DSD Pedals - Development Notes
Additional development notes - Round 1:
1 – The brake pedal is firm and solid. It’s not like general consumer level sim racing gear. These pedals have been engineered with the demand to satisfy our professional racing customers and their need for as true to life tactile feedback as possible. You will need to use some “leg” when braking, and we’re confident that you’ll appreciate the significant and substantial level of control, especially at threshold levels (note that the mechanical limits are approaching 500 pounds of pressure and will safely handle a working load of as much as you want to give it);
2 – Each pedal system is fully tested, and I am the last man to test each one to ensure perfect working order. You will need to supply your own USB Cable. The type is A-B, and you can get them anywhere;
3 – The red parts shown attached to the demonstration unit will be black. Color choice is not an option;
4 – The ordering page will provide an additional option to order a 6.5” heel rest extension. That part simply bolts onto the base with ease. Should you want a heel plate, it’s 45 USD additional and will be included in the carton with your pedals. You will need to attach it, and all hardware will be provided;
5 – Mounting: You will need to mount these pedals firmly and securely. We are not responsible for poor performance if you don’t secure these pedals properly. The link to the Pedal page above has a detailed drawing giving you all of the dimensions of the base plate and the location of the mounting holes;
6 – Variable sensitivity brake: The pedals use the DSD 12bit controller with integrated load cell amp having variable gain. That allows you to fine tune your brake pedals “relative maximum”, that level where you want to exert the most force to reach maximum braking. It doesn’t change the firmness of the pedal itself, but it does allow you to adjust how firmly you want to press in order to generate full braking output. It’s simple and intuitive to use;
7 – Throttle and clutch: The throttle and clutch pedals are simple, smooth and gimmick free. Each one uses a million life cycle potentiometer which should last forever. These are the highest quality potentiometers having the longest life money can buy. We don’t expect one to ever go kaput, but if it does, a replacement will be sent to you free of charge. Changing one out can be accomplished in seconds with basic tools;
8 – Testing regime and methodology: The initial production prototype of these pedals have been in testing for 6 months. The man testing them is an accomplished road racing enthusiast who is ranked in the top one hundred members of iRacing by iRating. His feedback and observations have made an impact to the final version of the component’s use and enjoyment. By placing the first set into testing with one of the most accomplished members of iRacing on a long term basis, I am confident these pedals will serve you as faithfully as they have been serving him. The pedals have been perfect during the entire long term testing process.
9 - The pedals weigh approximately 17 pounds fully assembled with the heel plate attached;
10 – The DSD Pedals are still unreleased with an initial round of orders in production. If you have questions about this and have not made an order, you will be redirected to this page
1 – The brake pedal is firm and solid. It’s not like general consumer level sim racing gear. These pedals have been engineered with the demand to satisfy our professional racing customers and their need for as true to life tactile feedback as possible. You will need to use some “leg” when braking, and we’re confident that you’ll appreciate the significant and substantial level of control, especially at threshold levels (note that the mechanical limits are approaching 500 pounds of pressure and will safely handle a working load of as much as you want to give it);
2 – Each pedal system is fully tested, and I am the last man to test each one to ensure perfect working order. You will need to supply your own USB Cable. The type is A-B, and you can get them anywhere;
3 – The red parts shown attached to the demonstration unit will be black. Color choice is not an option;
4 – The ordering page will provide an additional option to order a 6.5” heel rest extension. That part simply bolts onto the base with ease. Should you want a heel plate, it’s 45 USD additional and will be included in the carton with your pedals. You will need to attach it, and all hardware will be provided;
5 – Mounting: You will need to mount these pedals firmly and securely. We are not responsible for poor performance if you don’t secure these pedals properly. The link to the Pedal page above has a detailed drawing giving you all of the dimensions of the base plate and the location of the mounting holes;
6 – Variable sensitivity brake: The pedals use the DSD 12bit controller with integrated load cell amp having variable gain. That allows you to fine tune your brake pedals “relative maximum”, that level where you want to exert the most force to reach maximum braking. It doesn’t change the firmness of the pedal itself, but it does allow you to adjust how firmly you want to press in order to generate full braking output. It’s simple and intuitive to use;
7 – Throttle and clutch: The throttle and clutch pedals are simple, smooth and gimmick free. Each one uses a million life cycle potentiometer which should last forever. These are the highest quality potentiometers having the longest life money can buy. We don’t expect one to ever go kaput, but if it does, a replacement will be sent to you free of charge. Changing one out can be accomplished in seconds with basic tools;
8 – Testing regime and methodology: The initial production prototype of these pedals have been in testing for 6 months. The man testing them is an accomplished road racing enthusiast who is ranked in the top one hundred members of iRacing by iRating. His feedback and observations have made an impact to the final version of the component’s use and enjoyment. By placing the first set into testing with one of the most accomplished members of iRacing on a long term basis, I am confident these pedals will serve you as faithfully as they have been serving him. The pedals have been perfect during the entire long term testing process.
