DIY sequential gear shifter for sim racing

A sequential transmission is one which solely means that you can transfer up or down by a single gear at a time. They’ve at all times been the norm for bikes, as a result of they’re light-weight and compact. And System 1 automobiles have sequential transmissions for a similar causes. However in contrast to bikes, which require handbook shifting, System 1 automobiles have lightning-fast digital methods. To recreate that for racing sims, Carlos Almeida designed this sequential gear shift controller.

Actual System 1 automobiles have paddle shifters, in order that drivers can shift whereas holding their arms on their steering wheels. It is a little bit totally different and appears extra like a traditional shifter at first look. It’s a giant lever that the consumer can push ahead to maneuver up a gear, or pull again to maneuver down a gear. A seven-segment show reveals the present gear quantity.

Many of the mechanical elements are 3D-printable and an Arduino MKR1000 WiFi board is the first element. Transferring the shift lever pushes a swap, which the Arduino registers. Almeida developed the sketch utilizing PlatformIO. It units the Arduino up as a regular USB HID that can work with any racing sim or sport, as a result of it sends key presses like several keyboard or gamepad. It doesn’t obtain suggestions from the PC, so it has to maintain observe of the present gear and let the consumer set the variety of gears obtainable utilizing small buttons under the readout show.

In order for you a bodily sequential shifter for racing sims, this can make an excellent weekend undertaking.