FANATEC CSL DD REVIEW - Part 1 - Hardware & Internals

[@boostedmedia]

Full written article available HERE: boostedmedia.net/sim-racing/review-fanatec-csl-dd/ We hope our review of the Fanatec CSL DD has helped you decide if this is the right product for you. If you've found the video helpful, would like to help support Boosted Media at no additional cost, the following affiliate links will send a small comission our way which helps keep us running. Thanks a lot for your support! US: fanatec.com/us-en/cat/index/sCategory/163?FAP+Banner&General+Links&a_aid=boostedmedia EU: fanatec.com/eu-en/cat/index/sCategory/162?FAP+Banner&General+Links&a_aid=boostedmedia AU: fanatec.com/au-en/cat/index/sCategory/165?FAP+Banner&General+Links&a_aid=boostedmedia JP: fanatec.com/ja-en/cat/index/sCategory/164?FAP+Banner&General+Links&a_aid=boostedmedia

[@davidbennett4286]

As someone that remembers the massive manuals that used to be included back when games came in big cardboard boxes - I laughed out loud at the shade thrown at Quick-Start guides.

[@burtpanzer]

World Circuit came in a small box with a CD and a book almost half an inch thick... I kinda liked that about old games.

[@ribbonzz]

this is going to be the wheelbase for my first rig ever. Really excited to get it!

[@jaredoldhouser3301]

They are over priced n fall apart, just get a thrustmaster direct drive when it comes out.

[@flipcoin6301]

The current production units omit the red label on the shaft. People complained about the adhesive. The gap for the pinch clamp is approximately 2.3mm, if you need to remove/reinstall. I used feeler gauges, since there are no published torque values. Also, always use blue Loctite for these bolts.

[@SimRacersArms]

Thank you for the detailed review, (especially the measurements) 👍 😉

[@isaacsmith2224]

So excited to get mine, ordered kind of late so not expecting to receive mine until November but excited nonetheless

[@RJ-lh8vm]

If only November 8th wasn't so far away... Great review though, you always go into so much detail, kudos.

[@gregwootton]

I feel the same way, hoping it ships sooner than November 8th

[@timkoken1570]

November 23rd is even worse

[@gregwootton]

@@timkoken1570 That is worse. Just hope they ship sooner.

[@Elios0000]

easy fix for the USB connector once your set up just fill the void around with hotglue and it wont pull out or wiggle around any more and you can get out if you need

[@randoeboy]

Amazing timing was watching The priewiw now and wanted to see IF The official reviwe had come and it did 1 hour ago

[@leftish23]

Concise and detailed review. Thanks!

[@noelcox1726]

14:47 use Sugru - moldable silicone - and modify the end of the USB cable to fit better into the wheel base. Just make sure to use a release agent like Vaseline to keep the Sugru from sticking to the wheel base.

[@christoforospaphitis4090]

So much more detailed than other reviewers

[@luciusthegod]

i wonder if you could 3d print an adapter for the rear usb-c plug to prevent the wobble

[@phillupson8561]

Great review, thanks for your hard work in putting this together!

[@2ndLastJedi]

Answered my question from another video here, all over it Will :) thanks mate.

[@Igbon5]

Your support of Pagnian and positive review here pointed me toward them. Perhaps I should have checked I just didn't realize a decent company would add so much to the same item for zero benefit. Hundreds of dollars added to individual items.

[@Egamer12]

So excited for this

[@FernandWolf]

as always great videos and reviews. thanks, Will happy that the mounting Measurements are basically the same as the DD1, and since I sold mine so thankfully I don't have to buy another bracket...great

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

May I ask why you would exchange your DD1 with these?

[@pe9042]

Receiving minne 15th september 😃 Great video as always 👏🏻

[@jahshjahsh2002]

Hey Boosted, thanks for the review .Usually the back of the base is fixed and the driver or player doesn´t have business there. And also people can be extra careful, by for example zip tie-ing the USB cable to the rig or fixing the USB plug to the IO with a tape. But again other people might use this on a table and moving it away when finished.

