Fanatec Announcements: CSW V2 Reviews Out

[Raitziger]

Seriously, go and infect some other threads around this place, your total lack of input into this thread is not needed. And your obsession with putting one game down is really quite scary.

I think total lack of input very subjective when expressing an opinion. And no, I won't go to game specific forums to speak about wheels.

 

[PzR Slim]

I think total lack of input very subjective when expressing an opinion. And no, I won't go to game specific forums to speak about wheels.

You really need to get a life outside of constantly speaking negatively about one game. Why waste your time with such a negative attitude when you could be positive about something you liked? This thread is for discussing the wheels made by Fanatec there is a very specific thread on this very board where you can discuss your dislike of the game. Please do not bring that into this thread.

 

[Mr Latte]

I think these high end wheels are overkill for a game that does not support 900 steering or driving without aids.

You have a point in that if these highend wheels are more advanced and accurate so are they perhaps in some peoples eyes viewed as being indeed overkill or wasted in games that do not use full simulatuion type physics.

All I can tell you is no matter what game you play and Ive tested several arcade type games during my own trials. The performance and enjoyment from a highend wheel based on its speed,feel,accuracy,build and general satisfaction from using such a peripheral will always stand out over lesser products.

I'm back, and I have a few questions about the CSR pedals.

a) Fanatec says on their website that the pedals can be adjusted a bit in terms of location. Can anyone tell me, does this allow up and down movement? See, my whole want of CSR pedals is so that the bottom of the accelerator extends far past the bottom of the brake so I can get some good heel-toe action. I'd also like to invert the pedals. Well, in the OEM inversion kit, it literally takes each pedal and flips it upside down. But if I do this, I begin to lose a little length of the gas below the brake (which is much needed to heel-toe). So I ask: can I nudge the accelerator farther downward after I do the inversion? And how far, if possible?

b) Other than sex appeal, do the elite pedals have any real advantage over the standard ones?

c) Does anyone here have a CSR hooked up to a Fanatec Rennsport Wheel Stand (V2)? How does that work for you?

d) How hard is it to actually do the inversion? Keep in mind I'm a guy without much technical skill (video would be great here).

Sorry if my questions are a bit confusing (especially a).

Thank you!

ISR / Shaun, did mention you can move the pedals up down with the inversion kit plates. How much is kinda limited more by the lengths of the cables Fanatec have put on the connections to the PCB. The pedal plates then also can be moved up/down.

It is possible someone will cover the pedals in much greater depth than ISR showed in the video,mmmm. Comparing them with the CSP, looking at possible configurations, advantages each pedals have and even a closer look in dismantling/breakdown of their components. Oh and on a V2 wheelstand, yeah my crystal ball tells me that one of those will be included in such a review too with over 100 detailed photos.

You'll just have to wait a little longer is all.


F1 or Dual Pedal Style / Perfect for non clutch users and wheelstand/cockpit owners.
Avoid the issue of centre uprights getting in the way of brake.

Edit
*I cant believe ISR didnt even comment on this being a possible option with the pedals in their video.

 

[PzR Slim]

You have a point in that if these highend wheels are more advanced and accurate so are they perhaps in some peoples eyes viewed as being indeed overkill or wasted in games that do not use full simulatuion type physics.

All I can tell you is no matter what game you play and Ive tested several arcade type games during my own trials. The performance and enjoyment from a highend wheel based on its speed,feel,accuracy,build and general satisfaction from using such a peripheral will always stand out over lesser products.

Don't waste your time Mr Latte, it's got nothing to do with the wheel. Just another dig at a game that the guy doesn't like. He takes every opportunity he can to do it. I just don't want this thread to get derailed by someone with an agenda that has nothing to do with the subject at hand.

 

[Raitziger]

You have a point in that if these highend wheels are more advanced and accurate so are they perhaps in some peoples eyes viewed as being indeed overkill or wasted in games that do not use full simulatuion type physics.

All I can tell you is no matter what game you play and Ive tested several arcade type games during my own trials. The performance and enjoyment from a highend wheel based on its speed,feel,accuracy,build and general satisfaction from using such a peripheral will always stand out over lesser products.

