The Sol wheel

A Seemless Solution for Sim Racing with your Valve Steam Deck

The Sol Wheel Kickstarter Campaign

Reddit Posts for Community Outreach

Trailer Created for the Sol Wheel

Why did I make the Sol Wheel?

  • Objective:

    • Create an affordable sim racing setup that utilizes the Valve Steam Deck.

  • Key Features:

    • Cheap and easy to manufacture.

    • Provides a product-based solution for a growing market.

  • Personal Motivation:

    • I’m a huge F1 and racing fan.

How does the Wheel Function?

  • Original Design:

    • Utilized a dual-bearing system, 3D printed and manufactured by me.

    • Created an axis of rotation for the Deck when docked on a table.

    • Used rubber bands on both sides of the deck to return the wheel to its original position.

  • Updated Design:

    • Maintains the dual-bearing system.

    • Replaced rubber bands with retractable spring mechanisms for tension.

    • Springs generate enough force to center the Deck at its origin point.

Process of making the Sol Wheel, and revival of the project.

  • The Original CAD Models and renders for the Sol wheel. Done in blender and fusion.

    The Original CAD Models and renders for the Sol wheel. Done in blender and fusion.

  • The original cad model was made in 2022 when the project started.

    The original cad model was made in 2022 when the project started. Around 10 prototypes where made during that part of the project.

  • My workflow consisted of using Fusion 360 for most of the modeling then, printing parts out. All Parts were custom manufactured and designed along with a fully 3D printed bearing assembly.

  • When the tolerances were too tight because of the filament expanding I would measure parts with a caliper and reprint them to spec.

  • The next step was to introduce the project to the Steam Deck community and gain feedback from users. With over 100K total views and 250+ comments I was able to update the design and continue with the process.

  • After getting initial feedback from the community I decided to start a Kick Starter campaign. Even though it didn't meet my original goal of $10,000 ( for injection molding costs) I gained a lot of valuable insights and started to look for other methods of funding such as patreon.

  • After taking a one and a half year break from the project I've decided that I'm not done with the Sol Wheel. Since February of 2024 I have been developing another prototype that doesn't use rubber bands for returning to center position, but rather retractable spring mechanisms. Allowing for easy manufacture and more reliability. Stay Tuned For More!!!

Continued Development

First Prototype Overview:

  • The First prototype features clock spring components.

Limitations:

  • Limited movement and functionality.

Second Prototype Overview:

  • The second prototype features clock spring components.

Improvements:

  • Enhanced movement and functionality due to improved manufacturing methods.

Third Prototype Overview:

The third prototype features clock spring components.

Updates and Features:

  • Updated Deck Holder.

  • Added rail for a specific area for the wire to wrap.

  • Introduced a clock spring container.

Improvements:

  • Enhanced movement and functionality due to better manufacturing methods, improved parts, higher-quality filament, and a new updated design.

Prototype Overview:

  • Fourth prototype with enhancements.

Improvements:

  • Better movement and functionality.

  • Upgraded parts for smoother rotation.

  • Increased pull force from the mechanisms.

Demo Prototype for the IMAGINE RIT 2024 Exhibition.

Press
“This reminds me a lot of the Wii era where people were getting creative as well with the possibilities offered by the joycons of the time.”
— ekianjo at Boiling Steam
“ -the Sol Wheel seems like it could be perfect for racing game enthusiasts.
”
— Andrew Heaton at PC Games News