[@gregwootton]

Great review, can't wait for mine to ship in November.

[@theracer5373]

Hell yeah brother keep up your hard work!!

[@coisnotpog]

Looks like this may be my upgrade next year. I'm rocking the CSL Elite base, but don't want to spend tons of money on a DD. I know there are a couple more budget options now, but Fanatecs drivers, console compatibility, and ecosystem make then an easy choice for me....even though then eventually changing the quick release is annoying imo.

[@Booti007]

Aren’t the M6 holes in the front for the static shifters Fanatec sell?

[@bullzeyes23]

Thanks for the review especially the M6 hole for phone accessary.

[@andrewwhite2863]

I can't wait to get mine next month.

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIllIlIlIlI]

i can't wait.. my base will deliver, after Sep, 20..

[@scotteyer9557]

The price is right thanks I for the links good reviews

[@wwjnz9263]

Almost surprised no one made a front mounting kit/plate for this wheelbase yet. It looks like attaching a cast/milled aluminum plate would be fairly straightforward. Just relocate the power button to the top of the wheelbase, and you're all set.

[@dat-e.z3352]

cant wait to get my hands on one!

[@matta2738]

Very surprised they went with a standard power supply. Looking forward to see what peoples workarounds will be to avoid the extra cost of the boost kit

[@paultaylor5844]

How about supporting the company that is giving you great hardware at reasonable prices

[@dimsoneill]

@@paultaylor5844 259 AUD for an extra rail on a power supply is taking the mic a bit.

[@matta2738]

@@paultaylor5844 $250 for a power supply is not "great prices"

[@Ryzza5]

@@paultaylor5844 Someone who saves a few $$$ on a power supply may reinvest it in a nicer wheel rim anyway. No-one would complain if a laptop user found a 3rd party replacement for their power adapter if they lost their original one.

[@barrymanon9459]

Someone will come out with a power supply for under half the cost.

[@greghumphrey1]

Great review as always, thanks ever so much

[@zupaburschi6268]

Question: Whose DD Base also makes a very slight noise when it is switched on? It‘s a very slight high frequency noise. I use it with the Boost Kit which also emits a high-frequency noise. I would appreciate if you could let me know if your Base (and PSU) is COMPLETELY silent - when it's on. THX 🙏🏼

[@voamos]

Is there any video or image that shows the inside of the shaft? I would like to see if it is a pcb or just wires.

[@lanmaster53]

What about 3D printing an insert to secure the USB-C port? Seems like that would be a pretty simple thing to do. Bear in mind that I don't do 3D printing...

[@kuku6031]

no resellers or support to NZ , and doesn’t look like the design will allow for clamp style universal hub for non fanatec wheels. Looks like simagic alpha mini best option.

[@gt_blaze1764]

Without the benefit of seeing the QR2, is there any indication as to what the benefit of upgrading the QR is?

[@boostedmedia]

I expect it will eliminate any flex or shaft play. Not sure on other benefits yet.

[@ivanmata5611]

Thanks Will good stuff 👍🏼

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

good stuff!

[@basementjack2]

That QR with the USB C connector on the back looks quite interesting... I wonder if they are just using the connector, or if they are implementing actual USB on the connector - which could open the door for wheels like the Ascher 64 to work without a coiled cable.

[@boostedmedia]

As stated in the video and the written article, it’s a proprietary protocol. You can’t connect other things.

[@DanMufc-jt9le]

Great video will had concerns about mounting the base to my rig that i have but youve answered my questions by showing how it works got this bad boy on order myself 8nm never owned one before so look forward to getting it combined that with a formula v2 rim the red version for xbox along with the new pedals that are coming out and the advanced paddle module too moving up from a 920 had that for about 2 years now so due for an upgrade not long to go now until release month had it on order since june :D And hopefully all goes on ok on my playseat standard evolution rig i have the silver one

[@giallubiker]

Nice video!! may I ask you how many NM the hub life you dismantled at the beginning must be tightened to? thank you

[@josephg9245]

did you guys ever do a full teardown?

