr

Force Dynamics showcases a lap on the iRacing Nordschleife using the Force Dynamics 401cr Full Motion Simulator.

Recently iRacing released its laser-scanned version of the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Being one of the biggest releases yet on the iRacing online racing service, it could not go unnoticed at the Force Dynamics headquarters.

In honor of the new track release, Force Dynamics President David Wiernicki fires up the 401cr simulator rig to do a lap of the iRacing ‘ring in the Corvette C7R. This time, the camera is fixed on the simulator seat, giving us a good idea of the drivers perception of the track while moving around in the motion rig.

Additionally, David mounted his iPhone which was running their in-house G-Meter app which features variable damping and variable scaling get rid of crazy vibrations. The app shows us how the 401Cr’s movements translates to the feel you would have in a real car.

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Force Dynamics is a family-owned business founded in 2005 and located upstate New York USA, a few minutes from the Watkins Glen track. The Wiernicki family company is a well-known player in the global Motion Simulator market.

 

 

Force Dynamics 301 & 401 Features:

Servo system:

• Networked 3 or 4-axis digital servo drive controlling three Force Dynamics actuators. Actuator motors provide 3hp peak and 500lbs of peak thrust each; actuators are Force Dynamics ball-screw struts with 18″ of travel. Maximum driver weight 250lbs.

Motion platform geometry:

• Raised center of rotation provides superior onset cuing compared to existing motion systems and reduces parasitic forces that cause motion sickness.

Motion platform reaction time:

• Ethernet-based servo system provides near-instant reaction to in-game events and allows for extremely high small-excursion bandwidth. Instead of the ‘magic carpet’ ride common with other small motion systems, the 301 can physically recreate engine vibrations, pavement texture, and high-frequency suspension vibrations with appropriate software.

Power:

• 110v or 220v operation on a single 30 or 15 amp circuit, respectively. 

Control software:

• Windows-based control software requires only Ethernet (no PCI add-on cards) and updates are available on-line. Easy-to-use interface allows precise control of simulator characteristics, including scaling of output, softening filters, and per-game settings. 

Software support:

• The 301’s open support API allows for the easy addition of software support. The 301 is not dependent on one piece of soon-to-be-obsolete software.

Display options:

• Available displays include a 50″ 1080p projection display, triple 24″ IPS or 27″ LCD monitors, and a 50+” 3D LCD. Custom display setups are available – just ask!

Audio:

• 5.1 Surround sound with 12″ custom-built 300 watt RMS subwoofer and 500 watts RMS surround via five Boston Acoustics satellite speakers.

Controls:

• Force Dynamics force feedback steering with various racing steering wheels. Paddle shifters and two auxiliary control buttons (six-button version optional). Force Dynamics three-pedal set including the clutch. Long-throw throttle and clutch; high tension, progressive brake replicates stiffness and feel of racing brake pedals. 

Ergonomics:

• Seat and pedals adjustable fore / aft for drivers from 5’0″ to 6’5″. Steering wheel tilts 30 degrees. Left and right steps for easy entrance / exit.

Safety:

• Electronically interlocked seat belt and door. On-board E-Stop; external E-Stop connection. Lexan guarding. Motor brakes freeze system in case of power failure, or on E-stop or interlock activation. Motor amplifiers remain unpowered except when interlocks read OK.

Build quality:

• All materials excepting guarding, screen, and seat are metal; all metal parts are either stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or powder coated steel. Industrial quality connectors, wiring, and mechanical construction are used throughout.

Certification:

• The 301 and 401 are CE and TUV certified.

 

Official Webpage: www.force-dynamics.com