TH8 RS Shifter Thread!

[Coxis]

http://ts.thrustmaster.com/eng/index.php?pg=view_files&gid=1&fid=2&pid=319&cid=15

Wow. The driver looks pretty good. Can't wait 'til there's more info on wheel compatibility for the PS3.

 

[LogiForce]

http://ts.thrustmaster.com/eng/index.php?pg=view_files&gid=1&fid=2&pid=319&cid=15

Have you guys read this line there???

Analog mode:

The "ANALOG" tab is visible in the device's Control Panel. When checked, the axis located in the neutral row becomes a progressive axis, enabling you to emulate a Rally style handbrake (you can then pull the lever from position 3/4 to position 7/R to alter values progressively).

- PC compatible only
- Doesn't operate when the sequential shift plate is installed
- Can be recalibrated as required using the calibration software

Be careful! When the "ANALOG" tab is checked, this setting is automatically saved to the shifter's internal memory; to revert to the H (7+1) or Sequential (-/+) modes, or to connect the device to a PlayStation®3, the tab must be unchecked.

So who's ordering two? One for shifting and the other as a handbrake
The only info I am missing still is the games compatibility list. =(

ps. For someone looking for a gap in the market... is there anyone able to make a 90 degree extension L-shaped bar for the shifter? That way you can naturally pull the handbrake (street car style (instead of Rally)), with the only exception of not hearing the clicks or being able to lock it.
Also I was thinking of somehow someone could make a rubber/silicone/plastic pad to put under the H-shifter plate, which has ribs along the neutral zone to emulate the clicks and lock of a normal handbrake

------------------

Here are some direct links to the PDF manuals:

Manual (includes info how to set stiffness): http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/Manuals/TH8RS/TH8_RS_Shifter_Manual.pdf
Calibration / Stroke settings / Gear response / Handbrake settings: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/pc/wheels/exe/TH8RS/TH8_RS_Calibration.pdf
Cockpit - Screw Hole Diagram: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/Manuals/TH8RS/TH8 RS_Cockpit Setup.pdf


Software:

Driver/Firmware: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/pub/webupdate/TH8RS/2011_TH8RS_1.exe
Calibration Tool: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/pc/wheels/exe/TH8RS/TH8_RS_Tool_v1.0.7.0.rar

 

[SC Juggernaut]

Have you guys read this line there???



So who's ordering two? One for shifting and the other as a handbrake
The only info I am missing still is the games compatibility list. =(

ps. For someone looking for a gap in the market... is there anyone able to make a 90 degree extension L-shaped bar for the shifter? That way you can naturally pull the handbrake (street car style (instead of Rally)), with the only exception of not hearing the clicks or being able to lock it.
Also I was thinking of somehow someone could make a rubber/silicone/plastic pad to put under the H-shifter plate, which has ribs along the neutral zone to emulate the clicks and lock of a normal handbrake

------------------

Here are some direct links to the PDF manuals:

Manual (includes info how to set stiffness): http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/Manuals/TH8RS/TH8_RS_Shifter_Manual.pdf
Calibration / Stroke settings / Gear response / Handbrake settings: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/pc/wheels/exe/TH8RS/TH8_RS_Calibration.pdf
Cockpit - Screw Hole Diagram: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/Manuals/TH8RS/TH8 RS_Cockpit Setup.pdf


Software:

Driver/Firmware: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/pub/webupdate/TH8RS/2011_TH8RS_1.exe
Calibration Tool: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/pc/wheels/exe/TH8RS/TH8_RS_Tool_v1.0.7.0.rar

Sounds really interesting. Wish someone had a video so we could see this in action.

 

[hampus_dh]

it just keeps getting better and better

was planning on buying csh as handbrake but i really wanted a loadcell on that to maximise the feel instead of a potentiometer.

 

[LogiForce]

Sounds really interesting. Wish someone had a video so we could see this in action.