[@antonward8352]

Just got my csl dd and i have a big problem i race in VR i have a valve index when i turn the wheel on it kills my VR tracking and get grey screen is this a USB problem or a EMI problem I'm struggling to solve this problem.

[@theprojectchannel5045]

Just had my CSL dd turn up and it won’t turn on have reached out to fanatec just waiting for a reply I’m a bit annoyed after finally taking the leap and going more expensive for it to then not turn on 😡

[@Papagiorgio94]

Where can i get more info on the hall sensor? mine appears to be damaged

[@Igbon5]

Anyone buying this check prices carefully. It is much better value to get the Base DD and the Boost kit separately than getting the 8nm bundle. The base price plus boost costs 858. For which you get both the 5nm and 8nm power supplies. The 8nm price is 829, so for only 29 dollars less you miss out on a whole other power supply, the 5nm one, worth hundred of dollars. It is a huge rip off on top of an a already expensive power supply. Pagnian charges 999 dollars for the same thing, so be careful with them too. See comment below. I wish Will and other reviewers had made this clearer.

[@flipnospan7808]

Awesome review, as always! I have a question, though: what is the distance between the t-nut channels on the bottom? Same as the sides? Thank you!

[@brandonwells4772]

just purchased an entire fanatec ecosystem including this base, 2 wheels, CS v3 pedals, shifter, and handbrake. the unfortunate part is i have to wait until 2/28 at the soonest before it becomes available. it was 1/10, but i guess i waited too long.

[@togwilson]

So many people are gonna sell those 8nm packs if there’s no handshake

[@cerodosimracing]

9:45 - I need a QR1 Motor Side. Is it possible to get just that part?

[@vitodiomede79]

Thankyou for your review. Do you know why the load cell pedal is not available for the csl pedals set?

[@boostedmedia]

No idea sorry.

[@goonie1975]

Hi Will, are the bearing carriers for the motor plastic?

[@derduke9485]

wait... if i dont need the boost kit... do i still need to buy a power supply? or is it just the usb c cable?

[@boostedmedia]

No it comes with the standard 90W power supply if you don’t order the boost kit.

[@derduke9485]

ty 😊

[@L3nny666]

they should have made it come with the higher power supply unit and make it a bit more expensive instead of making it an option. what were going to do with the e waste 90 watt psu?

[@boostedmedia]

If you order with the boost pack you get a small discount and they don’t ship the 90W PSU

[@L3nny666]

@@boostedmedia oh that's good to know, in this case i totally withdraw my critique. great video btw!

[@kneevie]

I just purchased this wheelbase and compatable wheel for xbox but wondering will i still have to update the firmware? If so if there a way to do it without having a pc somehow?😬

[@migueltennis]

Hello. A query. I live in Argentina. Here we use 220 volts current. If I want to buy the DD, can I use it directly or do I have to buy a transformer from 110v to 220v ?. From already thank you very much!.

[@boostedmedia]

You don’t need a transformer. It’s a switchmode power supply.

[@DuarteAzeredo]

Hi Boosted Media I'm a subscriber to your channel and I have some doubts, since you've already tried almost everything on the market, I wanted to ask you 2 things: - Do you think it's worth replacing the Thrustmaster T500 with the Fanatec CSL DD? - If you advise me to change, is it better to choose the bost source that gives 8Nm or the fanatec BMW GT2 V2 steering wheel? since I have to spend +100E +/- My Thrustmaster T500 is as good as new and never gave any problems, I only use it for iRacing and very rarely for ACC and at power settings I only use 40/50%. I'm comfortable with the T500 but if the jump is too big I'm willing to switch. Greetings and thanks, Duarte

[@boostedmedia]

The CSL DD is a very big upgrade from the T500, but if you’re happy, why spend the money?

