Whats up with Fanatec?

Michael Krone · Jan 30, 2023

Does anyone have any insider info as to when or if they will be restocking some of their package deals? Seeing some of those Podium bundles makes it really hard to shell out $1500 for just the base.

Emery · Jan 30, 2023

Fanatec shortages and some dislike of the quick connector are what drove me down the Simucube route a few months ago. Still using Fanatec steering rims courtesy of SRM (Sim Racing Machines). Have not been disappointed.

Michael Krone · Jan 30, 2023

Emery said:
Fanatec shortages and some dislike of the quick connector are what drove me down the Simucube route a few months ago. Still using Fanatec steering rims courtesy of SRM (Sim Racing Machines). Have not been disappointed.

What about the QR didnt you like? Ive been using the CSW base and Universal hub for a couple years with NO problems. HOWEVER...

Put the Uni hub and my steering wheel onto a DD2 (DD2 had to be returned unfortunately, was used and abused) and now I have an issue where it doesnt seem to want to stay tight. The anchoring screw is staying tight but the QR seems to rattle after a bit of time being used. I have to take the wheel and uni hub off, replace and wait for it to start rattling again.

Back to the Simucube.. Talk me into going with that, what are the benefits? ... My main concern is that I just spent 8~ hours a day for the last week building a custom "rig" in my front room that fits Fanatec bases.

ColinMac · Jan 30, 2023

Michael, you need a z-ring for the Dd2.

Are you in the UK? It's a 3D print. Takes about 10 mins to fit. I've never gone back - it replaces that horrid rubber ring/compression thing completely. Game changer, honest.

I've a printer, if you need some help, can sort one out for postage etc.

Emery · Jan 31, 2023

Michael Krone said:
What about the QR didnt you like?

Back to the Simucube.. Talk me into going with that, what are the benefits?

The drive just works, even if you don't enable the high-torque mode. There's significantly less tinkering trying to find good settings than I ever experienced with my CSWv2. No ridiculous surcharge for special power supply. Incredibly solid quick connect that never jams. No bent pins when connecting a wheel because you're either using a Bluetooth rim or a USB cable. The single downside is having to use USB for the McLaren GT3 wheel (I wanted the paddle clutches).

Adapting to a custom rig is a matter of drilling holes. Worst case scenario I foresee is if you have a front-mount panel and the shaft hole is so large the motor slips through, so you'd have to make a new front panel rather than drill holes. If you have a tabletop-style mounting location, then a standard Simucube mount just needs holes drilled.

cnhoff · Jan 31, 2023

ColinMac said:
Michael, you need a z-ring for the Dd2.

Are you in the UK? It's a 3D print. Takes about 10 mins to fit. I've never gone back - it replaces that horrid rubber ring/compression thing completely. Game changer, honest.

I've a printer, if you need some help, can sort one out for postage etc.

Can you post a link to the stl?

ColinMac · Jan 31, 2023

UPDATED: Podium DD1 And DD2 QR Issue The Z-Ring Solution – Zappadoc Website

zappadoc.com

Michael Krone · Jan 31, 2023

ColinMac said:
Michael, you need a z-ring for the Dd2.

Are you in the UK? It's a 3D print. Takes about 10 mins to fit. I've never gone back - it replaces that horrid rubber ring/compression thing completely. Game changer, honest.

I've a printer, if you need some help, can sort one out for postage etc.

Im in the US. Not sure if that would affect anything however, I am starting to lean towards Simucube. Thank you for the info tho, that helps a bit.

Michael Krone · Jan 31, 2023

Emery said:
The drive just works, even if you don't enable the high-torque mode. There's significantly less tinkering trying to find good settings than I ever experienced with my CSWv2. No ridiculous surcharge for special power supply. Incredibly solid quick connect that never jams. No bent pins when connecting a wheel because you're either using a Bluetooth rim or a USB cable. The single downside is having to use USB for the McLaren GT3 wheel (I wanted the paddle clutches).

Adapting to a custom rig is a matter of drilling holes. Worst case scenario I foresee is if you have a front-mount panel and the shaft hole is so large the motor slips through, so you'd have to make a new front panel rather than drill holes. If you have a tabletop-style mounting location, then a standard Simucube mount just needs holes drilled.

Ive actually started making plans already to mount the Simucube. Should be just a small amount of welding.

What is the warranty on the Simucube, anyone know? I know its probably right in front of my eyes on the website im just not seeing it.