In principle, nothing complicated, but some do not succeed right away. Let's tell you in order: how to connect the steering wheel and how to calibrate it correctly.

And car simulators, of course, are not as popular as, for example, shooters, but nevertheless they have enough fans. Of course, you can't do without a steering wheel with pedals. The simplest game pad is very inexpensive: for example, this Defender is offered for only 2400 rubles.

It remains only to understand how to properly connect the steering wheel with pedals to the computer. But before you start connecting, you need to understand: does your simulator support such devices. In principle, most simulators (including not new ones, such as Colin M'cray Rally) work with them successfully. If so, let's get down to business.

How to connect a steering wheel to a computer?

The steering wheel has two actuators: the steering wheel itself and a block with pedals. The pedals are usually connected to the tabletop unit, and already it is connected to the jack USB computer... Putting together this simple scheme, and do not forget that the steering wheel must be securely fixed on the surface. Then you have two ways:

• adjust the steering wheel using drivers from the manufacturer,
• do the same using the operating system.

Of course, the first option is much more reliable. The more buttons and levers you have, the less likely it is that it will work right away and without drivers. CD-disks are no longer put into packaging, so you will have to go to the manufacturer's website to get some “firewood”. Find your model there, select Windows version and download the software. After installing it, as a rule, there are no problems: a utility is installed on your computer in which everything can be connected and configured easily.

The steering wheel does not work in the game. Steering problems (SOLUTION)

In this material, we will help those players whose game does not see the steering wheel and the steering wheel does not work at all in any game.

Probably many players want to play some kind of racing on the steering wheel, but not in all games the game reacts to the steering wheel. The fact is that some games do not officially support steering wheels, gamepads and other devices. If you are faced with the same situation, then we will help you solve it and in 15 minutes you will be driving your game on the wheel.

The steering wheel does not work

There can be several reasons why the game does not respond to your steering wheel. We will now analyze them all in stages.

System visibility

First, let's determine whether your steering wheel is visible to the system itself. First, check if the steering wheel is connected to the computer using USB cable... If yes, then go to Start -> Control Panel -> Devices and Printers. Then find your steering wheel in the list of obsolete items. Right-click on it and select Game control parameters... A window should open in which there will be a list of all game devices that are connected to this moment to the computer. If something else is connected besides the steering wheel, select the steering wheel from the list. Make sure that opposite the name is OK... Then press Properties on the top of the list. By default, a tab should open Examination. Press the buttons on the steering wheel, rotate it and watch what happens. The numbers should light up in red, which indicate that the button has been pressed. Also, when the steering wheel rotates, the axes should change (a cross in the window or multi-colored stripes). All these actions show you that everything is in order with your steering wheel and it is successfully compatible with your system.

If you turn the steering wheel, press the buttons - and no action occurs in the tab Examination- then you need to install drivers. They usually come on the distack with the handlebars.

If your steering wheel does not work properly when rotating, there is either a technical failure that you cannot fix, or the steering wheel needs to be calibrated. To calibrate, go to the window Properties steering wheel as described above and select the tab Options where click the button Octalibrate and then follow the advice of the device calibration wizard.

Remember !!! Triggers on the sides of the steering wheel (also called "flags") duplicate pedal presses when they are connected to the steering wheel.

So, if your steering wheel is successfully visible to the system, this means that in games that support the steering wheel, it will work without problems. However, if you are on this page, most likely your game does not support the steering wheel. Let's go further.

In-game customization

Try adjusting the controls in the game itself, where you can't play the steering wheel. Some games can be easily configured manually and the game will run with steering wheel controls.

First, go to the game settings and find the Control item there. See if there is a control scheme for different controllers, because on some games, you can change the keyboard / gamepad / steering wheel scheme in the control settings. Check in the settings, the gamepad may need to be turned on.

We use the emulator

If none of the above helped you start the steering wheel in your game (the top race, I suppose), then proceed to the most effective way excite the steering wheel in any game.