9 - The pedals weigh approximately 17 pounds fully assembled with the heel plate attached;
10 – The DSD Pedals are still unreleased with an initial round of orders in production. If you have questions about this and have not made an order, you will be redirected to this page
Post production release notes - March 21st
Round One of pedal orders have shipped two days ahead of schedule, and with pedals, this is saying something. Here are some more notes based on my observations and lessons learned from the first run. Remember, the purpose was also to scale the production system and develop production efficiencies, and now that we're "salty", here are some thoughts in no particular order:
1 - if you want to increase or decrease the throw of the throttle arm, you can do that by adjusting the stop bolts with a 3/8" wrench. You may need to disconnect the potentiometer linkage to either shorten or lengthen the connecting rod distance. I don't recommend adjustment simply to minimize efforts, and the travel is certainly not too long nor not too short;
2 - You may reduce the brake pedal effort slightly by loosening the two bolts at the rear by no more than one full turn each. Yes, you can get 10 full turns without issue, but then there will be too much slack. Loosening the bolts will result in the brake pedal moving forward;
3 - Remember that the pedal will be very firm and you can simply adjust the sensitivity knob on the board enclosure to how you like it. You can make the pedal very sensitive for "light leg" or dial it way up for "Gorilla Leg" effort if you prefer;
4 - Any modifications, changes or other alterations may bring with it unintended consequences. We can't help you if something goes in the sandbox as a result;
5 - Thread specifications to mount the base plate are indicated on the template at the DSD site. We use 1/4"-20 TPI threaded inserts on our mounts, and the ones for the G25/27 pedals are M6-1 to match Logitech's;
6 - We have made every effort to pack these pedals as safely as humanly possible. The carton weighs in at 18 pounds and if you like bubble wrap, you're about to have a lot of it. The box is 14" x 14" x 14";
7 - You will need to supply your own USB cable. You'll need the type A-B, and you can find them everywhere;
8 - We're going to test urethane bumpers under the throttle stop bolts in the next batch, but the base plate material is impact resistant UHMW (and antistatic, too). We may put them on simply for peace of mind...or may not. TBD on that;
9 - Heel Plate installation is easy. You will need an SAE hex key (we include one in a tool kit) and a Phillips screwdriver. First you affix the three cone bumpers to the bottom of the plate towards the front (those are there for additional support at the outermost limits. Second, you attach the plate to the front of the base with the three black screws. Third, you attach the decorative tread plate with the four Phillips screws. That's that.
