The Thrustmaster T500RS Thread
- Thread starter TomN
- 9,924 comments
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- 6,356
- Michigan
- DaveTheStalker
Firmware updates need to be one on a computer. I highly suggest checking out Thrustmaster's t500 site to familiarize yourself with the procedure a download the TM software beforehand. There are descriptions of what the FW update addresses. It's not a big deal, unless you don't have a computer.
Some of the reviews you read, make sure you take note of the date.
- 778
- Albury NSW
- spinner_660
Michelcleo , would you consider your driving style and actions on the wheel to be aggressive ? Please don't take offence , I don't mean it in a bad way but it sounds like as well as having the FFB turned up reasonably high , you may be "fighting" the wheel also.
I've been using my V2 for almost 2 years now and although I run fairly moderate FFB settings , I have never experienced a heat build up problem.
3 wheels in a row kind of rules out any defective issues with the product in my opinion.
I've been using my V2 for almost 2 years now and although I run fairly moderate FFB settings , I have never experienced a heat build up problem.
3 wheels in a row kind of rules out any defective issues with the product in my opinion.
- 6,255
- Jutland
- GTP_DeanJ
So a firmware update of the wheel is needed to play GT5 (PS3)? I do have a computer, - pretty low power (3 years old laptop), does that matter? (I'm not going to play any games on the Laptop...)
- 73
- warwickshire
No worries, i do have a aggressive style and i do like strong feedback i like to fight it and i relish in the power, i can drive better at 75/85% power than i can at 60%, heavier wheel and stronger effects makes me drive better.
I do'nt drive in real life so i like the added effects that power can bring.
I had a few races today, 20 minutes and then 10 min off, the wheel seems tobe able to handle this ok, i think the wheel cannot handle me or i expect way too much from teh wheel , it does'nt help when TM say the wheel will work at 100% as in teh quote below from a email message.
For me it seem to take 20 minutes at least on average before the fan start to spin up. This annoys me because when I race it can as well be on all the time so I don´t have to wait up to 45 minutes before it stops and I can shut down my computer. I look forward hunting some endurance race 2h or so but those are hard to come by. I have been practising for longer more or less non stop and never felt like ffb was dropping though but then you often do some mini brakes.
Suppose I have a decently cool room temperature and I don´t quite enjoy multiturn operations so I guess I am nice to it. I wonder about belt slip though. How do you feel that on the T500RS? Do you just loose power as reported for the CSWs or can it feel like quick vibrations? I have been hotlapping and really feel I been able to push my 911 RSR to the limit at watkins. At some occasion when I really feel I am on the absolut limit I find myself getting these quick vibrations in the wheel. May be a great ffb effect because at the angle I ask my front tires to do I would kind of expect them to behave like that. Or it´s some temporary belt slip that goes on and off.
Or is belt slip something like if you feel it you feel something is wrong? I suspect the turbo S and GT3 RS V2 and the likes was to slow to suffer from slipping belt though on those you could certainly feel a bit loss in ffb strength. But that was regulated by the firmware as to save the engines from overheating I believe.
Suppose I have a decently cool room temperature and I don´t quite enjoy multiturn operations so I guess I am nice to it. I wonder about belt slip though. How do you feel that on the T500RS? Do you just loose power as reported for the CSWs or can it feel like quick vibrations? I have been hotlapping and really feel I been able to push my 911 RSR to the limit at watkins. At some occasion when I really feel I am on the absolut limit I find myself getting these quick vibrations in the wheel. May be a great ffb effect because at the angle I ask my front tires to do I would kind of expect them to behave like that. Or it´s some temporary belt slip that goes on and off.
Or is belt slip something like if you feel it you feel something is wrong? I suspect the turbo S and GT3 RS V2 and the likes was to slow to suffer from slipping belt though on those you could certainly feel a bit loss in ffb strength. But that was regulated by the firmware as to save the engines from overheating I believe.
- 5,284
- Sick_Cylinder
@Dean J
It doesn't matter if your laptop or PC is old - you should still be able to update the firmware on your T500RS. Try loading the software onto your computer from the Thrustmaster website.
