Getting Started With Fanatec

Getting Started with Fanatec And Ledsmaster

Here is the basic steps to get started with Ledsmaster.

Ledsmaster contains many features including the support of more than 60 games, the full management of the display and the LED of your Fanatec steering wheel and wheel base, a full management of your buttons/encoders, a wizard to create easily keystrokes sequence (MACRO) assignable to button/encoder, a full management of the motors of your CSP pedals set, rim and wheel base and many more.

List of current Fanatec Hardware supported*:

Almost all Fanatec rim* (including the latest Fomula V2.x steering wheel)
Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Base,
Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Base v2,
Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Base v2.5,
Fanatec Podium Series DD1,
Fanatec Podium Series DD2,
Fanatec CSL DD Series,
Fanatec GT DD Pro Series,
Fanatec ClubSport Pedals Set v1,

Fanatec ClubSport Pedals Set v2,
Fanatec ClubSport Pedals Set v3,
Fanatec ClubSport Pedals Set v3i,
Fanatec CSL Elite (including Pedals Set),
Fanatec CSR,
Fanatec Porsche Turbo,
Fanatec Porsche Carrera,
Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo S,
Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2,
Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 v2,
Fanatec ClubSport Shifter,
Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake
etc.

*Ledsmaster have been tested with latest Fanatec driver and firmware and compiled with latest Fanatec SDK. The software manages all Fanatec hardware supported by the official Fanatec SDK.

Getting Started



THE BASIC STEPS:

Basic steps to get started quickly with your Fanatec hardware.

– download and install the latest Ledsmaster
(don’t forget to select Check for update menu to launch the auto-updater and to keep your installation up to date)

Click To Download Ledsmaster

– configure your simulation or games to send telemetry data (Ledsmaster needs the car telemetry to work properly) and disable the Fanatec native support of the game (if needed). More info related to each game or simulation supported can be found in the Plugins Pages and in the FAQ below:


CLICK TO CONFIGURE YOUR SIMULATION OR GAME

DISABLE the native Fanatec support of your display/LED in game settings is absolutely required to enjoy all features of your Fanatec hardware with Ledsmaster.

How do I know if I correctly disabled the Fanatec native support of LED/Display of my game?

To test if you correctly DISABLED the native Fanatec led/display support of the game, simply quit Ledsmaster and launch the game alone, go on track and nothing should be displayed and led must stay OFF.

– do not forget to CAP THE FPS (limit the frame rate) in the game settings, Start with the default 60 fps value to give some CPU time to other apps in background or your game may eat all the resources of your PC and prevents Ledsmaster to work properly.

First steps have been done (download, installation and game configuration), it’s time to start:

– run Ledsmaster, it will prompt you to get your software license the first time click No button and follow the registration process to make your donation and register your support account.

– a dialog prompt you to register your software license the first time you launch Ledsmaster, click “REGISTER” button to make your contribution (starting at $1 USD) to EKSIMRacing foundation and register your support account.

Donation issue from Japan, read the FAQ

EKSIMRacing Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sim racing since 2007. The software license is almost free it requires a simple contribution of any amount to EKSIMRacing foundation (we accept only $ USD United States dollar ).

– your software license and your support account is validated within 24h and a notification is sent to you automatically (login your support account to read your pending messages ),

*IMPORTANT: nothing is sent to you if you don’t have a support account the license is registered within 24h and a notification is sent automatically to your support account. Do not forget to register your account after making your donation to receive all the information to get started quickly with your steering wheel and Ledsmaster.

– launch Ledsmaster to fetch and install your software license automatically from our licensing server,

This time click Yes to download, install and validate your license

The software license is automatically downloaded and installed by Ledsmaster to enjoy your Fanatec hardware with more than 60 simulations/games.