[@DuarteAzeredo]

@@boostedmedia I considered the exchange because the comments I have seen say that the leap is huge and that the accuracy/Details of what you feel has nothing to do with it, thank you very much for your help. So maybe I'll stay as I am with the T500 👍

[@boostedmedia]

It’s a huge jump no doubt but that doesn’t mean it’s necessary. Totally depends on your financial circumstances. I guess what I’m saying is don’t bust yourself to buy it.

[@DuarteAzeredo]

@@boostedmedia Thank you very much for your sincere opinion Boosted Media is what I like about your videos. Keep up the good work you've been doing.

[@davidzx692]

Can you connect CSL Elite pedals to the USB data port in this wheel?

[@Dan80Racing]

Will I have an issue with mine that I think can not be resolved. I don't think it's a fault more of a design flaw. I have messaged you on Facebook if you can pick it up

[@Dan80Racing]

@@designamk1160because Will has the platform and the audience to put this problem out there so people are aware. I was just trying to help out nothing more

[@avvidsttv8185]

bro this thing is on pre order until May 2022 im crying

[@Dj_Not_Nice]

Does it come with mounting screws?

[@lukeannett]

That qr is sooo much better than on my dd2. I've already had trouble with the wires getting wrapped up in the qr on my dd2 and my buttons disconnecting.Seriously considering downgrading just for the better qr.

[@MaRcIu27]

how that shaft can spin forever without cables twisting inside connection?? :S

[@boostedmedia]

It’s explained in the video. Uses inductive coupling for power and optical transmission for data

[@y3sbw]

Would really appreciate some help @boostedmedia - I have a csl dd for Xbox and tried playing ACC. I’ve tried fanatecs recommended settings but the wheel oscillates/clips a lot and is undriveable. Does anyone have any advice on what settings I should try? TIA.

[@Shelboooooo]

Thank you.

[@chrisnobleracing]

CSW V2.5 compatibility mode? Please do explain

[@momorious]

Same mode as Podium DD Bases have sind launch. USB Device ID Is changed to "fake" a CSW V2.5 USB entry for games which dont support the new bases natively. That way you can get LEDs, Display etc working in old games.

[@gedassmiskal548]

so you get the t-nuts but no bolts?

[@marcofabro]

Would I be able to use my Thrustmaster T3PA pedals with this? I'd like to upgrade from a T300 to this and It would be great to just buy the base and wheel.

[@mracer8]

any usb pedal will work with pc, with xbox, nope

[@marcofabro]

@@mracer8 I play on PC so that's all good. The T3PA pedals have an RJ12 connector with an offset locking tab. In theory it should plug in , I'm curious if it will actually work though. Worse case scenario they do make an RJ12 to USB adapter but it would be nicer to plug it into the base directly.

[@mracer8]

@@marcofabro it will only work with direct usb connection to pc.

[@robertcarr4172]

When will the load cell kit be shown

[@boostedmedia]

We don’t have it yet. So not sure. Sorry.

[@hayeduce]

"People dont have the attention span for an instruction manual these days." so true and so sad, what a weird world we live in.

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

Omg how sad! People don't read instruction manuals! Please call the church elders! Someone think of the children!!!!

[@hayeduce]

@@DavidGarcia-oi5nt im really only mocking the ones who break stuff immediately as they take things out of the box, cuz they were impatient and didnt read important things from the manual, and then they go online and complain about it.

[@Ryzza5]

But they can watch an hour long review xD

[@stuartmarshall7099]

Unfortunately, pricing in AUS seems a bit off. Abou t$100 off what would be a fair comparison with the USA.

[@boostedmedia]

Remember we aren’t paying any additional import duties. That’s where a lot of the difference is unfortunately.

[@stuartmarshall7099]

@@boostedmedia I know all that and it should come out at $500. remember these arent made in Germany or the US. Other Fanatec stuff seems about right but not this one unfortunately. Thanks for the review.

[@Tempest261]

A handshake could still happen over the power rail itself. But you'd need a scope to verify this.

[@cmacclel]

That's the big question you can get a nice quality Meanwell 24v 180w PS for $35 :)

[@bm01]

That gap between the shaft will cause problems

[@Chuckle_Sauce]

Why does every review talk about changing to QR2 instead of talking about what the thing is shipped with?