The only videos out there at the moment are these:

Durability Testing:


Beta Testing by MobSim:


GIGA Tech Gamescom Special - private chat with Thrustmaster:


Inside Sim Racing - having a go at the shifter and impressions:

 

[SC Juggernaut]

I actually meant video to see the shifter used in analog mode, but for those who missed any of these vids it's good that you posted them.

 

[WildRun]

it just keeps getting better and better
was planning on buying csh as handbrake but i really wanted a loadcell on that to maximise the feel instead of a potentiometer.

Technical specs said this:

* H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™ = Contactless magnetic sensor ensures consistency over time & No "Tact switch" no "potentiometer" for unlimited product lifetime.

* Adjustable resistance when changing gear

 

[Energizerrr]

I apologise for my ignorant comment, I had a 2nd look at the footage we have about this shifter and all I can say is...wow, I'm really hoping that Fanatec makes something better but TH8 RS at the moment looks like the shifter and should be a benchmark for all shifters which will be made after it.
Stunning piece of equipment.

 

[hampus_dh]

Technical specs said this:

* H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™ = Contactless magnetic sensor ensures consistency over time & No "Tact switch" no "potentiometer" for unlimited product lifetime.

* Adjustable resistance when changing gear

?

im talking about fanatecs handbrake not the TM shifter.

 

[papaspurs]

Here are some direct links to the PDF manuals:

Manual (includes info how to set stiffness): http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/Manuals/TH8RS/TH8_RS_Shifter_Manual.pdf
Calibration / Stroke settings / Gear response / Handbrake settings: http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/pc/wheels/exe/TH8RS/TH8_RS_Calibration.pdf

Thanks for the link and vids Logi. I'd never seen the german vid before.

Now on to the bad news

I've got one pre ordered but those manuals have really disappointed me.

As far as I can tell there is no physical adjustment of throw, just the point where the gear engages via software.

TM - I WANT A SHORT THROW PLATE ASAP. (same goes to anyone who can fabricate one....Owensracing?)

Secondly the word 'slightly' in the resistance adjustment concerns me greatly, in all the videos it's looked like I'd want to increase the resistance hugely, not slightly. I hope it goes far enough.

 

[hampus_dh]

Can ze germanz please tell us what they said?

 

[papaspurs]

Can ze germanz please tell us what they said?

I got gear shifter and something about being a donut

 

[LogiForce]

Thanks for the link and vids Logi. I'd never seen the german vid before.

Now on to the bad news

I've got one pre ordered but those manuals have really disappointed me.

As far as I can tell there is no physical adjustment of throw, just the point where the gear engages via software.

TM - I WANT A SHORT THROW PLATE ASAP. (same goes to anyone who can fabricate one....Owensracing?)

I have to agree with the throw thing. But on the other side it's also fun they left some stuff open so the modding community could have a go at it.
So we need:

- Short throw plates
- Medium throw plates
- Long throw plates
- 4 speed plate
R 1 3
|_|_|
   | |
   2 4
- 5 speed left reverse/bull pattern
R 1 3 5
|_|_|_|
   | |
   2 4
- 5 speed right reverse
1 3 5
|_|_|
|  | |
2 4 R
- 6 speed left reverse
R 1 3 5
|_|_|_|
   | | |
  2 4 6
- 6 speed right reverse
1 3 5
|_|_|_
|  | | |
2  4  6  R
- Handbrake plate with 5 locking rings
(my car's (Lancia Delta) service manual says the handbrake needs to let you hear 3 clicks. So Neutral, 1st click, 2nd, 3rd (full handbrake), 4th (overtighten/extra slack).)

I'll try to draw below in text what I mean:

1 3   5   7
|  |   |   |
--O O O O O
|  |   |   |
2  4  6   R

The O in this picture is actually a ribbly ridge in which the shift lever locks into position when simply pulling it and it's own centering force. The trick is to make the holes/ridges not too deep so that you have force it in and out of them, nor too loose so that they won't lock. Of course a correct tension of the shifter is also required which you can set with the screw on the casing.

