DIY Sim Racer Converts Asetek Invicta Brake to Active Pedal for 230

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.

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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.

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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 expensive.

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Performance: How Close Is It to Commercial Active Pedals?

While DIY systems may not offer the same polish or support as commercial products, early feedback suggests:

• Dynamic resistance changes are highly effective
• ABS-style vibration feedback is convincing
• Brake feel can be tuned per car
• Immersion is dramatically increased

For many sim racers, this level of performance is more than sufficient, especially given the cost savings.

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Skills Required for a DIY Active Pedal Conversion

This project is not “plug and play.” It requires:

• Mechanical understanding
• Basic electronics knowledge
• Comfort with firmware or scripting
• Willingness to troubleshoot and iterate

That said, the project demonstrates what’s possible for sim racers who enjoy DIY hardware modding.

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Why This Project Matters for the Sim Racing Industry

This DIY conversion highlights several important trends:

1️⃣ Community Innovation Is Accelerating

Sim racers are no longer just consumers — they are engineers and innovators.

2️⃣ Commercial Pricing Is Being Challenged

Manufacturers may face pressure to:

• Lower prices
• Offer modular upgrades
• Support open ecosystems

3️⃣ Active Pedals Are the Next Frontier

Just as direct drive wheels became mainstream, active pedals may follow.

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Could This Replace Commercial Active Pedals?

For most sim racers:

• ❌ No official support
• ❌ No warranty
• ❌ No plug-and-play simplicity

But for advanced users?

• ✅ Massive cost savings
• ✅ Full customization
• ✅ Educational value
• ✅ Comparable immersion

This project won’t replace commercial solutions — but it forces the industry to pay attention.

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Safety and Reliability Considerations

Before attempting a similar conversion, consider:

• Motor torque limits
• Emergency stop logic
• Electrical isolation
• Mechanical fail-safes

Active pedals can generate significant force, so safety should always come first.

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What This Means for the Future of Sim Racing Pedals

This DIY Asetek Invicta active pedal conversion suggests a future where:

• Modular pedal upgrades become common
• Software-driven feedback expands
• Prices come down through competition
• DIY and commercial solutions coexist

The sim racing hardware space is evolving rapidly — and community-driven innovation is leading the way.

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Final Thoughts: A Brilliant Example of Sim Racing Ingenuity

The fact that a DIY sim racer converted an Asetek Invicta brake pedal into an active pedal for £230 is more than a cool experiment — it’s a statement.

It proves that:

• Innovation doesn’t require massive budgets
• Enthusiasts can rival professional hardware
• The future of sim racing is collaborative

For anyone interested in the technical side of sim racing, this project is deeply inspiring.