Good point.

Don't waste your time Mr Latte, it's got nothing to do with the wheel. Just another dig at a game that the guy doesn't like. He takes every opportunity he can to do it. I just don't want this thread to get derailed by someone with an agenda that has nothing to do with the subject at hand.

I think you have developed some serious delusions of my agenda. Why you just won't let my comment be and just give some of your input about fanatec wheels??

 

[PzR Slim]

I think you have developed some serious delusions of my agenda. Why you just won't let my comment be and just give some of your input about fanatec wheels??

Funny you didn't bring up any of the other racing games on the 360 then. I'll let your posting history speak for itself

Once again, please don't let your dislike of one game muddy your postings in this thread. And if you check this section of the board you will see that I have made many constructive posts about Fanatec wheels. Yours did nothing but highlight your perceived misgivings about one game available on the 360, it didn't actually further the discussion.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

If Fanatec could do a CSW with 360 support we wouldn't have the Elite....we'd have one wheel. As Thomas stated in his interview on ISR they are limited as to what they can do function wise and option wise when consoles come into play. That's where the CSW comes in......it frees them from console limitations as PC allows a lot more options as to what they can do. There's also the money factor. If the CSW costs $599 with a wheel how much more does it cost to add 360 functionality to it given the extra electronics and licensing fees......I'd harbor a guess it would tack on another $70-100.

What is it you don't like about the CSR E looks? The wheel.....colors of the base unit?

As noted numerous times Thomas has stated they plan to offer rim options in the future and I have no doubt hell come through on that. If you don't like the colors I can tell you the base is easy to take apart and would be easy to customize with paint and I have no doubt we'll see people doing that in no time.

That leaves no ClubSport wheel line for the 360 though, just only for PC and PS3. I like the quick release of the CSW too, maybe that is the reason for no 360 support due to that feature.

I don't like the button layout and design is not as stealth or stylish as the CSW in my opinion. I would like it if they came out with a range for the CSR, that is like the CSW in design, as in it is Fanatec branded with the white logo on a black wheel rim with buttons closer for thumbs to use.

I think these high end wheels are overkill for a game that does not support 900 steering or driving without aids.

It would be good to have the option to try the game out with a wheel but I would plan on mainly using the wheel on PS3 and PC so it won't be a problem. Just want to try out the XID force feedback and see how that compares to HID. It saves hassle of having to get two wheels but then again it might not matter much as I would hardly play on the 360 anyway.

 

[Mr Latte]

Regards FM4. I would put to anyone to create a triple screen setup, add in at least 3x tactile units, to get the full feeling of those amazing engine sounds. Sit bang in the middle of a decent surround sound setup. Connect up a CSR Elite wheel and your in for what can only be described as a new level of entertainment possible on a console racing game.

The combined graphics,audio,tactile and wheel create a better gaming experience than a deluxe arcade unit. Except this is in your home and isnt £2/$2 a go.

Lets remember guys, games are also all about the fun and entertainment they bring not just realisim and simulation accuracy.

 

[PzR Slim]

Regards FM4. I would put to anyone to create a triple screen setup, add in at least 3x tactile units, to get the full feeling of those amazing engine sounds. Sit bang in the middle of a decent surround sound setup. Connect up a CSR Elite wheel and your in for what can only be described as a new level of entertainment possible on a console racing game.

The combined graphics,audio,tactile and wheel create a better gaming experience than a deluxe arcade unit. Except this is in your home and isnt £2/$2 a go.

Lets remember guys, games are also all about the fun and entertainment they bring not just realisim and simulation accuracy.

I am so tempted to do this. Already have a 3 screen setup for GT5 but can't really justify another two xboxes at the moment after splashing out on a CSR Elite. Although when that arrives I will have two PWTS's and a G25 to sell so maybe if I make enough on those three I might get the extra two xboxes.

 

[superbike81]

Regards FM4. I would put to anyone to create a triple screen setup, add in at least 3x tactile units, to get the full feeling of those amazing engine sounds. Sit bang in the middle of a decent surround sound setup. Connect up a CSR Elite wheel and your in for what can only be described as a new level of entertainment possible on a console racing game.