Round One of pedal orders have shipped two days ahead of schedule, and with pedals, this is saying something. Here are some more notes based on my observations and lessons learned from the first run. Remember, the purpose was also to scale the production system and develop production efficiencies, and now that we're "salty", here are some thoughts in no particular order:
1 - if you want to increase or decrease the throw of the throttle arm, you can do that by adjusting the stop bolts with a 3/8" wrench. You may need to disconnect the potentiometer linkage to either shorten or lengthen the connecting rod distance. I don't recommend adjustment simply to minimize efforts, and the travel is certainly not too long nor not too short;
2 - You may reduce the brake pedal effort slightly by loosening the two bolts at the rear by no more than one full turn each. Yes, you can get 10 full turns without issue, but then there will be too much slack. Loosening the bolts will result in the brake pedal moving forward;
3 - Remember that the pedal will be very firm and you can simply adjust the sensitivity knob on the board enclosure to how you like it. You can make the pedal very sensitive for "light leg" or dial it way up for "Gorilla Leg" effort if you prefer;
4 - Any modifications, changes or other alterations may bring with it unintended consequences. We can't help you if something goes in the sandbox as a result;
5 - Thread specifications to mount the base plate are indicated on the template at the DSD site. We use 1/4"-20 TPI threaded inserts on our mounts, and the ones for the G25/27 pedals are M6-1 to match Logitech's;
6 - We have made every effort to pack these pedals as safely as humanly possible. The carton weighs in at 18 pounds and if you like bubble wrap, you're about to have a lot of it. The box is 14" x 14" x 14";
7 - You will need to supply your own USB cable. You'll need the type A-B, and you can find them everywhere;
8 - We're going to test urethane bumpers under the throttle stop bolts in the next batch, but the base plate material is impact resistant UHMW (and antistatic, too). We may put them on simply for peace of mind...or may not. TBD on that;
9 - Heel Plate installation is easy. You will need an SAE hex key (we include one in a tool kit) and a Phillips screwdriver. First you affix the three cone bumpers to the bottom of the plate towards the front (those are there for additional support at the outermost limits. Second, you attach the plate to the front of the base with the three black screws. Third, you attach the decorative tread plate with the four Phillips screws. That's that.
Post production release notes - April 18th:
1 - Some customers are reporting calibration difficulties in Assetto Corsa. We have duplicated the conditions these folks are reporting and have tested and verified a reliable manner to use your pedals in that title. To designate your pedals for use in Assetto Corsa, it's necessary that when you click the area to assign a particular pedal that you have depressed somewhat that pedal when you are clicking the field to set it in the AC Options. If you click where AC will state, "Waiting for Input" there is a chance that anomalous behaviour will occur. Pressing the pedal and then clicking to assign it in AC is a reliable way to designate it properly. We have contacted KS to request that their controller designation routines allow for more polling cycles to detect a greater change in values so to prevent control assignment difficulties. We hope they will make some adjustments to their program prior to their official release.
See this page from the DSD Site for more about eliminating any calibration issues:
http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/dsdacpedals.html
2 - Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 Compatibility: All of our USB Devices are Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 compatible. We have thoroughly conducted extensive tests of our devices over many years to ensure proper and reliable use;
3 - All DSD USB devices are for Windows PC. This is a point we state in many places on this site. Here it is again;
4 - A brushed aluminum heel rest cover is now a standard choice for those who want the optional heel rest;
5 - Early Bird Deposit Program: Should Round Three sell out (which it has) with others wanting to make an order, we will accept a nominal deposit for Round Four with the 100 dollar discounted pricing we've been offering thus far. The shipping date for Round Four is May 28th. The deposit is 65 USD and will be applied to your Round Four order.
If you make a deposit for Round Four you will receive an email alert on May 6th with a link to order your pedal set ahead of the general ordering folks. You'll have 24 hours to make the payment and doing so locks you into your pedal order ahead of the rush. Should you want to release your position on the queue, your deposit will be refunded in full. The Early Bird Deposit Program is our best way to accommodate those who have missed out on past rounds and will lock them into a solid position ahead of new orders for Round Four. Certainly we don't want folks to be left on the side if we can prevent it.
6 - A CNC aluminum base plate and elevated heel rest are planned for later this year as an upgrade option. More on that when we have more to show you.
1 - Some customers are reporting calibration difficulties in Assetto Corsa. We have duplicated the conditions these folks are reporting and have tested and verified a reliable manner to use your pedals in that title. To designate your pedals for use in Assetto Corsa, it's necessary that when you click the area to assign a particular pedal that you have depressed somewhat that pedal when you are clicking the field to set it in the AC Options. If you click where AC will state, "Waiting for Input" there is a chance that anomalous behaviour will occur. Pressing the pedal and then clicking to assign it in AC is a reliable way to designate it properly. We have contacted KS to request that their controller designation routines allow for more polling cycles to detect a greater change in values so to prevent control assignment difficulties. We hope they will make some adjustments to their program prior to their official release.
