DIY Sim Racer Converts Asetek Invicta Brake to Active Pedal for 230
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This article documents a DIY active pedal conversion project where a sim racer added motor-driven actuation to an Asetek Invicta brake pedal for approximately £230 in parts (excluding the base pedal), achieving functionality similar to commercial active pedal systems that cost £1,500–£2,500+. The piece explains what active pedals do (simulate ABS vibration, brake fade, changing stiffness, and telemetry-based feedback), why the Invicta was chosen as a base (already robust high-quality load-cell design), and the core components involved (servo motor, controller, brackets, firmware). The author frames this as a challenge to the necessity of premium pricing for advanced sim racing hardware.
Excerpt from Sim Racing Cockpits
A remarkable DIY project has caught the attention of the sim racing community: a sim racer successfully converted an Asetek Invicta brake pedal into an active pedal for just £230. At a time when commercial active pedal systems can cost £1,500–£2,000 or more, this project proves that innovation, engineering knowledge, and determination can rival high-end commercial solutions at a fraction of the price.
In this article, we break down what this DIY conversion means, how it works, why it matters for sim racing, and whether this approach could influence the future of pedal design.
What Is an Active Pedal in Sim Racing?
An active pedal is a pedal system that uses motors or actuators to dynamically change pedal resistance, travel, and feedback in real time. Unlike traditional load-cell or hydraulic pedals, active pedals can simulate:
ABS vibration
Brake fade
Changing pedal stiffness
Different car brake systems
Real-time telemetry-based feedback
These systems are typically seen in professional simulators and esports training rigs due to their complexity and cost.
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The Asetek Invicta Brake Pedal: A Perfect Starting Point
The Asetek Invicta brake pedal is already considered one of the best high-end sim racing brake pedals available. It features:
Extremely stiff construction
High-quality load-cell technology
Adjustable elastomer stack
Professional-grade feel
This makes it an ideal candidate for an active pedal conversion, as the base mechanical design is already robust enough to handle dynamic forces.
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How the DIY Conversion Works (At a High Level)
Rather than replacing the entire pedal, this DIY sim racer enhanced the Invicta brake pedal by adding an actuation system that controls resistance dynamically.
While exact schematics vary, the core components typically include:
A servo motor or actuator
A motor controller
Custom mounting brackets
Firmware or control logic
Integration with sim telemetry
All of this was achieved for approximately £230, excluding the original pedal.
Why £230 Is Such a Big Deal
To understand why this project matters, consider the alternatives:
Pedal Type Typical Cost
Load-cell pedal £200–£600
Hydraulic pedal £600–£1,200
Commercial active pedal £1,500–£2,500+
Achieving active pedal functionality for £230 challenges the idea that advanced sim racing hardware must be prohibitively…
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