Racebase cockpit

RaceBase R6 MKIII

Manufacturer: Microsim

Price: Starting at $346 (US)

$864 as tested (US)

Review date: 11/17/02

My R6 MKIII arrived in a number of boxes over a few day period. I was eager to get it assembled once all of the packages arrived. The R6 I was provided was a pre-finished, ready to assemble unit. It took me a few hours to get it all together including deciding where/how to place the decals. The finished unit is pictured above. I immediately set it up with my XBox, Mad Catz MC2 racing Wheel and a 27" stereo TV. The TV is seated on the TV/Monitor Platform that bolts onto the RaceBase for stability. I added a heavy duty swivel plate between the stand and the TV so I can easily turn it around for viewing from the couch. I also later added a Altec Lansing speaker system with a subwoofer to the mix for increased realism. The sub is placed behind the RaseBase seat and the one piece speaker enclosure sets on top of the TV.

Every input into the TV is run through a stereo VCR. Switching between the VCR, cable, XBox or computer input into the TV is very easy once all of the trial and error testing was completed. I use the KeyMouse station to hold my wireless computer keyboard and mouse; parking it next to the RaceBase when racing. It also serves as a convenient workspace to hold a phone, remotes and an occasional beer (its not really drinking and driving!).

Above:

TV/Monitor Platform $150 (US)

Top Center:

Front view of MKIII

Above:

KeyMouse Station $135 (US)

Left:

Side view of MKIII

Features:

• Steering wheel adjustable for reach & tilt
• Anti-lift steering wheel adjustment mechanism
• Increased adjustment for even the tallest drivers (4 '6" to 6' 8")
• Stylish look (pre-finished kits painted with automotive epoxy)
• Light weight design
• Fastening system that requires no screws, glue or nails
• Molded racing seat (optional, standard on ready to race kits))
• Drive in a real racing position.
• Racebase fits into most cars for transport.
• Packs up for easy storage.
• Works with most PC & console steering wheels (Controller compatibility Manufacturer/model list)
• Wide body version available
• Monitor Platform, Keyboard & Mouse Station, Subwoofer Plinth and other options available.

System Requirements:

• Just basic skills in reading instructions and assembly for the pre-finished kits.
• Unfinished kits require painting and finishing skills. Simply brushing on a coat of Dutch Boy will work but will not have the slick look of the pre-finished units.
• More adventurous types require a well stocked woodworking shop along with the skills and patience to construct your own from the plans. All necessary hardware is provided as part of the plan kits.

I love racing games. I am not very good at them but really enjoy the challenge. For years I have been threatening myself to build a racing/flying cockpit for use on my computer. Time has been an issue and I just have not gotten around to it. When the RaceBase arrived and assembly was completed it was given a special, primary spot in my computer room. It is now a major piece in my gaming system. Let me tell you how it came to be important to my setup and why I enjoy it so much-

Options-

You can be real brave and buy the plans and hardware kit to make your own Racebase. Unless you are real handy and have a workshop to work and finish the wood I do not recommend this option. The pre-fabricated kits are precision cut and finished. I doubt you could finish a home-made version with the same outcome as a precut and pre-finished kit. However you have this option. The pre-cut kits come either unpainted or finished with a durable epoxy, multi-coat paint. You can easily customize everything with the enclosed decals, custom paint accents or store bought decals.

Accessories can be added to the basic RaceBase cockpit for "extended play". A tough plastic molded seat is a suggested upgrade for comfort. It like the wooden seat, can be adjusted for angle by using different mounts for the seat back. For those hooking up to a computer system Microsim offers a monitor and speaker stand that matches the design lines of the cockpit and is naturally finished in black laminate. It is large enough to accommodate a small TV also but be mindful of its weight limitation. The 27" TV I have resting on my stand is not recommended. It is great for monitors up to 19" along with a set of speakers on either side of it. To add to its function along with a computer a keyboard/mouse stand is also offered. It too is finished in black laminate and has similar curves to the rest of the gear. The top of the stand houses your mouse and the keyboard sets across the front of the stand. It provides storage space for CDs or DVDs just under the keyboard. Both options assemble very easily and come with basic instructions to walk you through the assembly process.

