Ship Simulator
English forum => Small talk => Topic started by: Chris-S1 on July 08, 2008, 00:44:33
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i no thair is a poll.
what do you guys think abot it? http://www.raildriver.com/products/shipdriver.php
like
is it to much to pay 199?
will it make the game run slower
will it make the game harder to play
do u think thay will iver bring it out ?
or will it just be sooper
give ur thots :D
Topic title edited, DJM.
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Is 199$?
I think I would buy that one, or I could figure how to make one myself
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yes making own looks like a better plan :)
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Is 199$?
I think I would buy that one, or I could figure how to make one myself
yes making own looks like a better plan :)
http://www.shipsim.com/ShipSimForum/index.php/topic,4503.0.html ;)
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I'm not all that impressed with it, judging from the photo's. (I think it's a mockup, but if it is that plasticcy for real, then it's not very sturdy)
Plus, it only has one rudder. So ocean star, bugsier, etc.. are hard to control with it.
I'm half way with my home built one, but too busy to finish it any time soon. But yeah, building something yourself would have my vote, obviously.
Regards,
Fred
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yes it dose look very cheaply made looks like it would fall apart after a cuple of weeks and how would you controls some ships like the red jet and red egel
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i no thair is a poll.
what do you guys think abot it? http://www.raildriver.com/products/shipdriver.php
like
is it to much to pay 199?
will it make the game run slower
will it make the game harder to play
do u think thay will iver bring it out ?
or will it just be sooper
give ur thots :D
Seems to be a long time in development as the web site says it will be suitable for SS06!!! No mention of SS08 or 09 ?
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for £158 i wont be buying it not only dose it look cheap and placticy but it dose not have all the controls for ship sim 2008 ( thrusters or any of other types of ship controls)
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Actually those speeders should only support one engine, because you can see that they are red and black, in real life they are a speeder and the other is the coupling, if they where for two engines the should both be black
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Hiya all :)
I said 'No' to the poll on that topic, too many bills unfortunately (they aren't getting any cheaper either ::)), I wouldn't pay that kind of price for a controller for one game anyway. I know, I'm a skinflint ;)
Carl.
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I put yes, eventhough it is expensive, it could be fun.
Obviously, no good if it isn't compatible with SS08. :(
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I get plenty of enjoyment from the simulator using the mouse and keyboard. Everything works OK that way. I therefore voted "No" because I can think of better things to spend my hard earned pension on. ::)
Angus.
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you got that right mad_fred how would you drive os an bugseir 2 i looks like it only has one azipod contrller and it looks rather Ugly it looks like raildriver but not as good looking
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well from what ppl are saying if thay do bring it out thn thair not going to making a hole lot of cash
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Personally I'm not watching the price I'm just watching the ETA. ;)
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I didnt like screen of controller anyway i want to buy it but it be expensive with shipping for me. If can be more discount i can buy it
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While I think it's good that a major company is interested in making a controller for a ShipSim game, I can't help wondering why all these superfluous controls/buttons? Things like that add costs during the designing and manufacturing process, not to mention the bulky packaging etc (it looks huge). It also looks like we'll never use all these extra switches/buttons
I think ShipDriver should be re-designed to make more simpler with the following parts:
- A steering Wheel (perhaps with interchangeable wheel of different styles?);
- A pair of 3-way switch lever for bow & stern thrusters (toggle-style switch);
- Throttle levers;
- A couple of spare buttons for other things (i.e. horn and anything else that can be 'hot-key').
I'm sure a complete re-design with the above items would help to bring down costs considerably.
Kev
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While I think it's good that a major company is interested in making a controller for a ShipSim game, I can't help wondering why all these superfluous controls/buttons? Things like that add costs during the designing and manufacturing process, not to mention the bulky packaging etc (it looks huge). It also looks like we'll never use all these extra switches/buttons
I think ShipDriver should be re-designed to make more simpler with the following parts:
- A steering Wheel (perhaps with interchangeable wheel of different styles?);
- A pair of 3-way switch lever for bow & stern thrusters (toggle-style switch);
- Throttle levers;
- A couple of spare buttons for other things (i.e. horn and anything else that can be 'hot-key').
I'm sure a complete re-design with the above items would help to bring down costs considerably.
Kev
Oh and I would get rid of the sub-woofer too, in order to reduce costs. I'm sure it's a nice thought but most people have PC speakers anyway.
Kev
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thats a good idea :P u could probaly get away with selling for around 50
POINT TO ADD EDIT POST INSTED OF MAKEING 2 ONE AFTER ANUTHER :D
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I initially was interested in this project, but finally, to my mind, i'm afraid it won't be possible to have one controller able to correctly handle the various types of boats we have in ship sim.
For example, I don't believe joystick axes on our computers are able to work over 360°, like azimuth propelled ships need. I don't think this has to do with the game programming nore with the controllers, but simply with the way Windows handles joystick axes. The only solution to handle this correctly, to my mind, would be to developp a specific usb controller (not considered as a joystick) that ship sim would natively recognise. But maybe I'm wrong on this point.
