Fanatec Announcements: CSW V2 Reviews Out

  • Thread starter Crispy
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Fellow CSR owners. Has anybody else had their alcantara start to come off?

IMAG0094.jpg
 
lemansfanatic
I know its a little off topic but since there is no real news on Fanatec prods for a while can I ask if anyone knows anything about modding the G27 ffb levels? In this video, at 0:34 seconds in they describe a modified G27 with 3 times the level of ffb, has anyone tried this? If the csw is not powerful enough i wonder if this kind of mod would also be possible.
Anyways, here's my dream setup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDMjJTieRBg&sns=em
Click to expand...

I am sure a modded G27 won't even compare against the CSW. However we will know soon enough when there are users telling us their opinion who have owned such a G27. Modding can always be done, but if it is necessary or a wise decision? Power isn't everything, the first aspect that needs to be tackled in any wheel is how smoothly you start and stop the motors. As these tend to go into action with a jolt as a certain minimum startup voltage is reached. Like a square wave. However a real car's steering acts more like a sine wave in which there is no minimum startup requirement for the wheel to start turning in your hands. The only thing that could be present is some play in the linkage somewhere between the rim and the steering wheel. If this is smooth. The second point of attention is how smooth the steering wheel can turn inside the bearings and against the motors when they are off. The reason this is important is because you want full control over the power of the forces transferred. Thus any extra resistance from the hardware itself has to be taken into account, which also makes it harder to reproduce pinky steering style power steering if you would ever want that (like when letting your little kid have a go). Also the added force causes extra unnecessary stress on the motors and you, and it blurs out the forces as transferred from the game to the motors and eventually to you as the driver.
Then there is the point of sensing the steering hardware wise. Thomas had a great eureka moment by putting the code wheel on the steering axle instead of the motor. However I would have rather seen him use a magnetic code wheel or ribbon on his sense the steering position rather then an optical code wheel. It would have been even more precise I think and they had an example already for years in the CSP sensors. Anyway, the more precise the sensing means that not only in the game you steer more precise but the FFB motors can respond more precise/directly (within the technical specs of the motors capacity). Like when working against the motors for whatever reason, as every change in steering will give the rubber more or less grip even though it might seem very minimal.
After this comes power for me. Power that shouldn't be used continuously in my opinion. Like some people out there who love to have a very strong centering spring action, which isn't real at all. With power I mean the that you need to have a motor that is not only able to produce max torque in an instant, but is also capable of producing the right amount of continuous power to replicate turning the wheel against the rubber when the car is standing still without power steering (or with power steering but the engine not running to activate it. Thus effectively having to replicate the resistance of the power steering plus rubber). And if possible with the widest tires out there ever put on the front wheels of any vehicle. Then after that there is of course the power needed for short acceleration to replicate bumps at high speed (le mans straight). The long acceleration to replicate long turns with slope like on an oval. And the very short start stops to reproduce the cobblestone effect. To make one type of engine for this to replicate it all effectively, even using two of the same will be a challenge I would reckon.

Anyway... Getting back on track. What I was trying to say is raw power isn't everything as you want to feel the small effects as smoothly, fast and accurate as possible.

Also that dream setup is nice, but for me it is too limited to Formula style only. I would personally opt for a more all round solution. Of course if I would have the money and room for more dream setups for every type of car... then it's a different story.


thehawk05
Thomas posted a video on his Facebook showing the CSW in production:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=418944778129513
Click to expand...

Most interesting footage yet. I watch that with full amazement thinking it isn't such a bad job to do, assembly. Dry and clean environment and if you do the job well, no one bugs you. lol
Anyhow, I loved it seeing the first few wheels come together. :)
 
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Patrick
Fellow CSR owners. Has anybody else had their alcantara start to come off?
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MadRR
Yeah mine started to do the same. I saw one on eBay for sale that was the same way.
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Just contact support guys, such a thing shouldn't happen within the expected life cycle of these instruments which is at least 3 years and Fanatec gives two years warranty. Just stick to their rules when mailing the technical support e-support@fanatec.com when wanting some quick help. :)

Just had an unfortunate accident when changing the throw of the brake pedal myself, the head of the Alan key bit that I used in my screw driver snapped of inside the screw that holds the rod in place. Metal fatigue and something typical that only happens to me, or so it feels. I got contacted back the next day to tell me they need my address to send me a new one. :)
 
lemansfanatic
I know its a little off topic but since there is no real news on Fanatec prods for a while can I ask if anyone knows anything about modding the G27 ffb levels? In this video, at 0:34 seconds in they describe a modified G27 with 3 times the level of ffb, has anyone tried this? If the csw is not powerful enough i wonder if this kind of mod would also be possible.
Anyways, here's my dream setup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDMjJTieRBg&sns=em
Click to expand...

There is a company that does it, I think they even did a review of it on Inside Sim Racing a while back. I think the biggest drawback of that upgrade is the price, if I remember correctly, I think it was in the $500+ range + you have to buy the wheel.
 
thehawk05
Thomas posted a video on his Facebook showing the CSW in production:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=418944778129513
Click to expand...