Secondly the word 'slightly' in the resistance adjustment concerns me greatly, in all the videos it's looked like I'd want to increase the resistance hugely, not slightly. I hope it goes far enough.

Let me grab you a text from the manual about setting the resistance...

2 full turns are enough to go from one extreme to the other.
To avoid damaging the system:
- Stop tightening the screw when you feel strong resistance.
- Stop untightening the screw if the stick becomes loose and wobbly.

I hope that answers your question. You can go from wobbly to not being able to move it. Although it concerns me that some people might actually tighten it too much and damage it, but we'll have to see how it fairs in the department of durability and quality design of this system.

--------------

Also i've got more news from Thrustmaster via Facebook and i'll quote:

Thrustmaster T500 RS ‎@ Christiaan : we will send one to ISR for sure!
about one hour ago.

So expect a full review in the upcoming weeks for sure!
Oh btw, I don't work for ISR. lol

 

[SC Juggernaut]

Oh btw, I don't work for ISR. lol

I wish I did part time.

I've been following them from their humble beginnings, and things seem to really be stepping up for their team right now. They seem to receive free samples for everything cool being released these days.

 

[papaspurs]

I hope that answers your question. You can go from wobbly to not being able to move it. Although it concerns me that some people might actually tighten it too much and damage it, but we'll have to see how it fairs in the department of durability and quality design of this system.

I read that completely differently. The previous lines say...

'To slightly increase / decrease the resistance...'

I also think the point about tightening too much, would not be made if you could go from wobbly to not being able to move it. Surely people would only tighten too much if they could not get the resistance to the point they wanted it.

I hope you're right and not me.

 

[LogiForce]

I read that completely differently. The previous lines say...

'To slightly increase / decrease the resistance...'

I also think the point about tightening too much, would not be made if you could go from wobbly to not being able to move it. Surely people would only tighten too much if they could not get the resistance to the point they wanted it.

I hope you're right and not me.

Well, I think you have to interpret that line as follows. They simply want you to make minor adjustments to the resistance level as to not cause damage. Although I am sure there are some people still who will start turning that screw like a mad man or woman and damage the spring or whatever component you can break is inside.
Besides, since 2 full turns is from wobbly to very stiff... I'm sure that's what they meant. So a slight turn can make a whole lot of difference.

Also like the german guy from Thrustmaster said "The whole thing is almost entirely made of aluminum. Which justifies the price alone". So I do hope and I reckon that the device will be solid enough to accommodate any tension setting you'd want. Plus that you'll feel that it's too stiff/tight before you break anything.

 

[papaspurs]

Well, I think you have to interpret that line as follows. They simply want you to make minor adjustments to the resistance level as to not cause damage. Although I am sure there are some people still who will start turning that screw like a mad man or woman and damage the spring or whatever component you can break is inside.
Besides, since 2 full turns is from wobbly to very stiff... I'm sure that's what they meant. So a slight turn can make a whole lot of difference.

Also like the german guy from Thrustmaster said "The whole thing is almost entirely made of aluminum. Which justifies the price alone". So I do hope and I reckon that the device will be solid enough to accommodate any tension setting you'd want. Plus that you'll feel that it's too stiff/tight before you break anything.

What they say is completely the opposite, the slightly refers to the amount of change to the resistance not to the amount of adjustment.

I'm hoping something is lost in translation from the French. I'll focus on the part where they say 'strong resistance'.

Don't let us down TM

 

[hampus_dh]

Isn´t it all steel (internals)?

 

[LogiForce]

What they say is completely the opposite, the slightly refers to the amount of change to the resistance not to the amount of adjustment.

I'm hoping something is lost in translation from the French. I'll focus on the part where they say 'strong resistance'.

