Playseat Challenge: Lock-Mod

Description

The Playseat Challenge is one of the most popular starter rigs for many sim-racers. It’s relatively affordable, has a seat built in, and folds up for storage. That said, the PSC’s lack of rigidity leads many to upgrade to a more permanent rig if they have the room to spare. To those without the dedicated space available, lack of storage friendly high-end rigs leaves upgrading the Playseat Challenge as one few options. Being unable to find a comprohensive solution in the mod community at the time, I began work on my own solution: The Playseat Challenge Lock-Mod.

After years of designing, tinkering and racing, it is now available as an upgrade kit to anyone with an original Playseat Challenge or Playseat Challenge ActiFit.

Primary Features

The Lock-Mod addresses just about every issue I had using the Playseat Challenge as my daily driver. That, while keeping the benefits of the rig and adding a few supplimentary quality-of-life improvements:

• Wheelbase reinforced at multiple points, and is able to easily handle high output DD wheelbases.
• Pedal tray is height adjustable and securely connected to the rig. Greatly reduced movement even with high load force pedals.
• Shifter/handbrake mounting to accomodate a wide range of gear, while also being extremely rigid.
• Replacement of velcro strap with a more reliable and convenient folding lock mechanism.
• Integrated wheels for easy moving with extra mass of high-end gear & upgraded structure (pictured setup approx 37kg).

Compact folding is the Playseat Challenge’s primary selling point; a point I felt was important to retain. Folding/unfolding the Lock-Mod doesn’t require any tools, takes only 1½ minutes, and is as compact as the original. Even the shifter/handbrake assembly can fold neatly within the original’s dimensions without sticking out the side (which even the official Playseat shifter mount doesn’t accomplish).

Configurations

There are many ways the Mod-Lock can be configured, and this will affect how tightly it can be folded. The size, shape and position of the following hardware have a proportionally larger impact.

• Pedals: Bulky pedals & heel rests (such as in the featured configuration) leave less room for the other items when folded up. Pedals with a low & short profile are preferred if tight packaging is required.
• Handbrake/Shifter: Using compact handbrakes & shifters with multiple mounting options is recommended. Mounting them close to the rig also helps reduce space requirements when folded.
• Accessories mounted on the Playseat’s ‘legs’ (such as the control box and the usb/power hub on the pictured config) will reduce space for other components when folded. Mount these last.

The structure of the Lock-Mod itself is also configurable in 3 different ways. These configurations allow users to adjust rigidity versus accessibility and the wheelbase deck position.

• Standard: Prioritizes rigidity with the wheelbase deck close to the driver (pictured configuration). Requires unlatching more QR clamps to swing wheelbase aside. Extra clamps not required.
• Reverse: Similar rigidity & accessibility as standard, but flips wheelbase plate to be further from the driver. Wheelbase struts clamp onto pedal struts. Requires purchase of extra clamps.
• Quick Release: Prioritizes accessibility at the loss of . Wheelbase swings aside by unlatching a single QR clamp. Works with Standard or Reverse wheelbase deck. Requires purchase of extra clamps.

Additional Notes

• Each Lock-Mod kit is made to order, and may take up to a week for dispatch.
• There will likely be small differences in the kit that you receive compared to the pictures/video shown. This is due to the Lock-Mod being improved/adapted to feedback I have received.
• Orders outside of Australia do not include tax at checkout, but you may be required to pay customs, duties, taxes and VAT to receive your package. Please be sure to check with your local tax and customs office for more details.
• The Lock-Mod kit is not compatible with the Playseat Challenge X: Logitech G Edition. The Lock-Mod X is currently being developed.