Old osw dead, substitute?

a_ekis · Jan 30, 2023

i have an old osw with a 20nm mige 130st, mmos software and 10000 step encoder, but last night it decided to die, and started doing strange things with big jumps in ffb.

the question is... would a moza r9 or a simagic alpga mini be worthy substitutes?
I'm just a casual player, but I'm not one to keep changing the setup, I prefer to spend the money only once and there would be no problem in going for something better if necessary, but obviously I don't like wasting money either.

All the opinions that I read are from people who come from something inferior and they like it a lot, but if you come from an osw already... with a somewhat heavy round rim of 320-330mm are these bases enough? or do they stay fair?

I await your answers, since I do not have access to try them and excuse my English. I am using a translator.

Ruttman98 · Jan 31, 2023

I have been researching direct drive wheels in the under $1,000 range for several months. I have a few ideas for you and am interested in what others may suggest.

Even though I have have had and enjoyed Fanatec wheelbases since I began sim racing a decade ago, I am leaving Fanatec and their expensive hubs with fragile pins behind.

The Moza ecosystem is impressive as an entry level way to get into DD wheels, and ALMOST bought an R9 at USD $440. I decided it would be plenty of torque for my needs after testing a Simucube SC2 Ultimate with 30 Nm. The Moza CS wheel is an affordable, very favorably reviewed, multi-function wheel at $279 MSRP (often around $245 shipped). The Moza GS is also a great-looking, full featured sub-$500 option for open wheel / GT use.

However, the Simagic Alpha Mini wheelbase has a much more sensitive 20-bit encoder (R9 is only 15-bit), 10 Nm (reportedly closer to 12-13 Nm), and is only $100-$150 more here in the U.S.

Stretching the budget a liitle further, the Virtual Racing School (VRS) Driving Force Pro (DFP) wheel is a true 20 Nm small Mige with an excellent encoder and simple software for USD $800.

Given your familiarity with the small Mige OSW, the Sim-Plicity 20 Nm could be an attractively priced option, especially if you're in the UK.

Whichever DD wheelbase I settle on, I will use simple NRG-style quick releases (like those used by Moza and Simagic) on various diameters of round wheels, I am also looking for an attractive button box with paddle shifters for newer cars and a modern GT3 wheel of some type.

I have considered using a Simagic wheel or their GT Pro button plate on the VRS DFP with a USB connection direct to PC. Ricmotech offers USB converted Simagic wheels at a premium, but I would be interested in other options.

Clover11 · Jan 31, 2023

I know the market has changed since I bought my wheel and maybe you want to go another direction, however, I've been really happy with my Simucube 2 Pro. Gotten a lot of use and always done well by me. I don't have any experience with any of the other DDs though. I do wish it was supported on Xbox for the Forza series though. Priced a little higher, but seems pretty solid compared to the belt driven Fanatic or Logitech wheels I came from.

Neilski · Jan 31, 2023

Ruttman98 said:
However, the Simagic Alpha Mini wheelbase has a much more sensitive 20-bit encoder (R9 is only 15-bit)

Is that difference actually detectable in use?
I'm tempted to guess not, because 32768 steps per revolution seems like rather a lot - it equates to about a hundredth of a degree per step, or about 29 um/step of motion at the rim of a 300 mm diameter wheel. That's comfortably better than what I'd expect any human to be able to notice, even without the FFB turned on and tugging at it. However, I don't own a wheel with anything close to that resolution.

stigs2cousin · Jan 31, 2023

Neilski said:
Is that difference actually detectable in use?
I'm tempted to guess not, because 32768 steps per revolution seems like rather a lot - it equates to about a hundredth of a degree per step, or about 29 um/step of motion at the rim of a 300 mm diameter wheel. That's comfortably better than what I'd expect any human to be able to notice, even without the FFB turned on and tugging at it. However, I don't own a wheel with anything close to that resolution.

Sometimes it´s enough to know that it can be measured.......

As long as you don´t do a double blind study you can convince yourself that it is (absolutely) worth it.

(+1 on the Simucube by the way

)

MFG Carsten

Neilski · Jan 31, 2023

stigs2cousin said:
Sometimes it´s enough to know that it can be measured.......

I think I'm gonna start selling a 64-bit wheel ;-P

a_ekis · Jan 31, 2023

I have finally closed my eyes and have made the purchase of an alpha ultimate.
Why not go to Simucube once at that price level?
because they don't have a quick release standard, I don't swallow companies that try to trap you in their ecosystem, that's why I've never liked fanatec.

pullmehome · Jan 31, 2023

Will you post your opinion of the alpha ultimate. I have an alpha mini and love it. I would like to hear an opinion of the ultimate. When my 4 year old starts sim racing with me years down the line I'd like to give her the mini and upgrade. That's 6 or so years away tho lol. 0s the quick release is amazing btw

stigs2cousin · Feb 1, 2023

What is your grievance with the Simucube QR?

In my option it does't get more universal than a 6X70 PCD.

I have three wheels from Fanatec, Thrustmaster and OMP, all bolted to the SC QR and if necessary connected to the PC by USB.

Wireless is possible, but I havn't build a wheel with the parts under my workbench yet.

MFG Carsten

Deleted member 197115 · Feb 1, 2023

a_ekis said:
i have an old osw with a 20nm mige 130st, mmos software and 10000 step encoder, but last night it decided to die, and started doing strange things with big jumps in ffb.

the question is... would a moza r9 or a simagic alpga mini be worthy substitutes?
I'm just a casual player, but I'm not one to keep changing the setup, I prefer to spend the money only once and there would be no problem in going for something better if necessary, but obviously I don't like wasting money either.

All the opinions that I read are from people who come from something inferior and they like it a lot, but if you come from an osw already... with a somewhat heavy round rim of 320-330mm are these bases enough? or do they stay fair?

I await your answers, since I do not have access to try them and excuse my English. I am using a translator.

I have moved from OSW Argon Mige with the same encoder to SC2 Pro.
Can't complain, the wheelbase is solid and incremental FFB quality step from Argon/Mige.
It's the same company (Granite Devices) that built controller for your OSW (whether it's Argon or Ioni).
Before giving up I suggest you trying to post on https://community.granitedevices.com/, you might get some help on how to fix your issue, unless you are also looking for upgrade.