Fanatec DD/DD+/DD+ Extreme $hit Show

What Has Gone WRONG At Fanatec? (I Flew To Germany And ASKED THEM)

So this is interesting from Kireth YouTube channel. Check out the interview of why Fanatec is so screwed up ATM.

No keep in mind Thomas says they would have rather waited to release the DD+ if they had known the issues with the store beforehand to not upset the customers. In the end, this costs Fanatec much more money he says. 

So they released the DD+ PS5 version so people can make a choice which is a good move. However FF to Feb 2024 when most pre-orders are not filled from Nov 2023 Fanatec drops yet another DD+ deal that is package with a new 7 rim. Much better rim than the old one. 

What is wrong with Fanatec is the lack of transparency. It's ok to continue bringing new deals to the market, however, mention this when you release a product such as the DD+. There may be some that would wait for the newly designed wheel rim and others that don't care.  But at least customers feel empowered to make a formative decision upfront. 

PROJECT CARS. BECOME A LEGEND

Get your Sim Racing wheels dusted off as Project Cars went gold! No more dates dancing around on the calender now. Expect to get you copy on the following dates...

PLAYSTATION 4 BOXED & DIGITAL
XBOX ONE BOXED & DIGITAL
PC BOXED

MAY 7TH
Europe & Australasia

MAY 8TH
United Kingdom

MAY 12TH
United States & Canada

STEAM

MAY 7TH
MIDNIGHT WORLDWIDE RELEASE

Europe
Australasia
United Kingdom
United States
Canada

I'm really excited to get my hands on this long awaited title. It has been an inspiration to us sim racing fans and I just wish I had the chance to get in on the beta long ago. This game has been thru many changes as the passionate sim racing community has been helping the development process from day one to create the ultimate racing dream.

Project Cars is created by the community and for the community. If you don't like it, well go play a shooter game as I'm expecting this one to be the #1 Sim Racing Title of 2015! So what if you been living under a rock? What does Project Cars offer?

• The largest track selection to date with 30 unique locations and 110 different courses.
•  Freeform and authentic career mode. (Means you take your own course of action) 
• World Class Graphics
• Largest variety of motor sports I have seen from: Road, Karts, Track Day Cars, Supercars, Prototypes, GT, Open Wheel
• Dynamic time of day and weather changes
• Solo, Career, Online and Community racing
• Free Cars each month starting with Lykan Hypersport from W Motors.
• Custom Career
• Quick Race Weekends setup the way you want it. 
• Don't wait to unlock the car you love. Get it day one!
• Free Practice to hone your skills.
• Pit Engineer to keep in informed while on the track
• Pit crew of course
• Full control of cars performance, handling, tuning setups, pit strategies.

As you can read there is a plethora of things to do in Project Cars. You pick your own route. Heck start 2 or 3 different racing careers and manage them all as you see fit.

Come on May 7th. This will be the start of the Greatest Most Adventurous Racing Yet!

Fanatec on PS4 and XboxOne!

A long time coming it would seem, but very exciting news for console owners wanting to use their PC version Clubsport V1 or V2 wheel bases on PS4 and Xbox One. I personally would enjoy using my Fanatec CSW V1 on Xbox One playing Forza Horizon and Forza 5 and now upcoming Forza 6.

Currently the CSW wheels are only compatible to PS3 and PC, but now Fanatec teamed up with Slightly Mad Studios and announced the CSW wheelbase will work with Project Cars on all 3 platforms PC, PS4 and Xbox One. This is awesome news and no better time to introduce this than right before Project Cars gets released. Keep in mind that the CSW Wheel with any CSW rim will work on PS4 and you will not even have to boot the CSW into PS4 mode like you used to do with older Fanatec wheel bases.

Now the Xbox One version will still require an official Xbox One rim that is coming very soon from Fanatec. Looks like I’ll have to buy a Xbox One again to play Forza games later this year along with a Fanatic Xbox One rim. I’ll stick with Project Cars on Steam for now since it’s already pre-ordered. I may pick up the PS4 version to be able to compare the two. Very Exciting news! For us Fanatec owners this is just added value to the wheels we already own!


Here is a list on the Fanatec compatible gear for PS4, XBOX ONE & PC

PC & PLAYSTATION®4

Porsche 911 Turbo S
Porsche 911 GT2
Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2
CSR
CSR Elite

PC, PLAYSTATION®4 & XBOX ONE

ClubSport Wheel Base
ClubSport Wheel Base v2

                                                                         Below is direct quotes.

