Fanatec CSL DD Wheel Base - User Manual
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Fanatec. This manual provides essential information for the safe and optimal use of your CSL DD wheel base. Please read it carefully before first use and retain it for future reference.
Important Safety Information
Photosensitive Seizures
A small percentage of individuals may experience seizures when exposed to flashing lights or patterns in video games. If you or someone close to you experiences symptoms like light-headedness, altered vision, or involuntary movements, stop playing immediately and consult a doctor. Precautions include sitting farther from the screen, using a smaller screen, playing in a well-lit room, and avoiding play when drowsy or fatigued.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Prolonged use of input devices like controllers and keyboards can lead to discomfort or serious injuries. If you experience persistent pain, throbbing, or numbness, seek professional medical attention. Factors contributing to these disorders include posture, stress, and overall health.
1. General
Attention Points:
- Avoid exposure to rain or humidity to prevent fire or electric shock.
- Recommended operating temperature: 15°C - 35°C.
- Recommended continuous force feedback activity: 1 hour. Take a 5-minute break every 20 minutes of use. Limit driving to 2 hours per day.
- Not intended for children under 6 years old due to small parts (choking hazard).
- Do not open the device casing; this will void the warranty.
Electrical Safety:
- Connect the CSL DD to an appropriate power source using only the provided power supply unit and power cord.
- Always connect the DC side of the power supply to the wheel base before connecting the AC side to the wall socket.
- Using third-party power supplies may damage the CSL DD and connected peripherals, and voids the warranty.
- Do not use non-standard power sources like generators or inverters.
- Avoid exposing the CSL DD to heat sources.
- When connecting/disconnecting a steering wheel, handle the pins in the Quick Release with care.
- Only use Fanatec steering wheels with the CSL DD.
- Unplug the power cord during storms or long periods of inactivity.
- If the CSL DD is damaged, stop usage and contact Fanatec Customer Support at Fanatec.com/support/faq.
2. Compatibility
The CSL DD is compatible with a wide range of Fanatec steering wheels, hubs, pedals, shifters, and handbrakes from the CSL, CSL Elite, ClubSport, and Podium series. It is also compatible with Windows PC and Xbox One/Series X|S when used with an officially licensed Xbox Fanatec steering wheel.
Important: While the CSL DD is usable out of the box, updating to the latest driver and firmware is recommended. Firmware updates require a Windows PC and the wheel base set to PC mode.
3. Package Contents
The package includes:
- 1x CSL DD Wheel Base (A)
- 4x M6x8 mm Hard-Mounting T-Nuts (B)
- 1x USB Type-A to Type-C Cable (C)
- 1x Power Supply (D) (90W or 180W, selected at purchase)
- 1x Power Cord (Regional) (E)
4. Assembly
4.1 Plan Your Setup
Decide whether to hard-mount the wheel base or use the CSL Table Clamp (sold separately). Connect your steering wheel via the Quick Release system, then connect the CSL DD to your PC or Xbox console using the USB cable. Ensure all peripheral devices are connected before powering on the CSL DD. Use only the included USB cable to prevent damage. Ensure adequate space around the wheel base for air circulation.
4.2 Hard-Mounting
Insert the T-nuts (B) into the T-slots on the underside or sides of the wheel base. The T-nuts can be positioned in any configuration to match the mounting holes on your surface. Use good quality M6 bolts (M6x(10+X) mm) for hard-mounting. Optional PODIUM Mounting Brackets are available at Fanatec.com.
4.3 Table Clamp
For easily-removable mounting to a table or desk, use the optional CSL Table Clamp available at Fanatec.com. Follow the diagrammatic instructions for attachment.
4.4 Attaching a Steering Wheel
Ensure the groove on the QR1 Base-Side shaft is facing upwards. Ensure no force feedback effect is active. Carefully slide a Fanatec steering wheel (with QR1 Wheel-Side or QR1 Lite Wheel-Side) onto the wheel base shaft by pulling and holding the sleeve. Once firmly connected, release the sleeve. For QR1 Lite, align the shaft, slide it on, and then lock the mechanism.
4.5 Connections
The DataPort-C port is intended for future Fanatec peripheral products. Do not connect non-Fanatec devices to any DataPort-C ports. Peripheral devices such as shifters, pedals, and handbrakes connect to the ports labeled SHIFTER 1, SHIFTER 2, PEDAL, and HANDBRAKE. The USB Type-A to Type-C cable connects the wheel base to your PC or console.
4.6 Recommended Accessories
Compatible accessories include:
- CSL DD Table Clamp
- Boost Kit 180
- ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5
- ClubSport Static Shifter Paddles
- ClubSport Handbrake V1.5
- Podium Mounting Brackets (requires 4x M6x20 mm bolts and washers)
These and other accessories are available at Fanatec.com.