I wonder when the shift of 10yo's comes in to start work....... oh yeah probably when the camera isn't there. Out of 450 Euros/Dollars, I wonder how much goes to labor for each wheel... 2% at the most probably.

Can you imagine how fast they are going to slap those things together when he isn't there looking over their shoulder.
 
bobbyknc
I wonder when the shift of 10yo's comes in to start work....... oh yeah probably when the camera isn't there. Out of 450 Euros/Dollars, I wonder how much goes to labor for each wheel... 2% at the most probably.

Can you imagine how fast they are going to slap those things together when he isn't there looking over their shoulder.
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Hi Negative Nancy, I'm Jason, nice to meet you. :sly:


Seriously though, I've visited China a few times for business and pleasure, and while everyone in America likes to think that everyone working in Chinese factories is an exploited child, it's just not true. The factory labor business is absolutely huge there and it's an excellent career for many adults. While business practices may be a little different than in the US, they aren't all a nightmare like the media wants us to believe. We have problems with child labor in America too, you just don't see it publicized nearly as much.
 
bobbyknc
I wonder when the shift of 10yo's comes in to start work....... oh yeah probably when the camera isn't there. Out of 450 Euros/Dollars, I wonder how much goes to labor for each wheel... 2% at the most probably.

Can you imagine how fast they are going to slap those things together when he isn't there looking over their shoulder.
Click to expand...

Typical reply. If you want to do something boycot Fanatec and any other company making anything at all that is manufactured in or contains items produced in China. That or be willing to spend even more money and seek only to give this to companies who insure the manufacturing and production employees get a good salary to live by in their country, so that the parents in those countries do not have to send their kids out to work and earn enough income for their family.
So yeah, I am not for child labor either but remember that child labor also happens due to circumstances of the individual families. So make yourselfs hard for an honest income for their parents instead of just complaining about the children working. Also I am sure Thomas is not the type of man who would agree to any child labor himself. So instead of being a typical anti-China complainer, do something or keep your opinion to yourself.
 
bobbyknc
I wonder when the shift of 10yo's comes in to start work....... oh yeah probably when the camera isn't there. Out of 450 Euros/Dollars, I wonder how much goes to labor for each wheel... 2% at the most probably.

Can you imagine how fast they are going to slap those things together when he isn't there looking over their shoulder.
Click to expand...

Do you have any genuine criticisms, or just rhetoric? Most people come here to discuss sim racing, not read your nationalistic rants.

I enjoyed the sneak peak of the assembly line. I would have though that more of the assembly would be automated.
 
bobbyknc
I wonder when the shift of 10yo's comes in to start work....... oh yeah probably when the camera isn't there. Out of 450 Euros/Dollars, I wonder how much goes to labor for each wheel... 2% at the most probably.

Can you imagine how fast they are going to slap those things together when he isn't there looking over their shoulder.
Click to expand...

Wow....

superbike81
Hi Negative Nancy, I'm Jason, nice to meet you. :sly:

Seriously though, I've visited China a few times for business and pleasure, and while everyone in America likes to think that everyone working in Chinese factories is an exploited child, it's just not true. The factory labor business is absolutely huge there and it's an excellent career for many adults. While business practices may be a little different than in the US, they aren't all a nightmare like the media wants us to believe. We have problems with child labor in America too, you just don't see it publicized nearly as much.
Click to expand...

superbike81 is exactly right, as an American who has spent a great deal of his life living overseas, I know for a fact a lot of what is fed through the mainstream media here in US about other countries is not accurate. Some people here see one show about a major electronics company that has had issues with supplier in China, and then it all gets lumped together in their minds.

I see a lot of bashing on different threads related to made in China quality, China is like everywhere else, you get what you pay for, there are numerous high quality tech items that come out of China from multiple electronics companies. In fact, the majority of consumer electronics are assembled if not completely manufactured there now.

Most people on these forums are too young to remember, but the same was said in US of Japan back in the 70's and then Korea.
 
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LogiForce
keep your opinion to yourself.
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Why did you then post your opinion then? Oh yes you are the community manager and ready manage us.

Everything is now made in China, even Iphones. World is in peace with human rights problems in China because China is so big and good for business.
 
Seeing this video, makes me wanna preorder :drool:(again)

I'm still in doubt whether to pre-order of wait for the first production improvements. Just wondering if there are any physical differences between the CSR Elite and the CSW, besides the quick release and the electronics.

We all remember the shaft play issue with the CSR Elite, don't want something like that with the CSW.👎
If the housing, shaft, motor, axle ect are indentical, the production of the CSW should benefit of the improvements and the experience Fanatec has had with producing the CSR Elite.👍 Wheelrims or quickrelease systems could be easly replaced if they have issues.