An option I did not explore but seem cool is the subwoofer plenum. It is a large wooden box that the entire Racebase sits on. it allows most subwoofers to be mounted in its body for extra booming base. It also has two rear speaker stands for the full surround experience when used with the speakers on the sides of the monitor.

Assembly-

Assembly of the pre-cut/finished kit took me a bit longer than I expected. For the first time in my life I read the entire instruction set first. All of the sections of the directions are descriptive and to the point. However, the order of the instructions has one very minor problem- the finishing section comes after the assembly. If you are starting with an unfinished kit you will want to finish it before assembling it. Also if you have a pre-painted unit you are told in the manual to disassemble the cockpit before applying the decals. So I could have easily assembled the Racebase and later found out I needed to undo it to properly apply the decals if I had not read through all of the documents first.

The craftsmanship of the kit is great. Great care is put into each kit to assure a flawless fit of the parts. The actual hardware comprises of high quality metric bolts, nuts and nylon spacer washers. The necessary tools to tighten all of the nuts and bolts are provided with the hardware. The pieces are either finished with a flat black lamination or an epoxy paint that is very durable. I studied each piece looking for any ripple or drip in the finish and could find none. All of the individual pieces are shipped wrapped in plastic to prevent scratching, nicks or chips during transport.

Adjustability-

As I already mentioned the seat back angle is adjustable in a number of positions for your comfort. The distance between the seat and the pedals is also adjustable. This can be done while sitting in the seat and pushing or pulling the nose of the cockpit to its desired position. The hardware locks the setting into position once you have found your desired setting. Keep in mind that the body or seat portion of the cockpit (and monitor stand if used) is stationary and the nose slides out depending on the desired adjustment. This can be important for finding the permanent home for your setup. More adjustment is built into the pedal holder. The angle the pedals are held at can be changed by moving the bolts to different positions. The wheel holder has a great adjustment system. You can move it closer to/further away from the seat easily AND adjust its angle (just like tilt steering!).

Versatility-

PlayStation, PlayStation2, GameCube, XBox, PC and more are perfect pairings with the Racebase Cockpit. Every wheel and pedal set I own was tested for fit on the setup. The only issue I have is with the Mad Catz XBox wheel fitting the space tightly simply because the pedal connector is on the side of the wheel base instead of on the back. Otherwise, nothing didn't fit the wheel platform or attach to it using the wheel's connection method. Where suction cups were the only means to secure the wheel I suggest Velcro or bungee cords to really secure the base to the cockpit. If the pedal base does not have a straight edge you will also need to use Velcro or bungee cords to hold the pedals in place.

One bonus use for the cockpit not mentioned on the Racebase site is as a flight cockpit. The Wheel table accommodates a flight yoke without issue. Drop a set of rudder pedals in the pedal holder and you're clear for takeoff. I'm sure with a little creativity a flight stick could be mounted into the setup too. In the spring I am considering repainting my cockpit just like my favorite racer- the Gee Bee R2 Racer- an early 20th century air racing plane that was incredibly dangerous to fly because of its stubby wings and huge engine that wouldn't allow the pilot to see in front of it.

The cockpit can be placed as a permanent sim home with the monitor stand and other accessories or be moved into place when used. It is very sturdy but light and can be pushed in front of a big screen TV console/stand or computer desk when its time for racing and compressed down to its smallest length by pulling the nose fully into the seat body and stood up for storage. If your really looking to impress your friends at the next LAN meet you can even put it in the back seat of most cars for transport.

Overall:

Want to have more fun racing? Want to be the envy of your friends? Order, assemble and setup a Racebase Cockpit to your gaming rig. Driving with a wheel on your desk or lap will not do. The Racebase R6 MKIII Racing Cockpit System is very sleek looking and a blast to play with. It accommodates a wide variety of body sizes and shapes thanks to its well thought out adjustment options. The price of the R6 MKIII is its only real limit. You do get what you pay for though- great design, workmanship and function. The Control Center offers a high recommendation to the Microsim RaseBase and its add-on accessories.