– run your favorite sim or game

It is strongly recommended to follow the basic steps above, you basically do not need anything else to get started,

– use the default Fanatec game profile (also called setup or configuration) and enjoy your sim racing rig with your favorite game or simulation first (Ledsmaster supports more than 60 game/simulation) and later start to customize your setup to suit your needs. After your first run, read the quick info and tips below and later click the TAB Advanced Setup Options to get more information.

PorscheR918-M_03

QUICK INFO AND TIPS:

Use the Ledsmaster dashboard to change the behaviors of Pit limiter, Shift-lights or Shift-points, FLAG LED, etc.

The General Options

General options contains global settings and can be useful for example if you need to display the system time in the 12h or 24h (your PC system time is displayed when the game is paused).

Select A Setup:

Ledsmaster is provided with several game profiles to get started quickly with your hardware. The Fanatec default setups named fanatec_default.cfg. (see the screenshot above) are suitable for almost ALL games other than modern F1 cars (2015 season and beyond) so it’s preferable to select the corresponding F1 setups in this case. These game profiles ARE RECOMMENDED for beginners and to get started quickly.

Later, you will be able to alter or create new setup to suit your needs (see the Advanced Setup Options tab).

BEST COMPANION OF YOUR FANATEC DEVICE

Show racing telemetry on your Android and Windows tablet or on second monitor.

VDASH-EMU ( virtual Racing Dash ) is the best companion of your Fanatec device, a powerful second screen/dash available for Android/Windows ( Virtual Racing Dash Emulator VDASH-EMU )

DOWNLOAD VDASH-EMU

VDASH-EMU Getting Started (User Guides and documentation)

Advanced Setup Options

Advanced Setup Options:

Check the video tutorials, doc and F.A.Q. to go further and learn how to customize your setup to suit your needs.

Among hundred of functions for customizing your setup, here are the functions specific to Fanatec hardware.

Shift Char Left/Right
-> open GENERAL ADVANCED section and enter the char that surround the gear value on OSP (Optimal Shift-Points ) feedback. Select the OSP method named FanaFoo.

Gear Shock Effect
-> Open the FANATEC CONTROLS section and activate the base or wheel motors on shifting

Throttle Effect*
-> Active the CSP v3 throttle rumble motor under specific condition

ABS Effect*
-> Active the CSP v2/v3 brake rumble motor when ABS is active

*see below the notes related to throttle/abs effect

The 7 way rotary encoder:

The 7 way rotary encoder on the right of almost all Fanatec rim can be configured to change the function of the 3 digits display (gear, speed, fuel, etc.).

fanatec_select_function

You need to assign the encoder to the corresponding CONTROLS (Button Up/Down Display). Open the DISPLAY Advanced options and scroll down to control functions, then click the Edit button to assign the inputs.

The “FunkySwitch” encoder is mapped differently with buttons ID 17/18 and not ID 23/24 if you have a Fanatec McLaren Firmware prior to v30 (update your rim firmware is recommended).

The Mini Fanatec OLED in current firmware of McLaren rim doesn’t have a complete characters set unfortunately, some text and dot cannot be displayed. We recommend to display gear only.

CSP PEDALS SET:

fanatec_clubspot_pedal_v2
fanatec_clubspot_pedal_v3

To take the full benefit of the Ledsmaster management of your CSP Rumble Motors (Brake and Throttle) it’s recommended to connect it directly to the PC USB port but obviously this is working on wheel base as well.

Attention: you can’t use the CSP Pedals Set rumble motor(s) alone with Ledsmaster, even if you have the CSP connected directly to USB you still need a Fanatec wheel base.

CSP-V3_03M

ABS and Throttle effect activation/deactivation are available from FANATEC CONTROLS options when connected to the Fanatec wheel base.

or From CONTROLLER icon when connected directly to USB:

Read the FAQ for more info about ABS effect and limitation: Why the ABS Effect not working with my Fanatec CSP?

