[XGoober]

Been sim-racing for 10 years now, and I guess a good deal longer if you count the Gran Turismo games before I got hooked on iRacing

[wtwo3]

For those of you using the Fanatec belt drive systems (i.e. CSL DD or Podium F1), is it really that big of an upgrade over something like a Thrustmaster belt drive? I'm trying to simply use what I have (a PS5 and my 77" Oled) running F1 2021 and eventually Gran Turismo 7. Would you guys recommend I splurge for something like the Podium F1 or should I just go for something cheaper like a Thrustmaster?

[XGoober]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

For those of you using the Fanatec belt drive systems (i.e. CSL DD or Podium F1), is it really that big of an upgrade over something like a Thrustmaster belt drive? I'm trying to simply use what I have (a PS5 and my 77" Oled) running F1 2021 and eventually Gran Turismo 7. Would you guys recommend I splurge for something like the Podium F1 or should I just go for something cheaper like a Thrustmaster?

Maybe you just misspoke above, but the CSL DD and the Podium are both direct drive units, not belt driven.

There is a world of difference between belt driven and direct drive. The responsiveness of direct drive delivers a connected feeling that is in an entirely different league to any belt driven system out there.

I normally would not recommend Fanatec as they have a poor reliability record, but it is very hard to ignore the CSL DD at that low price point. You'll have to wait to get one, but for console use I would not recommend going much beyond that level of investment.

The big question though is if the CSL DD will work with your PS5. It is listed as compatible with PC and Xbox so I have no idea about PS support.

Generally though, DD is a long way ahead of belt driven systems and given the option that is the way to go.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by XGoober

Maybe you just misspoke above, but the CSL DD and the Podium are both direct drive units, not belt driven.

There is a world of difference between belt driven and direct drive. The responsiveness of direct drive delivers a connected feeling that is in an entirely different league to any belt driven system out there.

I normally would not recommend Fanatec as they have a poor reliability record, but it is very hard to ignore the CSL DD at that low price point. You'll have to wait to get one, but for console use I would not recommend going much beyond that level of investment.

The big question though is if the CSL DD will work with your PS5. It is listed as compatible with PC and Xbox so I have no idea about PS support.

Generally though, DD is a long way ahead of belt driven systems and given the option that is the way to go.

Thanks for the insight. I'm very new to all this. I've previously just gotten by using a dualshock controller.

I could be wrong but I think Fanatec is working on a PS5 compatible DD system similar to the CSL. No idea when something like that would be released. Does anyone else make a DD setup?

[XGoober]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Thanks for the insight. I'm very new to all this. I've previously just gotten by using a dualshock controller.

I could be wrong but I think Fanatec is working on a PS5 compatible DD system similar to the CSL. No idea when something like that would be released. Does anyone else make a DD setup?

I'm not aware of PS5 compatibility amongst the current DD makers, but it's not something I have looked for so I could well be wrong there.

The primary DD brands I am aware of are Simucube, VRS, Fanatec and Simagic. Of those, Simucube is the best. I believe Fanatec is your only hope for PS5 though. A PS5-compatible CSL DD would be an ideal fit for your purposes unless you plan to get into PC sim-racing. Even so, the CSL DD would do just fine to get you going on PC too. Eventually we all end up upgrading to more powerful bases like the Simucube 2 Pro, which is what I'm using, but that would be a big leap in your position right now.

I'd say wait for the PS5 version of the CSL DD.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by XGoober

I'm not aware of PS5 compatibility amongst the current DD makers, but it's not something I have looked for so I could well be wrong there.

The primary DD brands I am aware of are Simucube, VRS, Fanatec and Simagic. Of those, Simucube is the best. I believe Fanatec is your only hope for PS5 though. A PS5-compatible CSL DD would be an ideal fit for your purposes unless you plan to get into PC sim-racing. Even so, the CSL DD would do just fine to get you going on PC too. Eventually we all end up upgrading to more powerful bases like the Simucube 2 Pro, which is what I'm using, but that would be a big leap in your position right now.

I'd say wait for the PS5 version of the CSL DD.

Thanks, yeah I think that's probably the best option - to wait for the PS5 CSL DD to come out (if no other DD units are released by then). Gran Turismo 7 doesn't come out until March anyway so I've got a bit of time.

[rezadue]

Just getting into SIM racing. Here is my rig as it stands today:

Track Racer TR160
Seat from a Nissan Altima
Triple 60Hz 5ms 27" monitors
Fanatec CSL wheelbase V 1.1
Fanatec CSL Universal hub
Fanatec Clubsport wheel rim
Fanatec Clubsport pedal V3
Commensurate PC to run the triple monitor rig

[M43S7RO]

Making the switch from playing GT with a controller, too bad its not available on pc. Have tried ACC on PS and xbox but its impossible to play with a controller.

Have a pc on order to get her runnin!

Rig specs:
* Sim Lab P1X w quad monitor stand
* Simucube 2 Pro
* Converted Fanatec McLaren wheel by SimRacing Machines
* BJ GT pedals

[Logicoeur]

For any one waiting for the CSL DD PRO for PS5 it's now available for expedited shipping in the US

[ENDL3SS]

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

For any one waiting for the CSL DD PRO for PS5 it's now available for expedited shipping in the US

Pre-ordered the bundle with the boost kit and LC. Have to wait until March.

