Oktane V3 Sequential Prototype (Fanatec Podium Sequential)

[@oktanedesigns]

Regarding your assessment of the feeling compared to the V2, I have to completely agree. The V2 has an edge in terms of "snappiness", that is somewhat suppressed on the V3. This is a direct result of the mechanism overhaul. There is more magnetism holding the V3 in the center position, which creates this smoother, more rounded sensation to the action. The V2 is much more "on/off" with all the resistance breaking at once and pushing through that hump. V3 is a bit more progressive. There is definitely still a cam-over sensation, but it is not nearly as pronounced of a break as the V2. However, this also means that upon releasing the shifter knob post-shift, the lever returns to center immediately with much greater force. Some people did not like the slight sensation of a mechanical delay here on the V2 when returning to center. The V3 addresses this. Additionally, one of the biggest criticisms of the V2 was its noise level. The V3 is significantly quieter than the V2 because of the mechanism overhaul. There is now center-position dampening that did not exist, and could not be implemented on the V2 without lessening the actuation force or introducing slop in the lever. Throw distance adjustments can still be made independently on the V3, which also come with a change in dampening during actuation. The shortest throw is the most dampened, and the longest throw is the least dampened (achieved by changing the included spacers). I recommend the longest throw (least dampened) for the most tactile sensation. This setting is still quieter than the V2 on any of its settings.

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

Yes, I definitely understand why the choices to alter the feel were implemented. The unit is much quieter now, and I recall many people asking me how loud the V2 was compared to other sequentials I've reviewed in the past. While the V2 was nowhere near as loud as say the simagic Q1 or Q2, it was definitely louder than many of the other shifters. The V3 addresses that and still retains all the major shifting sensations that you'd come to expect from this tier of sequentials. I also was a fan of the mechanical delay sensation in the V2, but again, I completely understand why the V3 made further refinements to the return. It does feel more precise on the new version. As I may have implied in the video, If someone out there has a V2, by all means, keep your unit, you have one of the best feeling shifters on the market but if you don't have one and are looking for a sequential, the V3 or the Mini are absolutely Fantastic options and will satisfy just about anyone I could think of; Super high quality.

[@Zambik808]

Will this get a black finish like the last? Are u planning on making a Fanatec compatible handbrake? And when can I buy the shifter? :)

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

@@Zambik808 It might be an optional thing in the future for extra cost.

[@alles_Freaks]

i cant believe that shifter got even better! only worries about the new connection would be the RJ Cables sensitivity to EMI interferences, so keep em short wherever you can. 😎

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

I wasn't aware of emi problems with the RJ cables, I assume there would be some kind of protection into the USB adapter at least. I'm not sure though.

[@oktanedesigns]

@@SleepyPantsSimRacing I think the EMI worries regarding the RJ12 connection (at least for a shifter application) come mostly from the Fanatec ClubSport shifter in H-pattern mode. They have some weird EMI buildup issue that plagues the shifters, and some people are able to mitigate it using ferrite cores on the cables. The clubsport USB adapters in my experience have never shown EMI issues, so it might just be a wheelbase thing. Can't say for certain though. Either way, not a single customer of mine who purchased the V2 with an integrated RJ12 connection has ever reached out to me regarding EMI issues. I had some trouble with it on the Arduino boards I used on the earlier USB models though.

[@alles_Freaks]

@@oktanedesigns yes, i also think its down to the fanatec direct drive wheelbases. Especially with the csl-dd where the simrig can kinda act like an ampfilier/antenna for the wheelbase. But the clubsport USB Adapter sould always be a cure for the Stiftung errors in that case.

[@grafire80]

I thought the same thing at the same moment lil Thor hammer 🤣😂🤣 . NICE NICE NICE. Metal is greaaaaat

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

Lol it could be used in the next marvel movie and nobody would notice...not even thor himself.

[@oktanedesigns]

Glad I'm not the only one who thought this. lol@@SleepyPantsSimRacing

[@toyotalovah]

congrats on getting 1k more subs

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

Getting close!

[@DouglasThompson]

Fun Fact #3 Unlike Thors actual hammer...Everyone can pick one of these up!

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

Fun Fact #4 Available Soon!!!

[@oktanedesigns]

@@SleepyPantsSimRacing I approve all fun facts represented here.

[@joseywales1039]

Shame about the box, I was looking forward to seeing you open it like in the V2 video.🙁

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

Lol I like opening boxes...I'm gonna have to make up for this somehow. I apologize to the whole unboxing and simracing community for the actions of my neighbor.

[@joseywales1039]

I'd watch the blunt object versus packing tape thing for hours 🥕

[@oktanedesigns]

next time just waltz over there and grab the box. As long as the delivery proof photo shows the same door and doormat anyway... lol @@SleepyPantsSimRacing

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

@@oktanedesigns lol

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

@joseywales1039 I have some ideas for the next one, hopefully I will remember to do the one I'm thinking.

[@joeshmoe4055]

Love my Octaindesigns V2 Sequential shifter. Quality products by Octaindesigns. SleepyPants is ok too, lol

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

;)

[@Plutoman09]

'muscular", "feminine", "hips" , " clasical guitar shape", " elegant looking" such sexy talk for a shifter. What poetry. I'm in tears

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

Keep it sexy my friend

[@ryanchenoweth5673]

Dam V2 feels better 😮

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

In some ways yes, certainly a preference thing, for instance if you have a V2 and you are happy with its performance there would be no reason to get a V3 but the V3 addresses all the issues people had with the V2. My main concern with the V2 was that I didn't like the micro usb connection that has been resolved with the RJ connection. Many said they would prefer a quieter shifter, the V3 is vastly quieter. Some said they didn't like that the magnetic mechanism of the V2 didn't return to center with enough authority. Now, the V3 returns to center like a scalpel. Some people complained there was a tiny gap that made the grip feel a little loose, no longer. :) To make for a better overall experience, certain things had to compromise. I feel the right choices were made to make the most amount of people happy.

[@oktanedesigns]

If you have a V2, you definitely wouldn't want to "upgrade" to a V3 unless noise was a major issue in your situation.

[@twisted239]

​@@oktanedesigns any plans on having the V3 in stock back again on AdvancedSimRacing? Also want the handbrake handle for Heusinkveld. I'm waiting those items to be in stock to buy them, so would be very interested to know, thank you!

[@oktanedesigns]

@@twisted239 Yes. ASR will have some V3 shifters and handbrake levers available, but probably not until sometime in July. (they requested the handbrake lever design with 4 holes, not any solid or "skeletonized" versions)

[@twisted239]

​@@oktanedesigns Thank you very much for your reply... will make sure I can get my hands on both!

[@skitownstreetcred]

Neighbors...

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

Yep...lol

[@BamaMike7187]

V3 vs Mini ?!?!?!?

[@SleepyPantsSimRacing]

@BamaMike7187 is that what you want to see? The mini feels great but it doesn't feel as good as the V3.