The Thrustmaster T500RS Thread

[kkalp77]

Bare in mind, over this last weekend it was a major holiday for Quebec.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Holiday_(Quebec)

The rep I just spoke with tells me they are all in France, nobody is in North America.

This makes it far more unnerving that all of their e-mail replies are around noon EDT -- that would make it 6pm in France, which implies to me that they are dragging this out.

He also said "this is not like going across the street". I call ******** -- UPS took three days to get it there, two to get it back, including customs each way. The week I spent waiting for an RMA, 2-1/2 weeks it was at their repair center, have nothing to do with it being in France vs. North America.

He is going to ask his colleague this is assigned to for a reply first thing when she gets in today, we will see.

 

[VINCE__]

The rep I just spoke with tells me they are all in France, nobody is in North America.

This makes it far more unnerving that all of their e-mail replies are around noon EDT -- that would make it 6pm in France, which implies to me that they are dragging this out.

He also said "this is not like going across the street". I call ******** -- UPS took three days to get it there, two to get it back, including customs each way. The week I spent waiting for an RMA, 2-1/2 weeks it was at their repair center, have nothing to do with it being in France vs. North America.

He is going to ask his colleague this is assigned to for a reply first thing when she gets in today, we will see.

All my correspondence took place in Quebec Canada. Which is as close to France as we get. TM has a Tech department that goes by the name Hercules.

 

[kkalp77]

All my correspondence took place in Quebec Canada. Which is as close to France as we get. TM has a Tech department that goes by the name Hercules.

Just got a call from TM at lunch and a follow-up e-mail, they are shipping me a new base (might take 7 days ...) and they want me to cut the USB cable off of the broken base and mail it to an address in Quebec -- definitely going to ship that cable UPS or FedEx so I get tracking info on it.

I am so confused right now by this entire experience. I've been checking this board + a few others, this same problem appears to have happened to at least five other people (albeit mine is the first to fail twice) and each person appears to have had a completely different support experience.

A few examples:
- Vince (above) apparently had a whole new T500 RS setup sent to him, and was told to keep the extra peddles, etc. for spare parts.
- One person was sent a new paddle shift assembly, and told to change it out themselves. http://insidesimracing.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=151&t=3809&start=20
- This guy was asked if he could solder, and they would just send him a new PCB. http://insidesimracing.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=151&t=3809&start=10#p27832

Just amazing.

 

[Simmpa]

Found on iRacing forum:
http://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/1479817.page

Introducing RMK Pro Dash for Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel:
(Please PM if you are interested).

Almost finished my prototype dash for T500 RS.
The main idea is my dashboard is mounted ON original wheel body (with NO invasion to original wheel)
It can be hardmounted with the wheel on a rig (same two screw mounting system used)
All the buttons and encoders are just at your finger tips!
Dont have to reach aside to push (or find) a button
All the buttons stay in place (easy to use and adjust while moving the wheel )
Buttons and encoders carefully designed (in groups) to quickly learn where they are without looking
Sli-pro display does NOT move itself so its easier to look at and get information

On this actual photo you see also my Moving Paddles Mod + third party wheel mounted on my Basic Wheel Adapter Plate
(check other threads)

SLI-pro based
8 pushbuttons (knitter)
4 rotary encoders (two with a pushbutton)
2 rotary switches
5 aditional LEDs

Wow! Very impressive.

 

[nasanu]

Anyone know if it is possible to shorten the steering column? After spending so much on this wheel I find out it is American sized and I can not reach the shift paddles properly. Why are they so far away from the wheel?

Not really impressed with it so far. It is very notchy, I was expecting it to be very smooth. Just turning it side to side you can feel every tooth that drives the belt.

 

[nasanu]

Found the official website, which did you contacted about the AP1 or 2?

http://www.apiga.com.hk/en/main.html

Just for those who are interested, I am using an Apiga AP2 with the T500 RS, no problems at all.

 

[TheDabbinDave]

Anyone know if it is possible to shorten the steering column? After spending so much on this wheel I find out it is American sized and I can not reach the shift paddles properly. Why are they so far away from the wheel?