[FLYIN']

Building a cockpit for sim racing. Only using Thrustmaster for now until something from Fanatic is in stock and I see if I end up using it enough to justify the cost.

[WilsoN55]

I have been researching a setup to add to my mancave .. came across this rig for sale! E36 dash. cool.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-other/ottawa...ter/1597806600

[tomi36]

What setup is that?

[rezadue]

Some minor mods made to the setup. Primary monitors changes to 27" triple Samsung G5 2k monitors. And added a 4th monitor mount running Simhub. I have also added some bass shakers...

Falling rapidly down the rabbit hole!

[The Stig]

Couple of different shots of it.

COMPUTER:
Alienware R12 (AMD R9 5900X, GeForce RTX 3090, 64GB DDR4, 1TB, 1000w PS
R-Seat Triple Monitor Stand
3 x 32" 1000R Curved Samsung monitors

RACING SETUP:
RSeat S1
Sparco Evo Seat
Thrustmaster Motor/Pedals (Basic Stuff I know, Im working on a better setup)
Cube Controls GT Pro Zero Steering Wheel w/ Magnetic Shifters, Alcantara
Sparco Comp Wheel
CR-5 5" Dashboard
AudioEngine A2+
Buttkicker Under the seat
Undermount Dual Fan setup

SIMS:
iRacing, F1 2020, Assetto Corsa Comp

[///d]

Originally Posted by FLYIN'

Building a cockpit for sim racing. Only using Thrustmaster for now until something from Fanatic is in stock and I see if I end up using it enough to justify the cost.

Thats pretty sweet looking. I've been entertaining the idea of making something similar. I want a rig that will work for both racing and flight, and have some type of easily removable yet sturdy keyboard/mouse stand for playing anything else.

[Wheelwright]

This is my "poor man's" flightsim rig, which I also use with physics-based car sims such as BeamNG. I use a VKB Gladiator Pro Mk2 joystick instead of a steering wheel, but it still works well for car sims because it is extremely precise with light springs and metal gimballs (even the $700 Warthog joystick only has plastic ones). And the joystick is screwed directly in to the wooden desk.

Also as you can see I rest my arm comfortably on a yoga-block attached to my chair's armrest, which vastly improves both the ergonomics and how accurately my arm can move.

As for my feet I use VKB T-Rudders. They are a finely machined all-metal construction, virtually indestructible and very durable. They are helicopter-style rudders where I pivot my foot on my heel resting on the floor, which makes those rudders very precise (because in helicopters you may have to adjust your anti-torque rotor constantly).

And I find using rudders in car sims to be superior to a conventional brake/gas setup because I can brake instantly without wasting time to shuffle my right foot to the brake-position first. In other words: the rudders enforce left-foot braking. Personally I can switch between this setup and a regular clutch/brake/gas setup in my car seamlessly.

I consider it is a pretty good setup because to me it feels like there is a neural connection between my mind and all the sims I use, that's how directly all my inputs are translated. And I can play for hours without any fatigue because of good ergonomics.

Also my monitor is "only" 32 inches but I sit close so it appears much larger. And it has a TrackIR which is installed on top of a flexible "snake" for max adjustability.

[TTM0TION]

Some amazing setups in here, holy shit!

[FLYIN']

Originally Posted by ///d

Thats pretty sweet looking. I've been entertaining the idea of making something similar. I want a rig that will work for both racing and flight, and have some type of easily removable yet sturdy keyboard/mouse stand for playing anything else.

If you made a detachable pedal set and detachable wheel you could easily change from car to aircraft sim. You could put the throttle quadrant in front of the gear shift and higher up and the gear shift could stay without interfering with the aircraft throttles.
Ideally for a flight sim a G1000 screen setup with a more distant set of screens for the outside view would be best.

My flight sim is a little more realistic though.

My rig is coming along. Got it painted and it's probably the only rig with an M2 Comp grille.

[fando]

Originally Posted by FLYIN'

If you made a detachable pedal set and detachable wheel you could easily change from car to aircraft sim. You could put the throttle quadrant in front of the gear shift and higher up and the gear shift could stay without interfering with the aircraft throttles.
Ideally for a flight sim a G1000 screen setup with a more distant set of screens for the outside view would be best.

My flight sim is a little more realistic though.

My rig is coming along. Got it painted and it's probably the only rig with an M2 Comp grille.

That looks amazing! I can't imagine how many hours you must have put into it. I finally broke down and bought an 80/20 rig myself after contemplating the diy wood fab route that you took.

[FLYIN']

Originally Posted by fando

That looks amazing! I can't imagine how many hours you must have put into it. I finally broke down and bought an 80/20 rig myself after contemplating the diy wood fab route that you took.

Thanks- got the wheel, pedals and seat on today. It's got footwell ambient lighting that I can change colors or brightness. Screens go on next with an iPad mini for a dashboard display.

[FLYIN']

About 95% complete. Tried 2 screens but you really can't race with the bezel down the middle so I broke down and bought a 3rd 32" curved monitor. This thing is now huge but it's amazing to drive!