Possibly a word emulator for some it may seem like something scary. Actually no, everything is very simple and easy. We will be using the XPadder program, which is already a large number gamers have helped bring their gamepads to life in other games. The principle of operation here is the same - we will emulate all actions from the steering wheel as pressing the keys.

This method will help you 100%, the main thing is, do not be lazy to deal with the XPadder program and you will be rewarded with excellent performance of your steering wheel in any game.

Remember, when you set up a profile in XPadder for your wheel and a specific game, minimize XPadder, but don't close it!

If you have any questions regarding the material, ask in the comments.

Computer games take us into their virtual world so much that it merges with the real one. But sometimes this is not enough. Special devices are required, which should completely immerse the gamer in the gaming reality. If you love virtual racing then pedals are hard to do without. And now the devices are purchased. Here the gamer has the following task: how to connect the steering wheel and pedals to them? In answer to the question, we will give some actionable instructions from experienced gamers. After such recommendations, the process will seem easy and quick to you.

Selecting the required devices

Transforming a modern PC into a gaming center today is as easy as shelling pears. But how do you connect your steering wheel and pedals to your computer? Let's start analyzing the procedure from the very start. Namely, with the purchase of the necessary equipment.

Self-made steering wheel

So, we make the steering wheel and pedals to the computer. The diagram and description will be presented below. Let's walk through the algorithm step by step:

1. The steering wheel can be cut out of wood, glued from several sheets of plywood. The first step is to use a ruler and compass to execute its detailed drawing on paper.
2. Next, a hub is made from it, which is attached to the rear of the steering wheel with screws or furniture glue.
3. A hole is sawn through the steering shaft. A bolt with a cut off head is inserted there. Its ends are grinded with a file. Holes are drilled in the resulting sites. Springs are installed in these places.
4. To fix the nuts, the steering shaft is also grinded on both sides.
5. The bolt is screwed into the drilled hole on the axle. On both sides it is tightened with nuts. The other side of the spring attaches to the L-bracket.
6. One more important stage- to carry out the system of fastening to the table. Bend the U-shaped bracket out of the metal plate. 4 holes are made in it for self-tapping screws.
7. The next step is to make the presser foot. A hole is drilled in the middle for a 5 mm bolt.
8. The foot is connected to the bracket with self-tapping screws so that it can move freely.
9. There should be a distance from the base of the module to the foot equal to the thickness of the table.
10. The technician then drills a hole through the base of the steering module. The threaded T-bushing fits here.
11. The U-bracket is screwed to the wooden base of the module with self-tapping screws.
12. A bolt with a swivel handle is passed into the hole in the foot, after which it is screwed into the T-sleeve.

Then you need to take care of the electronic "stuffing".

This is approximately how we do the pedals and steering wheel to the computer. Another homemade option in the video below.

Self-made pedals

The gamer himself can build a steering wheel and pedals with his own hands. These attributes will help you immerse yourself in sports and transport simulators, virtual races. The devices fully represent the atmosphere of the race track. They, of course, can be purchased at many electronics stores. But with certain knowledge in the field of mechanics and electronics, it is possible to design a steering wheel and pedals for a computer with your own hands.

Let's present the instruction:

Connecting the steering wheel and pedals: instruction number 1

We now turn directly to the process. We present instructions on how to set up game steering wheel... The connection is made according to the following scheme:

1. Unpack the game wheel package. There should be a USB cable extending from the device. Plug it into a convenient USB port on your computer.
2. If pedals are included, then connect these attributes to the steering wheel.
3. Plug the power supply of your game device into a power outlet. So we figured out how to connect the steering wheel to a computer. How to setup?
4. Log into any PC game that supports steering wheel control. Navigate to the settings menu.
5. It is necessary to stop at the section "Control Settings" (or a similar name).
6. Perhaps the mouse and keyboard settings will be listed. We don't need them. You go to the section with the name "Alternative Control" (or with a similar name).
7. Here you can set the necessary parameters for each of the steering wheel buttons: stay on the standard version or set your own, convenient for you values.
8. In conclusion, it remains only to save the settings made, to check the performance of the connected attributes already in the process.

