Another Fanatec wheel arrives!

  • Thread starter Thread starter jonboy1066
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F34R
I just hope I'm not left waiting for this wheel for an extended period of time. I only ordered it when I did because it said the shipping times were in January, and that wheels were in stock. After that worry is alleviated, I hope it works properly when I get it.
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Thats not a chance i'm willing to take with a $350+ purchase... this thread just became (for me) "101 reasons not to buy a Fanatec wheel"
 
Live_Fr0m_NY
Thats not a chance i'm willing to take with a $350+ purchase... this thread just became (for me) "101 reasons not to buy a Fanatec wheel"
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Well, if I took that stance, I'd probably not buy anything, ever. You'll always see reports of bad CS, faulty products, etc., online. Moreso than you'll see of all the positive experiences with the same products. If I were to use that philosophy, I'd have seen where hundreds of people have complained about their PS3 not working right, dying after only going out of warranty, etc., the same with the 360, other wheels, etc., the list can go on. The purchase is protected under warranty and with my paypal account. If something goes completely screwy with it, I have remedies.

There is a fire burning right now. Hopefully I won't get burnt. I have a plan to spend a lot of money in this hobby. Right now I'm hoping Fanatec is where that dough will go. If not, then there are plenty of other companies that will get their hands on it.
 
Well normally i make big purchase's from a store. That way i know i can return it immediately if anything is wrong. The fact that they don't even have a phone number to call is not a good place to start. It's not a good look when i could "snail mail" a letter regarding my problem to logitech and get a letter in return & my product RMA'ed quicker than a simple email response from that other company.

It's not that it could break, it's that if it does, it's going to be a problem. If they sold these in stores or at reputable online retailers, it would be an option for me. Anyways good luck with everything. let me know how it goes.
 
Fanatec...
Thanks for the advise that we should have thought about that in advance and that it is our problem. Life can be so easy if you just avoid to make mistakes and always make perfect decisions.
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Yes, I know, life is a bitch.

Fanatec...
But please don't forget that there would be no high-end wheel for Xbox without Porsche. This is a fact.
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That's a very good thing and reason to keep selling the Porsche wheels.
Fanatec...
Sarkasm aside, there are other reasons to make a neutral branded wheel and we did that in the past so it is likely that we will make such a wheel in furture.
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Let's say that Fanatec makes a neutral branded wheel, is it going to have the same high end hardware as the Porsche wheels?
A CMR, a generic wheel, this is too good to be true. <== no sarcasme, no pun or offence intended.

You know what Fanatec should look into in the near future. Creating air core gauges for PC and if possible for console as well. This could be a huge succes.

Well let's hope that the posts in the near future have a more positive note, because that will mean that Fanatec is on the right track.

Ow, before I forget. Is it possible or going to be possible to pay by bank transfer instead of PayPal?
 
Yoritomo79
I've had excellent customer service from them. Just slow. New shifter sent when the first one had some issues, didn't have to ship the old one back. Center bump issue resolved with lots of feedback and good communication with Armin.

Yes they're slow. But I've had great service when it's my turn in line. Victims of their own success as it were. But the 2 year warranty stands. I view this as a hobbyist product. The frustration sets in for them as most of their e-mails and support questions are coming from people who just haven't read the manual and are asking mundane idiotic questions that are clearly explained in the manual.

The shifter cables and pedal cables are just 6-pin PS/2 Male to Male cables. You can order one off of monoprice for less than 2 bucks, or you can probably find one at your local computer supply store for less than 4 bucks.
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I agree. I like to think of it like as if I were making products I was passionate about, trying to make a go of starting my own business. I need to remember they are NOT Logitech, with hundreds of outsourced "customer service" reps overseas, but they are a small shop building quality affordable components like I'd want to build them.

Yes, the Chinese assembly seems to let them down QC-wise sometimes, but I couldn't afford made-in-Germany prices. So I have to be patient if things go wrong. I know they will help out if I stay on top of it or give it time (Fanatec always have, and I have 5 of their products and counting now.) But it is slower than ideal, sure, I'll give you that. I agree.

