from: http://members.chello.nl/~a.hitman/shifter.htm

Software 
 

For software, there were two options: GPLShift and ALShift by Act-Labs. ALShift didn’t work, since it will only function with the real Act-Labs Shifter. GPLShift supports any USB device that works like a shifter. Once you figure out the ini file and enter the correct USB Device ID to be used and the shifting method, this util works very well. PTA (NR2003) and GTR have native support for shifters. Okay, so I had those games covered. But after doing some searching on the web, I found a site that explained exactly how to hack the registry in order to get your shifter recognised by ALShift. ALShift works with over 60 games and has a nice GUI which lets you configure many things, i.e. assigning any gear to any button. After assigning every gear to every button you add this proggie to your system startup and minimize it; you won’t have to give it another thought 

Here’s how to turn your gamepad into an ACT LABS GPL USB Shifter:

1. Find the gamepad's registry entry. Mine was:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\MediaProperties\PrivateProperties\Joystick\OEM\VID_0583&PID_206F]

(NOTE: You have to open Windows' Gamecontroller Menu before your controller can be found in the registry.)

 2. Change the OEMName to "ACT LABS GPL USB Shifter" (no quotes)

 3. You're done :)

 

Download the Act Labs Shifter Utility: ALShift22.zip

Run it, and Under Settings > Custom - Define, start mapping all eight buttons starting on the left; button 7 is not used.

Simply select “Use 6th gear as highest gear” and you’re done. When you change from 5+R to 6+R, simply flick the 2-way switch. No need to reconfigure ALShift! Hint: add ALShift to your startup group and it loads automatically; boot Windows and race! 

 

Right well that's about it! I hope you enjoyed reading about my project. Maybe you'll decide to build your own shifter now that you've seen how simple it is. In that case: good luck to ya! If you have any questions or if you need help with your own project, just mail me at rhitman@gmail.com and I'll see if I can help you out.

If you want to complain or work for Act Labs and want to sue, please write to the following address: iwantspam@wehavespam.com 

 

Greetings, Remco Hitman