You now know how to connect the steering wheel to any game. However, sometimes the PC does not "see" the connected device. What's the matter? There are two common reasons:

• The computer did not detect the device.
• In order for the steering wheel to be functional, you need to install the driver that comes with it.

You can find the last problem already when making control settings: when you try to change the purpose of the keys, the attribute buttons do not respond, are inactive. The driver is usually supplied on a disk bundled with the device. Install it, then enter the game and repeat all actions, starting from the 4th paragraph of the instructions, again.

The second option for connecting the steering wheel and pedals: instruction

And we are analyzing the second instruction on how to connect the steering wheel and pedals to the computer. By the way, using a similar algorithm, you can connect a steering wheel for "sea" games. The problem in both cases most often arises the same: the absence of operating system PC software responsible for the performance of game attributes.

How to connect your gaming wheel with pedals:

We connect the steering wheel and pedals: instruction number 3

We continue to analyze the ways how to connect the game wheel. We present the following instruction to the reader:

The process of connecting the steering wheel and pedals: instruction number 4

Here's another tutorial on how to connect the pedal steering wheel. Let's give this algorithm:

Connecting a gamepad

We've figured out how to connect the steering wheel and pedals to your computer. But what if you decide to play on the popular XBox game console? It comes with a wireless game controller (gamepad, in other words). How do I connect it to a game console?

1. Press the Guide button on the controller itself. You need to hold down the key until both the controller and the game console are activated.
2. Now press the power button on the console itself once. But now, in 20 seconds, you need to have time to press and release the power key already on the gamepad.
3. Now you need to wait until the indicator lights near the power button on the console stop flashing. This will indicate that the controller has successfully connected to the device.
4. If not, check the batteries in the controller. If AA elements are unusable, replace them with new identical ones.
5. Please note that special devices are also supplied to power the controller: Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit or Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit.
6. The game console is designed not only for solo, but also for team play. Therefore, up to four gamepads can be connected to the device at the same time. Each of the controllers is connected according to the diagram shown above. Connect the devices one at a time.
7. Be careful: each of the gamepads on the console panel will be assigned a specific quadrant near the power button. How to define it? The indicator will light up when the controller is connected to the console.

We know how to connect your Logitech steering wheel and pedals to your computer, your gamepad to game console... And now one more important instruction - how to disable the controller:

1. Hold the Guide button on your controller for about three seconds.
2. Then turn off the controller itself. The last one to shut down is the console.
3. This deactivation is convenient because the next time the controller is turned on, it will automatically connect to the game console.

One gamepad can only be connected to one console! To use it for another, you need to interrupt the connection with the first one.

There are often cases when the gamer cannot connect the controller to the console. Experts advise to troubleshoot the following: replace the batteries in the gamepad, as well as remove all foreign objects between the controller and the console, which may interfere with the establishment of the connection. Pay particular attention to the following:

• TVs;
• smartphones and cordless home phones;
• microwaves;
• chrome and metal racks, chairs, tables, stands, etc.

Connecting pedals separately from the steering wheel

Many users are wondering how to connect pedals to a computer without a steering wheel. Let's disappoint our readers: it is impossible to do this. Someone is engaged in amateur performances, by soldering connecting the pedals to an independent controller. But this is a waste of work: the pedals will remain disconnected from each other.

There is only one way out (as users suggest in their reviews): you can purchase "aviation" pedals (especially for flight simulators) that are capable of functioning independently.

Steering wheel calibration: option # 1

Connecting and installing a steering wheel with pedals on your computer is only half the battle. It is important to configure it for the game. More precisely, calibrate. This opportunity is provided by the developers of many races in the menu of their game. As a rule, you should look for calibration in the settings.

