FANATEC DD1/DD2 TEARDOWN - How a Fanatec Direct Drive Wheel Base Works

[@boostedmedia]

100K subs by April and we’ll build a DD2 Powered Go-Kart!

[@larsdekoster1670]

Rotax max dd2 engine?

[@edjigar]

I volunteer as test driver! :D

[@NesterowiczRacing]

Do it :P

[@alchemistkj]

I feel horrible doing this in a way.... but at the same time I think i need to ask. Should you decide not to repair .... Would you be willing to sell me the OLED Screen and torque key? I just bought a Podium F1 (used) but the OLED screen does not work and the torque key is also broken (was left in during shipping).

[@boostedmedia]

Shoot me a PM mate. Still not 100% sure how we’ll be using the parts but we may be able to help out.

[@DomB_Fanatec]

I'd like to stress to all our customers that if you encounter any damage to a Fanatec product (accidental or otherwise), you should contact Fanatec Support first, and do not attempt to disassemble the unit yourself. :)

[@boostedmedia]

Absolutely! I think we've proven here that there's no user serviceable parts inside.

[@lugassydavid]

My steering wheel shuts down by itself randomly with the DD1. After seeing the teardown, it looks like troubleshooting the issue is really complex! (I am already in contact with support)

[@gamutjepah]

@@lugassydavid I had the same issue briefly, it turned out I had inserted one of the power cords only 3/4 way in. Fully inserting has fixed the issue for the last 4 months.

[@lugassydavid]

@@gamutjepah it seems the power cable does not fit properly to the DD. I mean it's quite loose so it easily move left and right. It's not as fix as the other cables like the pedals or usb...

[@BA-rh5hy]

@@lugassydavid start by replacing that cable with an oem cable. Might resolve your issue.

[@2liters]

We can all agree this is one of the best fanatec/driving sim related video ever

[@mrfgi100]

I'm sorry that happened but it makes for an excellent video. It's nice to see the amount of engineering Fanatec put into that wheelbase and why they are priced they way they are.

[@TheOfficialOriginalChad]

As an amateur applied electrical engineer that sim races, this was fantastic.

[@boostedmedia]

Did I get anything horrendously wrong? 😬

[@torpedo996]

You could say, Fanatastic.

[@elliotbulley1849]

A massive shame about the accident but Amazing vid and a true representation of the quality that goes into the Fanatecs build. Fanatec should be proud of you and send you a new one! Thank you for educating us all!

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

"quality"

[@sbg7221]

one of the best teardown videos that I've watched so far. Thank you so much for this very detailed video. Actually I was not sure about buying one of podium wheelbases but after this video I decided to buy one.The German over-engineering is amazing...

[@trevorjlewis]

fascinating Will, thanks for sharing, as a mechanic and engineer and an offspring of the same, pulling stuff apart to see how it works was part of my childhood, which at 55 I'm still actively taking part in. What we can take from this disassembly if nothing else is a justification for the cost of these bloody things. When people just take these wheel bases out of a box after postie has dropped it off, it can be hard to understand why it cost a few weeks to a month in some cases worth of salary. I have an Accuforce and pretty much all the electronics are inside the big Simex box. I'd often wondered how fanatec had everything inside the wheelbase. Great work as usual. Cheers

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

I just wanted to give you a thumbs up for wearing your PPE, safety first guys!!

[@roshananand6454]

Ok so obviously it falling is terrible but like, getting a good video out of it is great!

[@boostedmedia]

I can’t lie, I had a lot of fun pulling it apart.

[@bertram-raven]

Those SMC's are really easy to reseat. The surface mount caps that are missing are easy to source and are likely the same type as others around them. The "encoder" chip you found has all its legs, so it will be easy to reattach. If it was missing any legs, you can make new legs and attach them to the chip. Give Louis Rossmann a call :)

[@Lightning9060]

After that huge teardown you can kinda see why its so expensive 😂

[@High.on.Life_DnB]

Haha, I just wrote a comment basicly saying the same thing, the internals are so complicated that I now finally understand why these things are so expensive :) hadn't thought it would be much more than an electric motor, some sensors and a simple pcb, boy was I wrong...