Updates to the wheel are not very frequent - just a couple a year.
I haven't had any overheating problems in the 13 months I've used my wheel. I use it for GT5 on the default settings.
I have noticed something which perhaps others could comment on - I don't know if it is since loading the latest Thrustmaster update (40) or the latest GT5 update (2.10) but previously if the the fan had come on during gameplay and I exited the game, but with the PS3 on, the fan would stay on for 30-45 minutes until the wheel had fully cooled. However, since those updates my wheel fan stops if I exit the game with PS3 on.
Also a question - how can I tell which version of the wheel I have as I cannot see any writing on the unit?
Final comment - I am very happy with this wheel and also the wheelstand pro on which I have it mounted, but it wont make you any faster - I sold my old DFGT and wheelstand pro combo to a friend who is much faster than me. Speed comes from talent not from the hardware.
It doesn't matter if your laptop or PC is old - you should still be able to update the firmware on your T500RS. Try loading the software onto your computer from the Thrustmaster website.
Updates to the wheel are not very frequent - just a couple a year.
I haven't had any overheating problems in the 13 months I've used my wheel. I use it for GT5 on the default settings.
I have noticed something which perhaps others could comment on - I don't know if it is since loading the latest Thrustmaster update (40) or the latest GT5 update (2.10) but previously if the the fan had come on during gameplay and I exited the game, but with the PS3 on, the fan would stay on for 30-45 minutes until the wheel had fully cooled. However, since those updates my wheel fan stops if I exit the game with PS3 on.
Also a question - how can I tell which version of the wheel I have as I cannot see any writing on the unit?
Final comment - I am very happy with this wheel and also the wheelstand pro on which I have it mounted, but it wont make you any faster - I sold my old DFGT and wheelstand pro combo to a friend who is much faster than me. Speed comes from talent not from the hardware.
- 5,284
- Sick_Cylinder
@oqvist - I have also noticed the vibrations to which you refer, when on the absolute limit. For me it happens when going around a corner with a crest such as at Grand Valley in a car with higher than normal levels of FFB such as the Chaparral 2D. I think it is just a FFB effect.
Like you I also have the wheel in a cool room - vigorous gameplay can result in me getting very overheated if the room is not kept cool!
Like you I also have the wheel in a cool room - vigorous gameplay can result in me getting very overheated if the room is not kept cool!
- 6,356
- Michigan
- DaveTheStalker
Transitioning from snow to ice and back to snow or a jump, gives great FFB details too 
On the bottom of the wheel where the serial number is, you'll see which V wheel you have.
On the bottom of the wheel where the serial number is, you'll see which V wheel you have.
- 1,086
- St-Hyacinthe, QC
- GTP_pilmat
- pilmat
Sick of all my still photos? 
How about some action!
The right screen is about 3mm too low still and the speakers are in behind the seat instead of in front. A little bit of wiring left to clean up too, but it works a beaut
The driving is a bit rough as I'm not consistent with the T500 wheel/pedals yet, and I miss the 5-4 down change sometimes
But you get to see me shaken about by the DBox!!
How about some action!
The right screen is about 3mm too low still and the speakers are in behind the seat instead of in front. A little bit of wiring left to clean up too, but it works a beaut
The driving is a bit rough as I'm not consistent with the T500 wheel/pedals yet, and I miss the 5-4 down change sometimes
But you get to see me shaken about by the DBox!!
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- 7,711
- Indiana-USA
- OwensRacing
Those with a TH8 may have interest in this event!
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=272515
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=272515
- 4,156
- Ottawa
- 577
- NC
Besides fan mods, you might want to look into other measures such as heat sinking the motor more thoroughly, and the motor controller mosfets too. Worked a dream on my Fanatec.
- 1,086
- St-Hyacinthe, QC
- GTP_pilmat
- pilmat
- 73
- warwickshire
Thanks RacerXX,
Its now apart waiting for the postman.
