A simulator pedal, sim pedal or gaming pedal is a pedal used in a

simulator A simulation is an imitative representation of a process or system that could exist in the real world. In this broad sense, simulation can often be used interchangeably with model. Sometimes a clear distinction between the two terms is made, in ...

for entertainment or training. Common examples are

throttle A throttle is a mechanism by which fluid flow is managed by construction or obstruction. An engine's power can be increased or decreased by the restriction of inlet gases (by the use of a throttle), but usually decreased. The term ''throttle'' ha ...

and brake pedals for

driving simulator Driving simulators are used for entertainment as well as in training of driver's education courses taught in educational institutions and private businesses. They are also used for research purposes in the area of human factors and medical rese ...

s, and

rudder pedals A rudder pedal is a foot-operated Aircraft flight control system, aircraft flight control Human–computer interaction, interface for controlling the Rudder (aircraft), rudder of an aircraft. The usual set-up in modern aircraft is that each pilot ...

for

flight simulator A flight simulator is a device that artificially re-creates aircraft flight and the environment in which it flies, for pilot training, design, or other purposes. It includes replicating the equations that govern how aircraft fly, how they rea ...

s. For minimum latency, they are often connected to a

computer A computer is a machine that can be Computer programming, programmed to automatically Execution (computing), carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (''computation''). Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic set ...

gaming console A video game console is an electronic device that outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can typically be played with a game controller. These may be home consoles, which are generally placed in a permanent location connect ...

via cabling, for example with

USB-C USB-C, or USB Type-C, is a 24-pin reversible Electrical connector, connector (not a Communication protocol, protocol) that supersedes previous USB hardware#Connectors, USB connectors (also supersedes Mini DisplayPort and Lightning (connector) ...

. For

video game A video game or computer game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device (such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device) to generate visual fe ...

entertainment such as

arcade games An arcade game or coin-op game is a coin-operated entertainment machine typically installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are presented as primarily games of skill and include arcade ...

or for beginner sim racers, inexpensive pedals are often used, while for serious training and professional

sim racing Sim racing is the collective term for racing games that attempt to accurately simulate auto racing, complete with real-world variables such as fuel usage, damage, tire wear and grip, and suspension settings. To be competitive in sim racing, a dr ...

there are more expensive models, and these are sometimes coupled with a

direct-drive sim racing wheel A direct-drive simulator steering wheelbase (sometimes abbreviated "DD wheel") is a simulator steering wheel with a direct-drive mechanism between the drive and output, i.e. without gearing (as opposed to simulator steering wheels with reduction ...

. Although new sim racers are often more concerned with the steering wheel, many experienced racers recommend putting more money into the pedals (and a

sturdy Sturdy may refer to: __NOTOC__ People * Deborah Sturdy, 21st century British nurse, professor and Government of the United Kingdom Chief Nurse for Social Care * Fred Sturdy (1908–1972), American pole vaulter * Guy Sturdy (1899–1965), profess ...

sim rig) and rather purchase a less expensive steering wheel if one has to prioritize.

Sensors

The

transducer A transducer is a device that Energy transformation, converts energy from one form to another. Usually a transducer converts a signal in one form of energy to a signal in another. Transducers are often employed at the boundaries of automation, M ...

sensor A sensor is often defined as a device that receives and responds to a signal or stimulus. The stimulus is the quantity, property, or condition that is sensed and converted into electrical signal. In the broadest definition, a sensor is a devi ...

on inexpensive pedals is often based on

potentiometer A potentiometer is a three- terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used, one end and the wiper, it acts as a variable resistor or rheostat. The measuring instrum ...

s eller

Hall effect The Hall effect is the production of a voltage, potential difference (the Hall voltage) across an electrical conductor that is wikt:transverse, transverse to an electric current in the conductor and to an applied magnetic field wikt:perpendicul ...

sensors, while more expensive pedals use

load cell A load cell converts a force such as tension, compression, pressure, or torque into a signal (electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, or mechanical displacement indicator) that can be measured and standardized. It is a force transducer. As t ...

s (or sometimes load cells combined with

hydraulics Hydraulics () is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids. At a very basic level, hydraulics is the liquid counterpart of pneumatics, which concer ...

). Gaming pedals used with computer games are basically electronic

brake-by-wire Brake-by-wire technology in the automotive industry is the ability to control brakes through electronic means, without a mechanical connection that transfers force to the Brake#Types, physical braking system from a driver input apparatus such as a ...

pedals and electronic

throttle-by-wire Electronic throttle control (ETC) is an automotive technology that uses electronics to replace the traditional mechanical linkages between the driver's input such as a foot pedal to the vehicle's throttle mechanism which regulates speed or acce ...

pedals.

Mechanics

The pedals can be designed with complex geometries consisting of

arms Arms or ARMS may refer to: *Arm or arms, the upper limbs of the body Arm, Arms, or ARMS may also refer to: People * Ida A. T. Arms (1856–1931), American missionary-educator, temperance leader Coat of arms or weapons *Armaments or weapons **Fi ...

, springs and dampers with the intention of creating a "natural" feel with progressive and repeatable resistance so that the driver can perform more consistently in competitions. This is particularly important for the brake pedal in sim racing. For some affordable pedals, there are upgrade kits and

homemade Homemade or Home Made may refer to: *Handicraft A handicraft is a traditional main sector of craft making and applies to a wide range of creative and design activities that are related to making things with one's hands and skill, includi ...

solutions available with the aim of imitating the feeling one can get with more expensive pedals.