[@jinx20001]

nice video, not often at all we really get to dig so deep into this kind of hardware, even bazza from SRG didn't dare go so far but with nothing else to lose it was worth it.

[@AndreMiguelLopes69]

Bazza is the nick of Barry Rowland ?

[@jinx20001]

@@AndreMiguelLopes69 not officially, its just a typical british friendly way of calling somebody Barry :)

[@gbessette40]

Wow, awesome breakdown Will! Thanks for sharing!

[@LeoDavidson]

That answers my question about how the QR1 / QR2 cables coil up inside the motor without snagging. The whole thing the cables are inside moves as one unit. Neat, and not what I expected at all.

[@ElDiablo223]

I am sorry you broke your motor my brother but thank you for the awesome teardown, now I know what makes mine tick without having to tear it down. Cheers mate!

[@LogiForce86]

I have to hand it to Thomas and the Fanatec team, this is one genius engineering achievement. Niki Lauda style hat's off with a gentleman's bow. These bases are really something to be proud of. 😎👍

[@favs970]

Great video! This is what I expected to see from the Sim Racing Garage: full disassemblies. I'd like to see more videos like this done on the SimuCube and the Simagic DDs, to see how they've designed their motors and how they differ from the industrial ones (MiGE and Kollmorgen).

[@CatDad1106]

More in depth tear down than Mr Barry Rowland. I'm impressed 👍

[@boostedmedia]

Thanks Brad, but it’s a very different style of video. Neither of us like to tear things that we’re in the process of reviewing down past a potential point of no return. I’m sure he would do equally as thorough a job of a similar video.

[@markbuilder1338]

Brilliant teardown review Will.Love this channel.

[@asjwood]

Super interesting to see what's inside my DD wheel. I'll appreciate it even more now I know how neat the internal design is! Amazing video, thanks!

[@MrDangeresque]

I love this video. It's like watching a sim racing EEVBlog. Really impressive engineering.

[@daniladergachev]

Wow! Impressive work! Both from you and from Fanatec :) Will remember to not drop mine. Waiting for Simucube teardown and comparison :)

[@zhangjiewang4917]

Just on yesterday, I dropped my DD2 and hit the nose. Exactly a same issue with you. This video is great to help me understand how it works inside and try to figure out where the problem is. I’m just wondering have you pinpointed where exactly the damage is in your case and have you had it fixed? I really hope you can share more on this. Thanks so much!

[@LemtemPoktui]

I'm actually impressed by the build quality of the Fanatec DD. I think you got INCREDIBLY unlucky that the tiny little microchip broke off, if it didn't your DD2 might still be running.

[@boostedmedia]

Yeah and the worst part is it was probs let me spinning it when it was compressed that broke it. If I’d just popped it back out it probably would have been fine.

[@LemtemPoktui]

@@boostedmedia Yeah you're right. The crazy shaking on the table might have caused it, because the OLED was on then off after a few seconds. Rotten luck mate.

[@boostedmedia]

Nah I powered it up after I pulled the shaft back out and it was spinning normally at that point so I think the damage was already done.

[@enner-racing]

ahh . I have nightmares that this happens to my 2month old DD1 . took me so long to finally have one . but thx for sharing the experience... 👍

[@boostedmedia]

I definitely wouldn’t recommend putting it on a shelf when not in use.

[@bjornchaudron]

Glad it didn’t collapse on you!

[@boostedmedia]

Almost did. 40 seconds earlier I was sitting under it.

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

Super interesting. Thank You for this Will!

[@eloicpotel7272]

Been a long time I wanted to see this. Thank you mate

[@hilberts-space]

Rip DD2, but great video. Time to drop the Simucube 😜

[@EscapeMCP]

The "bent" washer on the front is a wave washer, designed to apply preload. Nothing wrong with it

[@thuder2]

i love watching teardowns

[@chocks9350]

Thanks. Nice to have an explanation why my DD1 is flickering forward and back in small steps very fast. Guess it will be a very exspensive repair without warrenty. Have ordered myself a CLS DD, so will be my next base for some years. Any idea of a repair price by Fanatec ??

[@aelohinjuz]

wow such a bummer, but great idea for a video, ... I know the feeling, I had my sim with 3 projectors mounted and one of them just fall and ... I take it apart and so on.. well moving on, just not so easy when $ is something to consider...

[@rucdoc]

The fiber optics are probably trancivers, to both send and receive data and button presses

[@boostedmedia]

Yep you’re right. They would have to be for the button presses to be registered. Good catch!

[@YayDanMan]

Well that’s a major bummer but appreciate the learning experience

[@JayZroad]

Excellent video mate!

[@gtrp-hadesracing512]

wow! really interessting and very good explained i think. thanks a lot 👍

[@homerogonzalez2909]

loved the tear down thank you for donating your dd2 to science! lol

[@boostedmedia]

You should probably be thanking gravity. But I appreciate the sentiment :)

[@mignotmaxime2409]

Thank you very much for this teardown! I have a (maybe stupid) question : the magnets used to maintain the carbon fiber trim cover cannot interfere with the magnets from the outrunner motor, right?

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

No they wouldn't be strong enough to actually penetrate enough to mess with anything, other than that there is sufficient shielding around the motor to prevent things like this. Just don't start sticking magnets to your electronics!

[@johnmifsud6007]

Very interesting vid. Thanks will. Don’t drop anymore wheels

[@High.on.Life_DnB]

Wouldn't have thought DD wheels to be so complicated on the inside, I'm finally starting to see why these wheels are priced the way they are... But the new CSL DD wheel might be a contender for an upgrade from the G29 for me, just need to wait for a PS compatible version as I'll be playing GT7 on my PS5 with it a lot, but I heard the PS version of the CSL DD will be the official wheel for GT7 like the Thrustmaster T-GT is now for GT Sport.

[@Dutch3DMaster]

Not sure if you got one by now, but I went from a G27 to a CSL DD Pro (OK, it's officially the Gran Tourismo wheel but it's 8nm's in force as well) for a truck sim setup upgrade and even without the truck wheel mounted to it, the difference is massive. I feel A LOT of subtle things that the G27 never was able to make me feel (and the drag when turning it in some sims comes close to the coach I had a test driving lesson on, something the G27 was not capable of handling wheel). While it requires a lot of modifications to my current setup, I can't wait to give it a go with a truck wheel on it.

[@High.on.Life_DnB]

@@Dutch3DMaster yeah, I got the GT DD Pro as well and I'm totally in love with it! About to get the load cell pedal, boostkit and a new wheel soon. I mainly play GT7, and the ffb in that game hasn't always been good, but one of the latest updates really improved the ffb a lot and although it might not feel 100% like a real car, it does give you the ability to enhance your driving skills, things like catching a drifting car can be a lot easier with a real DD wheel. Only thing I dislike in GT7 right now is the rumble it does when you're oversteering (not literally oversteer, but just too much turning the wheel), although it makes it very obvious when you're oversteering it doesn't feel authentic.

[@Swiftstyle]

Do you think this motor can be programmed for something other than a game? Im looking to design a tabletop lathe and just need a motor that I can control the RPM. After all my research it seems that a Fanatec has the torque I'm looking for plus it already has USB to possibly control speed with a cpu.

[@MrDazTroyer]

I think you'll find that bent little seal is a sprung washer.

[@boostedmedia]

Yep probably.

[@StarvingDragon]

Wow - your loss is our gain!

[@johnalexander8017]

Ironically this just helped me with my buying DD Wheel decision. Great internals on the Fanatec, shows all of the R&D effort they put in. However, I am looking for something that is a little to more robust and simple. Going to hunt down an OSW now.

[@pedrolotti45]

I like these kind of videos

[@boostedmedia]

So do we! I mean the circumstances sucked, but it was super fun to shoot and edit.

[@johans3687]

Great video, love the content and your setup 😄

[@JLewisRacing927]

So it know it's a loss and I don't wanna add insult to injury. But Something fell off one of my desks and crushed my OLED screen and I'll need a new one to install. Would you sell yours? Maybe help you recoup some money. Tough luck with the loss though, sorry that happened!

[@zimmerman1031]

I understand how the current and the spinning motor could control things like wheel damper, spring action, and so forth, but I'm wondering how it does collision. I'm guessing it's moving and reversing so quickly that it makes an impact feeling, but my DD2 makes a loud clunk sound, yet Fanatec says it's working as intended.

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

Hey I looked into it a bit further on Google/fanatec forums and it's isolated down to either the Quick release giving you that clunk , or it has something to do with what screen is being shown on the OLED display (this makes next to no sense but it's what they said). Apparently if you have it on the display that just says "FANATEC" it should go away. (This would indicate to a software issue, but given that they haven't fixed it in over a year.... Classic Fanatec). Idk I'm just trying to help, but just google "DD1 clunk" and the forum threads all show up!

[@zimmerman1031]

@@DavidGarcia-oi5nt Yeah I think their driver updates page said something about diagnostic screens on the OLED display causing issues. It sucks because I love seeing those newton meters, or seeing how hot the DD2 is getting. As far as the clunk, I think you are right about the QR. I added the QR bolt, and it helped a bit with the clunk. It's more subdued now. I don't think the guides tell you that you really need to screw that thing in.

[@Dutch3DMaster]

It's basically just magnets being repelled quickly by electromagnets (coils) based on the signals they receive. Think of what magnets do when you put them towards each other with the same polarity. Make the same magnets get attracted again, with a particular frequency, speed or force can make you simulate all kinds of things. Because there's no play in belts or gears you mostly feel a lot of more subtle forces than belt-driven or geared wheels are capable of making you feel. Along with that it's also capable of delivering a lot more power.

[@tiscrispin]

Haha, only on this channel where disaster is converted into an adventure 😂😂😂

[@boostedmedia]

As the channel description says, every mistake is an opportunity to learn something. Hope you’re enjoying the journey :)

[@tiscrispin]

@@boostedmedia For sure man. Looking forward to build myself a smaller, minimal setup similar to yours in the future :)

[@sudeshbhagwandin3594]

I know this is pretty old, but would love a compare with a DD F1, to see where the Sony chip is. Think about being able to make a mashup with DD2!

[@kontoname]

I just found a DD2 on ebay. "Only used a couple of times, good condition!" 😂 Jokes aside awesome video made out of an unlucky accident.

[@hugo7515]

18:36 see like we didnt damge any pins, what went flying then

[@thio_2462]

If it is dead forever you could make some really cool art with all of the parts and put it on the wall behind you

[@boostedmedia]

We were just discussing that today. Want to try and out the motor to use somehow though. Maybe build a go-kart. Lol

[@meclazine]

The only way to learn something in Australia. When it's broken, pull it apart, try and fix it, and then spend hours thinking about how to fix it.

[@jonboy2950]

At least you have it all on video so you can go back and work out where that last remaining screw goes which always gets left over when you put something back together.

[@pedromillan927]

I have many issues with driving pedals, I suspect is input connection board. What is supossed I must make mesuraments? Any tip? Any tipical communication line? Every tip will be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!

[@pixi86]

Great video, you have turned bad luck into very nice educational video and hopefully also into crazy project :) Looking inside and listening about different parts makes you realize why is this stuff so damn pricey =). If I ever buy it, it will be on very sturdy rig and not on shelf :P

[@depthsounderdave]

Enjoyed the video! I hate that this happened to you. It looks like the force of the fall popped the motor shaft past the retaining ring, hence the "click" when you shifted it back. If you had only tried prying the shaft out first rather than forcing it to spin, it would probably still work :(

[@antoniodonato954]

Great video!!! Thank you so much! One question... is the rear housing plastic or metal?

[@boostedmedia]

Cast aluminium

[@antoniodonato954]

@@boostedmedia thanks for the info

[@edouardmalot51]

Really nice video, thanks a lot

[@fredpanzerschrek8138]

i just discoverd you whit your CSL DD review WOW the content man realy appreciate umiliate and constructive 2 thumb up !!!! BTW Aorry my english my first language is french ;)

[@boostedmedia]

Thanks for the kind words! Your English is great :)

[@nathengonderman1491]

Sorry your DD2 Crashed lol. Good timing for me though as I may need to disassemble the rear of my DD1 to Replace the USB port as it fell apart the other day. It did this right after installing it on a new rig too. I have a ticket in with Fanatec, Its been a couple of days and they have not responded yet.

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

Wow, did they ever end up repairing it? Or even just responding to your complaint ticket?! Apparently you have to sign up for their forum to get customer support...

[@nathengonderman1491]

@@DavidGarcia-oi5nt no They told me they don’t fix that type of damage under warranty. I fixed it my self.

[@WeisstShawn]

So after this massive wheelbase dropped from 1,5m, will there be also an video from you how to repair your floor?

[@boostedmedia]

Landed on the desk, also smashed my Logitech Powerplay Mousepad and smashed a monitor, then fell off the desk onto the floor which is concrete. So no damage to the floor thankfully. I’m honestly amazed the shaft isn’t bent.

[@KNARFNY]

I'm yet to build up the courage to pop off the magnetic covers on my DD2. 🤯

[@boostedmedia]

Haha! It’s actually quite satisfying.

[@younghumphrey06]

lol

[@LukeVesty]

RIP DD2

[@petercogswell3716]

Any chance you would be able to help me identify if an internal piece on my DD+ looks like its intended to? It's a free sitting metal ring on the inside of where the drive shaft comes through the front. It's a black wavy washer. Just seems a bit weird that it would not sit flat with the face of the shaft...? Any help is greatly appreciated 😢

[@adamunderdown4927]

is it just me or does anyone else want to see what AvE thinks of the build quality, BOLTR style?

[@MrKrampyHands]

Man sorry you lost your dd1 id probably be borderline homicidal after that loss hopefully you get it working

[@nclabs5957]

You should do it with simucube as well :D

[@favs970]

I agree, and strange that the Sim Racing Garage doesn't do full disassemblies like these on DDs

[@MrDazTroyer]

Ouch... That's a big fail. Gutted for you.

[@2shoestoo]

This little tool, cracks me up what people call tools “snap ring pliers Will”

[@boostedmedia]

Ahh yes that’d be it! Lol. No idea what it’s called, I just remember watching my dad use it to disassemble a magneto on a motorbike when I was about 7 years old so figured it must be laying around somewhere.

[@2shoestoo]

@@designamk1160 I guess the name of tools very in different areas of the world. I have heard the term c clip pliers. My Snap on kit says internal and external snap ring pliers on the case. I also have a set of blueprint sold by Snap on that say external snap ring pliers on them

[@thio_2462]

How bizarre are you a mind reader I was literally wondering what's inside my DD2 yesterday out of curiosity

[@hertho67]

hello sorry for my english , am french i use traductor my two resistors next to the fan melted, why would you ask?50w 4 RJ . thanks for you video

[@helluminati]

Hej is it possible to buy the rubber ring as a sparepart ? Or do I have to buy a new shaft ? Thank you very much

[@madwoodsel]

So now it's an earthquake generator :D

[@randybrunner9739]

Hey Will, would you sell that OLED screen?

[@rankisdumb214]

my USB port went bad.. I was hoping it would be easy to fix bbut looking at this video, i can see the whole board has to come out and a new one soldered on.

[@beleg1437]

That 'little seal' looked pretty springy. 🤔

[@cmderinchief]

The solder broke on my USB port connection. Once I saw this I knew there was no scenario where I could go in and repair it myself.

[@Dutch3DMaster]

It actually is, but requires a bit more tools than just a soldering iron and some tin. My brother has a soldering iron for SMD stuff because the tip he uses on that iron is capable of putting tin where it's needed (also using flux) but not in between legs of a USB connection.

[@musicmate70]

DD2 is Fooked 🤣

[@NoahLeMar]

this hurts to see, when i’m saving for the csl elite wheelbase 😂

[@roshananand6454]

What rim you thinking of getting?

[@NoahLeMar]

@@roshananand6454 i got a fanatec p1 for cheap on ebay

[@roshananand6454]

@@NoahLeMar nice nice

[@B.stewart156]

The slo mo 😂😂🤣

[@Rodewerksahed]

Hi Will. Thanks for the really interesting and informative video. One thing I'd like to know is: what are the two blue wires for that appear to connect to the OLED area? Thanks

[@boostedmedia]

I’m honestly not sure. They’re too thin to be ground or power for the main motor. Seems like they’re probably power for some other low voltage circuitry on the front PCB that we can’t access without breaking the motor apart entirely but not sure.

[@Rodewerksahed]

@@boostedmedia Hi Will. Thanks for getting back so quickly. After showing such a comprehensive tear-down you teased me by not saying what they were for - having an electronics background and being so annoyingly inquisitive (OCD) I just had to know! I understand your personal woes first hand on very extreme levels and far too personal to go into on here. Good luck my friend. You are a great guy.

[@francopego]

👏👏👏👏

[@redeyerob2176]

Question will, i have just got a dd1 but am experiencing what feels like a deadzone when the wheel is loaded up and turning either way past the wheel center point. like when say when weaving going down a straight at speed warming the tires, if im in a corner and weave from side to side without going past dead center its fine but if im doing the same weaving down a straight and go past center it feels like a deadzone or even the motor not keeping up, ive tried multiple drivers and messed with settings all day to no avail and im quite sure its not play in the QR which is the Podium hub as it would be happening regardless of if i went past the center point or not which its not, cheers

[@boostedmedia]

That’s weird. My DD2 and 1 definitely never do this. Do you have a dead zone set in the game?

[@redeyerob2176]

@@boostedmedia No none what so ever, seems to happen in all the sims ive tried, from ac ,acc and dirt rally 2, all seem to have the same characteristics, almost feels like a clunk like theres play on center, is there any possibility you could test your dd,s for it as i also asked dom in these comments and he said it could be normal operation but it really doesnt feel like it to me, thanks for getting back to me

[@Dutch3DMaster]

@@redeyerob2176 I'm not sure if the magnet alignment is the same on those ones as it is on the Gran Tourismo Pro wheelbase but I had to increase one of the settings in the configuration panel in order to have a bit of drag just enough to make it sit at center, either when releasing the wheel outside of a game, or when inside one.

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

Were you able fix it

[@rafaellimon1393]

Auuuch!

[@TheBuzzorca]

Easy to fix ignore the vultures

[@PhilShenton]

My DD1 arrived new last week. Dead on arrival. Support is absolutely useless. I will be returning for full refund when I eventually get past their incompetent level 1 / 2 support BS. My thrustmaster broke 9 months old. Sent it back and they sent a replacement within 1 week under warranty. I know it's great when it works, but if support is this bad when DOA, I hate to see what is going to happen when it's been used for a while.

[@travolta43]

what size of allen key to open the back of the dd1

[@DickVanPaiton]

Barry, this is a teardown :-P

[@Softload3r]

00:30 how many Kilos does this thing weigh that it collapsed your shelf? damn

[@Travis9p]

Remeber Gran turismo!!! Boosted media

[@boostedmedia]

Haha gotta get a PlayStation first! Proving rather difficult in Aus at the moment!

[@Travis9p]

@@boostedmedia Your right boosted media I'm a fan! I'm dying to get Iracing can u get it for me??

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

@@Travis9p really dude??

[@Upracefan]

Now you need to post a video about if the youtube revenue this video made!

[@boostedmedia]

Not sure what you mean sorry.

[@favs970]

I guess he meant if the video revenue covered the damage costs (personally I doubt it considering the price of a DD2 and how much revenue 20k yt views usually generate)

[@ClausBurfelt]

Now a 13 kg transducer ! xD

[@petrol72]

this is painfull(dd2 owner).nice video

[@e.r.6147]

Tbe best thing about this is that it doesn’t have a USBC removable shaft like the Lemon CSL DD 🤦‍♂️

[@JoakimGulbrandsen]

You're kind of supposed to heat the wick with the soldering iron. Not touching the solder with the wick, Will.. :)

[@boostedmedia]

Yeah. But as someone who spent 10 years soldering every day I could tell it wasn’t going to be effective. The copper power rails were dissipating the heat too fast.