Good news though that there is no airshipping, so the price is not raised an other 40 bucks.:)

PS: Time to add the fanatec website and thomas blog to default start pages in IE9
 
So more I read more I agree by your "simracer stories"... I play GT5, I play Forza 4, but I want more... realism and simulation. I have an old Q6600 without a decent 3D graphic card so I never try PC sims.

So now a few day before my birthday and the CSW preorder date, should I consider a CSW, a 560Ti and switch to PC sims ? The Elite will be available end may, the CSW in june... Arg... I have a so hard dilemma ;)
 
K_Soze
So more I read more I agree by your "simracer stories"... I play GT5, I play Forza 4, but I want more... realism and simulation. I have an old Q6600 without a decent 3D graphic card so I never try PC sims.

So now a few day before my birthday and the CSW preorder date, should I consider a CSW, a 560Ti and switch to PC sims ? The Elite will be available end may, the CSW in june... Arg... I have a so hard dilemma ;)
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If you love to sim race and can afford the new hardware then yes, absolutely switch to PC.

I played GT5 almost every day a year and a half. About four months ago I built a new PC and got iRacing. Since the first time playing iRacing I have not played GT5 even once, and I probably never will. As someone who just cares about driving (not having a massive selection of cars), iRacing is far better to me than GT5 or FM4 in every way, by a large margin.

iRacing is expensive though. Including a one year membership ($50 for the first year - $100 each following year), I've probably spent about $200 on tracks and cars. It was worth every dollar to me though. Also, good pedals like the CSP are a must in my opinion.
 
Patrick
Fellow CSR owners. Has anybody else had their alcantara start to come off?
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Well, on my first CSR this started to happen about a month and a half after purchase. I just took the rim apart and super glued it back into place. It won't void your warranty (I am currently on my fourth CSR; yay Fanatec....).
 
II-zOoLoGy-II
Well, on my first CSR this started to happen about a month and a half after purchase. I just took the rim apart and super glued it back into place. It won't void your warranty (I am currently on my fourth CSR; yay Fanatec....).
Click to expand...

Mine started to come away from the rim, Fanatec sent me a new set of panels within a week 👍
 
Raitziger
Why did you then post your opinion then? Oh yes you are the community manager and ready manage us.

Everything is now made in China, even Iphones. World is in peace with human rights problems in China because China is so big and good for business.
Click to expand...

Ever watched the Matrix and heard of the theory Cause and Effect? The Cause: someone gave their opinion on a subject in a provocative manner. Effect: someone was bound to give them an ear full back with their views, in this I was not the only one. If the opinion had not been given and action had been taken instead this effect would not have happened.

Of course we all have our freedom to have our own opinions and the freedom of speech, so I can't stop him. However with my little opinion I hoped to provoke him to think more deeply about the impact to the individual families who have to resort to child labor before voicing their opinions about it. After all there is no parent in this entire world that wants to burden its children unnecessarily.

Also you are confusing me with a GTplanet moderator or administrator I think. I had to manage applications and a poll, not the happenings within this forum. So that job is as good as over. Only have to see through it that multiple reviews go into one thread, mine and Mayaman his review. Which just boils down to asking politely rather then managing much.

The reason China got so big is because at first the USA (shortly followed by Europe) moved their production over to China, because of the continues search for cheaper production and thus more profit as the prices never dropped. And since Americans think mainly of short term profit, they were the first to reckon that there was money to be saved by bringing production over seas. Europeans think on a slightly longer term and thus were a bit more cautious in them taking action. But all in all it is thanks to ourselves that we bring all the work to China still, because we are too afraid to pay more for the goods. However look at what Henry Ford did, he said that he payed his employees well and made things locally as to boost the local economy and effectively given the employees the income to buy his products again. Thus effectively helping to feed the families of his fellow countrymen, having local production, creating a fixed set of customers, having free advertising for being a good employer who even lets his employees have cars and his cars got more recognition as they drove around more.


Anyway, I can feel the love mate. Love you too.
 
lemansfanatic
My name isnt officially on it or anything but I am pretty sure the wheel that was being worked on at 3:30 was mine :)
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I hope you receive it. ;)

They seem to be working with a lot of precision on the belt tension. I guess it is indeed nearly impossible to get that adjusted at home like Thomas mentioned at the time of the Elite.
 
JogoAsobi
Back on topic, I wonder if Thomas is there, it's mid-afternoon Saturday in China now.
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Hard to believe but we force those poor childrens to work even on Saturdays so that the rich people in the western countries have something to play with. :guilty:

I am going back on Monday eveing and bring some nice wheels with me.
 
Raitziger
Before I felt pity for people because they had assemble standard pedals! They are nearly impossible to put together :D
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Never had those pedals, but I can imagine the frustration of standing in line assembling something that is a pain to assemble. I think the assembly line looks great and organized in a good manner, and the CSW looks easy to assemble. Makes it easier to replace parts yourself later as well if needed.


Love the sarcasm Thomas. I see those people eh... Kids all playing Kamen Raider in their lunch breaks. lol
 

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