The Thrustmaster T500RS Thread

[Gigantoad]

Strange.. I´ve had GTR EVo and compared it to Iracing and imo nothing comes close to the fidelity of Iracing´s FFB.

You shouldn´t worry about the wheel not centering. My fanatec doesn´t center after i leave the track. there´s no point in doing that really.

If you can afford it, i strongly suggest you buy the Riley. Get a set in the forums and go out and drive the car.

What do you mean by underwhelming? FFB too soft?
The C6R has steering servo so it might be that which makes it feel underwhelming.

I bought the Riley and it feels nice. Also increased FFB to 16 and that feels better.

I think I figured out the differences between GTR and iRacing. I get more realistic FFB in iRacing in that I only get what feedback I would get in an actual car. All the vibrations and sensations that you would feel through the seat, suspension or whatever rather than the wheel are ommitted in favor of realism. Whatever FFB I do feel is very detailed and subtle though.

GTR, on the other hand, simulates the general feeling of racing. The wheel vibrates when I brake for example, giving a sense of the mass that needs to be slowed down, or it gives me ripples kind of feel when I drive on top of curbs. When I drive on grass it shakes in accordance to the car shaking. So this isn't actually stuff you would really feel through the wheel but the car itself, making it less realistic but also more immersive and fun.

So I think that's what it boils down to: realism vs. immersion. And it's in accordance with my initial statement of iRacing FFB being underwhelming and less flashy. That's exactly what it is, not flashy but realistic instead.

 

[Simmpa]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/thrustmaster-t500-rs-review/

6/10

They have some good points for example: lack of force feedback support to all PS3 games, rubber and not leather, 1080 degree is not much usable, no shifter included and expensive.

 

[RC45]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/thrustmaster-t500-rs-review/

6/10

They have some good points for example: lack of force feedback support to all PS3 games, rubber and not leather, 1080 degree is not much usable, no shifter included and expensive.

So the wheel has gone from God's own wheel to 6/10 in what, 2 months??

The wheel is fantastic when coupled with the Fanatec CSP's, Act-LABS shifter and rFactor or LFS etc.

 

[Patrocles]

So the wheel has gone from God's own wheel to 6/10 in what, 2 months??

The wheel is fantastic when coupled with the Fanatec CSP's, Act-LABS shifter and rFactor or LFS etc.

Who said it was "God's own wheel" Mr. AH?



The guy has some good comments about the T500RS, but I think he needed to do a bit more homework with the wheel.

i like how the reviewer compares the CSP to the T500RS pedals and later states, "Ultimately either the Logitech G27 or the Fanatec line of wheels offer nearly as good performance at a much more palatable cost."
Right now Fanatec is not offering the GT2 kit so you have to buy the CSP separately, that drives the price to $550 compared to $560-$600 for the T500RS. by that logic the Fanatec should not be worth the money either...leaving the G27 as the winner!! hooray Logitech!!

 

[Pharaoh 117]

Why does everyone compare the price of the T500 RS with the price of the GT2?

They should compare it with the price of the GT3 RS V2 which is a PS3 and PC wheel, just like the T500 RS. The GT2 is also Xbox 360 compatible and it's more expensive because of that.

 

[Spagetti69]

Why does everyone compare the price of the T500 RS with the price of the GT2?

They should compare it with the price of the GT3 RS V2 which is a PS3 and PC wheel, just like the T500 RS. The GT2 is also Xbox 360 compatible and it's more expensive because of that.

Your absolutely right. I also don't get how people have said I'll cancel my GT2 order for a thrustmaster.

Strange times we live in.

 

[hampus_dh]

I bought the Riley and it feels nice. Also increased FFB to 16 and that feels better.

I think I figured out the differences between GTR and iRacing. I get more realistic FFB in iRacing in that I only get what feedback I would get in an actual car. All the vibrations and sensations that you would feel through the seat, suspension or whatever rather than the wheel are ommitted in favor of realism. Whatever FFB I do feel is very detailed and subtle though.

GTR, on the other hand, simulates the general feeling of racing. The wheel vibrates when I brake for example, giving a sense of the mass that needs to be slowed down, or it gives me ripples kind of feel when I drive on top of curbs. When I drive on grass it shakes in accordance to the car shaking. So this isn't actually stuff you would really feel through the wheel but the car itself, making it less realistic but also more immersive and fun.

