I'm interested in purchasing the venerable Raildriver Control Console however I don't want to use it to control a software program, I am looking to display Youtube videos with no sound on a separate TV screen but run the RailDriver through a laptop to make the train sounds like electric engine whine, ribbon rail or jointed rail noise, interlocking switch noise, diesel engine growl, grade crossing horn action, overspeed warnings sounds, etc. through the laptop speakers, I'd use the virtual railroad simulation videos & software but they're way too unrealistic & problematic with penalties for going too fast or running a red signal & other distractions. Any help in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated. thanks all & have a great weekend.
Unless you're making your own software/simulator to accomplish this, I don't see how the Raildriver would accomplish this out of the box, although I haven't used mine since MSTS on Windows XP. I've been using the keyboard with Train Simulator, but just got a new PC and might take it out of the display cabinet to try it with TS2017.
Have you looked into the advanced and expert settings on Train Simulator? I use the expert controls and have several pieces of content modded with Fan Railer's and other's physics and sound enhancements and find they provide a realistic enough experience. If you have any interest in UK rail equipment, check out Armstrong Powerhouse. I use their sound mods with my collection of English DLC, and with a nice pair of headphones find it a very immersive experience. Granted my real-world experience is limited to a handful of streetcars, but I'm not totally oblivious to the real-world physics and handling of heavy rail equipment either. To me the penalties add to the challenge of the scenarios and help sharpen my skills and handling; if this is not to your liking then you can always deactivate and/or ignore them.
Have you looked into the Run-8 simulator? While I don't own it, I've heard it is one of the most realistic simulators available.
Don't be afraid to contact PI Engineering either, the makers of Raildriver. I'm sure they'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you have an interest in operating equipment, try contacting any of your local museums that run. I typically do the CT Trolley Museum's "Guest Motorman" program every year to renew my membership and find it a very satisfying experience. Many transit museums offer a variation of this program, with some offering heavier transit pieces to operate as well. Other heavy-rail tourist operations are usually volunteer-run, and I'm sure would love to have someone with the interest learn to work on/around and operate the equipment to help out the operation. Most museums offer rules and air brake classes to their volunteers to train them.