So, it's not only a controller at 199 euros that would be useful for only one game, but i'm afraid it's controller that would be useful for only a few ships in one game. Agile Solution, PoR, for example. But it won't be able to handle correctly Bugsier2, Red Eagle, or Ocean Star ... It won't even be able to handle a sherpa, as the sherpa has one bow and one aft thruster, and this controller only seems to have one thruster control !
about the question 'will it be compatible with ship sim 2008', or about the fact mentionned by Minime that it would not be able to handle two motors because the levers are made with different colors : you don't have to worry about that, we're just talking about a big joystick, recognized by Windows, with different axis you can assign with the control menu of ship sim, regardless the version (2006 or 2008).
And about the fact (as Chris-S1 initially asked) that this controller could make the game run faster or slower, there's no way a controller might have an impact on the performances of the game.
Hope my english will be understandable :-)
Regards,
Denis
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dont worry your english is better than some of my friends or should that be all of my friends
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your english was fine thanks for the input
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I don't think any current controller I know of could meet the needs required in ShipSim, because none of them have a steering method that goes endlessly clockwise or a-clockwise. They can only turn left and right, so you could never steer more than 180 degrees, be it steering wheel or joystick. This won't do for azipods or VSP's such as Red Eagle. And you would need two, of course..
Untill a product appears on the market that more or less resembles the controls in such vessels I guess we are left to our own ingenuity and handywork..
Besides, this controller looks rather "flimsy" to me.. ;)
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That's a good point about the azipods. :P
But let me tell you I own the "Train Driver" model and it weighs over 12lbs and it is anything but flimsy.
The first time I showed it to a friend he dropped it on my hard wood desk and it left a dent. :-\ ;D
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Personlly i ouldnt buy it, because the wheel is so tiny.
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i would like to buy this one. looks much better than shipdriver. but unfortunatly it costs way too much money.
http://www.wilcopub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=prod_scu
it's called ship control unit and it looks more professional than what shipdriver has too offer.
maritiem
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Depend of the price seems expensive out for a toy, mouse and keyboard are enough
TJK
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Firstly, it's far too small. Secondly, it looks like a children's toy. Thirdly, it's far too expensive.
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At least it should have a usb connection instead of a serial connection
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Looking at that page, it only talks about Ship SIm 2006 being suitable.
And it says that the release date is "Winter 2006". No indication that it ever got released. The linked site at www.simw.com says it will be released November 2008, and if you click on the "Technical Info" link, it says "required: USB port" and nothing else. Total shambles, in my opinion.
An organisation that leaves it's sales adverts so out of date and poorly constructed would worry me too much to buy expensive products from it. Thumbs down, I'm afraid.
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Lol, the page that Maritiem provided says "TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: 1 free serial port" ;D
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I'm not even sure that my PC has a serial port any more.
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Lol, the page that Maritiem provided says "TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: 1 free serial port" ;D
i don't even know what that is! :D ;) i'am not so good with computers.
maritiem
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Fortunately there are adapters of all kinds: here's one that goes from 15-pins to USB
It is meant to be able to connect older controllers to new computers.. :)
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I doubt such a hardware could be released today with a serial connection !
1. most PC don't have a serial port any more,
2. Serial devices aren't plug'n play.
The link maritiem sent is totally out of date. WilcoPub was working on this hardware two years ago, but they have abandonned it since (the page isn't available through Wilco web site). They don't build/sell any hardware.
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A short message, shipdriver will come out 10-februari of this year. the price is to be annouced.
Hope to tell you more soon.
Gr,
eggy1991
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Look forward to learning about it.
thanks.
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yea it does look good http://www.raildriver.com/products/shipdriver.php (http://www.raildriver.com/products/shipdriver.php) hopefully someone from the forum will get it and can give us a great review ;D
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I've just sent my wife an idea for my birthday.... ;D
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I've just sent my wife an idea for my birthday.... ;D
hehe, perfect you can review it for us all ;D
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I have decided to build 2 different but very simple controllers:
1 controller for "standard" ships with 2 slide-pot's for engine control, 2 slide pot's for thrusters and a rotary pot (270 degree) for the wheel.
1 controller for azimuth ships with 2 slide-pot's for engine control and 2 rotary pot's (360 degree) for azimuth control.
I may delete the thruster controls, because they are easy to control with the mouse.
I find it almost impossible to control the Bugsier 2 with keyboard and mouse.
Having the azimuth propellers in the front does not make it easier, compared with azimuth stern drives. :-\
Looking forward to the Shipsim 2010!!
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sounds like a cool idea, hope it works out for you ;)
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I have decided to build 2 different but very simple controllers:
1 controller for "standard" ships with 2 slide-pot's for engine control, 2 slide pot's for thrusters and a rotary pot (270 degree) for the wheel.