So I think that's what it boils down to: realism vs. immersion. And it's in accordance with my initial statement of iRacing FFB being underwhelming and less flashy. That's exactly what it is, not flashy but realistic instead.

Couldn´t agree more. Excellent analyse of two very nice games.

One thing you should notice is the bumps in the road on sebring etc.
Most tracks in simbin games are very smooth etc because of the non-laserscanning etc.

 

[sonac]

You are absolutely right, Spagetti69 Also when Fanatec will finally have enough product to offer (it has been said this will happen in May), GT3 RS V2 Clubsport edition will be back. That cost 320$ when it was still available and this is the right price to compare with what other manufacturers have to offer.

PS: I can't wait for InsideSimRacing review of T500 RS. It should be out soon. Sound + video> letters

 

[Patrocles]

Why does everyone compare the price of the T500 RS with the price of the GT2?

They should compare it with the price of the GT3 RS V2 which is a PS3 and PC wheel, just like the T500 RS. The GT2 is also Xbox 360 compatible and it's more expensive because of that.

good point! you should send an email with this question to the engagdet reviewer! In that respect I bet the T500RS would receive an even lower rating/recommendation in that review!

 

[Simracer92]

I made a video where you can see the T500 RS in rally action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD3LLMa5jcE&hd=1

 

[GainSym]

VirtualR.net review:

Conclusion

So, is the T500 RS as innovative as the long feature list and the rather hefty price tag of 499€/$599 suggests? In one word: Yes!

Don’t get fooled by the Gran Turismo badge, this wheel is most likely the most advanced product ever offered in this price range. The wheel’s precision is unmatched and the very strong & silent force feedback even edges out Fanatec’s Turbo S wheel.

I´ve reviewed quite a lot of wheels and I´ve never instantly clicked with a new product as I did with the T500 RS. Usually, it takes me a bit of time to get up to speed with a new wheel but the T500 RS gave me instant confidence thanks to the great force feedback and the overall amazing feel provided when driving.

Sadly, the pedal unit falls a bit off in terms of features, a load-cell brake would have been a fitting feature to make the pedals match the wheel and make it easier for more professional racers to consider switching to the T500 RS.

Thrustmaster has put together a wheel that can compete even with professional wheels from niece-manufacturers that often sell for more than three times the price.

And while some competitors might offer some features the T500 RS does not have (more expensive materials, a built-in display) the wheel is certainly the new benchmark in terms of precision, raw force feedback power and overall feel that will satisfy even the most demanding sim racers.

Full review here:
http://www.virtualr.net/thrustmaster-t500-rs-review/

 

[Simracer92]

One word to the customer support: Fantastic!!
As I described on page 155 I got a new wheel from Thrustmaster because my second wheel was damaged and the new wheel was stained. So I wrote to the support and got an answer now. They will send me a new detachable wheel (only wheel without the base). This is absolutely great, so I must not send them the stained wheel first.
Now we know one of the advantages of a detachable wheel

 

[Gigantoad]

One word to the customer support: Fantastic!!
As I described on page 155 I got a new wheel from Thrustmaster because my second wheel was damaged and the new wheel was stained. So I wrote to the support and got an answer now. They will send me a new detachable wheel (only wheel without the base). This is absolutely great, so I must not send them the stained wheel first.
Now we know one of the advantages of a detachable wheel

How did you contact their support? I wanna ask about the noise when turning the wheel that wasn't there at the beginning.

 

[doublecheese]

How did you contact their support? I wanna ask about the noise when turning the wheel that wasn't there at the beginning.

I absolutely say that their Tech Support is fantastic, they deal with each customer personally , they even called me at the night trying to solve my problem....

Goto this address and CALL them at the beginning and make sure they send you an e-mail with the SUBJECT containing your case number.

http://ts.thrustmaster.com/fr/index.php?pg=contact

Since you`re Swiss and if you speak French, you might directly contact the French number.

I live in Istanbul and there isn`t an authorised distrubutor here yet, therefore I called the French number directly and they helped very professionally.

