Back in December, rFactor modding group MMG announced to make their way into the sim racing hardware business by presenting the SimRDisp7X data display.
Plenty of people have already pre-ordered the display, now it’s time to take a closer look at MMG’s first ever hardware product.
The Display
The MMG SimRDisp7X consists of a three-color LED-bar at the top, three segment displays? and a single LED at the bottom. The top bar is used to display revs while the segment displays give out speed, gear and fuel information.
The final remaining LED can be assigned with a variety of functions such as traction-control info, engine temperature warnings or safety car information. The display is connected via USB and available both as desktop and Logitech G25 version.
This review is based on experiences with the desktop version, both versions have? identical features and specifications though. While the G25 version is hooked up to the wheel, the desktop version is designed to sit on your desktop, under your screen or wherever you want to place it.
Installation & Configuration
The display comes with drivers, configuration software and a step-by-step install manual which is easy to follow. If you’ve ever installed a wheel or any other piece of hardware, getting the display up and running won’t be any problem for you. Installation is as easy as moving the plugin and configuration to your rFactor directory, plug in the display in and pointing Windows to the driver directory. I’ve successfully installed the display on both Windows Vista 64bit and Windows XP 32bit without a problem.
Once the drivers are installed, the configuration software needs to be started. Two clicks lets you test the display and save the configuration data – That’s it, the display is ready to go. Furthermore, the software lets you tweak the RPM bar to your liking, this is not necessarily needed though as the stock settings work fine. Also included is a switch from KPH to MPH as well as the different options for the bottom LED.
Using the Display
Right now, the display works with rFactor, support for iRacing and Live for Speed is around the corner. Once you’ve placed the plugin in the rFactor folder, the display is ready to go and will start working once you get to the track. From then on, the display does what it’s made to do – Display data. The displayed data is 100% identical to the on-screen data, there is noticeable lag or anything. I?ve tested the display for several hours and ran into no problems whatever, however I noticed some details.
The LEDs are very bright, especially the blue ones and the end of the RPM bar. So when using the desktop unit, you’re better off to not place the display directly in front of your eyes as it can become a little irritating while driving. My biggest complaint with the display is that there is no way to shut the display down if you’re not using it. As long as the display is plugged in, it will be working. When the simulation is is not running, the display shows blank data (-).
The only way to turn it off is to unplug it, remember to plug it in before using rFactor again as the sim will crash when the plugin is installed without the display being plugged in.
Conclusion
MMG has delivered an almost flawless product, the build quality is great and both display and software work like a charm without any problem. Personally, I’ve found the display to help increase the immersion when driving a lot. Even though the displayed data can also be found on the screen, it simply adds a touch of realism to have a working display in front of you – Plus, you can finally turn off some of rFactor’s ugly HUD.
The RPM lights are a big help when driving cars that don’t provide such data in their cockpit such as stock cars are historical racing cars and having a close eye on your remaining fuel can’t hurt either.
The only let-down so far is the limited software support. If you primarily use Simbin simulations, this display is not for you simply because it won’t be working. If you’re a heavy rFactor user and look for a great looking display to add some realism to your racing cockpit, you can’t go wrong with the SimRDisp7X. If your focus is on other simulations, your best bet is to wait and see where compatibility is heading as MMG is hoping to expand the line of supported titles soon
The MMG SimRDisp7X Desktop unit sells for ???100 while the G25 unit is available for ???120. Both can be bought visiting the MMG website.