Not really impressed with it so far. It is very notchy, I was expecting it to be very smooth. Just turning it side to side you can feel every tooth that drives the belt.

Sorry, but apparently Thrustmaster (a French company) did not develop this wheel with dwarves or people with missing fingertips in mind.

"You can't please all of the people all of the time".

 

[VINCE__]

I ordered the extra large version.

 

[rebla47]

Not really impressed with it so far. It is very notchy, I was expecting it to be very smooth. Just turning it side to side you can feel every tooth that drives the belt.

My first impression with T500 wasn´t good. After to hear the fan noise early I thought to change it for a G27.

I don´t use it much, but I couldn´t to return to any other wheel with lower performance.

 

[mykem]

Those look nice- the dashboard that is. And so is the after market wheel. The only thing that's missing (and makes the stock wheel look better) is the red marker at the top of the steering wheel.

Instead of a moving paddle shift which I understand why some would prefer that, look column paddel shifters on both the (real) Pagani Zonda R and even the Ferrari 458 Challenge (and even the stock Italia). Those are longer than most shifters which help mid-corner shifting. When I fet my T500RS, putting in a longer paddle is probably what I'd prefer.

 

[OwensRacing]

Could one not remove the current paddles and adjust them with a bit of bending.

Someone have pics of one out?

 

[nasanu]

Sorry, but apparently Thrustmaster (a French company) did not develop this wheel with dwarves or people with missing fingertips in mind.

"You can't please all of the people all of the time".

I am the size of the average F1 driver, so they didn't make it with talented drivers in mind either

I think I'll get used to the wheel. After using it a little more the feedback is amazing over bumps. You get less feedback when the wheels are spinning versus the DFGT though, which is strange.

I am not sure I can ever be as fast as I was with the DFGT. A bigger wheel means I am slower turning it which is a disadvantage (the very reason why people with controllers can top the time trial charts, lock to lock in the blink of an eye). Also the huge force needed to use the brake pedal dramatically slows my brake application and the tiny amounts of braking force I would sometimes use mid corner are no longer possible (and that dead zone ).

But how can I go back now, the T500 RS feels so great in other ways. I'll give it time. I'll come back in a month and probably be telling everyone how absolutely amazing the wheel is.

 

[GainSym]

Funny T500 RS Mod with handbrake & sequential shifter :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOEjyvqO6ak&feature=player_detailpage#t=206s

 

[jonzster]

Hurray for Guillemot technical support. Wheel is back and all good (fingers crossed), took a total of 10 days from start to finish, nay bad

 

[MuRRe]

Do you guys think the new Fanatec wheels will crush the T500 or do you think it will stand its ground?
10/20/xx% better?
The only think keeping me back right now is the fact that I can't have T500 + CSP for GT5

 

[Spagetti69]

The fact that I can programme my wheel independently in consoles crushes it anyway for me.

I respect others don't take into account the programmability and it's a non issue for them.

To answer your question Thomas doesn't seem to be the type to bring a knife to a gun fight though does he.

Well not after he has seen the gun.

 

[TheDabbinDave]

The fact that I can programme my wheel independently in consoles crushes it anyway for me.

I respect others don't take into account the programmability and it's a non issue for them.

To answer your question Thomas doesn't seem to be the type to bring a knife to a gun fight though does he.

Well not after he has seen the gun.

[Like]

Like I've said, the T500 is the first of the next generation wheels. The big claim to fame for the T500 is it's FFB and pedal resolution.

The next Fanatec wheel will meet or exceed the bar Thrustmaster has set. With features like compatibility with MOST (not 2) games, independent onboard settings, comfortable grip feel, stylish looks, proven value, Fanatec will destroy the T500. Having the ear of the company CEO on many sim forums, is also why "at the end of the day" Fanatec is better than Thrustmaster.

Despite Thrustmaster brining high end FFB to a mass production level, Fanatec still offers a better all around product.

 

[MuRRe]

[Like]

Like I've said, the T500 is the first of the next generation wheels. The big claim to fame for the T500 is it's FFB and pedal resolution.