I have never seen a technical service that is willing so much to solve my problems !!!

 

[Deano-gt]

Just noticed the wheel is no longer on Frys.com. Tried searching with the misspelled Thrusmaster and sku 6501043.

Back up on Frys.com under sku 6501043, correctly spelled, and now shows available in stores.

BestBuy now lists it too, however none in stores and sold out online.

Looks like inventory is building up!

 

[Siefex]

I absolutely say that their Tech Support is fantastic, they deal with each customer personally , they even called me at the night trying to solve my problem....

Goto this address and CALL them at the beginning and make sure they send you an e-mail with the SUBJECT containing your case number.

http://ts.thrustmaster.com/fr/index.php?pg=contact

Since you`re Swiss and if you speak French, you might directly contact the French number.

I live in Istanbul and there isn`t an authorised distrubutor here yet, therefore I called the French number directly and they helped very professionally.

I have never seen a technical service that is willing so much to solve my problems !!!

I agree, their tech support is oustanding! I contacted them about my break pedal squeaking when I pushed it in all the way and they quickly offered for me to send my wheel back to them and they would ship a new wheel to me immediately. I ended up not having to do this since a firmware update to v33 solved my problem entirely. No idea why but apparently the firmware update adjusted the spring on the pedals somehow.

I've also worked with Fanatec support a lot and have to say Thrustmaster's support is in a different class altogether. Fanatec will take several days to get back to you, even up to a week, while Thrustmaster will e-mail / call you within hours of your initial service request.

 

[(G)]

Back up on Frys.com under sku 6501043, correctly spelled, and now shows available in stores.

BestBuy now lists it too, however none in stores and sold out online.

Looks like inventory is building up!

Oh boy, BestBuy is getting it? I wonder what my discount's gonna be....

I've been on the fence for one, leaning to the "buy it" side. if support is that good, it's a great sign. Esp. if stock picks up, I might pick one up when they become available in-stores in the north-east.

 

[Gigantoad]

My unit has developed the fan noise issue yesterday. Wasn't for long, maybe 10 seconds then it was back to normal. But it's not a good sign. Paired with the wheel turning itself being noisier than at the beginning I guess I'm really gonna have to replace it.

Did you all call Thrustmaster support by phone? I'd prefer email really. Gonna try find a support email.

 

[doublecheese]

My unit has developed the fan noise issue yesterday. Wasn't for long, maybe 10 seconds then it was back to normal. But it's not a good sign. Paired with the wheel turning itself being noisier than at the beginning I guess I'm really gonna have to replace it.

Did you all call Thrustmaster support by phone? I'd prefer email really. Gonna try find a support email.

To get a support e-mail this is what I did, first you speak to them and you ask them to send you a reply to your e-mail about this issue by e-mail.

There, they will assign a case number and you will reply to this e-mail with the assigned case number.

 

[Gigantoad]

To get a support e-mail this is what I did, first you speak to them and you ask them to send you a reply to your e-mail about this issue by e-mail.

There, they will assign a case number and you will reply to this e-mail with the assigned case number.

Found email support through their web site (requires registration). So I'll see how that goes.

 

[danvodka]

A few days ago my T500RS suddenly, during a race, just turned itself off. I didn't know what was going on at first, then I saw the mode light was off and then I realized it was off, hmm… ok so I waited three seconds and it recalibrated itself and was back. I have no idea how or why this happened. Anyone else had this problem? Oh and before anyone asks I do have the latest firmware installed.

 

[laserpat]

Please check your usb connection. I had this when I used a extensioncable with bad contact. I bended the contakts a little to make it more tight, an put some contactspray on it. Since I have done this I had no problems anymore.

Laserpat

 

[Patrocles]

VirtualR.net review:

Conclusion

So, is the T500 RS as innovative as the long feature list and the rather hefty price tag of 499€/$599 suggests? In one word: Yes!

Don’t get fooled by the Gran Turismo badge, this wheel is most likely the most advanced product ever offered in this price range. The wheel’s precision is unmatched and the very strong & silent force feedback even edges out Fanatec’s Turbo S wheel.

I´ve reviewed quite a lot of wheels and I´ve never instantly clicked with a new product as I did with the T500 RS. Usually, it takes me a bit of time to get up to speed with a new wheel but the T500 RS gave me instant confidence thanks to the great force feedback and the overall amazing feel provided when driving.