But I'd still rather have this than a G25 personally, even if it's sometimes more of an effort. As they get further from major 1st year product launches, I'm sure rev 2 and 3 will get better and better as far as quality control goes. Just as my first efforts can always be improved upon down the line. It's not for everyone maybe, but it's what I want at a price I can afford.
 
Live_Fr0m_NY
Well normally i make big purchase's from a store. That way i know i can return it immediately if anything is wrong. The fact that they don't even have a phone number to call is not a good place to start. It's not a good look when i could "snail mail" a letter regarding my problem to logitech and get a letter in return & my product RMA'ed quicker than a simple email response from that other company.

It's not that it could break, it's that if it does, it's going to be a problem. If they sold these in stores or at reputable online retailers, it would be an option for me. Anyways good luck with everything. let me know how it goes.
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And if you can live with the Logitech's shortcomings, then it's clearly the wheel for you. I tried it, I couldn't- and yes, I agree having a local dealer rocked- it was very nice to be able to return it to the local Best Buy for a refund!
 
Live_Fr0m_NY
Well normally i make big purchase's from a store. That way i know i can return it immediately if anything is wrong. The fact that they don't even have a phone number to call is not a good place to start. It's not a good look when i could "snail mail" a letter regarding my problem to logitech and get a letter in return & my product RMA'ed quicker than a simple email response from that other company.

It's not that it could break, it's that if it does, it's going to be a problem. If they sold these in stores or at reputable online retailers, it would be an option for me. Anyways good luck with everything. let me know how it goes.
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Quite simply anyone that recieves a product that is faulty/damaged does not have to wait for a fix. They can arrange a return of their damaged/faulty product for a full refund under their own countrys "trade laws terms" in the UK this is the (Long distance selling act) They can demand a refund and return postage costs as well.

Why keep going on about buying from a store..
A good majority of people still probably buy online be it Logitech or other brand of wheel and would face the same issues if so.
Returning to a store may be okay for a quick action on the product but none of your petrol/travel costs are going to be refunded neither.

Fanatec yes do need to improve thier "service times" and as has been mentioned they are implementing changes to enable that and a new website.
I think its a good thing if they can re-invest from profits now achieved to improve the company. Its fine to say all that should of been in place beforehand but well it seems some of you dont understand how companies have to grow and this takes time. Production problems had to be overcome and again lessons will be learned. I would recommend they ensure better quality control but at the same time I think they need to change from the current arrangment of making several products in close succession as having to deal with issues of GT3RS then Clubsport Pedals and then Turbo S just put too much pressure on them at one time.

The main thing is a small company called Fanatec has succeeded in producing several products that are amoungst the best available and better in many ways against the worlds largest brand of steering wheels.


Personally I wish them all the best for the future and hope that things can become easier for them.
 
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Fanatec...
It is still abit too early for that but what about the other way round?

What do you want?
Features, material, compatibility, price, etc.
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If you make an H shifter to the quality and specification of your clubsport pedals, I don't forsee unsatisfied customers. As for compatability, I don't see the need to accommodate anything other than your own wheels. Price? SAME FOR ALL OF WORLD!
 
My ideal- $99 USD, for Clubsport shifter. Ideally metal like CS pedals, H-shifter. Even better if the gear 3-4 gates were switchable to use as sequential shifter ideally. That would be perfect!

Throw in an optional $69 CS e-brake and I'd be in heaven. Should come w/ hard mount points to bolt onto a cockpit (and ideally, e-brake not just USB for PC, but able to mimic one of the PS3/Xbox 360 controller buttons- for console use w/ Turbo S wheel!)
 
The Clubsport Shifter should have a more natural shift throw (i.e less gated). This has been my only complaint about the standard shifter (other than the plastic feel and clackety sound). The gates are too rigid, in my opinion. Other than that:

Hard Mountable
Metal (not plastic)
Possibility to detach and mount any aftermarket shift knob

That's all...




;)
 
I missed out on beta'ing last time around, but I'm fully equipped now lol.
 
What is the consensus on the wheel settings for playing GT4 (on PS3)? I would love to figure out how to all but eliminate the straight line shake.

I'm aware there is no way to completely erase the problem (lack of in game deadzone), but I would appreciate any help to at least minimize it.

