TCS minor issues

[thelusiv]

From testing the TCS I've noticed a few minor issues that need to be fixed.
* TCS is applied in neutral. This doesn't make sense since the transmission isn't engaged.
* TCS isn't applied in reverse. I'm not sure if this is done in normal cars but it gives an inconsistent feel to reverse gear.
* In some cars, it is extremely difficult to get out of a sand trap with TCS on. The G4 is one of these. It's really extra hard on a hill. One has to rev the engine up to max, dump the clutch and go a foot maybe, then shift to neutral before the engine stalls, rev it up again and repeat until finally you are free. The AI just gives up in most of the sand pits.

The third thing could be fixed by an in-game TCS toggle control, and probably also by making sure the cars' clutches are not way stronger than they ought to be.

[cotharyus]

It could also be fixed by having TCS only kick in at above 30km/h. I know I know. Try this code:

Code:

while horse != alive {
  beat(horse);
}

[thelusiv]

Is this really how it's done in real race cars?

[joevenzon]

No, real cars don't have TCS that turns off below a certain speed. The problems in the rough are because the TCS is working *too* well and preventing any tire spin. On normal cars it's not that good and you'll get some tire spin (or can turn it off) that helps in really slippery conditions. Hmm, maybe the TCS can be detuned somewhat when going slowly? That would probably satisfy cotharyus, and should allow more slip on rough surfaces....

[thelusiv]

I think at very low speeds it should be detuned. That seems like a good solution to me.

What about reverse and neutral? The neutral thing is like, in the case where you are sliding, and want to rev up the engine to perhaps put it in gear and continue driving, TCS prevents the engine from turning even though the transmission is not engaged.

[cotharyus]

Is this really how it's done in real race cars?

It's really how it's done on F1 cars. F1 cars use a standing start, and are not allowed any sort of launch control. As such, ECUs are not allowed to begin making TCS adjustments until the cars have reached a set speed (it's either 30 or 60 km/h). I know this isn't (strictly) F1, but hey you asked.

[joevenzon]

Actually, now that I think about it, disabling TCS in neutral might fix the problems in rough terrain, also....

Okay, this is done in R1389. Let me know how you like it.

[thelusiv]

This fix seems to work well. How about TCS in reverse and decreased TCS at low speeds?

[joevenzon]

Are you saying that you still don't like the off-road performance? Make sure you switch off TCS and see how easy/hard it is to get around with TCS off before you condemn TCS. I think it's fine now, but maybe I'm not using the same car as you are.

[thelusiv]

Well I'm testing with the G4, it's still possible to stall the car from TCS but I see what you mean, it is a little better. Maybe this is more because of the G4's heavy clutch than anything else. I'll keep testing and let you know.