For my main project I plan on building an xbox controller steering wheel adapter. I got the idea last semester when I was playing a modded version of GTA that allowed you to adjust settings and drift cars. The game was fun, but I thought I could make it feel more like a drifting simulator if I made a steering wheel and pedals. You can buy other input devices that plug right into the computer, but they can be expensive and are not as compatible with games as an xbox controller. I want this device to be purely mechanical so it is easily compatible and free of bugs.

Aesthetic:

The aesthetic I have chosen for this project is the street racing aesthetic. This aesthetic has a sleek almost futuristic look. Since underground street racing usually takes place at night, this aesthetic often has a dark background. At the same time it also contains bold eye-catching lights and colors that contrast against this dark background.

Image by Pavarita J [1]

Image by CHER CHER SAN📼 [2]

 A big part of street racing is making modifications to your car, so unique modifications to existing parts is also another feature of this aesthetic. Some characteristics of the street racing aesthetic can be found below along with some more pictures.

• Urban surroundings
• Neon underglow lighting
• Bright colors and graphics
• Sleek
• Dark backgrounds
• Metallic and glossy finishes

Image titled “Happiness” by the Kilowatt [3]

Image by h3ro [4]

Underglow kit by rgb halo kits [5]

Design:

As of now my design is in the preliminary stages. I will be limiting my project to just a steering wheel setup and will add the pedals later down the road. So far I have created the sketches shown below.

I would like to create some type of enclosure that the controller sits inside of. I found some CAD models online for components that translate the rotation of a wheel to the linear motion needed to steer on the xbox controller. I also need to create the steering wheel. I plan on buying the outer portion and manufacturing the center part, ideally out of metal, but to save money this will probably change. One inspiration for the look of the steering wheel is the image below.

Steering wheel by MOMO Motorsport [6]

I think having the outer part of the wheel be black leather and having the inner portion be shiny and metallic will give it the street racing look I am going for. I would definitely like to incorporate some type of backlighting either on the steering wheel or the base it is mounted to. Over the next week I will continue to brainstorm ideas and try to refine my design. I would be happy to hear any suggestions in the comments!

 

Citations:

[1] Pavarita J, pinterest post titled “Boom”

     Website: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/775604367088101801/

[2] Pin by CHER CHER SAN📼 on СΔɌƩ: Street racing cars, Purple car, Jdm

     Website: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/754353006324172339/

[3] Happiness by the Kilowatt: Street racing cars, Best jdm cars, Street racing

     Website: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/18788523436581511/

[4] Pin by h3ro on Ваши пины: Drifting cars, Street racing cars, Classy cars

     Website: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1080301029347989406/

[5] LED Underglow Lighting Kit 2.0: Flexible

     Website: https://rgbhalokits.com/products/led-underglow-lighting-kit-2-0-flexible

[6] Amazon.com: MOMO Motorsport MOD Drift Steering Wheel Black Suede          

     Website: https://www.amazon.com/R1907-33S-Steering-Wheel-Drift/dp/B0792R7B36