"Gamers have been enjoying the solid build quality, integrated technology, and pure driving sensation of these fantastic products for a while now on PC and previous-generation platforms but through a continued collaboration with the team at Fanatec players are now going to be able to use the wheels they already own or are thinking of purchasing with Project CARS via an update on day one.”

“The quality of the input devices play an important role in the immersion factor of a simulation
and especially our ClubSport series delivers an automotive quality and experience level. We are now bringing this level to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and Project CARS is the perfect title to make best use of our technology. This combination is a new milestone on gaming consoles.” (Thomas Jackermeier, CEO Endor AG / Fanatec)

Project Cars adds More Tracks!

Project Cars Blog

12/5/2014

17 Comments

 

Already featuring scenic drives along the French riviera, epic mountain passes down the US west coast, exotic vistas from Australia and Dubai, and iconic motorsports tracks from across the UK, US, and Europe, Project CARS continues to build upon the largest location roster of any recent racing game with yet set of freshly-announced destinations…

• Players of Project CARS will get the chance to participate in the world's biggest motor race - the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For over 80 years manufacturers and drivers have been flocking to France each June trying to make their mark on this prestigious event by proving both their speed and stamina - and now it'll be your turn facing off against a full grid of 55 opponents on the track and racing through the night and into the dawn the next day.

• Featuring severe elevation changes and the infamous "Corkscrew", Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has hosted a number of Grand Prix for cars, karts, and bikes for over 50 years. Now you can experience this track in unprecedented detail and in all weather conditions.

• Home to rock concerts, grand prix, and motorbike championships alike, Donington Park was the first park circuit in England and continues to this day to be a household name with racing fans from around the world.

• As a member of the Motorsport Vision group, Snetterton is host to Touring, GT, and Superbike championships and is also a common test track for professional race teams. Featuring three layouts, Snetterton is one of the UK's newest race tracks and is sure to delight players wanting to either compete there themselves or use it as a proving ground for trying out their latest car setups.

And we still haven't finished!

We have plenty more locations remaining to be revealed so check back regularly to see which have been announced!

Grip TV's Review on the New Fanatec CSW V2 Base & Porsche Wheel

Check out the video review from Grip TV on the newly released Fanatec CSW V2 Base & Porsche Wheel

DSD 2014 RACE KING r12 LED

Check out the newly released LED r12 button box by DSD.

I've been wanting a button box that lights ups. These look to be pretty cool!

The DSD Race King r12 LED has the following functions:

• 10 LED Illuminated Pushbuttons
• 1 Lighted FVS Button
• 5 On/Off Toggles
• 4 Two Way Momentary Toggles
• 1 12 Position Rotary Switch
• 4 Two Way Rotary Encoders each with Integrated Push button

For more info and how to order check out:  The DSD Race King r12 LED

Here enjoy some more cool pics of the new LED box

 

New DLC for Grid Autosport

Check out the new DLC availalbe today for download in PC, PS3 and XBOX360. I know I'll hurry how to download it. :)

Fanatec Talks New Gen Consoles and their Wheels

   

     If you missed it on Fanatec's blog here it is below. 

Since Fanatec makes such great products there has been lots of discussion about existing wheels not compatible with the new XBOX ONE or PS4. Below is a Q&A about the XBOX ONE version with PS4 coming later. 

Check it out!

From Fanatec Blog:

 Xbox One Compatibility FAQ and Poll
We are continuously getting a lot of questions, but also complaints from our customers about the COMPATIBILITY of Xbox 360 wheels to Xbox One so we decided to make a FAQ and poll about it.

Q: Did Microsoft allow steering wheels (or other input devices) of the first generation Xbox to be       compatible to the Xbox 360?

A: No

Q: Was there a legal and official way to make Xbox (first generation) wheels fully compatible to Xbox 360 ?

A: No

Q: Will it be technically possible to make an adapter to use Xbox 360 peripherals (like steering wheels) on the Xbox One? 

A: Probably…..yes but the effort and complication would be significant. The new console uses a completely different force feedback communication protocol, wireless transmission protocol and a different security chip. The security chip needs to be purchased by the 3rd party manufacturer
from Microsoft and it makes sure that only official licensed products can be connected to the console. Only if you get the official approval from Microsoft you will be able to purchase such a security chip for Xbox One. Besides that, given the high development costs and limited market it would not be possible to offer it at a cheap price.

