How to register for Microsim Racebase MK2 planset

jmstrong · 13-11-2008, 02:14

Featured on InsideSimRacing.TV episode 41 @ 25:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCQgfCgSueM#t=25m1s

How to register for Microsim Racebase MK2 planset

I am happy to announce Ken Goh, and myself are making the Microsim Racebase Mk2 plan set available to the Sim community.

Some background...
Ken and I have worked on this for several months, as well as some others (A2WolfsburgGLI, GerryTheLeper) from the RSC community that contacted me via PM and offered their assistance/enthusiasm to bring these cockpits back to the community.

I first became aware of Microsim Racebases back in late 2002, and asked my wife to purchase a plan set for me for X'Mas 2002. Due to a shipping error I received the Mk1, and not a Mk2 plan set. So I set out and built what I had while I waited for the Mk2 plan set to arrive.

Fast forward to the end of 2007, the Microsim Racebase website went dark, after Hyperactive closed shop, Ken had moved onto other things and didn't have time to market the Racebase. I would occasionally see posts, or receive PM's from users asking me about my Racebase. Being a proud builder, I appreciated Ken's design and began a search to find him. I managed to track Ken down and finally made contact with him in early June 2008.

After exchanging many emails, and ideas, below is what this has shaped into.

The original Racebase Mk2 plan set will be released to the sim community without a fee. I'm hesitant to call it free. You will be required to agree to the Terms of Use in the post listed below, and send an email message to the email address listed in the Terms of Use.

Requesting a plan set requires, providing your real name, RSC handle, mailing address, and valid email address. Your information will be retained solely for the purpose of registration, it will never be resold, or used for any other purpose. You will be issued a full size PDF of the Mk2, watermarked with unique information tied to the information you provided to register. The plan set will be for non-commercial use, and not for redistribution. More on this in the Terms of Use below.

There are many options for raceframes, or pods, the Microsim Racebase is just another option.

I will modify/edit the posts in this thread as information changes and evolves.

jmstrong · 13-11-2008, 02:17

Well according to the original website, it is a...
Personal Racing Simulation Cockpit(s)

Drive in a real racing position with a Racebase auto racing simulation cockpit. Racebase cockpits increase your comfort and the realism of your favourite simracing games. Driving a Racebase can improve your lap times!

Racebase motorsport simulation cockpits are stylish and low cost racing accessories that make a substantial improvement to your sim racing experience. Racebase securely supports your steering wheel and pedal controllers, is easy to set up and pack away, looks good and works well. There is a Racebase simulation cockpit to fit all popular steering wheels for the PC, PlayStation, PS2 and X-Box, along with other gaming consoles.

Once you have driven a couple of laps in your favourite sim with the advantage of a Racebase cockpit, you will never want to drive a table or use a hand controller again. Sit comfortably in an ergonomically designed realistic racing position, with the wheel and pedals in the ideal position for another blistering lap.

The Racebase personal simulation cockpit is a revolutionary accessory for sim racing. If you are serious about your driving, why would you want to race any other way?

jmstrong · 13-11-2008, 02:21

______________________________
Terms of Use

Agreement last updated November 13th, 2008

The designs of the Racebase cockpit are intellectual property of the designer and are protected by international copyright, and patent. As such, the plans are provided for personal use. You may use these plans to fabricate a Racebase cockpit for yourself, but not for the purpose of resale, commercial use, or in a commercial establishment.

Use of the plans for any commercial purpose, and/or the sale of, the distribution of, the transfer of the plans, or completed piece (cockpit, keyboard, monitor platform) is prohibited without our written consent and payment of additional Licensing fees.

When you register for a plan set you will be provided with an individualized (water-marked) PDF issued solely to you, for you. This individualized plan set is not to be re-distributed, in any way, shape, or form.

Enhancements/Add-ons maybe made, and distributed separately, they may not include the complete Racebase cockpit planset, or portions there of.

By submitting an email request for a planset I agree to these Terms of Use, and will be the registered user of the plan set requested.

________________________________

Builders are encouraged to seek assistance, guidance, and encouragement via the RSCNET.COM Cockpit Builder Forum.
Builders are also encouraged, to post Work in Progress, modifications/add-ons, and finished builds to the same.

To register for a Racebase cockpit planset, send an email message to . In the Subject line, put Registration for Racebase MKII Planset. In the Message Body Include, Real Name, RSC Handle, Address, City, State, Zip, valid email address, state intended for Personal, Non-commercial use, and paste the Terms of Use in the message body.

Plese follow the example below, as closely as possible it eases the date enter effort.