I'd hate to have to buy another wheel just to play GT4. Of course I say this after having sold my DFGT recently.




;)
 
For now you have to set the sensitivity to "off" or 900 in the game and reduce FF effects.

We are working on a FW upgrade to make the deadzone adjustable in the wheel and that will solve the issue completely.
 
Hey There, Thomas/Fanatec,
i am sorry to be bothering you with this,

I just recently ordered my first fanatec set i ordered the Porsche 911 Turbo S Pure Edition Wheel,a set of Clubsport Pedals and the Shifter set w/extra cable my issue is that when i was placing the order the webshop listed the items i ordered as being in stock and ready for immediate shipment once i confirmed my order my shipping & delivery estimate said that i should receive my items in 2-5 business days this was on feb.3rd now i inquired about my order last night and received an email saying the following.......
"Hello TJ,
your order is in our system and paid. The shipping date is end of February because some items are not on stock now.
You will get an e-mail about the dispatch."

Best regards
Fanatec_Gameshop
Claudia Faltermeier

i replied back with an email asking why my order would be shipping so much later and asked why the webshop listed the items as being in stock and ready for immediate shipment and i got an email back telling me that the porsche 911 turbo s pure edition wheel, clubsport pedals and pedal/shifter cable were all not in stock i am just bit confused and disappointed that my payment would be taken 3 weeks before my order even ships do you have any idea why the webshop is listing items as being available for immediate shipment? because a few days ago it had listed some items as being out of stock and on monday or tuesday it started listing the same items as being back in stock and available for immediate shipments.

thank you

TJ
 
Fanatec...
For now you have to set the sensitivity to "off" or 900 in the game and reduce FF effects.
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Thank you.

We are working on a FW upgrade to make the deadzone adjustable in the wheel and that will solve the issue completely.
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That would be most appreciated. Currently, it's my only big complaint. There are a few "small" design issues, but nothing I can't get used to. However, as a Gran Turismo fan first and foremost, not being able to play GT3/GT4/GT5:P is a tough pill to swallow.


;)
 
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Deadzone feature would be nice. That, dampening control to firmware and more drift mode options would make this wheel perfect :)
 
So I finally received the metal mounting pieces that were originally missing from my wheel when I received it in late 2009. Now I have to open up the wheel to install them.

Are there any online how-to threads or sites, or do you guys have any insight/tips/tricks for opening up the wheel to perform these repairs?

I'm mechanically inclined, so I'm not lost or anything, but more guidance is always better, so I figured I'd ask.

Thank you.
 
So, who has installed the Firmware Update (660)?

Any problems?

Also, if you do not have the "Dongle" (USB wired connection), how do you install the Update to the wheel?

Fanatec doesn't make it easy to find info.





;)
 
You do not need the dongle to make the update. In fact you must use the USB cable.

The instructions are in the Firmware .zip file.
 
Delphic Reason
So, who has installed the Firmware Update (660)?

Any problems?

Also, if you do not have the "Dongle" (USB wired connection), how do you install the Update to the wheel?

Fanatec doesn't make it easy to find info.





;)
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Unzip the zip there is a MS Word document that details how to do the update. I used Game Booster to shut down all other apps. I had to do the USB Installer which was a tad more complicated since Windows wont automatically find and install the drivers.

Also the "Dongle" refers to the Wireless RF Dongle, I use the wired connection to my PC so I'm not sure if you can use the Wireless adapter to update.
 
Frizbe
Unzip the zip there is a MS Word document that details how to do the update. I used Game Booster to shut down all other apps. I had to do the USB Installer which was a tad more complicated since Windows wont automatically find and install the drivers.
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So, is there info in the "readme" that will explain how to find/install the driver for the USB connection? I don't have the "Dongle" (Nor do I want it), as I've said I am using a direct USB connection.

Also the "Dongle" refers to the Wireless RF Dongle, I use the wired connection to my PC so I'm not sure if you can use the Wireless adapter to update.
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I'm aware of what the "Dongle" is. I just don't have it, which is why I am trying to update via the hardwired connection.

Furthermore, if I update the firmware am I voiding my warranty?

Anyone have any problems with the update? I noticed on the 911 blog there were a number of people that noticed some big problems after the update. Anyone care to comment?