The combined graphics,audio,tactile and wheel create a better gaming experience than a deluxe arcade unit. Except this is in your home and isnt £2/$2 a go.

Lets remember guys, games are also all about the fun and entertainment they bring not just realisim and simulation accuracy.

The only thing I have to say about this is 3 tactile transducers would be 1000% overkill. Even my single Aura Bass Shaker with a cheap 75 watt amp cause vibrations in the walls of my house when turned more than 50% up. Anything higher than this and it really feels completely unrealistic and more annoying than anything. I assure you, a single transducer is more than enough for shaking you silly.

 

[the_greeze]

The only thing I have to say about this is 3 tactile transducers would be 1000% overkill. Even my single Aura Bass Shaker with a cheap 75 watt amp cause vibrations in the walls of my house when turned more than 50% up. Anything higher than this and it really feels completely unrealistic and more annoying than anything. I assure you, a single transducer is more than enough for shaking you silly.

You've started something now! Tactile and Latte go together like coffee and cream

And, as a designer/builder/owner of a cockpit that utilizes 8 transducers, I can catagorically state that you're wrong. If you have them set up properly and running through a decent setup, the experience is sublime...

 

[mikemav]

The only thing I have to say about this is 3 tactile transducers would be 1000% overkill. Even my single Aura Bass Shaker with a cheap 75 watt amp cause vibrations in the walls of my house when turned more than 50% up. Anything higher than this and it really feels completely unrealistic and more annoying than anything. I assure you, a single transducer is more than enough for shaking you silly.

Respectfully disagree 100%! it's not about more bass, it's about positional cues. Try running at least stereo (surround is even better) through multiple transducers (even at a lower output) and you'll be blown away. I have two main transducers stereo, one under each leg, which are fantastic on rumble strips, etc... You run over the left curb you feel it in left leg. I also run six smaller ones which are from an iVibe TFS2 that also add to the directional cues very well. In fact on a PC in rFactor they are not driven by audio at all, but signals in the game, so all six (lower and upper left and right leg, and upper and lower back center) get their own signals. brake or accellerate hard and vibes move up and the seat to sim g-forces pretty well. Latte, well he went even more nuts when it comes to this, but I'm sure he'll want to chime in too!

 

[superbike81]

Well, I will admit I have never experienced more than a single transducer. As far as one under each leg in stereo, how does that even work? My transducer is mounted to the seat rail in the rig I built, this transmits vibrations throughout the entire seat, I feel just as much in my lower back as I do my legs.

Well, going off topic here. I didn't mean to stir up any drama, I guess I am still a little uninformed on the potential of multiple transducers. All I know is now my single setup turned up to the max shakes the room and feels very weird and unrealistic. Didn't mean to offend anyone or make it seem as my opinion was the final word in transducers, haha.

 

[ilonioum]

I have 3 Aura Pro and 2 TST209 and 1 TST239 for LFE is this and overkill superbike?

 

[bumer]

Damn you guys! All this talk about tactile transducers have made me seriously think about adding some to my playseat. Of course nothing very fancy, because I want to buy CSW too and there's a limit how many expensive toys can one unemployed college student afford.

 

[ilonioum]

Damn you guys! All this talk about tactile transducers have made me seriously think about adding some to my playseat. Of course nothing very fancy, because I want to buy CSW too and there's a limit how many expensive toys can one unemployed college student afford.

Get 2 Aura Pros and an Amp with 2 channels, shouldn't cost more than $150 and you will be amazed

 

[Crispy]

I need a new rig before I can think of placing tactile transducers on mine. It'll snap in two pieces with that power! (In fell apart during a very quick countersteer once) First things first though, I need to build my PC. After that I'll get some PVC, and, well you can see where this is going.

Anyone looking for some Aura Pro's? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ZPTBI/?tag=gtplanet-20

I would jump on that offer, but the reasons listed above would just make that thing taunt me.

 

[bumer]

Get 2 Aura Pros and an Amp with 2 channels, shouldn't cost more than $150 and you will be amazed

Only in America where everything is possible.
In my country, one Aura pro costs 88€ plus another one plus amplifier but I'll look into it more deeply in coming days.