5. Functions & Features
5.1 Firmware & Driver Update
A Windows PC is required for firmware updates. Ensure the wheel base is in PC mode. Firmware updates provide CSL DD functionality, steering wheel compatibility, and manage device communication. Refer to the Driver & Firmware Instructions Manual on Fanatec.com for detailed guidance.
5.2 Start-Up Procedure
To turn on the wheel base, connect it to power and press the power button (O) for about one second. The wheel base will perform a start-up calibration. To turn off, press and hold the power button (O) for 3 seconds. Use only the supplied power supply and cord. Do not touch the wheel base shaft or attached steering wheel during calibration.
5.3 Modes
Cycle through modes by short-pressing the power button. The LED color indicates the mode:
- Red: PC mode
- Green: Xbox mode (requires licensed Xbox steering wheel)
- Yellow: ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5 Compatibility mode
Mode can also be changed via button combinations on the steering wheel. The selected mode persists after rebooting, unless a firmware update is performed.
5.4 Centre Calibration
Manual center calibration may be necessary, indicated by "CAL" flashing on the steering wheel display. Refer to your steering wheel's quick guide for the specific button combination required. Center calibration can also be performed via the PC driver.
5.5 Shifter Calibration
Refer to your steering wheel's quick guide for shifter calibration button combinations. After a firmware update, the wheel base may prompt for automatic shifter calibration upon connecting a non-calibrated H-pattern shifter. Follow the on-screen prompts, using the steering wheel display to navigate through gear positions.
5.6 Tuning Menu
Access the Tuning Menu by pressing the Tuning Menu button on your connected Fanatec steering wheel. Navigate using the D-Pad or FunkySwitch™. Refer to your steering wheel's quick guide for specific functions and button combinations. Tuning parameters are subject to change.
5.6.1 Tuning Menus and Profiles
Standard Tuning Menu: 1 custom setup, core parameters only. Designed for new users.
Advanced Tuning Menu: 5 custom setups, all parameters. Designed for experienced users.
Switch between Standard and Advanced by holding the Tuning Menu button for 3 seconds. Reset custom profiles by holding the button for an additional 5 seconds.
Standard Tuning Menu parameters include SEN (Sensitivity), FF (Force Feedback), NDP (Natural Damper), and BRF (Brake Force). BRF requires a load cell brake pedal.
5.6.2 SEN (Sensitivity)
Defines the degrees of rotation. Ranges from 180° to 1080° (Standard) or 90° to 2520° (Advanced). AUTO sets sensitivity via the PC driver or game.
5.6.3 FF (Force Feedback)
Determines the maximum strength of force feedback effects. Ranges from 001% to 100%. Setting FF to OFF disables force feedback. Higher FF values in the Tuning Menu are recommended over in-game settings to avoid clipping.
5.6.4 FFS (Force Feedback Scaling)
Reduces maximum FFB output for consistent linearity. Options: LIN (Linear) and PEA (Peak). LIN activates the setting, PEA deactivates it.
PSU | FFS Range | Max. Torque |
---|---|---|
Standard PSU | LIN | 4 Nm |
Standard PSU | PEA | 5 Nm |
Boost Kit 180 PSU | LIN | 6 Nm |
Boost Kit 180 PSU | PEA | 8 Nm |
5.6.5 NDP (Natural Damper)
Adds adjustable damping from OFF to 100. Higher values increase damping, reacting to acceleration and steering angle. OFF provides no additional damping. Useful for controlling oversteer and reducing oscillation. Default value of 50 balances responsiveness and oscillation mitigation.
5.6.6 NFR (Natural Friction)
Simulates mechanical feel of steering components. Higher settings increase resistance, enhancing the feel of driving vehicles without power steering or with wide tires. May also help prevent oscillation.
5.6.7 NIN (Natural Inertia)
Simulates additional steering weight, useful for lighter steering wheels. Smooths the Natural Friction setting on direction changes.
5.6.8 INT (FFB Interpolation)
Smooths and interpolates FFB by filtering game output. Ranges from OFF (unfiltered) to 20 (highest filter). Default is 11.
5.6.9 FEI (Force Effect Intensity)
Adjusts overall intensity and smoothness of force effects. 000 is smoothest, 100 is sharpest. Refines harsh or spiky force feedback signals.
5.6.10 FORCE / SPRING / DAMPER EFFECT
FFB modifiers to change game FFB signals (Force, Spring, Damper). Not all games use all three effects. Setting Spring to low values or OFF may prevent the wheel from centering correctly after calibration. Adjusting values higher than 100% may increase motor load and heat generation.