I can now see there are no security stickers anywhere so aslong as i mod the fans correctly i should be able to remove them without a trace and keep warrenty.
Love taking new things apart !
The quality of the soldering and pcb's is very poor.
I'll get pics up soon as i can.
Jawehawk
Premium
- 4,652
- Denmark
- Yohansen_92
Just recieved my T500 and shifter. First I was amazed at the quality. However, this is has quickly turned to anger. I've now spent more than 2 hours trying to figure out a way to get the last Allen Head out of the gas pedal, so I can convert the pedals to the GT style setup. Only to have come to the conclusion that it's impossible, as it's completely stuck. I really didn't think I'd had to deal with such incompetence when buying such an expensive product.
Not sure what to do now. Suppose I'll just have to switch back to the F1 setup, and then contact TM about the problem, as this is just unacceptable.
Not sure what to do now. Suppose I'll just have to switch back to the F1 setup, and then contact TM about the problem, as this is just unacceptable.
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Jawehawk
Premium
- 4,652
- Denmark
- Yohansen_92
I'm not 100% sure I understand, so pardon me for any mistakes. When you ask whether it is rounded off, you mean the part that you stick the Allan key into, right? If that is the case, then no. The Allan Key still gets resistance when I try to turn it. The Allan Head is just stuck, and will only move a tiny bit both ways.
Not sure what you mean when you ask whether the threads are stripped. Sorry, I'm not really a handy man type of guy.
On another note, the Playseat WRC sure needs some drilling in order to make the pedals and shifter fit properly. Rather annoying, as Playseat claims it's fully compatible with the T500. Gotta see if I can borrow a drilling machine from my parents.
A question for those of you who own the T500. Does the settings you change on the T500 control panel on the PC, carry over to the wheels onboard memory? If they do, they have an effect in GT5 too, right? The reason I'm asking, is that I'm not finding the Force Feedback to be as strong as I would've hoped. I'm comming from a Logitech G27, and surely, the T500 should deliver more powerful feedback?
Take the Mulsanne Straight on Le Sarthe as an example. With the G27, I would feel every bump in the road when driving at high speeds. Thus far, this haven't been the case with the T500. The FFB is currently set to 8, and I've tried 10 aswell.
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- 22
- Brazil
Felipe honestly if you are just hotlapping and speed is your criteria keep the G27. It´s a very easy going wheel easy to turn and it don´t have any force feedback that can make you go slower. Wheels like T500RS and CSW do offer higher precision but I have never had a problem getting cars pointed where I want them with the G27.
And the saying driving by ffb make you go slower is true for me.
I spent the last days hotlapping until blue in the face with a 911 RSR at Watkins Glen. I finally found some stability so decided to use these to try out my different rims on my T500RS, compare to my G27 and also compare my clubsport V2 compared to the T500RS pedals.
Among all these it´s painfully obvious how hard it´s to buy speed. There is no conclusive as to what combo I am the fastest with. I got a miracle lap in on the T500RS with T500RS pedals at 1,37,1 which I haven´t been able to replicate but I do 1,37,4 with any configuration combination.
As they say it´s really the pedals that can make a difference. While I do have the pb on the T500RS pedals it feels like the CSP V2 may have a slight advantage for me. I believe more due to the smooth throttle then the brake but can say nothing conclusive. CSP V2 feel is entirely different to T500RS with mrbasher busing mod seriously confusing
As for G27? Hasn´t driven that for several weeks. Put it in feels aaawful Toys are us to the max. But don´t you believe it a few laps in I do a 37,4 with it as well. I wasn´t faster with it overall though quite samish but it´s not that fun to operate honestly. FFB is very bad, there is no torque and the wheel rim itself is no match for my F1 wheel and RMD Malaga 320 mm in feel.
But as mention you shouldn´t expect to go faster with either the T500RS or CSW. If so it´s probably due to immersion factor or new toy syndrome. It´s just more fun to race with something that don´t feel as much of a toy
thank you so.
If not have is a performance gain I think it is not worth paying more in the CSW. I'll buy the T500 + F1 rim.