 

[ilonioum]

Only in America where everything is possible.
In my country, one Aura pro costs 88€ plus another one plus amplifier but I'll look into it more deeply in coming days.

I'm not in America but I got those for around 50 euros each, and I believe there are amps in Estonia so you do not have to buy that one in US

 

[Mr Latte]

The only thing I have to say about this is 3 tactile transducers would be 1000% overkill. Even my single Aura Bass Shaker with a cheap 75 watt amp cause vibrations in the walls of my house when turned more than 50% up. Anything higher than this and it really feels completely unrealistic and more annoying than anything. I assure you, a single transducer is more than enough for shaking you silly.

Imagine trying to get a surround sound or room filling audio experience with one speaker. Then compare that to upto say 7 channel surround. The multiple speaker option will not need the volume anywhere near as high as a single speaker and of course produce a better soundstage and more controlled yet expansive audio experience.

If you take that idea for tactile but then utilise tactile not as a mono or single source but like surround sound and utilise surround decoding each tactile unit does not produce the same effect but create a tactile surround experience. This with many, though not all sources can be fantastic when used in conjunction with surround sound.

On/off I have been working on a proper detailed tactile guide for sometime and had planned to do it before these lovelly new wheels appeared. It will appear in the new year and if anyone is interested in it or has questions you are welcome to please PM me.

Lets keep this thread on course.

 

[thehawk05]

Regards FM4. I would put to anyone to create a triple screen setup, add in at least 3x tactile units, to get the full feeling of those amazing engine sounds. Sit bang in the middle of a decent surround sound setup. Connect up a CSR Elite wheel and your in for what can only be described as a new level of entertainment possible on a console racing game.

Lets remember guys, games are also all about the fun and entertainment they bring not just realisim and simulation accuracy.

I don't have the luxury to do triple screen and full tactile (yet) but Latte is bang on here. I'm not partial or fanboy to any sim like some people. IMO GT5 in terms of feel through the steering wheel is more enjoyable to play as it does FFB better than any console sim I can think of ( Forza needs improvements still due to its dead feel at center and not so strong effects at times) but Forza can't be beat sound wise on a console......cranked up on a worthy 5.1 system is a truly fun, immersive experience. It's one of the few games where I'll drive a crap car just because it sounds so damn good.

It's a great time to be a sim nut......the past year and a bit has given us some great new games and some amazingly good new toys.

 

[FuzzyFassbender]

Regards FM4. I would put to anyone to create a triple screen setup, add in at least 3x tactile units, to get the full feeling of those amazing engine sounds. Sit bang in the middle of a decent surround sound setup. Connect up a CSR Elite wheel and your in for what can only be described as a new level of entertainment possible on a console racing game.

The combined graphics,audio,tactile and wheel create a better gaming experience than a deluxe arcade unit. Except this is in your home and isnt £2/$2 a go.

Lets remember guys, games are also all about the fun and entertainment they bring not just realisim and simulation accuracy.

^^^ 👍 Once you go triple screen (FM4 in my case) it's hard to race without!

Sorry for the off topic comment - but I do have a Fanatec setup and it's great for ALL platforms.

 

[AGP5000]

I JUST got my triple screen set, set-up last night. When my pedals return tomorrow, game on!!!!!!!! I worked a Deal with Best Buy. 2 37" LG LED LCD 1080p 120hz TV's and a radeon 3hdmi output card + 2GB of dedicated ram for it for $1060US after tax. I had to speak with a manager to get the deal. Also, I paid cash, not credit.

You CAN still haggle with retailers like this if you pay cash. This originally, before my request was $1229.99 before tax(So roughly slightly over $1300 after taxes). So, I found the manager, he called his corporate office. Within 20 minutes he heard back and got the go ahead. Just letting others know it is still possible to do so. But only with cash.......

 

[Mr Latte]

You've started something now! Tactile and Latte go together like coffee and cream

LOL, but so true..