Steering wheel calibration: option # 2

Here is another version of the steering wheel calibration for the reader.

1. Click on "Start".
2. Go to "Control Panel".
3. Then the "Hardware and Sound" section.
4. Here you need an item with gaming devices.
5. Select a steering wheel from the list. Call context menu, go to Properties.
6. The Settings menu opens. Here you will need the item "Calibrate device".
7. Have you adjusted the steering wheel for yourself? Now you can go to the endless sea of ​​games!

Car simulators allow you to participate in races without risking your life, developing crazy speed and leaving unlucky rivals behind. However, using the keyboard to control the car is not so interesting; the steering wheel is another matter - here the realism of control is already off scale.

But before you start driving through city streets and rough terrain, forcing opponents to swallow dust, you need to figure out how to connect the steering wheel to your computer.

Connection

It is important at the stage of choosing a game controller to decide in which games it will be used. If you are going to install Truckers 2 on Windows 7 then that's enough functionality the most simple steering wheel.

If you play simulators last generation, it is better to immediately choose models of more powerful and functional controllers. For example, the Logitech Driving Force GT is compatible with PC, PS2 and PS3. So you can connect your PS3 to your computer and enjoy your favorite game on the big screen.

But first, you have to assemble a game controller. Its completeness depends on the model: it can be just a steering wheel; steering wheel and pedals; steering wheel, pedals and gearbox. The very process of installing the steering wheel should not cause difficulties for an ordinary user. If you've connected a gamepad to your computer, you can handle a different type of game controller as well.

Almost all steering wheels are connected to a computer via a USB interface.

V latest models uses USB 3.0 technology, but you can install them in USB ports 2.0 (backward compatible).

Once connected, you will see a notification that Windows has detected a new device. You will be prompted to insert a driver disc and install the required software for the hardware to work correctly. Follow these guidelines.

If you do not have a disk with software, download the drivers from the official website of the game controller manufacturer. The main thing here is to correctly indicate the device model in order to download the appropriate drivers.

Customization

After connecting the game controller, you need to configure it.
This is done directly in the car simulator: in the "Settings" menu there should be a special section dedicated to adjusting the parameters of the connected controller.

Important! The game should be started only after connecting the steering wheel. Otherwise, the controller in the simulator simply will not be detected, and you will not be able to use it.

In the game settings, you will most likely have to specify the purpose of the buttons and pedals. During the operation of the controller, you will quickly figure out how best to customize it for yourself, so there is no point in advising anything here.

The group of control devices is united by a common term: gaming devices. The name of the group is due to the fact that these devices are used mainly to control active gaming programs.

A typical example of a gaming device is a joystick. Joysticks are mainly used to control aerospace transport.

Gamepads are usually used to control sports simulators (football, hockey, basketball), and steering systems are used to control car simulators.

Installing gaming devices

The joystick - the most typical gaming device - consists of a movable handle and several buttons. The gamepad uses a swinging plate (“remote”) instead of a handle. The joystick is usually an analog device (the degree of action depends on the angle of the handle deflection), and the gamepad is digital.

Originally, gaming devices were connected to a computer via a 15-pin connector (game port), usually included with an audio adapter (this is also used to connect MIDI music devices). Most modern computers there is no separate game port. Modern gaming devices use a USB connector.

For devices with a connector, hot plugging is possible. That is, you can connect the device while the computer is already on. The device will be detected immediately.

In most cases, USB devices work fine without installing any drivers. This is due to the fact that USB bus is viewed by the operating system as one whole device. The operating system ensures the operation of everything connected to it with one standard driver. However, in cases where the device does not work exactly as we would like, or when the standard driver does not allow to implement all the functions of the device, you can install a specific driver that comes with the device.

The gaming device must be registered with the operating system. Open Control Panel (Start - Control Panel) and double-click on the Game Controllers icon.