Q: Does Microsoft allow the use of Xbox 360 devices to be used on Xbox One?

A: So far no and there is no indication that this will change. This means it is impossible to make such an adapter. This is the case for any company and not just us. There are other expensive peripherals like music instruments for Xbox 360 which also cannot be used anymore.

Q: Did Fanatec plan to make such an adapter or do you rather prefer to sell new wheels?

A: Of course we would have rather made a simple adapter or even just a firmware update and continue to sell the wheels we have. Instead we now have to develop something completely new. As other companies were faster, the chance of losing customers is very high. This is not in our interest at all!

Q: Can you make such an adapter without the confirmation of Microsoft and sell it directly or indirectly to your customers?

A: Making a device which cracks the security chip of Microsoft is clearly not legal and we would immediately destroy the good relationship with Microsoft. Furthermore we would be sued if we would attempt to sell or even just support the development of such a device. If Microsoft would
allow such an adapter then the whole security chip system would not make any sense anymore as it would suddenly be an open system and you can connect anything to the console. This system actually has positive effects for the consumer as well as it makes sure that all connected peripherals are tested and work with all games. This is not the case on other consoles.

Q: Since when do you know that such an adapter is not possible?

A: Microsoft never confirmed that such an adapter is possible or not and we were waiting up to now. But given the technical complexity and also the philosophy of Microsoft, we do not expect any more that such an adapter will ever come to the market.

Q: Are you working on a new Xbox One wheel and when will it be released?

A: We do work on a next generation wheel and the Xbox One is a key market for us. But at that point we cannot reveal any further information or give a timeline. If there is any announcementit will be made here on the blog.

Q: Why did you not release an Xbox One wheel at launch?

A: We would have loved to do so but the 3rd party peripheral department of Microsoft which authorizes all Xbox peripherals has limited capacity. Therefore other companies which make much bigger business with Microsoft than us got this wheel business first. Our relationship is very good with them but we have to respect that bigger customers get better service. That is a standard business practice and there is not much we can do about it. 

The only one who can change that is the Xbox One customer with its’ buying behavior because Microsoft likes whatever the Xbox user likes and buys.

PS: PS4 compatibility will
be discussed separately as it is a completely different and independent
subject

Check out Fanatec New F1 Carbon Fiber Edition Rim

     So are you wanting a new sexy rim to mount up to your Clubsport base? Well check out the new Formula rim with real CARBON fiber!

The new rim functions the same as the existing Formula rim with the same amount of buttons, but the style is completely different. The 3D effect of the Carbon Fiber makes it looks different from every angle. This rim is sexy and exhibits the pure racing style we love.

It also comes with exchangeable grips and Fanatec has plans to offer different colors and material options in the future.

Available very soon at a price of USD $249.95 (excl. tax) or € 249,95 (incl VAT)

Buttkicker SE Amp Kit Unboxing

Check out our video review on the new offered Buttkicker SE edition Amp kit. I really like the simplicity of this kit along with the ease of use as one amp controls the volume of 2 mini LFE transducers. If you got the funds get the complete kit of 2 150 watt amps and 4 mini buttkickers Sim Xperence edition.

Sim Xperence takes the already awesome Buttkicker Mini LFE and provides physics based tactile response to your simulator. The SimVibe Edition Buttkicker is designed for unique tactile signals generated by SimVibe software. Because SimVibe is physics based, rather than audio based the signal provided to the Buttkicker transducer is "faster" and more intense than a standard low frequency audio track could provide. With this kind of signal a standard mini LFE can easily reach its pistons limit of travel (bottom out) and rattle.The SE Edition uses a damping acoustic foam to reduce the noise generated by rapid piston travel.

That's basically Sim Xperence write up, but what you get is a less noisy transducer that I have been testing for around 4 weeks time putting it through it's paces. I can attest to what Sim Xperence is advertising. These SE edition transducers are super quite. Only rattle you get is from your TEETH!
Try it out you want regret it.
Below is some more specs from Sim Xperence.