1 controller for azimuth ships with 2 slide-pot's for engine control and 2 rotary pot's (360 degree) for azimuth control.
I may delete the thruster controls, because they are easy to control with the mouse.
I find it almost impossible to control the Bugsier 2 with keyboard and mouse.
Having the azimuth propellers in the front does not make it easier, compared with azimuth stern drives. :-\
Looking forward to the Shipsim 2010!!
Interesting idea, I like the sound of that
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I saw the ones that Vstep had at their presentation of the PRO version on Tuesday. Metal, multi-screens, real size ships wheel and throttle controls, etc.
I WANT!!!
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I WANT!!!
Maybe if you are a good boy and do the hoovering for the wife ;)
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I think that this would involve being nice to the Mother-in-Law as well. I can't see it would give me much change from 8,000 Dollars/Euro.
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I think that this would involve being nice to the Mother-in-Law as well. I can't see it would give me much change from 8,000 Dollars/Euro.
I see someone has put a glass of what looks like a milkshake on top of the console. :police:
Tsk tsk, what happens if someone knocks over the glass by accident? ;) :P
Kev
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I hadn't noticed that. I guess it's all fairly "people proofed", though.
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I saw the ones that Vstep had at their presentation of the PRO version on Tuesday. Metal, multi-screens, real size ships wheel and throttle controls, etc.
I WANT!!!
Wow, how much |Id like to have one of those aswell! right next to my steering wheel and racing seat for PS3, and just by the 9 screen ultimate TV. Ooh, now thats a dream............ :)
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We have now over 25million euro in our lotto jackpot :D
maybe... nah i dont think so >:(
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We have now over 25million euro in our lotto jackpot :D
maybe... nah i dont think so >:(
Its worth a try ;D 8)
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I think it looks cheap.
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I am going to say absolutely no, nein, no chance, and Ich leibst nicht denke so ;D. It looks to small in the picture anyway. Has anyone actually bought it?
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I am going to say absolutely no, nein, no chance, and Ich leibst nicht denke so ;D. It looks to small in the picture anyway. Has anyone actually bought it?
Anyways, trying to turn it probably makes the whole console turn.
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I am going to say absolutely no, nein, no chance, and Ich leibst nicht denke so ;D. It looks to small in the picture anyway. Has anyone actually bought it?
dont think either controller has been released yet ;)
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Anyways, trying to turn it probably makes the whole console turn.
Yes, it looks like something really light that if you touch something, the whole thing goes forward.
dont think either controller has been released yet ;)
Oh. Thought it had.
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I don't know if it is me, but i vaguely remember a topic exactly like this one, but it wasnt the same topic.
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probally was this topic as it dates back to quite a while ago ;)
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Revised release date for Ship Driver is now apparently set for early April, but still no indication as to how much it would cost.
Frankly, the lack of marketing and publicity for ShipDriver worries me.
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We'll have to ask Vstep to go into production. The ones at their launch of Ship Sim PRO were most impressive!
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We'll have to ask Vstep to go into production. The ones at their launch of Ship Sim PRO were most impressive!
I was going to suggest that in my previous posting, but I didn't appear to be rude or harassing the good people at VSTEP, especially since they have so much work.
I've seen some screenshots of ShipDriver and there seem to be a lot of unnecessary bits added on such as onboard sub-woofer and rows of 20-odd buttons. It could be why Ship Driver is so expensive.
Maybe if Ship Driver had been trimmed down to just a simple console with a steering unit, twin control levers, 2 bow & stern thruster spring switches and a couple of spare buttons then I'm sure these would be more than sufficient for playing Ship Sim. Sound can be provided by means of PC speakers.
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I think that the Vstep Consoles would be in the region of 5-8,000 Euros, though. They were made with some very professional gear!
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I think that the Vstep Consoles would be in the region of 5-8,000 Euros, though. They were made with some very professional gear!
Ooh :o I didn't realise they would cost that much! Like I said earlier, if someone came up with a "no frills" console for Ship Sim and cost less than Ship Driver then I'd be happy. ;D
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Perhaps the lack of price indicated it won't be cheap :-\
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how do u get multplayer to work?????????????????????
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how do u get multplayer to work?????????????????????
Hello crysisfreak, why dont you start a topic about this in Technical Support. You will get more help there.
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I wouldn't buy it. All of the things that I dislike about it have already been said. So the only thing I can add is that I had purchased the "train driver" console for MSTS, and I was very disappointed with it. You could save some money and possibly achieve the same performance with a programable joystick/throttle.
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I probably buy it, looks good in the pic. I think shipsim would be nice to play with it.
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Perhaps the lack of price indicated it won't be cheap :-\
Yes, that's what I'm worried about.
So far, the only place which I could find ShipDriver (on pre-order) is from a website in Belgium so even if I do place an order, there may be nasty surprise such as having to paying for custom charges and VAT too. :(