The next Fanatec wheel will meet or exceed the bar Thrustmaster has set. With features like compatibility with MOST (not 2) games, independent onboard settings, comfortable grip feel, stylish looks, proven value, Fanatec will destroy the T500. Having the ear of the company CEO on many sim forums, is also why "at the end of the day" Fanatec is better than Thrustmaster.

Despite Thrustmaster brining high end FFB to a mass production level, Fanatec still offers a better all around product.

I think this smells just a little fanboyish to me.
Having tried neither BUT reading TONS online I think Fanatec is quite a troublesome company with ALOT to fix whereas Thrustmaster seems to have gotten more things done in a shorter time both when it comes the actual product but also support.
Yes, people here have had problems with Thrustmaster too but the big difference is that as far a I know people have atleast not waited 1 year for the product.

About the "awesome" onboard settings I see WAY too many people having problem utilizing it.
Not saying it's bad, I think it's awesome that the 911 Carrera got this feature.
But still, to me it seems that people favor either the G27 for it's price and possible mods or the T500 for it's total awesomeness.

Not saying that Fanatec are making bad products, but it just feels like you are angry that Thrustmaster up'ed the ante before Fanatec could shoot back.

 

[Spagetti69]

Well personally I dont play PC sims. My PC is crap.

I'm not buying a TM to play Dirt3, which I've traded in anyhow. Or GT which I don't play.

The GT2 wheel can't really be compared as it supports a different platform but that's the choice I made.

I still have my G27 which is excellent too.

No fanboy here. I want Forza compatibility and the option to alter settings without having the luxury of PC drivers.

I am sure the TM I'd a fantastic wheel too. It just doesn't suit my needs at the moment.

 

[sandboxgod]

If those new high end FM4 wheels were made by another, more credible company a LOT of people would get super excited. But because it's Fanatec..... Yeah, I predict these forums will be peppered with lots of angry customers that will be stuck waiting for countless months for their wheels. Many will arrive DoD, break within 1st couple week, etc.

I just love how people on these forums seem to gloss over all that....

At iRacing forums the Fanatec support thread is filled with angry customers. Seriously? Why is Fanatec even been compared to T500rs in a T500RS thread anyway.... [edit] Then again, I think Fanatec comparisons are very relevant so keep it up!

I feel bad for xbox 360 players though. Stuck only with just Fanatec & Mad Catz LOL. So glad I have a powerful computer and I enjoy sim racing on my PC much more than consoles

I do love myself some GT5 though!

For real tho, Forza just not worth being stuck with Fanatec. You like their products then fine roll the dice and hope for the best. But really its just 1 game where the main figure head plays with controller anyway. Top Forza player races with Microsoft wheels and controller; they will smoke you guys. I bet money on this

 

[lunarwolf]

I'm not buying a TM to play Dirt3, which I've traded in anyhow. Or GT which I don't play.

lol pretty funny statement on GT Planet forum in a T500 thread

 

[Spagetti69]

lol pretty funny statement on GT Planet forum in a T500 thread

Sorry.

I couldn't find the playing GT5 + Dirt3 with a Thrustmaster thread.

Will look harder next time.

 

[sandboxgod]

so Spagetti69 I am assuming Fanatec sent you a new wheel? Didnt you say your wheel was broken awhile back...

Funny T500 RS Mod with handbrake & sequential shifter :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOEjyvqO6ak&feature=player_detailpage#t=206s

Yeah that was an interesting vid

 

[GainSym]

Do you guys think the new Fanatec wheels will crush the T500 or do you think it will stand its ground?
10/20/xx% better?

For this we need to wait Technical Spec of these new wheels to compared with T500 RS:
http://www.thrustmaster.com/product.aspx?ProductID=224&PlatformID=12

* ForceFeedback: More powerful than this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjhVBqm4Dtc?
* Rotation Angle: More or less than 1080°?
* Wheel Sensor: Hall-Effect sensor?
* Wheel Resolution: More or less than 16-bit resolution (65536 values)?
* Wheel Size: More or less than 30cm (12&#8221 in diameter?
* Etc...

 

[kkalp77]

Hurray for Guillemot technical support. Wheel is back and all good (fingers crossed), took a total of 10 days from start to finish, nay bad

Congratulations!