5.6.11 BLI (Brake Level Indicator)
Activates brake pedal vibration (001-100) for ClubSport Pedals V3/V3i. OFF allows game control of vibration. Useful for learning threshold braking.
5.6.12 SHO (Shock / Vibration Strength)
Adjusts the strength of shock/vibration motors in compatible Fanatec wheels and pedals from 100% to 0%. Vibration motors can be used directly by the game.
5.6.13 MPS (Multi Position Switch Function)
Configures multi-position switches. Options: AUTO (game decides), ENC (simulates two buttons), CONST (constant signal), PULSE (single pulse per rotation). Available on wheels with multi-position switches.
5.6.14 AP (Analogue Paddles)
Configures analogue paddles for clutch bite point, clutch/handbrake, brake/throttle, or mappable axes. Clutch Bite Point (CbP) configuration involves pressing paddles simultaneously and adjusting the bite point percentage.
5.6.15 BRF (Brake Force)
Adjusts the force needed for 100% brake input on load cell brake pedals. OFF requires least pressure, 100 requires most. Default is 050.
6. Cleaning
Clean the CSL DD with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth. Cleaning solutions may cause damage.
7. Troubleshooting
If the CSL DD is not working properly, consult the following table:
Problem Description | Solution |
---|---|
Steering wheel not centered after firmware update. | Manually calibrate the center position (See section 5.4). |
H-pattern shifter not working after firmware update. | Manually calibrate the shifter (See section 5.5). |
Driver window does not show attached steering wheel. | Ensure the CSL DD is updated to the latest firmware (Fanatec.com/driver). Check pins in the steering wheel's Quick Release for bends or damage. Try another steering wheel. |
PC driver unable to switch wheel base into update mode. | Hold the power button for 8 seconds to boot into bootloader mode and attempt firmware update via the Firmware Update Assistant. |
Tuning display not showing or not working. | Try another steering wheel. Check pins in the steering wheel's Quick Release. |
Start-up calibration not working properly after booting. | Ensure the CSL DD is updated to the latest firmware (Fanatec.com/driver). Manually calibrate the center position (See section 5.4). |
Attached steering wheel does not return to center position after start-up calibration. | Manually calibrate the center position (See section 5.4). |
RevLEDs, FlagLEDs, and/or display not working in specific games. | Switch to "ClubSport Wheel base V2.5 Compatibility Mode" (Yellow LED). Check "FanaLab" PC suite for potential support. Older titles may not support recent wheel bases. |
How to contact Fanatec customer support? | Use the chat service on the Fanatec website or create a support ticket via the 'My Products' section of your Fanatec account. Visit Fanatec.com. |
8. Video Manual
Access video guides at Fanatec.com/QR/CSL-DD.
9. Serial Number
The serial number is located on the bottom of the wheel base, gift box, and shipping box. It starts with 'LA' followed by 8 numbers (e.g., LA021000370).
10. Trademarks
Endor®, Fanatec®, FluxBarrier®, ClubSport®, and Podium® are registered trademarks of Endor AG. Designed and developed by Endor AG in Germany.
11. Product Recycling
Please follow local regulations for e-waste disposal.
12. Compliance
CE Compliance
This device complies with European product regulations for safe usage.
FCC Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: it must not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any received interference. Modifications not explicitly described in this manual are prohibited.
The device has been tested and approved for Class B digital devices, providing adequate protection against harmful interference in residential areas.
Compliance logos: CE, UKCA, FCC, EAC, REACH, RoHS, WEEE, and others are displayed.
Contact Information
Endor AG, E.ON-Allee 3 - 84036 Landshut - Germany. Phone: +49 (871) 9221-122. Email: info.webshop@fanatec.com. Website: www.fanatec.com - www.endor.ag. Made in China.
This product meets RoHS requirements limiting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
13. Warranty
Endor AG warrants the Fanatec product against material defects for one year from the original purchase date. This warranty is valid in the country of purchase. Endor's liability is limited to repair or replacement with a factory-recertified product.
The warrantydoes not apply if the product:
- Is used with incompatible products.
- Is used with non-licensed/non-approved peripherals.
- Is used for commercial purposes.
- Is modified or tampered with contrary to instructions.
- Is damaged by acts of God, negligence, accidents, or unreasonable use.
- Has its serial number or warranty seal altered or removed.
Endor may void the warranty if the product is used in violation of the end-user agreement or with non-licensed peripherals.
This warranty is provided in lieu of all other express or implied warranties. Endor disclaims warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Limitations on implied warranty duration and consequential damages may vary by state/province.
Endor excludes liability for data loss, profit loss, or indirect damages. This warranty grants specific legal rights, and other rights may vary.
Warranty does not apply to pre-installed system software/firmware. For software-related issues, consult the FAQ database at fanatec.com/support/faq.