To: RacebaseResource

Subject: Registration for Racebase MKII Planset

Message body:

Real Name: John Doe
RSC Handle: FenwayRacer
Address line 1: 4 Yawkey Way
Address line 2:
City: Boston
Contry: USA
State: MA
Zip/Postal Code: 02215
Valid email address: JoeDoe@somedomain.com

I have read the Terms of Use, the plans and resulting
cockpit will be for my own personal, non-commercial use.

and Terms of Use pasted here...
.
.
.

jmstrong · 13-11-2008, 20:42

FAQ's

What will I recieve as a result of registering?

You will receive an individualized plan set of the Mk2, watermarked with identification information. As well as a PDF of the build manual.

Will the bits and pieces (hardware) used to assemble the cockpit be available for purchase?

No, not at this time.
UPDATE: 04/25/09 - Hardware/Fastener kits are now available. Visit https://www.thewayiplay.com/mainforum...10126#msg10126 for details.

What's it made of?

The vertical pieces are cut from 12mm (1/2") MDF, and horizontal pieces are cut from 16mm (3/4") MDF

Is it difficult to build?

No, not if you take your time, read, ask questions, and practice appropriate safety precautions. Working with tools is inherently dangerous. Ask any 4 1/2 fingered carpenter.

What does it cost to build?

Answer not yet determined, guessing less than $100

How long does it take to build?

I don't know, next...

What tools are needed?

Bare minimum

Jig saw
Drill, and various bits

Recommend minimum

Jig saw
Router
Doweling jig
Rasp/File

Ideal tools for the job

Jig saw
Router/Router table
Pattern/Template router bit
Doweling jig
Rasp/File
Table saw
Drill press, and various bits

How do I print such a large PDF?

Kinko's, Staples, Office Max copy centers should be able to print the plans tiled onto 2 sheets 36 X 48.

Or you can Tile print it at home with Adobe Acrobat (not Reader), ISIPLOT, Tile Print 3, or ScaleandTile3, I'm sure there are many other possibilities, I choose ScaleandTile3 and taped the resulting pages together. There is also a 30-Day trial of Adobe Acrobat 9 available on https://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatpro/tryout.html

What's ScaleandTile3

ScaleandTile3 is a free tool, but requires registration (sound familiar) originally written for the purpose of resizing RC Airplane plans for scratch builders.
Available at https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=779667

I don't want to print at home, can I buy a full size plan set?

No, not at this time.

Will pre-cut/unfinished Mk2 be available for purchase?

No, not at this time.

How do I attach the cut templates to the MDF?

I used Elmers spray adhesive, I understand the 3M spary adhesive works as well. Spray the cut templates outside, allow the adhesive to tack up and then press onto the MDF

Wasn't there a Mk3 released by Microsim?

Yes, there was, but it was never released as a DIY plan set. Ken and I have briefly discussed making the Mk3 plan set available, but it requires much tighter build tolerances than the Mk2. So for the time being it is not available.

There was also a plastic molded seat marketed, it also is not available.

Wasn't there a monitor and keyboard stand plan set, will it be available in the future?

There was a keyboard/monitor stand plan set for sale on the Microsim site, I have not yet discussed with Ken the possibility of making them available as well.
UPDATE: 06/15/09 - Ken has agreed to make the Keyboard/Monitor stand planset available in the near future. I suggest you subscribe to this thread for updates.

jmstrong · 24-11-2008, 15:23

As of 9:50AM EST (GMT -5) 11/28/08, I am all caught up on request for plan sets. If you made a request for a plan set and haven't received it, first check your SPAM folder, and then PM me. New requests for plan sets will usually be sent out within 2 - 3 days depending on my workload, mood, wife, kids, alignment of the sun...

jmstrong · 05-12-2008, 22:36

A2WolfsburgGLI build thread

https://forum.racesimcentral.com/showthread.php?t=332088

jmstrong · 14-01-2009, 04:42

75 Plan sets to date

jmstrong · 15-06-2009, 15:52

145 plan sets to date.

Featured on InsideSimRacing.TV episode 41 @ 25:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCQgfCgSueM#t=25m1s

mybludrunsorange · 16-06-2009, 18:21

Jeffrey,

I have access to a laser cutter to make my racebase. Is there ANY WAY I could get my hands on a DWG file? I only need something with the outlines, don't even need the drill holes on it... would really speed things along for me.

Otherwise, I'm going to have to attempt to re-create a cad drawing of the parts.

Thanks,

Trevor

jmstrong · Yesterday, 01:10

A Laser cut Mk2 Racebase has been posted on TWIP.