See this page from the DSD Site for more about eliminating any calibration issues:
http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/dsdacpedals.html
2 - Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 Compatibility: All of our USB Devices are Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 compatible. We have thoroughly conducted extensive tests of our devices over many years to ensure proper and reliable use;
3 - All DSD USB devices are for Windows PC. This is a point we state in many places on this site. Here it is again;
4 - A brushed aluminum heel rest cover is now a standard choice for those who want the optional heel rest;
5 - Early Bird Deposit Program: Should Round Three sell out (which it has) with others wanting to make an order, we will accept a nominal deposit for Round Four with the 100 dollar discounted pricing we've been offering thus far. The shipping date for Round Four is May 28th. The deposit is 65 USD and will be applied to your Round Four order.
If you make a deposit for Round Four you will receive an email alert on May 6th with a link to order your pedal set ahead of the general ordering folks. You'll have 24 hours to make the payment and doing so locks you into your pedal order ahead of the rush. Should you want to release your position on the queue, your deposit will be refunded in full. The Early Bird Deposit Program is our best way to accommodate those who have missed out on past rounds and will lock them into a solid position ahead of new orders for Round Four. Certainly we don't want folks to be left on the side if we can prevent it.
6 - A CNC aluminum base plate and elevated heel rest are planned for later this year as an upgrade option. More on that when we have more to show you.
Post production release notes - May 29th - Round 4
1 - M6 threaded inserts have been provided with each set of pedals shipped out for Round 4 orders. You can screw them into the pedal base plate and use them to anchor the pedals to other framing. They are optional and are not necessary to be used for mounting. 2 - Round 4 pedals have shipped on time and as promised. 3 - A Leaned Back configuration has been developed and will be offered for all new pedal orders from Round 5 forward. Customers who currently have pedals in service will be able to order a kit of parts at a nominal price from us to refit their pedals. 4 - DSD Pedals for Round 5 and forward will be enumerated and identified in Windows as "DSD Professional Grade Sim Racing Pedals |
Other ponderings, observations, updates, miscellaneous ramblings and errata...
UPDATE - March 25th: We expect to take orders for another round of pedals on approximately April 16th. All those who have subscribed to the email alert will receive the link for ordering approximately 24 hours in advance. We will expand the next round and look to accommodate as many folks as possible and within reason. Thank you to those who have ordered and who are interested.
Second update: Be advised that if you want to get in on Pedal Round #3, we're most likely going to hold over the pricing we had in Round #2. Also be advised that Round #1 sold out in 39 minutes and Round #2 sold out in 3 minutes. The interest is quite impressive. Thank you to all who have interest and to those who have ordered.
April 11th UPDATE - All pedal orders for Round Two will ship as promised and on time by April 14th, the original promised shipping date. That's 23 days from when orders were taken to when orders shipped. Never missing a shipping date is a track record maintained across almost 7000 orders.
If you have a pedal order promised for April 14th, your order will ship on time. If you want to get your order in for Round Three, the email alert will go out this weekend and orders will likely happen within a day or two from there. We plan to take as many orders as we can realistically manage, AND the special pricing discount of 100 USD off will still apply for new orders. This means US Shipments are 695 and Intl are 795!
UPDATE - March 25th: We expect to take orders for another round of pedals on approximately April 16th. All those who have subscribed to the email alert will receive the link for ordering approximately 24 hours in advance. We will expand the next round and look to accommodate as many folks as possible and within reason. Thank you to those who have ordered and who are interested.
Second update: Be advised that if you want to get in on Pedal Round #3, we're most likely going to hold over the pricing we had in Round #2. Also be advised that Round #1 sold out in 39 minutes and Round #2 sold out in 3 minutes. The interest is quite impressive. Thank you to all who have interest and to those who have ordered.
April 11th UPDATE - All pedal orders for Round Two will ship as promised and on time by April 14th, the original promised shipping date. That's 23 days from when orders were taken to when orders shipped. Never missing a shipping date is a track record maintained across almost 7000 orders.
If you have a pedal order promised for April 14th, your order will ship on time. If you want to get your order in for Round Three, the email alert will go out this weekend and orders will likely happen within a day or two from there. We plan to take as many orders as we can realistically manage, AND the special pricing discount of 100 USD off will still apply for new orders. This means US Shipments are 695 and Intl are 795!