• Improved ButtKicker internals are optimized for SimVibe
• Improved Response and Detail
• Reduced Transducer Noise
• Frequency Response - 10Hz - 250Hz
• 50 Watt Minimum
• 150 Watt Maximum when used with SimVibe which produces a crisper, harder hitting signal than traditional audio
• 250 Watt Maximum when used with a traditional audio signal
• Impediance - 4 Ohms
• Weight - 2.2 lbs
• Height - 3"
• Width - 4.75"
• Length - 4.75"
• Uses standard ButtKicker Mini LFE casing and mounting dimensions
• Mounts to SimXperience Stage Series motion simulators via optional MOUNTING PLATES

ButtKicker Links:

2 amp setup/4 SE Mini LFE

1 amp setup/2 SE Mini LFE

Sim Xperence website

Basherboards comes out with a new USB adapter for your Fanatec wheel!

Tired of waiting for the Clubsport Shifter? Do you have a USB shifter that you wish you could use with your Fanatec wheel? Now you can!

This simple device allows you to use USB shifters with your Fanatec wheel. That's all there is to it! Power for the device can be provided directly from your Xbox or PS3 console.

These are designed and hand built by myself, using only high quality components. Each one is fully tested before it goes out the door.

Purchase includes:

• SFA1 - Shifter Adapter
• 6 Foot USB A to USB B cable for powering or updating the adapter

Supported Shifters:

• Thrustmaster TH8RS: Both gated and sequential modes work properly. The adapter will automatically switch between modes on the fly when changing the shifter plate on the TH8RS.
• DSD Pro Sequential and DSD Bent Rod GT. You can learn more about these shifters here:http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/shifters
• Lightning SST
• TSW gated shifter support coming soon!
• Have a shifter you want to add? Contact me here to discuss the details: Contact
• ... More to be added soon through firmware updates. Check back regularly for updates ...

Supported Fanatec Wheels:

• ClubSport Wheel (with RJ12 to PS2 cable)
• CSR Elite(with RJ12 to PS2 cable)
• CSR
• Porsche 911 GT2
• Porsche 911 GT3 RS
• Porsche 911 Carrera
• Porsche Turbo S
• Essentially any Fanatec wheel that can use the Fanatec 6 speed or sequential shifters

SFA1 Connection Diagram:

Price: $89 - this includes shipping to anywhere in the US. (See below for orders outside the US)

Check these out for purchase at: http://basherboards.com/SFA1

Basherboards makes a new adapter to allow the Clubsport pedals to be used directly with the TX and T500RS wheels.

Introducing the new CPX adapter from BasherBoards!

After many inquiries and some pleading here and there, I've finally decided to produce an adapter to allow the Clubsport pedals to be used directly with the TX and T500RS wheels.

Compatibility:

The adapter will allow you to use CSP V1, CSP V2 and CSR Elite pedals with either the TX or T500RS wheels.

Features:

- ABS vibration support. (adjustable on the adapter)
- Fine tuning of brake sensitivity. (adjustable on the adapter)
- User upgrade-able firmware via USB.
- Minor troubleshooting via USB.
- Possible features to be added later... :)

Basherboards plan to release the adapter in the new few weeks, barring any unforeseen complications. Until then, please feel free to add yourself to there waiting list for the adapter. THIS IS NOT A PRE-ORDER. It does not guarantee you an adapter on launch day. Orders will be filled in the order they are received.

To sign up go to : http://basherboards.com/node/26

T500RS Brake Mod Kit from Basherboards

Installation instructions: Download

For myself and apparently many others the stock T500RS "Realistic Brake Mod" isn't quite satisfactory... Thus, upon using my pedals for the first time I immediately came up with the idea to use some urethane skate board bushings. So far it works excellent for me and many others. The feel of the pedal after doing this is very similar to a load cell pedal and makes being consistent much easier. I am offering this simply because I think this is a great mod and because finding the proper bushings has proven difficult for some. (As does making the retaining plate)

This is now being offered as a kit which includes 4 bushings. Two 70 durometer bushings and two 60 durometer bushings should allow you to mix and match the bushings to create a pedal stiffness that is to your liking.

Your purchase gets you the following:

- Two 70 durometer RipTide urethane bushings
- Two 60 durometer RipTide urethane bushings
- Retaining plate

Installing the mod is simple and only takes a few moments. It installs using the Thrustmaster "Realistic Brake Mod" plate, the existing rubber and spring are removed and replaced by these bushings. The retaining plate is then secured using the original screws.

This item is shipped USPS First Class both domestically and internationally. Please allow a minimum of 10 to 15 days for international shipments. All orders are shipped within 48 hours as long as stock is available.

Get these at: http://basherboards.com/T500RS-BMK