EDIT: Downloaded the .zip file and I am unable to open the .doc file. is it the "Firmware Update for Fanatec Wheel with Bootloader" file? I don't have MS Word on my computer (I've just noticed) is there another way I can open the file? Or can someone copy the text into a .txt file? I don't seem to have a program that will open the file.

I am able to start up the Bootloader program (haven't hooked the wheel up via USB quite yet), but I am unsure how to install the USB drivers. I am wary of starting the process until I am sure I have the steps in the right order, proper files downloaded, etc...

Any help would be greatly appreciated. (Frizbe, care to help a brotha out and PM me some of the details?... Pretty Please?...)


;)
 
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Mine will be here in a matter of hours.. 3 hopefully. Then I can see where you're at here.

Just for info purposes, you can download openoffice from www.openoffice.org and that will take care of all your Word docs, and just about anything else that Msoft Office could.

Here are the contents of the doc file:

Firmware Update for Fanatec Wheel with bootloader

This installation guide shows you how to install a new Firmware to your Porsche wheel. Please read the instructions carefully and make sure you do not interrupt the update process.
By updating the firmware you always risk the operability of your device so please make an update only if you have serious issues and if the update was recommended by the Fanatec support team. If the update was not performed properly you might lose the warranty on the device.

System requirements:
Windows XP (32 bit) or Windows Vista (32/64) or Windows 7 (32/64)
We can only assure a working update if the Windows version is installed completely fresh on your PC. Other programs might interfere the update.
Microsoft .NET Framework*3.5 has to be installed

Note: You will have some warning messages under Windows Vista and Windows 7 which you can ignore. Please always confirm these messages and continue.
It is required to have administrator rights on your PC to install the USB driver.

Step 1
Unplug Porsche wheel RF Dongle before updating! (in case you use one)

Step 2
Reboot the PC

Step 3
Turn off all other programs, especially antivirus programs (IMPORTANT!)

Step 4
Extract: PWXX_rev_XXX.zip

Step 5
Plug in the USB Cable for the wheel into a Windows PC. If you experience problems during flashing, use a different USB port.

Step 6
Push and hold the Xbox Guide Button, than plug in the power cord form the wheel or push the power button. Wait about 10 seconds (Xbox Guide Button is still pushed), after this, the first Ring of Light LED will be lit. The wheel is in the bootloader mode now. Make sure that the Xbox Guide Button is released again.

Step 7
Open the program &#8222;UpdateTool.exe&#8220; on you PC:



Step 8
Perform &#8220;Step 1&#8221; in the program. This will only work if the wheel is in bootloader mode.

Step 9
If necessary, install the USB-driver which are located in the /usb driver folder:



Step 10
Perform &#8220;Step 2&#8221; in the program. This might take a few seconds. During this time, an empty command-window will appear.
NOTE: If you already made an update before it can happen that the file selection window points you to the old files!



Step 11
If the update has been successful, the wheel restarts. The created log file will look like this:



Step 12
Test if the FW was successful.
Start the wheel to standby mode so you see &#8220;---&#8220; on the TUNING display.
Press the lower four main buttons (LSB, RSB, A, B) at the same time. You will now see the firmware version on the display.

Step 13
Please reset the TUNING display by holding the display button pressed for 10 seconds until you see &#8220;rst&#8221; on the screen.

Step 14
You might need to calibrate the 7GS shifter and/or bind the dongle after a firmware update.

Note: If you had a problem and you will update again, you must restart the updatetool and update from the start because you can&#8217;t return to previous step
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Sorry that took so long to get up there, but I had to host the images, etc, and format the post properly. Hope that helps.
As far as the warrant concerns you have; I don't work for them, but from experience this is how it works. If you update with a firmware that is officially released by the company who made the product, you should be fine as long as you follow the directions down to the last dotted "I" and crossed "T". That being said, there is always a risk of bricking any device that you are flashing. If you lose power to your house during the update, it fails, you have a dead wheel. Basically, "acts of God" aren't covered under warranty. If you follow the directions, and something goes wrong, the warranty SHOULD be honored. Make sure you meet all the requirements for the update. That includes the product, system requirements, etc.
 

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