The Game Controllers dialog box lists the available game controllers. If the connected device is not listed, click the Add button. A dialog box will open in which you can specify the type of device.

If you can't find your device model, you can connect a standard gaming device. In the Add Game Device dialog box (Start - Control Panel - Game Controllers - Add), scroll through the entire list of Game Controllers. In it, after specific models, there are descriptions of sets of controls. Choose the one that best suits your model.

What to do next?

If there is nothing suitable here, click the Custom button to open the Custom Game Device dialog box. In it, you can describe your device element by element. After the parameters are selected, set the name of the gaming device in the Controller field. This name is included in the Game Controllers list in the Add Game Control dialog box. After that, the specified device can be selected in the usual way. Select the type of device on the Features panel: joystick, aircraft steering wheel, steering wheel.

The number of degrees of freedom is the number of mutually independent control actions. So, for example, a joystick handle usually has two degrees of freedom: forward-backward and right-left. If the handle can rotate around a vertical axis, the joystick is said to have three degrees of freedom.

More than three degrees of freedom are not given to one control element, so as not to immensely complicate the design. But the device can have several controls and, accordingly, additional degrees of freedom. For example, the handle (pedal) for gas control can give the fourth degree of freedom. More than four degrees of freedom are usually not used in order not to complicate control.

The purpose of the buttons of the gaming device is approximately the same as that of the mouse buttons: they serve to issue individual control actions (for example, "jump", "fire" and others). The simplest joystick models have only two buttons. Modern gaming devices often have six, eight or more buttons. A maximum of four buttons can be specified in the Custom Game Device dialog box. This is a serious limitation. If four buttons are not enough, you will have to install the specific device driver that came with it. It is also useful to visit the website of the joystick manufacturer and make sure that the received driver remains up-to-date.

This is a point-of-view (POV) switcher. Sometimes referred to as HAT. Used in games as a means of simulating the rotation of the pilot's / driver's head. Allows you to control the situation not only in front, but also around the character. This small digital switch is usually mounted directly on the joystick grip. There are four-position and eight-position type switches. For 360-degree viewing, some joysticks may have multiple view switches. Devices with this control also need a specific driver.

Calibration and verification

The free position of the handle (console, steering wheel) of the gaming device is considered neutral. It corresponds to the absence of control actions. The controls return to this position automatically, usually by spring action.

Since models and even instances of joysticks can differ significantly from each other in their electrical characteristics, it is important to notify the operating system which physical position of the joystick is neutral - it is from this position that the deviations will be counted. This alert is triggered during an operation called calibration. In addition to the "registration of zero" during the calibration, the operating system also prescribes the maximum deviations of the joystick along the main axes. Calibration should be performed immediately after installing the game device on the computer. If the calibration was unsuccessful, then it is necessary to check the computer for viruses, because due to malware, the joystick may not work. In this case, it is necessary to first remove the viruses and only then proceed with the recalibration.

Calibrating your gaming device

1. Open the Game Controllers dialog box (Start - Control Panel - Game Controllers).
2. Make sure to installed device appears in the Installed Game Controllers list. This indicates that it is connected and functional.
3. Select the device in the list and click the Properties button, the device properties dialog box will open.
4. Click the Setup tab and click the Calibrate button.
5. The calibration program runs in wizard mode. To move between steps, you must press one of the buttons on the gaming device. At the first stage, the neutral position of the gaming device is set, at the next stage, the maximum deviations along the main axes are determined. After that, the additional joystick axes are calibrated, if any.

After calibration, perform a joystick test to ensure that commands (handle deflection and button presses) are being understood correctly. Special verification tools are needed because the operating system itself does not use gaming devices. To test a gaming device, open its properties dialog (Start - Control Panel - Game Controllers - General - Properties) and select the Test tab. The composition of the dialog box that opens depends on specific model devices. Controls change their appearance when you act on the device. Here you can check both individual commands and combinations of actions.