 

[GTP_Plato]

I don't have the luxury to do triple screen and full tactile (yet) but Latte is bang on here. I'm not partial or fanboy to any sim like some people. IMO GT5 in terms of feel through the steering wheel is more enjoyable to play as it does FFB better than any console sim I can think of ( Forza needs improvements still due to its dead feel at center and not so strong effects at times) but Forza can't be beat sound wise on a console......cranked up on a worthy 5.1 system is a truly fun, immersive experience. It's one of the few games where I'll drive a crap car just because it sounds so damn good.

It's a great time to be a sim nut......the past year and a bit has given us some great new games and some amazingly good new toys.

Don't know if you have tried this, but using the driver I applied the center spring option and went on GT5, the difference in feel doing this is staggering. The wheel feels a lot more responsive and the wheel center issue (which I found was noticeable in GT5 as well as FM4) seems a hell of a lot better, seems to be a fair bit more resistance.

I have not tried FM4 yet to see if it has made a big difference on there like it seems to have done in GT5, I wouldn't mind betting that the feel will be a hell of a lot better though.👍

Certainly made a difference for me as you guys will probably remember I posted about these issues somewhere in this thread.

I recommend you all to try this:tup:

 

[GTP_FastM3]

Imagine trying to get a surround sound or room filling audio experience with one speaker. Then compare that to upto say 7 channel surround. The multiple speaker option will not need the volume anywhere near as high as a single speaker and of course produce a better soundstage and more controlled yet expansive audio experience.

If you take that idea for tactile but then utilise tactile not as a mono or single source but like surround sound and utilise surround decoding each tactile unit does not produce the same effect but create a tactile surround experience. This with many, though not all sources can be fantastic when used in conjunction with surround sound.

On/off I have been working on a proper detailed tactile guide for sometime and had planned to do it before these lovelly new wheels appeared. It will appear in the new year and if anyone is interested in it or has questions you are welcome to please PM me.

Lets keep this thread on course.

Your forgetting one important thing. Low frequency sound, and vibrations, such as output by a tactile transducer, is below the threshold where we can discern direction. Same reason why most systems only have one subwoofer and 7 channels. We can't tell where it's coming from. So you really only have to mix all the information into one channel. Now if you can't get enough power from one transducer than of course more than one is needed, but that is another matter.

edit: read some of the other posts and I guess tactile behaves much differently than low frequency sound waves. Seems like I have much to learn about tactile sound.

 

[thehawk05]

Don't know if you have tried this, but using the driver I applied the center spring option and went on GT5, the difference in feel doing this is staggering. The wheel feels a lot more responsive and the wheel center issue (which I found was noticeable in GT5 as well as FM4) seems a hell of a lot better, seems to be a fair bit more resistance.

What driver? You mean firmware?

I never noticed the center issue much with GT5 but I find a lot of the cars in F4 the wheel feels dead in the center

 

[GTP_Plato]

What driver? You mean firmware?

I never noticed the center issue much with GT5 but I find a lot of the cars in F4 the wheel feels dead in the center

Ok firmware then (115)

Someone else tried this with there wheel (GT3rs) and noticed the difference as well, it's not a subtle difference that's for sure.

I am using the CSR and hated it at first, but doing this has me enjoying myself again.

Edit: I don't know how many times I have said about the wheel center issue on FM4, everyone else seems to think this is normal. Glad you realize the issue is there as well, it's not hard to notice

 

[thehawk05]

Ok firmware then (115)

Someone else tried this with there wheel (GT3rs) and noticed the difference as well, it's not a subtle difference that's for sure.

That's the user interface you use on PC is it not? And that made a difference on a console?

I certainly wouldn't expect that as I thought that would only alter FFB signals being sent to the wheel from the USB port of the PC. I wouldn't expect it to "flash" the wheel itself and change its behaviour on a console.

 

[GTP_Plato]

That's the user interface you use on PC is it not? And that made a difference on a console?

I certainly wouldn't expect that as I thought that would only alter FFB signals being sent to the wheel from the USB port of the PC. I wouldn't expect it to "flash" the wheel itself and change its behaviour on a console.

Yes it is the interface for PC, and yes it makes a great difference for GT5. Hopefully it will do the same for FM4.

Try it and let me know what you think:tup: