Guillemot/TM Ferrari FFB: new vs old?

Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version feel? A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it has gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking the back off of it in the store ;-) Thanks for any info Ken PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash.

The new one was only shown for the first time at ECTS a few days ago I think, so I'm guessing it hasn't been released yet. I could be wrong though :) Anyway, you can tell the new one because the pedal tops are black and not light grey. I'd be very surprised if the FF mechanism was new, since the wheel looks almost identical to the old one. "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now > gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to > this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version > feel? > > A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it has > gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking > the back off of it in the store ;-) > > Thanks for any info > Ken > PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash. > > > >

He 'may' be crossing up the NEW Logitech MOMO wheel with the Gulli Ferrari wheel. Heck in American sportscar racing, Momo=Ferarri for the longest time with the Moretti Momo Ferrari 333sp. dave henrie "Simon Brown" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:XGJl7.111340$[email hidden]... > The new one was only shown for the first time at ECTS a few days ago I > think, so I'm guessing it hasn't been released yet. I could be wrongthough

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> :) > > Anyway, you can tell the new one because the pedal tops are black and not > light grey. > > I'd be very surprised if the FF mechanism was new, since the wheel looks > almost identical to the old one. > > "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now > > gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to > > this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version > > feel? > > > > A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it has > > gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking > > the back off of it in the store ;-) > > > > Thanks for any info > > Ken > > PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash. > > > > > > > > > >

Hmmm...now I'm confused. The one at ECTS is the "Ferrari-licensed Force Feedback GT Racing Wheel" and does show black pedals. At Thrustmaster site they have the "Force Feedback Racing Wheel™ licensed by Ferrari®" , its labeled as "new" and it has the grey pedals in the picture, no mention of a "GT" wheel at the site. And just to make it interesting Thrustmaster also has a press release from May for the "360 Modena® Force Feedback Racing Wheel". I take it from an earlier thread that the Modena FF is indeed a separate model being released. Are these other 2 "Ferrari" wheels separate models or has one of them replaced the original Ferrari model? BTW the "Force Feedback Racing Wheel™ licensed by Ferrari®" at thrustmaster says USB only, didn't the original have a serial connection as well? Ken Simon Brown wrote:

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> The new one was only shown for the first time at ECTS a few days ago I > think, so I'm guessing it hasn't been released yet. I could be wrong though > :) > > Anyway, you can tell the new one because the pedal tops are black and not > light grey. > > I'd be very surprised if the FF mechanism was new, since the wheel looks > almost identical to the old one. > > "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now > > gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to > > this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version > > feel? > > > > A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it has > > gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking > > the back off of it in the store ;-) > > > > Thanks for any info > > Ken > > PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash. > > > > > > > >

You're confusing me..... I'm wondering which version of the wheel I have at the moment. My computer shop where I ordered it said I had to wait an extra 2 weeks, because they just changed models. He said to me that apparently It was only a cosmetic upgrade, but then again he never opened the box. I have this wheel now for a week or 3 and it has grey/silver like pedals, and an USB only connection. It appears also to be gear driven however I am not sure about that. I can't compare the FFB feeling with other wheels as it is my first FFB wheel, replacing the ol' T2 Then again I think it is strange that Thrustmaster will change its Ferrari FFB wheel again in such short notice.... If I indeed have that new version of the wheel (?) I'll check tonight if I find some sort of version number on the wheel, to compare it with a the 'older' model. Jim "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now > gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to > this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version > feel? > > A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it has > gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking > the back off of it in the store ;-) > > Thanks for any info > Ken > PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash. > > > >

Dunno, I'm guessing you're refering to his belt vs gear comment. Anyway, just to clear things up for Ken, there is a new Ferrari wheel from Thrustmaster/Guillemot on the way (this one is called the FF GT Racing Wheel), which has redesigned pedals and an improved clamp. It debuted at ECTS a few days ago. The new one has black pedal tops and probably isn't available yet. Other than the pedals it looks the same as the old Ferrari wheel, and hence I would guess it still uses a belt. The Ferrari wheel has never particularly suffered from using a belt though, the FF is just as good (IMO) as the cable driven LWFF. One point of confusion is that there is already two Guillemot Ferrari wheels, since shortly after the wheels original release, they modified the design slightly, making the shifters less wobbly, and removing the spring effect on the pedal tops. The first release you can't get anymore, the second release should be the one on sale now, and I don't know when the one with the new black-top pedals will be available. It could be on sale now for all I know. Anyway, all you need to know to recognize it is that the pedals tops are black, whereas the old ones were light grey. "Dave Henrie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:4eKl7.44317$[email hidden]... > He 'may' be crossing up the NEW Logitech MOMO wheel with the GulliFerrari > wheel. Heck in American sportscar racing, Momo=Ferarri for the longest > time with the Moretti Momo Ferrari 333sp. > dave henrie

And to confuse things even further, the new black topped pedal wheel looks to be already available in the US called the Nascar Pro FF, and it's possible it could be a cut-down version of the original Ferrari (that's pure speculation btw), since it's $30 cheaper. Does anyone know what's goin on? "Simon Brown" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:jeMl7.112068$[email hidden]... > Dunno, I'm guessing you're refering to his belt vs gear comment. > > Anyway, just to clear things up for Ken, there is a new Ferrari wheel from > Thrustmaster/Guillemot on the way (this one is called the FF GT Racing<snip> > pedals tops are black, whereas the old ones were light grey.

Jimmy, sounds like yours is definitely the latest version. I'm not that concerned if its gear or belt driven but more importantly how does it feel with FF off ...ie. is it smooth and precise? I've heard others complain that certain geared wheels feel notchy when turning the wheel and that they don't point the car consistently. I talked to the shop and they couldn't tell me if it gears or belts, but what they have in stock is USB only. Thanks Ken Jimmy De Plecker wrote:

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> You're confusing me..... I'm wondering which version of the wheel I have at > the moment. > > My computer shop where I ordered it said I had to wait an extra 2 weeks, > because they just changed models. > He said to me that apparently It was only a cosmetic upgrade, but then again > he never opened the box. > > I have this wheel now for a week or 3 and it has grey/silver like pedals, > and an USB only connection. > It appears also to be gear driven however I am not sure about that. I can't > compare the FFB feeling with other wheels as it is my first FFB wheel, > replacing the ol' T2 > > Then again I think it is strange that Thrustmaster will change its Ferrari > FFB wheel again in such short notice.... If I indeed have that new version > of the wheel (?) > I'll check tonight if I find some sort of version number on the wheel, to > compare it with a the 'older' model. > > Jim > > "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now > > gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to > > this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version > > feel? > > > > A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it has > > gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking > > the back off of it in the store ;-) > > > > Thanks for any info > > Ken > > PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash. > > > > > > > >

Looks to me like the new GT/Nascar version is a de-contented version without the extra analog paddles on the wheel and cheaper pedals, thus the lower price. SB "Simon Brown" <[email hidden]> wrote... > And to confuse things even further, the new black topped pedal wheel looks > to be already available in the US called the Nascar Pro FF, and it's > possible it could be a cut-down version of the original Ferrari (that's pure > speculation btw), since it's $30 cheaper. > > Does anyone know what's goin on?

The more I turn the wheel, the more I get the feeling that it is gear driven. First I tought the friction I heard was from the motor, but it is also present in non-ffb games.Going from normal cornering to oversteer correction is something which is not as fast as with my previous T2 because of that friction. With FFB enabled no problem at all (GPL runs just fine). Maybe it needs some extra running-in time. It is definetely precise to steer. more precise as my T2. But then again it had completely worn pots. no jittering at all, nice stable calibration readings. I should advice you to try to test the wheel tough, if you are not so sure about it. You just have to feel it, I guess Jim "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Jimmy, sounds like yours is definitely the latest version. I'm not that > concerned if its gear or belt driven but more importantly how does it feelwith > FF off ...ie. is it smooth and precise? I've heard others complain thatcertain > geared wheels feel notchy when turning the wheel and that they don't pointthe > car consistently. > > I talked to the shop and they couldn't tell me if it gears or belts, butwhat

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> they have in stock is USB only. > > Thanks > Ken > > Jimmy De Plecker wrote: > > > You're confusing me..... I'm wondering which version of the wheel I have

at > > the moment. > > > > My computer shop where I ordered it said I had to wait an extra 2 weeks, > > because they just changed models. > > He said to me that apparently It was only a cosmetic upgrade, but thenagain > > he never opened the box. > > > > I have this wheel now for a week or 3 and it has grey/silver likepedals, > > and an USB only connection. > > It appears also to be gear driven however I am not sure about that. Ican't > > compare the FFB feeling with other wheels as it is my first FFB wheel, > > replacing the ol' T2 > > > > Then again I think it is strange that Thrustmaster will change itsFerrari > > FFB wheel again in such short notice.... If I indeed have that newversion > > of the wheel (?) > > I'll check tonight if I find some sort of version number on the wheel,to

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> > compare it with a the 'older' model. > > > > Jim > > > > "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:[email hidden]... > > > Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now > > > gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to > > > this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version > > > feel? > > > > > > A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it

has

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> > > gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking > > > the back off of it in the store ;-) > > > > > > Thanks for any info > > > Ken > > > PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash. > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Thanks for the review, sounds good, especially the GPL part. I should have one next week. :-) They don't have one on display, I'll check the return policy before I pay for it. I called customer service number and got the Guillemot technical support (Canada). I asked if the Ferrari FF for the PC had been revised to be gear driven. They said as far as they new the Ferrari wheel was still belt driven...if they had changed it no one had told them! They did say that there had been some small revisions since the paddle updates last summer but it was still basically the same wheel. Ken PS what started all this was the "wheel advice" and the "Difference between old and new TM Ferrari wheels?" threads in the tweaks and review forum: http://www.slottweak.com/cgi-bin/UBB/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Gather+in+Slot|APO|s+Den+&number=1&DaysPrune=&LastLogin= JDP wrote:

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> The more I turn the wheel, the more I get the feeling that it is gear > driven. First I tought the friction I heard > was from the motor, but it is also present in non-ffb games.Going from > normal cornering to oversteer correction is something which is not as fast > as with my previous T2 because of that friction. With FFB enabled no problem > at all (GPL runs just fine). Maybe it needs some extra running-in time. > > It is definetely precise to steer. more precise as my T2. But then again it > had completely worn pots. > no jittering at all, nice stable calibration readings. > > I should advice you to try to test the wheel tough, if you are not so sure > about it. You just have to feel it, I guess > > Jim > > "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > Jimmy, sounds like yours is definitely the latest version. I'm not that > > concerned if its gear or belt driven but more importantly how does it feel > with > > FF off ...ie. is it smooth and precise? I've heard others complain that > certain > > geared wheels feel notchy when turning the wheel and that they don't point > the > > car consistently. > > > > I talked to the shop and they couldn't tell me if it gears or belts, but > what > > they have in stock is USB only. > > > > Thanks > > Ken > > > > Jimmy De Plecker wrote: > > > > > You're confusing me..... I'm wondering which version of the wheel I have > at > > > the moment. > > > > > > My computer shop where I ordered it said I had to wait an extra 2 weeks, > > > because they just changed models. > > > He said to me that apparently It was only a cosmetic upgrade, but then > again > > > he never opened the box. > > > > > > I have this wheel now for a week or 3 and it has grey/silver like > pedals, > > > and an USB only connection. > > > It appears also to be gear driven however I am not sure about that. I > can't > > > compare the FFB feeling with other wheels as it is my first FFB wheel, > > > replacing the ol' T2 > > > > > > Then again I think it is strange that Thrustmaster will change its > Ferrari > > > FFB wheel again in such short notice.... If I indeed have that new > version > > > of the wheel (?) > > > I'll check tonight if I find some sort of version number on the wheel, > to > > > compare it with a the 'older' model. > > > > > > Jim > > > > > > "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > > news:[email hidden]... > > > > Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now > > > > gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to > > > > this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version > > > > feel? > > > > > > > > A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it > has > > > > gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking > > > > the back off of it in the store ;-) > > > > > > > > Thanks for any info > > > > Ken > > > > PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

I have 2 here & they have both USB and serial connection but I got my last wheel about 3months ago or so.. "Ken MacKay" wrote: Hmmm...now I'm confused. <snipped> BTW the "Force Feedback Racing WheelT licensed by Ferrari�" at thrustmaster says USB only, didn't the original have a serial connection as well? Ken --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.276 / Virus Database: 145 - Release Date: 9/3/2001

Go on the Guillemot aka Thrustmaster site & see the 2 different Ferrari models now! I'd also re-check where you bought it after you stop into the site.. Good luck.. "Jimmy De Plecker"wrote: | You're confusing me..... I'm wondering which version of the wheel I haveat | the moment. | | My computer shop where I ordered it said I had to wait an extra 2 weeks, | because they just changed models. | He said to me that apparently It was only a cosmetic upgrade, but thenagain | he never opened the box. | | I have this wheel now for a week or 3 and it has grey/silver like pedals, | and an USB only connection. | It appears also to be gear driven however I am not sure about that. Ican't

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| compare the FFB feeling with other wheels as it is my first FFB wheel, | replacing the ol' T2 | | Then again I think it is strange that Thrustmaster will change its Ferrari | FFB wheel again in such short notice.... If I indeed have that new version | of the wheel (?) | I'll check tonight if I find some sort of version number on the wheel, to | compare it with a the 'older' model. | | Jim | | | | "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message | news:[email hidden]... | > Rumor has it that the Ferrari wheel has been "redesigned" and is now | > gear driven as opposed to the older belt drive system. Any truth to | > this? Has anyone compared the new to old? How does the new version | > feel? | > | > A local shop has this wheel in stock, is there anyway to tell if it has | > gears or a belt before I buy it? ...can't think they'd like me taking | > the back off of it in the store ;-) | > | > Thanks for any info | > Ken | > PS I'd get the Force RS if I had the extra cash. | > | > | > | > | |

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On the TM aka Guillemot site Simon it doesnt say one thing about the GT having analog paddles on the wheel!! Crapolla!! "Simon Brown" wrote:

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| Dunno, I'm guessing you're refering to his belt vs gear comment. | | Anyway, just to clear things up for Ken, there is a new Ferrari wheel from | Thrustmaster/Guillemot on the way (this one is called the FF GT Racing | Wheel), which has redesigned pedals and an improved clamp. It debuted at | ECTS a few days ago. The new one has black pedal tops and probably isn't | available yet. Other than the pedals it looks the same as the old Ferrari | wheel, and hence I would guess it still uses a belt. The Ferrari wheel

has | never particularly suffered from using a belt though, the FF is just asgood

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| (IMO) as the cable driven LWFF. | | One point of confusion is that there is already two Guillemot Ferrari | wheels, since shortly after the wheels original release, they modified the | design slightly, making the shifters less wobbly, and removing the spring | effect on the pedal tops. The first release you can't get anymore, the | second release should be the one on sale now, and I don't know when the

one

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| with the new black-top pedals will be available. It could be on sale now | for all I know. Anyway, all you need to know to recognize it is that the | pedals tops are black, whereas the old ones were light grey. | | "Dave Henrie" wrote: | > He 'may' be crossing up the NEW Logitech MOMO wheel with the Gulli | Ferrari | > wheel. Heck in American sportscar racing, Momo=Ferarri for the longest | > time with the Moretti Momo Ferrari 333sp. | > dave henrie | | |

--- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.276 / Virus Database: 145 - Release Date: 9/3/2001

Jim I have been using the Ferrari race wheel since it came out. To me, it always had a 'tiny bit' of a mechanical feel when you turn the wheel but nothing decernable. So it can be the older or it can be the newer? Yea I know this didnt help one bit, did it? "O" well I tried..lol "JDP" wrote: | The more I turn the wheel, the more I get the feeling that it is gear | driven. First I tought the friction I heard | was from the motor, but it is also present in non-ffb games.Going from | normal cornering to oversteer correction is something which is not as fast | as with my previous T2 because of that friction. With FFB enabled noproblem | at all (GPL runs just fine). Maybe it needs some extra running-in time. | | It is definetely precise to steer. more precise as my T2. But then againit

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| had completely worn pots. | no jittering at all, nice stable calibration readings. | | I should advice you to try to test the wheel tough, if you are not so sure | about it. You just have to feel it, I guess | | Jim

--- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.276 / Virus Database: 145 - Release Date: 9/3/2001

I was wondering about that too. I bought a TM Ferrari wheel a few months ago and took it back the same night because the clamps didn't fit on my desk. But before I took it back I tried it in N4 (clamped to a writing tray) and it felt every bit as notchy and gritty as the gear drive Logitech that I have now. I would have sworn that the TM was gear drive, although I did not look inside and do not know that for a fact. "Thom j." <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:dYSl7.176560$[email hidden]... > Jim I have been using the Ferrari race wheel since it came out. To me, > it always had a 'tiny bit' of a mechanical feel when you turn thewheel > but nothing decernable. So it can be the older or it can be the newer? > Yea I know this didnt help one bit, did it? "O" well I tried..lol > > "JDP" wrote: > | The more I turn the wheel, the more I get the feeling that it isgear > | driven. First I tought the friction I heard > | was from the motor, but it is also present in non-ffb games.Goingfrom > | normal cornering to oversteer correction is something which is notas fast > | as with my previous T2 because of that friction. With FFB enabled no > problem > | at all (GPL runs just fine). Maybe it needs some extra running-intime. > | > | It is definetely precise to steer. more precise as my T2. But thenagain > it > | had completely worn pots. > | no jittering at all, nice stable calibration readings. > | > | I should advice you to try to test the wheel tough, if you are notso sure

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> | about it. You just have to feel it, I guess > | > | Jim > > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.276 / Virus Database: 145 - Release Date: 9/3/2001 > >

Yep. Something has changed for sure with these wheels. I bought the Ferrari wheel last year and it had the serial plug as well as the USB. Last week I helped my Father-in-law buy one and guess what - no serial link. Furthermore the shop also says this wheel is compatible with the PS2 which is probably why Guillemot removed the serial connector. Also THIS WHEEL FEELS DIFFERENT TO MINE. It is more notchy and is LOUD. When turning the wheel it makes a loud grinding noise and the power LED lights up - even when switched off. It is definitely designed differently to mine even though it is visually identical. It's still a very good wheel though. "Haqsau" wrote:

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> I was wondering about that too. I bought a TM Ferrari wheel a few > months ago and took it back the same night because the clamps didn't fit > on my desk. But before I took it back I tried it in N4 (clamped to a > writing tray) and it felt every bit as notchy and gritty as the gear > drive Logitech that I have now. I would have sworn that the TM was gear > drive, although I did not look inside and do not know that for a fact. > > "Thom j." wrote: > > Jim I have been using the Ferrari race wheel since it came out. To me, > > it always had a 'tiny bit' of a mechanical feel when you turn the > wheel > > but nothing decernable. So it can be the older or it can be the newer? > > Yea I know this didnt help one bit, did it? "O" well I tried..lol > > > > "JDP" wrote: > > | The more I turn the wheel, the more I get the feeling that it is gear > > | driven. First I tought the friction I heard > > | was from the motor, but it is also present in non-ffb games.Going from > > | normal cornering to oversteer correction is something which is not as

fast > > | as with my previous T2 because of that friction. With FFB enabled noproblem > > | at all (GPL runs just fine). Maybe it needs some extra running-intime. > > | It is definetely precise to steer. more precise as my T2. But thenagain it > > | had completely worn pots. > > | no jittering at all, nice stable calibration readings. > > | I should advice you to try to test the wheel tough, if you are not sosure > > | about it. You just have to feel it, I guess > > | Jim

>"Krunch" <[email hidden]> wrote > Also THIS WHEEL FEELS DIFFERENT TO MINE. It is more notchy and is LOUD.When > turning the wheel it makes a loud grinding noise and the power LED lights > up - even when switched off. It is definitely designed differently to mine > even though it is visually identical. It's still a very good wheel though. So it looks like another case of a joystick company that degrades it's FF wheel. What a shame, it looks like they all have passed by that by now. The only FF wheel who hasn't "downgraded" is the ACT-Labs I guess... -- -- Fran�ois M�nard <ymenard> -- May the Downforce be with you... -- http://www.ymenard.com/ -- This announcement is brought to you by the Shimato Dominguez Corporation - helping America into the New World...

I just gotta say...my wheel is currently sitting in a box waiting to be exchanged as it is a mite stuffed (very loose), but apart from that (lol) i was very happy with it. First FFB wheel. But I digress... FWIW, my wheel did have both the serial and the USB, and it wasn't as smooth as the spring wheels when I turned it, and the light lit up when turning the wheel, even with FFB off (this is probably normal, BTW, given that you are turning the motor). But it was definitely a belt-driven one. I know because I had a look. I've only had it for a couple of weeks. "Krunch" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<9n9coh$cpf$[email hidden]>...

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> Yep. Something has changed for sure with these wheels. I bought the Ferrari > wheel last year and it had the serial plug as well as the USB. Last week I > helped my Father-in-law buy one and guess what - no serial link. > > Furthermore the shop also says this wheel is compatible with the PS2 which > is probably why Guillemot removed the serial connector. > > Also THIS WHEEL FEELS DIFFERENT TO MINE. It is more notchy and is LOUD. When > turning the wheel it makes a loud grinding noise and the power LED lights > up - even when switched off. It is definitely designed differently to mine > even though it is visually identical. It's still a very good wheel though. > > > "Haqsau" wrote: > > I was wondering about that too. I bought a TM Ferrari wheel a few > > months ago and took it back the same night because the clamps didn't fit > > on my desk. But before I took it back I tried it in N4 (clamped to a > > writing tray) and it felt every bit as notchy and gritty as the gear > > drive Logitech that I have now. I would have sworn that the TM was gear > > drive, although I did not look inside and do not know that for a fact. > > > > "Thom j." wrote: > > > Jim I have been using the Ferrari race wheel since it came out. To me, > > > it always had a 'tiny bit' of a mechanical feel when you turn the > wheel > > > but nothing decernable. So it can be the older or it can be the newer? > > > Yea I know this didnt help one bit, did it? "O" well I tried..lol > > > > > > "JDP" wrote: > > > | The more I turn the wheel, the more I get the feeling that it is gear > > > | driven. First I tought the friction I heard > > > | was from the motor, but it is also present in non-ffb games.Going from > > > | normal cornering to oversteer correction is something which is not as > fast > > > | as with my previous T2 because of that friction. With FFB enabled no > problem > > > | at all (GPL runs just fine). Maybe it needs some extra running-in > time. > > > > | It is definetely precise to steer. more precise as my T2. But then > again it > > > | had completely worn pots. > > > | no jittering at all, nice stable calibration readings. > > > > | I should advice you to try to test the wheel tough, if you are not so > sure > > > | about it. You just have to feel it, I guess > > > > | Jim

