DIY sequential gear shifter for sim racing

A sequential transmission is one which solely permits you to 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 Formulation 1 automobiles have sequential transmissions for a similar causes. However not like bikes, which require guide shifting, Formulation 1 automobiles have lightning-fast digital techniques. To recreate that for racing sims, Carlos Almeida designed this sequential gear shift controller.

Actual Formulation 1 automobiles have paddle shifters, in order that drivers can shift whereas holding their palms on their steering wheels. It is a little bit completely 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.

A lot of the mechanical parts 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 normal USB HID that may work with any racing sim or sport, as a result of it sends key presses like every keyboard or gamepad. It doesn’t obtain suggestions from the PC, so it has to maintain monitor of the present gear and let the consumer set the variety of gears accessible utilizing small buttons under the readout show.

If you need a bodily sequential shifter for racing sims, this can make an incredible weekend venture.