Sadly, the pedal unit falls a bit off in terms of features, a load-cell brake would have been a fitting feature to make the pedals match the wheel and make it easier for more professional racers to consider switching to the T500 RS.

Thrustmaster has put together a wheel that can compete even with professional wheels from niece-manufacturers that often sell for more than three times the price.

And while some competitors might offer some features the T500 RS does not have (more expensive materials, a built-in display) the wheel is certainly the new benchmark in terms of precision, raw force feedback power and overall feel that will satisfy even the most demanding sim racers.

Full review here:
http://www.virtualr.net/thrustmaster-t500-rs-review/

cool! thanks for the link!

this comment says a lot to me,
"Users that try the wheel only using Gran Turismo 5 will most likely not be impressed as the console racer is not taking advantage of the wheel’s full potential at all."

was there any wheel improvements with v1.06?

 

[Simracer92]

Thrustmaster just released a new driver with a new Firmware (V35)
Here you can download the new driver:
http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/pub/webupdate/T500RS/2011_TTRS_4.exe

Changes:

- FLASH MEMORY: Added protection to avoid potential flash corruption and firmware loss.

This firmware includes the previous changes:

- PEDALS: Improved Precision = V33

- “MODE” BUTTON: Now necessary to press this button for one second to invert the pedal set position (to avoid unintended inversion during gameplay). = V33

- Wheel’s calibration optimization + Wheel’s central value detection optimization = V32

 

[RC45]

Thrustmaster just released a new driver with a new Firmware (V35)
Here you can download the new driver:
http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/pub/webupdate/T500RS/2011_TTRS_4.exe

Changes:

- FLASH MEMORY: Added protection to avoid potential flash corruption and firmware loss.

This firmware includes the previous changes:

- PEDALS: Improved Precision = V33

- “MODE” BUTTON: Now necessary to press this button for one second to invert the pedal set position (to avoid unintended inversion during gameplay). = V33

- Wheel’s calibration optimization + Wheel’s central value detection optimization = V32

So they literally are making up the firmware as they go along. It would seem that their firmware v34 was damaging the wheels - they admit it was able to cause corruption in the flash memory.

I wonder how small their beta test pool is. Firmware/bios updates should not be taken on so lightly - they are bowing to pressure to rush their solutions to market.

Look for v36 firmware to fix the next cockup

 

[ara]

I've also worked with Fanatec support a lot and have to say Thrustmaster's support is in a different class altogether. Fanatec will take several days to get back to you, even up to a week, while Thrustmaster will e-mail / call you within hours of your initial service request.

After my wheel developed the fan noise and it now centers itself off-center, tech support sent me a prepaid delivery slip for repair.

So far Thrustmaster tech support has been very responsive and excellent, I hope I can get a new wheel back soon.


FYI - for those who have a squeaky brake pedal, my brake pedal developed a squeaking noise as well. It is easily fixed by applying a small amount of WD40 to the pedal pivot joints which are visible from the bottom.

 

[Topyn]

For me it's a good news 👍. On each firmware the wheel is better (it was really the case with V33 & better precision on pedals).
I've tested V35 and works fine for me...

 

[VINCE__]

UPS just picked up my fried T500. Shipping it to Canada for a replacement. Hercules Technical Support has been A+ thus far. They said it would take up to 15 days from the time they receive defective unit.
*Update*Hercules Technical Support just mailed me and said they were shipping my wheel out today, so I wouldn't have to wait. Guess after they got the confirmation pickup from UPS they figured it was safe to ship me a replacement.

 

[TheDabbinDave]

Beach Audio (yuck) and some other third party retailer on Amazon have the T500 now. Naturally, they are trying to get an extra $100 out of customers by inflating the price and charging a ridiculous amount for shipping. Amazon should have this any day now...

 

[hampus_dh]

cool! thanks for the link!

this comment says a lot to me,
"Users that try the wheel only using Gran Turismo 5 will most likely not be impressed as the console racer is not taking advantage of the wheel’s full potential at all."

was there any wheel improvements with v1.06?

Where is Hz. when you need him