Thanks for all the replies. Strange that the FF wheels are getting worse instead of better with each redesign. I can understand having a lower price model to reach more people, but why stop offering the better quality systems? And in this case TM doesn't even have that excuse, the gear driven Ferrari is exactly the same price as the previous model. That and no mention of this model change posted anywhere on the thrustmaster site...even the sales/techsupport people couldn't tell me for that matter...certainly doesn't give me a warm feeling about TM. Hmmm, makes it tempting to save up a little more money to place an order with Act-Labs. Ken

See Chairman's reply. The model he describes sounds exactly like the one I had, which I would have sworn was gear driven (due to the gritty feel), but he opened it up and confirmed that it was belt drive. I wonder if the newer Ferrari's are just shipping with very tight belts that perhaps loosen up a little after some use. "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Thanks for all the replies. Strange that the FF wheels are gettingworse > instead of better with each redesign. I can understand having a lower > price model to reach more people, but why stop offering the betterquality > systems? And in this case TM doesn't even have that excuse, the gear > driven Ferrari is exactly the same price as the previous model. Thatand no > mention of this model change posted anywhere on the thrustmaster > site...even the sales/techsupport people couldn't tell me for that > matter...certainly doesn't give me a warm feeling about TM. Hmmm,makes it > tempting to save up a little more money to place an order withAct-Labs. > > Ken > >

fwiw Both of my Ferrari wheels had this feel out of the box but it did feel less 'gritty' as I used it.. Maybe this was only me gettng use to the wheel but I don't think so? "Haqsau" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:_ubn7.64198$[email hidden]...

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| See Chairman's reply. The model he describes sounds exactly like the | one I had, which I would have sworn was gear driven (due to the gritty | feel), but he opened it up and confirmed that it was belt drive. I | wonder if the newer Ferrari's are just shipping with very tight belts | that perhaps loosen up a little after some use. | | "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message | news:[email hidden]... | > Thanks for all the replies. Strange that the FF wheels are getting | worse | > instead of better with each redesign. I can understand having a lower | > price model to reach more people, but why stop offering the better | quality | > systems? And in this case TM doesn't even have that excuse, the gear | > driven Ferrari is exactly the same price as the previous model. That | and no | > mention of this model change posted anywhere on the thrustmaster | > site...even the sales/techsupport people couldn't tell me for that | > matter...certainly doesn't give me a warm feeling about TM. Hmmm, | makes it | > tempting to save up a little more money to place an order with | Act-Labs. | > | > Ken | > | > |

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Even the Force RS is reported as being notchy until the belts get broken in. Chairman's was probably the "older" version as he said it had both USB and serial connectors, the one in the local EB is USB only. I'm fairly certain that the current version is gear driven, although no-one has answered my post at the TM forum. Your post got me thinking about the clamping system and I don't think the Ferrari would work on my desk anyway, the keyboard tray would be in the way as its only a couple inches below the desk. The Force RS should fit on it nicely however. This, the 100% satisfaction guarantee, supposedly wonderful customer service, and reported high quality of the wheel was enough to convince my wife that the extra money for the Force RS was worthwhile in the long run. Ordered one yesterday. :-) Only problem is that they've been on backorder and my order probably won't get filled until next week. Should be worth the wait though. Ken Haqsau wrote:

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> See Chairman's reply. The model he describes sounds exactly like the > one I had, which I would have sworn was gear driven (due to the gritty > feel), but he opened it up and confirmed that it was belt drive. I > wonder if the newer Ferrari's are just shipping with very tight belts > that perhaps loosen up a little after some use. > > "Ken MacKay" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > Thanks for all the replies. Strange that the FF wheels are getting > worse > > instead of better with each redesign. I can understand having a lower > > price model to reach more people, but why stop offering the better > quality > > systems? And in this case TM doesn't even have that excuse, the gear > > driven Ferrari is exactly the same price as the previous model. That > and no > > mention of this model change posted anywhere on the thrustmaster > > site...even the sales/techsupport people couldn't tell me for that > > matter...certainly doesn't give me a warm feeling about TM. Hmmm, > makes it > > tempting to save up a little more money to place an order with > Act-Labs. > > > > Ken > > > >