Activate the Analog Joystick (axis 4) as a temporary switch

PorscheR918_analog_joystick

Change/Add Display Information on Fanatec Central Panel:

Scroll to DISPLAY Options and click the the Assign Functions button to change the primary information on your Fanatec central display. We recommend to display gear only on McLaren rim V1 (the OLED display have a very limited chars set). The first (1) position is the primary information.

More info can be assigned to your central display in DISPLAY Advanced Options.

FORMULA V2 RIM – Ledsmaster Features:

Ledsmaster supports fully the Fanatec Formula V2 steering wheel which include the following features (in addition to all the features of the current Fanatec hardware):

You CAN’T enjoy the led of your Fanatec Formula V2 steering wheel with Ledsmaster or any other 3rd party tool WITHOUT DISABLING THE NATIVE FANATEC SUPPORT IN GAME SETTINGS (read the notes below and configure your games).

+the the brightness management of the 9 RPM and 6 Warning/Flag led of the Formula V2,

Scroll down to Brightness Options to change your brightness value

+the new Shiftlights styles (3 colors layout):

Default (Fanatec) Yellow, Red, Blue
GT Green,Yellow, Red,
F1 Green, Red, Blue

Scroll down to Shift-lights options to change the Shiftlights Style

+the full management of the 6 Warning/Flag led,
-Assign any function to one or more led Like
low fuel warning,
damage,
yellow/blue flag,
OSP (Optimal Shiftpoints),
Pit Limiter,
Starting Lights,
Headlights,
DRS,
KERS,
TC,
ABS,

Scroll down to LED section to assign led to a function. Simply click one or more LED to lit them up

+Assign any button to one warning/flag led, each time you press the button you get a feedback

+Manage Color Of Your FLAG LEDs
version 3.4.6.7+ is required to change the color of the 6 FLAG Led of your Formula V2

Edit your setup and go to Avdanced Setup Options > LED > then select your custom color for each FLAG LED

+Management all steering buttons up to 64 (Fanatec McLaren and Formula V2)

All MPS mode of McLaren and Formula v2 rim are supported

You can create easily keystrokes sequence (MACRO) mapped to button or Switch using the FANATEC CONTROLS Options.

Click the Create Macros For Buttons

or activate the switch and click the Create Macros For Switch (or Hat-Switch), turn the switch to select a position and click OK then hit a key.

– the Button Mapping Wizard to accept 64 buttons.

Fanatec McLaren and Formula V2 steering wheel buttons, encoders or switches can be assigned easily to create a keystrokes sequence to drive your game.


Also, accordingly to Fanatec information (2019-03) and due to a limitation of the electronic of your wheel base you can’t use new features of Formula V2
if it’s on CSL Elite Base (first version) or CSW Base V1.5 or CSW Base v1.0 

To disable the native management of Fanatec LED/Display,

Read the FAQ “How to configure your games”

How do I know if I correctly disabled the Fanatec native support of LED/Display of my game?
To test if you correctly DISABLED the native Fanatec led/display support of the game, simply quit Ledsmaster and launch the game alone, go on track and nothing should be displayed and led must stay OFF.

User Guide And Support

User Guide And Support

To go further:
The primary software support information is in on the getting started page and user guides (include video tutorials), see the link below:

User Guides and documentation

Ledsmaster TIPS & TUTORIALS

if you need assistance read the documentation, F.A.Q. and watching the video tutorials, If you have a hardware issue contact your hardware supplier or the Fanatec support directly, we don’t do any hardware support.

BEST COMPANION OF YOUR FANATEC DEVICE

Show racing telemetry on your Android and Windows tablet or on second monitor.

VDASH-EMU ( virtual Racing Dash ) is the best companion of your Fanatec device, a powerful second screen/dash available for Android/Windows ( Virtual Racing Dash Emulator VDASH-EMU )

DOWNLOAD VDASH-EMU

VDASH-EMU Getting Started (User Guides and documentation)

Configure Games

The plugins information page is a good source to know if your game or simulation is supported or not, check this HERE

Almost All Plugins are usually included in the installer of Ledsmaster. Select Check for update to get the latest version of plugins and keep your installation up to date.

Here is the list of plugins available at this date (check the plugins page for more info):

Official:


Read the FAQ: configure your game or simulation

Studio 397
Le Mans Ultimate,
rFactor Pro**,
rFactor 2,
rFactor,
rFactor Steam,
iRacing
iRacing,
Kunos Simulazioni
Assetto Corsa Pro**,
Assetto Corsa Competizione,
Assetto Corsa,
Assetto Corsa XBox/PlayStation Console Bridge,
KW Studios (Sector3)
RaceRoom Racing Experience,
All EA – CodeMasters games
EA SPORTS WRC 2023,
Codemasters / EA F1 23,
Codemasters / EA F1 23 XBox/PlayStation Console Bridge,
Codemasters / EA F1 22,
Codemasters / EA F1 22 XBox/PlayStation Console Bridge,
EA Grid Legends,
All CodeMasters games
Codemasters F1 2021,
Codemasters F1 2021 XBox/PlayStation Console Bridge,
Codemasters F1 2020,
Codemasters F1 2019,
Codemasters DiRT Rally 2.0,
Codemasters F1 2018,
Codemasters F1 2017,
Codemasters F1 2017 XBox/PlayStation Console Bridge,
Codemasters DiRT 4,
Codemasters DiRT Rally,
Codemasters F1 2016,
Codemasters F1 2016 XBox/PlayStation Console Bridge,
Codemasters F1 2015,
Codemasters F1 2014,
Codemasters F1 2013,
Codemasters F1 2012,
Codemasters F1 2011,
Codemasters F1 2010,
Codemasters GRID Autosport,
Codemasters GRID2,
Codemasters DiRT3,
Codemasters DiRT2,
Codemasters GRID,
ALL REIZA Studios
Automobilista 2,
Automobilista
Formula Truck (all versions),
Game Stock Car,
SMS Games
Project CARS 3,

Project CARS 2,
Project CARS 2 XBox/PlayStation Console Bridge,
Project CARS,
Project CARS XBox/PlayStation Console Bridge,
All rFactor Clones
ARCA Sim Racing,
Simraceway,
Superleague Formula,
Turismo Carretera,
Simbin Studios
Simbin GTR2,
Simbin Steam GTR2,
Simbin Steam Race07 + all packs,
Simbin GTR EVO,
Simbin RaceON,
Simbin RaceInjection,
Simbin STCC I / II,
Simbin WTCC,
Simbin Injection,
Simbin GT Power,
Simbin Retro Expansion,
Simbin DTM Experience,
Others
Forza Motorsport 2023 (beta),
WRC Generations,
Forza Horizon 4 (beta),
Forza Horizon 5 (beta),
Forza Motorsport 7 (beta),
BeamNG Drive,
KartKraft (Black Delta),
PiBoSo Kart Racing Pro,
PiBoSo MX Bikes,
PiBoSo GP Bikes,
PiBoSo World Racing Series,
GRally,
Papyrus NASCAR 2003, (outdated)
Live For Speed,
netKar PRO,(outdated)
Oldies
SMS SHIFT2,
Simbin GTR
Grand Prix Legends,
GT Legends,
Richard Burns Rally,
X Motor Racing,
SCS Software Truck Sim:
Euro Truck Simulation 2,
American Truck Simulator

Fligth-Sim
XPlane 10*,
XPlane 11*,
DCS World (Digital Combat Simulator),
Flight Simulator X (FSX)*,
Flight Simulator 2020 (FS2020)*,
Other
NoLimits Roller Coaster Simulation 2*

*Available on demand (not free)
**PRO custom plugins available to PRO subscribers only, contact us

Fanatec Hardware are recommended by EKSIMRacing. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.