Italian engineering firm 3DRap aims to enhance accessibility in sim racing with its clever Hand Controller HC1 device.
The throttle and brake add-on negates the requirement for pedals, meaning sim racers with reduced or no mobility in their legs can still maintain analogue control over their inputs.
The 3D-printed HC1 attaches directly to the user’s hand via a rubber strap, with the thumb controlling throttle and brake paddles, with hall effect sensors detecting and translating inputs.
The throttle paddle’s resistance is controlled by a spring, with smooth bearings providing a degree of modulation for the brake, which 3DRap assures will not tire out the user’s thumb.
The HC1 is currently only available for PC and can be configured using Windows’ standard Game Controller Settings app.
Other peripheral manufacturers such as Fanatec, Logitech and Thrustmaster have employed a similar system on their wheelbases and steering wheels through the use of dual analogue paddles.
For example, Fanatec offers the McLaren GT3 Steering Wheel, featuring plastic analogue clutch paddles that can be mapped as a throttle and brake.
Logitech’s new G PRO Wheel has dual-purpose paddles with Thrustmaster’s first entry into the direct drive steering wheel market expected to follow suit in some form.
However, 3DRap’s Hand Controller HC1 costs just €89,90 from the 3DRap website, so is an affordable and accessible alternative to help disabled sim racers enjoy immersive racing game experiences.
What do you think about 3DRap’s Hand Controller HC1? Let us know in the comments below.
