rec.autos.simulators

Thrustmaster Failure.

For the third time in 2 years the peddle spring in my Ferrari Force Feedback
Wheel has failed. I'd already had the whole wheel replaced when it was
fairly new because the button wires became severed due to poor routing.
The first two time the spring broke kindly Thrustmaster sent me replacements
but now they say they have run out. On the first two occasions I'd asked for
more than one replacement spring in case it happened again but they'd only
ever send me one at a time. If they had I would be without the use of my
wheel today. Instead they told me the following:-

"What i could possibly suggest you try, which i have done and does work like
a charm. Go to your local hardware store. You should be able to find a
stright metal rod of the same gauge, or possibly a little bit stronger in
your case. You will be able to mold it to the shape of the spring. This will
fix the issue."

It a pretty poor show that I've had exactly the same problem 3 times in two
years and get told I need to bodge a repair myself. I don't really even use
it that much and I'm quite lightweight and very sensitive and caring about
the sue of my equipment. The springs all broke in exactly the same way so it
must be a design fault, and for the company not to provide spare parts is
not very good really so it's put me off Thrustmaster for life.

So I'm left without peddles at the moment and my feet are getting twitchy to
play GTR2002. I could try the bodge fix but that's going to take  time and
effort and by the looks of the spring could be quite difficult and most
probably unsuccessful and unsatisfactory. So I can either buy some separate
peddles like the Act Labs ones or get a whole new wheel and peddle set up.

Getting separate peddles would enable me to use the analogue paddles on my
Thrustmaster which would be really cool (hand clutch!). I quite fancy the
Act Labs 3 peddle unit but what do any of you guys think of it? Are there
any other alternatives? I do remember seeing a cool pressure sensitive setup
from Japan but can't remember the url.

If I go for a completely new wheel which one should I go for ? (anything but
Thrustmaster/Guillemot please!). I want one that's well made sturdy and
reliable with decent peddles and excellent FF for GPL, GTR2002 etc and from
a company that provides good support for it's products.

I don't want another costly mistake on this one so your shared experiences
opinions would most welcome.

I do miss GTR2002 and GPL and I really back to into it as soon as possible
as I'm starting to get withdrawal symptoms

Some Call Me Tim

Hi,

The URL of the Japanese pressure sensitive pedals is:
http://www.frex.com/gp/

The Logitech MOMO Force wheel & pedal set is very good, but I don't know
about their spare parts policy.

Personally, I think it's disgracefull for any reputable company to not
supply spare parts to the end user, especially springs and pots that should
be considered consumable items IMHO.

Best regards

Russell

As far as I know, the only FF wheel manufacturer that still supplies parts
is Act Labs. Their Performance pedals are very good, especially for the
price, and you can get replacement springs. Microsoft did have replacement
springs, but I've been told they don't supply them anymore if the unit is
not under warranty (2nd hand information). Logitech doesn't offer
replacement parts even if the unit is under warranty. They require that you
send the product back for replacement.
In time, all springs will soften or break.

--
Slot

Tweaks & Reviews
www.slottweak.com

Thrustmaster Failure.

For the third time in 2 years the peddle spring in my Ferrari Force Feedback
Wheel has failed. I'd already had the whole wheel replaced when it was
fairly new because the button wires became severed due to poor routing.
The first two time the spring broke kindly Thrustmaster sent me replacements
but now they say they have run out. On the first two occasions I'd asked for
more than one replacement spring in case it happened again but they'd only
ever send me one at a time. If they had I would be without the use of my
wheel today. Instead they told me the following:-

"What i could possibly suggest you try, which i have done and does work like
a charm. Go to your local hardware store. You should be able to find a
stright metal rod of the same gauge, or possibly a little bit stronger in
your case. You will be able to mold it to the shape of the spring. This will
fix the issue."

It a pretty poor show that I've had exactly the same problem 3 times in two
years and get told I need to bodge a repair myself. I don't really even use
it that much and I'm quite lightweight and very sensitive and caring about
the sue of my equipment. The springs all broke in exactly the same way so it
must be a design fault, and for the company not to provide spare parts is
not very good really so it's put me off Thrustmaster for life.

So I'm left without peddles at the moment and my feet are getting twitchy to
play GTR2002. I could try the bodge fix but that's going to take  time and
effort and by the looks of the spring could be quite difficult and most
probably unsuccessful and unsatisfactory. So I can either buy some separate
peddles like the Act Labs ones or get a whole new wheel and peddle set up.

Getting separate peddles would enable me to use the analogue paddles on my
Thrustmaster which would be really cool (hand clutch!). I quite fancy the
Act Labs 3 peddle unit but what do any of you guys think of it? Are there
any other alternatives? I do remember seeing a cool pressure sensitive setup
from Japan but can't remember the url.

If I go for a completely new wheel which one should I go for ? (anything but
Thrustmaster/Guillemot please!). I want one that's well made sturdy and
reliable with decent peddles and excellent FF for GPL, GTR2002 etc and from
a company that provides good support for it's products.

I don't want another costly mistake on this one so your shared experiences
opinions would most welcome.

I do miss GTR2002 and GPL and I really back to into it as soon as possible
as I'm starting to get withdrawal symptoms

Some Call Me Tim

I've now resolved the matter by getting myself a Logitech MOMO (a mere
89.99 at dare I say it PCWorld) I did think about the ACT labs peddles and
stick but the shipping alone is $77 to the UK. Might get one when I'm
feeling flush.

The Logitech seems pretty good so far but I do miss the extra buttons of the
Ferrari.

If anyone wants a Thrustmaster Ferrari FF wheel with a broken peddle they're
welcome to it for a knock down price.

Some Call Me Tim

Hey Tim

If your'e interested I've got an ACT Labs shifter & performance pedals for
sale in the UK. Both are still boxed and work perfectly, about 3 months old.
E mail me if you are interested.

Cheers

Steve