13-11-2008, 02:14	#1
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	How to register for Microsim Racebase MK2 planset Featured on InsideSimRacing.TV episode 41 @ 25:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCQgfCgSueM#t=25m1s How to register for Microsim Racebase MK2 planset I am happy to announce Ken Goh, and myself are making the Microsim Racebase Mk2 plan set available to the Sim community. Some background... Ken and I have worked on this for several months, as well as some others (A2WolfsburgGLI, GerryTheLeper) from the RSC community that contacted me via PM and offered their assistance/enthusiasm to bring these cockpits back to the community. I first became aware of Microsim Racebases back in late 2002, and asked my wife to purchase a plan set for me for X'Mas 2002. Due to a shipping error I received the Mk1, and not a Mk2 plan set. So I set out and built what I had while I waited for the Mk2 plan set to arrive. Fast forward to the end of 2007, the Microsim Racebase website went dark, after Hyperactive closed shop, Ken had moved onto other things and didn't have time to market the Racebase. I would occasionally see posts, or receive PM's from users asking me about my Racebase. Being a proud builder, I appreciated Ken's design and began a search to find him. I managed to track Ken down and finally made contact with him in early June 2008. After exchanging many emails, and ideas, below is what this has shaped into. The original Racebase Mk2 plan set will be released to the sim community without a fee. I'm hesitant to call it free. You will be required to agree to the Terms of Use in the post listed below, and send an email message to the email address listed in the Terms of Use. Requesting a plan set requires, providing your real name, RSC handle, mailing address, and valid email address. Your information will be retained solely for the purpose of registration, it will never be resold, or used for any other purpose. You will be issued a full size PDF of the Mk2, watermarked with unique information tied to the information you provided to register. The plan set will be for non-commercial use, and not for redistribution. More on this in the Terms of Use below. There are many options for raceframes, or pods, the Microsim Racebase is just another option. I will modify/edit the posts in this thread as information changes and evolves. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by jmstrong; Yesterday at 01:55.

13-11-2008, 02:17	#2
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	What is a Microsim Racebase... Well according to the original website, it is a... Personal Racing Simulation Cockpit(s) Drive in a real racing position with a Racebase auto racing simulation cockpit. Racebase cockpits increase your comfort and the realism of your favourite simracing games. Driving a Racebase can improve your lap times! Racebase motorsport simulation cockpits are stylish and low cost racing accessories that make a substantial improvement to your sim racing experience. Racebase securely supports your steering wheel and pedal controllers, is easy to set up and pack away, looks good and works well. There is a Racebase simulation cockpit to fit all popular steering wheels for the PC, PlayStation, PS2 and X-Box, along with other gaming consoles. Once you have driven a couple of laps in your favourite sim with the advantage of a Racebase cockpit, you will never want to drive a table or use a hand controller again. Sit comfortably in an ergonomically designed realistic racing position, with the wheel and pedals in the ideal position for another blistering lap. The Racebase personal simulation cockpit is a revolutionary accessory for sim racing. If you are serious about your driving, why would you want to race any other way?

13-11-2008, 02:21	#3
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	Terms of Use and Registration procedure ______________________________ Terms of Use Agreement last updated November 13th, 2008 The designs of the Racebase cockpit are intellectual property of the designer and are protected by international copyright, and patent. As such, the plans are provided for personal use. You may use these plans to fabricate a Racebase cockpit for yourself, but not for the purpose of resale, commercial use, or in a commercial establishment. Use of the plans for any commercial purpose, and/or the sale of, the distribution of, the transfer of the plans, or completed piece (cockpit, keyboard, monitor platform) is prohibited without our written consent and payment of additional Licensing fees. When you register for a plan set you will be provided with an individualized (water-marked) PDF issued solely to you, for you. This individualized plan set is not to be re-distributed, in any way, shape, or form. Enhancements/Add-ons maybe made, and distributed separately, they may not include the complete Racebase cockpit planset, or portions there of. By submitting an email request for a planset I agree to these Terms of Use, and will be the registered user of the plan set requested. ________________________________ Builders are encouraged to seek assistance, guidance, and encouragement via the RSCNET.COM Cockpit Builder Forum. Builders are also encouraged, to post Work in Progress, modifications/add-ons, and finished builds to the same. To register for a Racebase cockpit planset, send an email message to . In the Subject line, put Registration for Racebase MKII Planset. In the Message Body Include, Real Name, RSC Handle, Address, City, State, Zip, valid email address, state intended for Personal, Non-commercial use, and paste the Terms of Use in the message body. Plese follow the example below, as closely as possible it eases the date enter effort. To: RacebaseResource Subject: Registration for Racebase MKII Planset Message body: Real Name: John Doe RSC Handle: FenwayRacer Address line 1: 4 Yawkey Way Address line 2: City: Boston Contry: USA State: MA Zip/Postal Code: 02215 Valid email address: JoeDoe@somedomain.com I have read the Terms of Use, the plans and resulting cockpit will be for my own personal, non-commercial use. and Terms of Use pasted here... . . . Attached Thumbnails Last edited by jmstrong; 23-12-2008 at 15:14.

