TCS question

[cotharyus]

So far I like the TCS overall. But I think it could be made better. It would be good if we did something F1 like with TCS, where it didn't kick in until the car was moving in excess of 60km/h. This would make launching the car more realistic, and it would make things like turning the car around once you spin it much faster. Thoughts, counterpoints, arguements?

[joevenzon]

Well, isn't the whole point of TCS to prevent you from putting too much torque into the drive wheels and having them slip?

[cotharyus]

....yes and no. I TCS as being something more low speed turns than launch control. Maybe that's just me?

[cotharyus]

Or as an after thought - maybe we could map it to be a setting that could be turned on and off with a button the controler during the game?

[thelusiv]

I'll jump in here and say that I wish I could move through the sand traps and turn around just a little faster. Maybe there's a way to "turn down" the TCS a little at low speeds, but not necessarily on launch?

The idea of TCS as well as ABS toggle controls so they can be enabled or disabled during the game has crossed my mind before. How many people are interested in this?

[osiris]

Of course, it's important : ABS is important to slow down before a corner when we are really to fast but to corner well, we need to have a good brake without ABS(and brakes shouldn't be made so strong if we disable ABS)

[cotharyus]

Again, the TCS toggle is a good thing as far as I'm concern - however, given the option between that and the idea of having it completely off until the car is over 60km/h (or some other speed we settle on) I'd rather it be automatic.

As far as ABS is concerned, if we build a toggle for TCS we should be able to build one for ABS - do I want one? Not really. I like race cars without ABS.

[reece146]

The idea of TCS as well as ABS toggle controls so they can be enabled or disabled during the game has crossed my mind before. How many people are interested in this?

Definitely would like this - or at least a line in the *.car file to disable TCS and/or ABS.

[joevenzon]

TCS and ABS can currently be disabled from the in-game menu, although it doesn't take effect right away. Maybe we should just fix this instead of getting too fancy with it?

Also, TCS is supposed to be engaged at all speeds... you're not supposed to get any wheel spin on launches with TCS on. It's pretty much the whole point. You may be thinking of electronic stability control. More info on TCS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traction_control_system

[thelusiv]

TCS and ABS can currently be disabled from the in-game menu, although it doesn't take effect right away. Maybe we should just fix this instead of getting too fancy with it?

I tested this last night and from what I can see, TCS and ABS do work when turned on/off in the menus. When turned off, the indicators disappear, and there are clearly less restrictions on acceleration and braking. Could you double-check this...maybe there's some other factor causing it?

[cotharyus]

Yes, TCS is supposed to limit wheel spin at all times. I'll acknowlage that.

So we can completely get past it working depending on speed. Lets move on to control in the game. Most (sports) cars these days that have TCS also have a little button on the dash that allows you to turn it on and off. That's what I'm getting at - not something we need to pause for, but a virtual dash button, if you will. Am I coming across a little clearer? I hope what I'm asking for makes sense.

[joevenzon]

thelusiv: i'll bug you in IRC about it.

cotharyus: i think we're on the same page now. Adding a toggle button for TCS would be plenty easy, although I'm not sure how many people toggle TCS on and off during a race. ;-)

[thelusiv]

Joe explained on IRC that when playing a game with ABS or TCS on, then leaving, then turning off ABS or TCS from the main menu, then starting a new game, then ABS or TCS would still be on. I fixed this and checked it in.

[cotharyus]

My main gripe with this is simply when you are on a "slick" surface, or have to turn the car at all at low speeds - it's much faster to spin the car around, which means TCS has to be off. I'm always pushing it into turns, and frequently find myself pointing the wrong direction. This would let me get things turned around faster.

[joevenzon]

Ah, okay. I see your point. Also, I've noticed that the TCS tends to be pretty conservative on slick surfaces and makes you go really slowly if the clutch isn't out yet. We could add a button control. Throw this on the TODO....