Haptics

In 2022, the Finnish company Simucube launched ActivePedal, the world's first mass-produced simpedal with

haptic technology Haptic technology (also kinaesthetic communication or 3D touch) is technology that can create an experience of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user. These technologies can be used to create virtual objects in a computer s ...

. Co-founder and technical director Tero Kontkanen from Simucube claims that such ''active pedals'' in the long run will have a greater impact on sim racing than direct-driven sim racing wheels. Haptic pedals can be used to give the driver of a car simulator valuable feedback (in the form of

force In physics, a force is an influence that can cause an Physical object, object to change its velocity unless counterbalanced by other forces. In mechanics, force makes ideas like 'pushing' or 'pulling' mathematically precise. Because the Magnitu ...

feedback Feedback occurs when outputs of a system are routed back as inputs as part of a chain of cause and effect that forms a circuit or loop. The system can then be said to ''feed back'' into itself. The notion of cause-and-effect has to be handle ...

and vibrators) based on

telemetry Telemetry is the in situ collection of measurements or other data at remote points and their automatic transmission to receiving equipment (telecommunication) for monitoring. The word is derived from the Greek roots ''tele'', 'far off', an ...

from what happens to the car's

tires A tire (North American English) or tyre (Commonwealth English) is a ring-shaped component that surrounds a wheel's rim to transfer a vehicle's load from the axle through the wheel to the ground and to provide traction on the surface over w ...

against the ground in the simulator. Haptics are primarily useful for the brake pedal. In addition to giving the ability to sense the transition from static to

kinetic friction Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding against each other. Types of friction include dry, fluid, lubricated, skin, and internal -- an incomplete list. The study of t ...

when skidding, haptic pedals can also be used to simulate pulsations in the pedals of cars with

anti-lock brakes An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti- skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintai ...

traction control A traction control system (TCS), is typically (but not necessarily) a secondary function of the electronic stability control (ESC) on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction (i.e., wheelspin) of the driven road wheels. TCS ...

Automotive pedals

The most common sim racing pedal setup is two asymmetric pedals with a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal. A clutch pedal can often be purchased separately as an optional extra, and can, for example, be relevant the driver desires to realistically drive historic racing cars with a manual

gear stick A gear stick (rarely spelled ''gearstick''), gear lever (both UK English), gearshift or shifter (both U.S. English), more formally known as a transmission lever, is a metal lever attached to the transmission of an automobile. The term ''gear s ...

. Some inexpensive pedal kits come with three pedals, and some sim steering wheel bundles also come with pedals included. A clutch pedal is rarely necessary in sim racing. In case the seat and cockpit setup is to mimic a close to lying

Formula In science, a formula is a concise way of expressing information symbolically, as in a mathematical formula or a ''chemical formula''. The informal use of the term ''formula'' in science refers to the general construct of a relationship betwe ...

style seating position it can be beneficial to be able to mount the pedals inverted such that the pedals hang downwards instead of coming up from the floor as normal. Many pedals can easily be inverted by mounting them upside down, but not all pedal sets can be inverted. As for the more common upright GT style seating position, which is more comfortable for longer sessions and therefore will be more relevant for most drivers, it is of less importance whether the pedal can be inverted or not.

Flight pedals

Rudder pedals A rudder pedal is a foot-operated Aircraft flight control system, aircraft flight control Human–computer interaction, interface for controlling the Rudder (aircraft), rudder of an aircraft. The usual set-up in modern aircraft is that each pilot ...

for

s simulate rudder control (and possibly toe brakes), and come in pairs with one pedal for each foot. The pedals are interconnected and synchronized so that one pedal flips out when the other is pressed in.

Bicycle pedals

There are indoor exercise bikes that can be used for computer games. Alternatively, some

bicycle trainer A bicycle trainer, also known as a turbo trainer, is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to ride a bicycle while it remains stationary. They are commonly used to warm up before races, or when riding conditions outside are not favorabl ...

s have sensors to measure the rider's performance, including

power Power may refer to: Common meanings * Power (physics), meaning "rate of doing work" ** Engine power, the power put out by an engine ** Electric power, a type of energy * Power (social and political), the ability to influence people or events Math ...

(watts),

cadence In Classical music, Western musical theory, a cadence () is the end of a Phrase (music), phrase in which the melody or harmony creates a sense of full or partial resolution (music), resolution, especially in music of the 16th century onwards.Don ...

(r/min), virtual

speed In kinematics, the speed (commonly referred to as ''v'') of an object is the magnitude of the change of its position over time or the magnitude of the change of its position per unit of time; it is thus a non-negative scalar quantity. Intro ...

and

heart rate Heart rate is the frequency of the cardiac cycle, heartbeat measured by the number of contractions of the heart per minute (''beats per minute'', or bpm). The heart rate varies according to the body's Human body, physical needs, including the nee ...

, and these measurements can be connected to software or apps so that one can compete against oneself in a cycling game or against other riders over the internet. Analysis of the measurements can also help with the cyclist's training.

References

{{Game controllers Game controllers Computer peripherals