13-11-2008, 20:42	#4
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	FAQ's FAQ's What will I recieve as a result of registering? You will receive an individualized plan set of the Mk2, watermarked with identification information. As well as a PDF of the build manual. Will the bits and pieces (hardware) used to assemble the cockpit be available for purchase? No, not at this time. UPDATE: 04/25/09 - Hardware/Fastener kits are now available. Visit https://www.thewayiplay.com/mainforum...10126#msg10126 for details. What's it made of? The vertical pieces are cut from 12mm (1/2") MDF, and horizontal pieces are cut from 16mm (3/4") MDF Is it difficult to build? No, not if you take your time, read, ask questions, and practice appropriate safety precautions. Working with tools is inherently dangerous. Ask any 4 1/2 fingered carpenter. What does it cost to build? Answer not yet determined, guessing less than $100 How long does it take to build? I don't know, next... What tools are needed? Bare minimum Jig saw Drill, and various bits Recommend minimum Jig saw Router Doweling jig Rasp/File Ideal tools for the job Jig saw Router/Router table Pattern/Template router bit Doweling jig Rasp/File Table saw Drill press, and various bits How do I print such a large PDF? Kinko's, Staples, Office Max copy centers should be able to print the plans tiled onto 2 sheets 36 X 48. Or you can Tile print it at home with Adobe Acrobat (not Reader), ISIPLOT, Tile Print 3, or ScaleandTile3, I'm sure there are many other possibilities, I choose ScaleandTile3 and taped the resulting pages together. There is also a 30-Day trial of Adobe Acrobat 9 available on https://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatpro/tryout.html What's ScaleandTile3 ScaleandTile3 is a free tool, but requires registration (sound familiar) originally written for the purpose of resizing RC Airplane plans for scratch builders. Available at https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=779667 I don't want to print at home, can I buy a full size plan set? No, not at this time. Will pre-cut/unfinished Mk2 be available for purchase? No, not at this time. How do I attach the cut templates to the MDF? I used Elmers spray adhesive, I understand the 3M spary adhesive works as well. Spray the cut templates outside, allow the adhesive to tack up and then press onto the MDF Wasn't there a Mk3 released by Microsim? Yes, there was, but it was never released as a DIY plan set. Ken and I have briefly discussed making the Mk3 plan set available, but it requires much tighter build tolerances than the Mk2. So for the time being it is not available. There was also a plastic molded seat marketed, it also is not available. Wasn't there a monitor and keyboard stand plan set, will it be available in the future? There was a keyboard/monitor stand plan set for sale on the Microsim site, I have not yet discussed with Ken the possibility of making them available as well. UPDATE: 06/15/09 - Ken has agreed to make the Keyboard/Monitor stand planset available in the near future. I suggest you subscribe to this thread for updates. Last edited by jmstrong; 15-06-2009 at 21:57.

24-11-2008, 15:23	#5
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	As of 9:50AM EST (GMT -5) 11/28/08, I am all caught up on request for plan sets. If you made a request for a plan set and haven't received it, first check your SPAM folder, and then PM me. New requests for plan sets will usually be sent out within 2 - 3 days depending on my workload, mood, wife, kids, alignment of the sun... Last edited by jmstrong; 04-12-2008 at 18:20.

05-12-2008, 22:36	#6
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	A2WolfsburgGLI build thread https://forum.racesimcentral.com/showthread.php?t=332088

14-01-2009, 04:42	#7
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	75 Plan sets to date

15-06-2009, 15:52	#8
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	145 plan sets to date. Featured on InsideSimRacing.TV episode 41 @ 25:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCQgfCgSueM#t=25m1s Last edited by jmstrong; 16-06-2009 at 00:13.

16-06-2009, 18:21	#9
mybludrunsorange Registered Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 6	dwg Jeffrey, I have access to a laser cutter to make my racebase. Is there ANY WAY I could get my hands on a DWG file? I only need something with the outlines, don't even need the drill holes on it... would really speed things along for me. Otherwise, I'm going to have to attempt to re-create a cad drawing of the parts. Thanks, Trevor Last edited by mybludrunsorange; 16-06-2009 at 18:48.

Yesterday, 01:10	#10
jmstrong Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	A Laser cut Mk2 Racebase has been posted on TWIP.