Don't let us down TM

Hrm, now I read it again in the manual itself you're right. But then if unscrewing means it'll become wobbly, how much does that say for the resistance? On the other hand if you look at the german video then if wobbly is one extreme and on the video it's normal (1 turn of the screw), then it should be able to become even stiffer. Although this is just wishful thinking for now.
We'll have to wait until there is a decent review or one of us has got their hands on one. I've pre-ordered mine, so hopefully it's here on release day.

 

[Coxis]

That german vid sounds like it's filled with awesome information from what I was able to pick up. Could any german guy please give us an overview of it?

They talked about the materials, the mounting/hard mounting system, GT5 and PS3... Would be greatly appreciated.

 

[occasionalracer]

Regarding the German interview with Christian Reul from Thrustmaster, as interesting as it sounds, it's all information that has been discussed here. They do not talk about the resistance settings or throw range. He mentions that on PS3 the device output is pre-configured, where as on PC driver software that can be used to tweak output settings, like setting it up as a 4-speed gearbox for cars from the 80's for instance.

One thing that was a little questionable from earlier posts in this thread was where and how the hard-mounting points are, and he states that under the top cover are three holes to mount it down onto whatever, differing from the Logitechs were it's the opposite.

The guy also asked him if there was a warrenty if anything goes wrong with it, and Christian states there is a toll-free service line that can be called and an exchange can be arranged within 3-4 buisiness days. I know some of you guys will find this claim a little misleading.

 

[LogiForce]

That german vid sounds like it's filled with awesome information from what I was able to pick up. Could any german guy please give us an overview of it?

They talked about the materials, the mounting/hard mounting system, GT5 and PS3... Would be greatly appreciated.

Materials: 90% allumium, 8% hard plastic and 2% anti-slip rubber (as far as I can tell, but he says it's almost entirely made of aluminium)
Mounting: 1-55mm with the standard mount, screw to any surface with 2x M6 screws according to the cockpit installation diagram in one of my previous post on page 7 (are also on the Thrustmaster tech support site).

2. Once the clamping system has been removed, screw 2 “M6” screws (not included) into the
cockpit shelf, and into 2 of the 4 small “screw threads” (I) located on the underside of the shifter's
nose.

PS3 games: All preconfigured. As an added note from the manual, you can't use the TH8 RS as a progressive handbrake on the PS3, only as H-pattern or sequential shifter.

Anyhow, all the info you need is in the manuals on the Thrustmaster support site. Or for the technical specifications on the normal product info page.

 

[VanWeeD]

just got an EMAIL from Amazon
Seems that i won't get my hand on it for another month @@

*******
Hello,

We now have delivery date(s) for the order you placed on September 30 2011 (Order# ***-*******-*******):

"Thrustmaster VG Thrustmaster TH8RS Gearbox for PC & PS3"
Estimated arrival date: October 26 2011 - November 15 2011

If you want to check on the progress of your order, take a look at this page in Your Account:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/css/summary/edit.html?orderID=***-*******-*******

We hope to see you again soon!
*******

 

[hampus_dh]

The first guy who gets his must give us a in depth review
SRT is good but it´s more talking about the feel and not so much close ups etc.

 

[Frouns]

Hi all,

Here is video on the TH8rs gear shifter, that I shot in Paris this week-end, during a french simulation exhibit (6e Mondial de la la Simulation 2011).

Enjoy it :-)

 

[Hwangm]

very interesting

 

[hampus_dh]

NICE!

Wish we had seen more about the throw and how you tune it.

 

[Frouns]

It possible to tune TH8rs with a pc software but this one is still in beta testing.
But I saw a demo of this sofware, and I have waiting for the agreement from Thrustmaster,
before to make a video on the tuning software...

 

[hampus_dh]

Sounds good!

 

[occasionalracer]

Cool how they got Jordan Tresson to be at that Thrustmaster event... seems he was enjoying it, but I bet he would have much rather been racing alongside Lucas at Road Atlanta this weekend in the Nissan LMP2 car.