[@rickmorty1211]

Can these be mounted to a chassis with a side mount?

[@boostedmedia]

Yep

[@gt_blaze1764]

How can you update to the latest firmware without first connecting it to a PC? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm not very good with technical stuff..

[@Ryzza5]

Connect it to a different PC? :) I'm not sure why you ask.

[@gt_blaze1764]

@@Ryzza5 Like wouldn't you have to first connect it to the PC before the firmware can be installed. How does the wheelbase upload (?) the firmware if it's not connected to the PC... I probably sound stupid or I'm just not comprehending the process..

[@anticommoncore4065]

Download driver software from Fanatec. Install it onto PC. THEN connect the CSL DD to your USB port, to update firmware. Diver software has a firmware utility that checks firmware version on CSL DD drive hub, and gives you the choice to install updated firmware. Once that update option is selected, the software downloads and installs firmware to CSL DD drive hub EPROM.

[@gt_blaze1764]

@@anticommoncore4065 so if I have the wheelbase, load cell pedals and a formula esports rim. I would connect them in that order right? Install drivers to PC, connect wheelbase and download firmware, connect pedals download firmware, then attach esports rim and update that. Am I correct or do you have to have a rim attached to download firmware for the wheelbase? Thank you so much for your help..

[@4fr0pl]

Will this be more expensive after release date?

[@boostedmedia]

Not that I’m aware of

[@socks2441]

hopefully someone out there will figure out the wiring for the boost power pack and we can use an old computer power supply or something instead of paying $300NZD (which could buy me a whole g29 wheel...) its a bit cheeky of them to do that. but i guess its just business.

[@boostedmedia]

It’s very simple but obviously voids warranty and carries risks. There’s guides on YT already.

[@socks2441]

spoke to soon, boosted is on to it and mentioned the possibility in this vid. so hopefully someone with the right experience can experiment and make a guide for us low level intelligence humans. who also are too cheap or poor to but that expensive booster power pack thing.

[@socks2441]

@@boostedmedia oh wow, guides already, thats quick. thanks for letting me know, and always good to be reminded of the risks/ warranty :-)

[@AdhamHossam165]

Yesssssss

[@royjones4871]

Anybody got an issue of wobble in the shaft of their dd. A very prominent up and down wobble when tuning it . I mean it doesn't rotate in a smooth circular motion . Disappointing

[@adil1087]

Nice

[@aidensavellis1351]

pog

[@Egamer12]

Noti squad

[@wingsta9613]

Pity they haven't released the PlayStation version

[@dimsoneill]

Hello 3rd party Boost 180 power supplies!

[@socks2441]

heck yeah!

[@azzazz4549]

Boost kit pizza

[@alessandrozucchiatti6814]

i'm fantasizing ... considering that on the console this base does not work and you will have to buy a version apparently the same but different only in the software if someone could create a custom firmware to make playstation 4 and 5 believe that you connected a dd pro base would make everyone happy which would like an upgrade of their fanatec system without having to buy unnecessary parts

[@boostedmedia]

It’s a physical chip unfortunately. Can’t do it with custom FW.

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

👍🤠👍

[@marquezpradoluisjavier7754]

😸✌🏻

[@zeljkoitmediashop6019]

It ist no lower product, it is mid hi range

[@jameswallace9665]

when are they gonna ship to new zealand ughhhh

[@boostedmedia]

I wish I had an answer for that one!!

[@rodrigosoy]

18:30

[@muratakan2450]

Bakın siz yorumlarımızı dikkate almıyorsunuz özelikle direksiyon kelepçesi çok saçma çok iğrenç olmuş ben almaktan soğudum cidden bu fatatece yakışmıyor kendine yakışanı yapsın lütfen insanlarla dalga geçmeyin sonuçta insanlar size para veriyor bedava almıyor 🤔

[@reaperkilledyou9669]

Came to the comments looking for a 404 joke. Much disappointment :(