I am still awaiting shipment of the new base for mine. I mailed them the USB cable off of the old one yesterday, I hope they are not waiting for that to arrive before they release the new unit... Day 38 since my initial support call / Day 8 since my second one!

 

[Spagetti69]

so Spagetti69 I am assuming Fanatec sent you a new wheel? Didnt you say your wheel was broken awhile back...

Don't want to drag it off topic but yes. Turned out to be a power supply issue.

 

[Fanatec...]

@GainSym

I looked at the posts you made and it seems that you are another Thrustmaster employee. Right?

It's amusing to see that you guys get nervous

But be prepared that are more surprises to come.

 

[AGP5000]

Stop teasing them so much Mr. T.

 

[KashunatoR]

@GainSym

I looked at the posts you made and it seems that you are another Thrustmaster employee. Right?

It's amusing to see that you guys get nervous

But be prepared that are more surprises to come.

hope you make the wait for the elite wheel worth . and please do something about customer service and waiting time, like you promised you would

 

[sandboxgod]

@GainSym or any other alleged TM employee, since Fanatec has now pointed the microscope at 2 members now. Can you Thrustmaster gods please look into making a wheel for the xbox 360 and get that Shifter out? That xbox platform is still a barren, hostile place for racing wheels. My friends are still sticking with their Microsoft Wheels and controllers

Seems so ironic one of the best racing games has so few options available. Surely Microsoft with their billions of dollars can license more wheel makers. Many people would prefer to walk into a store and buy our products (like I did with my T500RS). Not wait months & months for boats, customs, etc

I would totally purchase an xbox compatible T500RS

And please don't prolong the process by trying to "wait and see" what Fanatec does. They have failed on all accounts to deliver products in a timely manner. Just relaunch the T500RS on xbox platform and once again, you will have tons of happy racing simers flocking to the stores

Don't want to drag it off topic but yes. Turned out to be a power supply issue.

Just pointing out how most posters, bless their hearts, have had trouble with Fanatec.

Those look nice- the dashboard that is. And so is the after market wheel. The only thing that's missing (and makes the stock wheel look better) is the red marker at the top of the steering wheel.

Instead of a moving paddle shift which I understand why some would prefer that, look column paddel shifters on both the (real) Pagani Zonda R and even the Ferrari 458 Challenge (and even the stock Italia). Those are longer than most shifters which help mid-corner shifting. When I fet my T500RS, putting in a longer paddle is probably what I'd prefer.

This was a very cool post btw. The iRacing community has stepped it up and have started modding this wheel in an awesome way.


Btw guys--- John Bodin from iRacing forums is taking orders to make the pedals plug in directly via USB. This allows T500RS owners to sell their pedals or use them with other wheels (like the G25/G27)

From iRacing:

The first batch of Bodinhausen adapters are now available -- I'm offering up the first available units for $23.99 (USD), plus shipping. They will ship in a small, padded envelope, so I'm guessing that shipping shouldn't be too bad even for overseas orders -- if you can provide me with your address, I'll get a firm shipping estimate for you.

Keep in mind that you must have a Bodnar Box to use the Bodinhausen T500RS stand-alone pedal adapter -- the Bodnar Box can be purchased separately from Leo Bodnar's site:

http://www.leobodnar.com/products/DFPG25conn/

Sim-Sport also carries the Bodnar Box:

http://sim-sport.net/bodnar_products.html

The Bodinhausen T500RS stand-alone adapters will be $23.99 (USD), plus shipping -- if you already own a Bodnar Box, all you need is my adapter and you're can have the T500RS pedals up-and-running as a pair of stand-alone pedals in no time.

The Bodinhausen T500RS Pedal Adapter also works flawlessly with Leo's calibration utility -- the T500RS pedals will be detected as Logitech pedals because of how the Bodnar Box firmware is programmed, but it works great in Windows and in iRacing.

If you're interested in one of the Bodinhausen adapters, send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll get you a firm shipping quote.

I will be providing one of these adapters to the InsideSimRacing guys shortly for them to review.

Also, in case you missed it earlier, here's a link to a video showing the Bodinhausen adapter in use: