DIY XBOX One hacked keyboard interface, button box, custom wheels etc

[petemac110]

Hi all, I'm a long-time viewer but only a recent poster on this forum.

I've really enjoyed PCARS2 for a while now, and have had the pleasure of receiving a XBOX ONE X as a 40th birthday present from my siblings (legends!) It has certainly enhanced the PCARS2 experience for me.

Aside from that, for some time now I've played around with a DIY interface which allows me to use custom add-ons with the XBOX ONE and ONE X.

It's based around a keyboard which I have reverse-engineered to use as the 'brain' of my setup. It sits inside a button box and allows the use of multiple button-based inputs, as well as toggles, and a remotely mounted sequential shifter and handbrake (sadly digital only - on/off - not analogue). Inside the button box is an absolute rat's nest of wiring due to the 'matrix-style' setup of a keyboard's input. It's 100% functional though. There are some write-ups and youtube videos on how to do this.

I've also connected it to a DIY wheel on my Thrustmaster TX wheelbase, featuring the lovely DIM SIM Racing one-piece wheel adaptor, an 'ebay special' OMP clone wheel, and nice Ascher Racing carbon paddle magnetic shifters with a lovely tactile shift action. There's also a single button assigned to KERS at present.

The other wheels are a NARDI vintage-style clone, and a generic suede deep-dish wheel.

I've recently added a near-mint Italvolanti rim to the collection too.

The T3PA pedals feature the BBJ urethane brake mod for improved feel, and the seat is a Subaru WRX seat on a DIY base.

The whole shebang is a little compromised due to needing to fit into the kid's toyroom whilst also being removable/relocatable at short notice. However, the seating position is quite comfortable and realistic, without being able to lay down as per an open wheeler and the like. I don't mind though.

Overall, she works great, and I'd recommend using a keyboard module as a simple way of adding DIY buttons/shifters/actuators etc to any XBOX-based rig if you're a DIY hack like me!

Next on the wish-list is a new TV to replace the old 42" Hitachi plasma. A nice 55" or 65" 4K should do the job nicely methinks!

Happy racing!

[Hammerpgh]

Impressive work buddy. I am wanting to sort out some sort of button box myself but just haven't had the time do so.

[The_Senser]

Impressive work buddy. I am wanting to sort out some sort of button box myself but just haven't had the time do so.

The BBJ Button Box works a treat https://bbjsimracing.com/ps4-and-xbox-one-button-boxes if you don't have the time to make your own.

[Lordendo]

This is all holy shit cool - great to be a gamer over the age of 40 no? :0)

[HockeyNick30]

Awesome stuff!

...and by the way, my wife would KILL me if I tried something like this....

[petemac110]

A little update - I've added a 20kg loadcell from loadcellmod.com to my T3PA non-pro pedals.

It's certainly stiffer than the conical brake mod, and much stiffer than the BBJ aftermarket conical mod.

However, I like what I'm feeling so far!

One word of advice - and this probably applies when installing any loadcell to the T3PA non-pro pedals - if you don't mind voiding the warranty, pull the pedals apart and swap the pedal springs as follows:

Original location > swapped location

Brake > clutch (stiffest spring)
Clutch > accelerator (medium spring)
Accelerator > brake (softest spring)

This makes the throttle and clutch noticeably stiffer, and better matches the loadcell-equipped brake. The accelerator spring works fine as a brake spring once the loadcell is equipped, as the spring no longer plays a role in determining the stiffness and travel. Without swapping the springs, the pedals don't feel balanced at all.

[The_Senser]

I bought a set of springs from here https://www.mardomedia.com/verenset-...o-pedalen.html but have not got around to fitting them yet.

[petemac110]

I bought a set of springs from here https://www.mardomedia.com/verenset-...o-pedalen.html but have not got around to fitting them yet.

They were going to be my next step, but after swapping the springs around, they are perfect with the loadcell upgrade.

If I had retained the BBJ mods, I would have upgraded all of the springs (or at least bought a stiffer brake spring, and swapped the others).

Following a bit more driving, I’m absolutely satisfied with the result. Soooo much more realistic than beforehand.

[RobPhoboS]

The BBJ Button Box works a treat https://bbjsimracing.com/ps4-and-xbox-one-button-boxes if you don't have the time to make your own.

I 2nd that.
Very good - I just need to print out some stickers for it.

I need those springs !

[The_Senser]

I can recommend these stickers also - especially for PC2 as there are more labels which are appropriate for PC2, especially with a 26 function BBJ Button Box.

https://www.ignitioncontrols.com/product-p/dv009.htm