Sometimes I see lacking comparative analysis, because who bought a CSW has no courage to show that there is no real gain on the track. And discovers that an expense was unnecessary. If the immersion factor is, $ 300 more expensive not worth it.
- 73
- warwickshire
Removed 60mm fan and relocated it to the bottom left as a intake when its active.
Added 60mm fan next to heatsink and 3 added fans on top
Gonna rev its tits off now see how it copes now there is mega airflow.
Added 60mm fan next to heatsink and 3 added fans on top
Gonna rev its tits off now see how it copes now there is mega airflow.
- 1,086
- St-Hyacinthe, QC
- GTP_pilmat
- pilmat
I haven't tried the T500 in GT5 yet, so YMMV. But in the PC, compared to the G27, I find the T500 FFB is fairly weak around neutral. This means that effects are not too prominent until you apply an input over around 5 degree. The FFB gradient of the T500 is much stranger than the G27, not too exaggerated but significant. It is at this point that you can really feel the power in the T500, as it applies extra effects (curbs, bumps, etc.) much smoother than the G27 with some amount steering input.
Also note that the motors will need broken in. I found the overall FFB surprisingly low at the very beginning with the T500, but it quickly broke in (couple of hours of driving).
As for on-board memory, I don't know about that but make sure you have the latest firmware in the T500 (currently at V40). This has to be set in the PC. ANd make sure GT5 is up to date too. I believe the latest update has some nice T500 refinements
Sure it´s not the belt that need to be exercised some rather then the actual ffb motor? Many like me had a notch with it new. Mine was in centered position so not to annoying but that is gone now. With no detent there should be even more smother ffb. Don´t feel is stronger in ffb though you you can´t A and B this of course.
The G27 does have a noticable deadzone at center as well. I haven´t really noticed it being bigger on the T500RS. But as with only one ffb motor you don´t get this fighting over center going on and the resulting oscillations as much At first it felt strangely clean but I realized the G27 is just outputting noise around the center. Still get it in some sims though like iRacing but less. Less enough to actually stay on road while wobbling left and right.
The G27 does have a noticable deadzone at center as well. I haven´t really noticed it being bigger on the T500RS. But as with only one ffb motor you don´t get this fighting over center going on and the resulting oscillations as much At first it felt strangely clean but I realized the G27 is just outputting noise around the center. Still get it in some sims though like iRacing but less. Less enough to actually stay on road while wobbling left and right.
Jawehawk
Premium
- 4,652
- Denmark
- Yohansen_92
That's odd. Thrustmaster claims that both the wheel and the shifter has internal memory. And it does seem that at least some settings done in the control panel affects GT5 aswell. Like spring and damper effects.
The FFB does actually seem to improve the more I play. Though I'm still missing that amazing and intense feeling of bouncing around when speeding across the Mulsanne. It's a totally different experience using the T500, I'll give it that. I'll try it with Race '07 on the PC later tonight.
The FFB does actually seem to improve the more I play. Though I'm still missing that amazing and intense feeling of bouncing around when speeding across the Mulsanne. It's a totally different experience using the T500, I'll give it that. I'll try it with Race '07 on the PC later tonight.
- 1,086
- St-Hyacinthe, QC
- GTP_pilmat
- pilmat
Yes, the G27 dead spot can be annoying at the beginning
But most people quickly figure out to keep a small tension on the wheel to one side or the other of the dead spot.The T500 doesn't have the dead spot
, but the FFB curve feels more like this to me:
Where the G27 feels more like this to me (the top one):
Which means the FFB is more prevalent around neutral on the G27. It's not better or worse, just different. Like you said earlier, speed is not really a function of wheel, but the immersion factor is different.
- 73
- warwickshire
Just done over 2 hours nonstop hillclimb at 70% in pc control panel.
Feedback stayed the same strength from 5 minutes in to 2 hours in so extra fans make a world of difference for me.
Feedback stayed the same strength from 5 minutes in to 2 hours in so extra fans make a world of difference for me.
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