Well, I got it all installed last night!!!! The universal hub is a great idea, absolutely loving the fact I can use any old wheel lying around..
Installation impressions
Wheel Base:
- So easy to install if you already have mounting holes for any other fanatec wheel!
- The USB needing to be right angled means I'll have to improvise to use my existing lead which is hidden in the metalwork, at the moment I've used the new lead just draped loosely alongside the rig, I might drill a hole beneath the socket to allow me to have a normal usb lead coming from beneath the platform, or keep searching for a small 90 degree converter.
Hub: The hub is great, just two minor things
- The switch arms need two sizes, the problem I had was to get perfect alignment you can end up with two arms overlapping which is no good. so you do have to slightly compromise layout.
- The wheel centre cap won't fit as there isn't enough depth. However, having my own 3D Printer, I am just printing a simple centre cap for it now, so that will neaten it up!
Initial impressions on pCars (PC) -
- The wheel is super smooth and a nice step up from anything else I've tried, and dare I say it, feels more solid then my brothers T500RS.
- I think it reveals a few weaknesses in pCars FFB, rumble strips and transitions over trackside stuff is hit and miss, but with this wheel I notice the lack of some effects a bit more, and I think this is something my brother has mentioned, as you spend more and get better kit, you find that the games FFB is more noticeable where it's lacking..
- Love the on wheel tuning, the rim I've used allows me to see the hub display (vertically mounted) and it's been great, especially as I like a completely different setup for karts!
Some minor nitpicks that some people may see as an issue, but in reality I think it's as designed and Fanatec Could do with just communicating these as 'normal' behaviour:
1. Initially with no power, mechanically about 30 degrees off center to the left, I can feel some slight 'hump' in the resistance, which seems to have reduced a bit with a few hours use, and you can't feel it when the wheel is powered up.
2. When calibrating, going right it makes a small vibration/noise, then silently turns left, then as it starts to go back to centre it makes a small noise again. There are no noises/vibrations once it's complete or in use, and looking on a forum I found a fanatec rep saying this was normal and part of the calibration routine.
So onwards and upwards! I've got some DIY jobs to complete (installing a new oven, etc) then I might get a couple of hours to have more play time!