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Ok, so a quick and dirty first impressions post:

 

Picked it up from the FEDEX office today. They would've delivered it tomorrow but since I have a flight tomorrow morning and won't be back from that trip for a few days, I decided to just drive there and get it. The packing is satisfactory. It looks like an item you could definitely pick up and buy at a store. The box had some very minor aesthetic damage from transportation, but overall it arrived in almost perfect conditions.

 

So to the unboxing: Inside you will find the manual and a CD in a ziploc bag, the power supply in its own small white box, and then the Forcefeel in a plastic transparent bag.

 

The CD contains 3 pieces of software: ForceFeel Control Center, SimShaker-Wings and SimShaker-Wheels. At the time of me writing this, the only functionality I have used is the ForceFeel Control center and then tried it on DCS as Sound mode, but more on that later.

The Manual is about 80 pages, but in reality it is only 10 pages written in 8 languages and it is quite simple and straightforward.

 

The power supply is rated for 100 to 240 volts, so it will work without a transformer anywhere, as long as the plug you ordered is the correct type (it was for me). The biggest concern I have is that the power cord coming from the power supply is far too short. For me it is a bit of a problem that could easily be fixed by either including an extension or providing a longer cable. I literally have to unplug it every time I want to leave my desk, and I consider the powerbar to be relatively close as it sits right at the end of my desk slightly below where my monitor sits at just slightly longer than at arms' length.

 

At first impression, the Forcefeel gives you a sense of good quality materials all around. The straps are a bit light, but more than adequate. Once installed, the seat is comfortable to seat on, although the back bottom motors (3 and 4) do protrude a little bit too much for my liking, but not enough to make me want to remove it from the chair every time. Also, it likely will feel different on different chairs, so results may vary.

 

The physical installation is quite easy, you put it on your chair, 4 motors on the bottom, 4 motors on the back, use the straps to make it steady and stable on the chair (this works remarkably well) and then plug in the power cord to the seat, the USB cable and the audio cable to the PC. The cables also include and audio-in to plug in headsets to the seat, although I have not tested that feature yet.

 

Following that, you install the ForceFeel Control center and turn on the seat with the attached control by pushing it until it lights up and voila, you're good to go... well, sorta. The ForceFeel Control Center doesn't really do much other than let you choose Sound Capture Mode or PC Control Mode, select the strength, and click whether you want to convert 6 to 8 vibration zones. There's a simple massage tab, and you can test each motor independently. You can also change between Sound Capture mode and PC Control Mode using the physical control, as well as adjust the strength by phisically rotating the control.

 

As for the SimShaker-Wings software, at the time of writing, I was unable to make it work. I contacted Andre, the developer of the software. His very prompt response, although courteous, was a bit disappointing. Basically, it is all in Realteus' hands whether SimShaker-Wings support will come in the future or not. Apparently it is coming soon, but has not occurred yet. Andre also added that SimShaker for Aviators (a separate software that is the one required for PC Control Mode to work with DCS, X-plane and Prepar3d and developed by f4l0) currently does NOT support the ForceFeel. SimShaker-Wings does NOT have plans to support those 3 titles either.

 

As a side-note, I did not try SimShaker-Wheels, because when I attempted to install the beta version provided in Andre's Blog, Avast kept detecting Malware. I let the developer know. It may be a false negative but I just did not feel like testing that theory.

 

So, I was only left with Sound Capture mode to try. I had to use a bit of a work-around to make it work. I fly with the Oculus Rift in DCS, and for Sound Capture mode to work, it has to receive audio. So I followed the directions offered here to mirror the sound:

 

https://forums.oculusvr.com/community/discussion/37895/how-to-mirror-audio-on-two-devices-soundcard-and-rift

 

Then I launched DCS, and boom, shaking and rumbling was finally working. The motors are strong. It really gives you a nice feeling of immersion, particularly for the jets. I love how the rumble increases as you speed down the runway and then suddenly stops once you're airborne, just like in a real aircraft. Then came the moment to pull Gs, although you obviously cannot feel the Gs, you definitely can feel the rumble as you increase the angle of attack, and its more pronounced at higher airspeeds. I tried this using the Hornet. Also, the catapult launches do feel nicer with the ForceFeel.

 

On to the choppers. I tried flying the Huey around for a bit, and of course, it was a lot of rumbling, although it definitely did not give me as good a feedback as in the hornet. When you unload the rotor blades, the vibration does feel eerily light, and a bit stronger as you load them up. Having said that, we are just working with sound, so if you were to use a sound mod, the experience would change completely. Having said all of that, it was fun and added to the immersion.

 

Finally, the P51D and the Spitfire had a go. The ForceFeel really makes sure you feel the rumble of those old piston engines firing away in front of you. In the P51D with its laminar airflow wing, you could really feel as you approached the critical angle of attack and it was rewarding to open up on that Fw190 in my sights and sense the vibration of the guns.

 

In conclusion, the ForceFeel is a REALLY nice piece of hardware. At the time of me writing this, on day one, I really feel that it could be exponentially better if only they added better software support. I want to be able to feel the engines because they're engines, not because they make a low rumble. I have no experience with the JetSeat, but I am now very curious to compare experiences. The quality of the seat itself is great, and except for the short power cord, I see no shortcomings in hardware. The only problem I see on day one is the software support. I really hope it gets sorted out and FAST.

We definitely need software :thumbup:

Thx for the review!!!

i5 8400 | 32 Gb RAM | RTX 2080Ti | Virpil Mongoose T-50 base w/ Warthog & Hornet sticks | Warthog throttle | Cougar throttle USB | DIY Collective | Virpil desk mount | VKB T-Rudder Mk IV | Oculus Rift S | Buddy-Fox A-10 UFC | 3x TM MFDs | 2x bass shakers pedal plate| SIMple SIMpit chair | WinWing TakeOff panel | PointCTRL v2 | Andre JetSeat | Winwing Hornet UFC | Winwing Viper ICP

FC3 - Warthog - F-5E - Harrier - NTTR - Hornet - Tomcat - Huey - Viper - C-101 - PG - Hip - SuperCarrier - Syria - Warthog II - Hind - South Atlantic - Sinai - Strike Eagle

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Mine is finally on its way :)

i5 8400 | 32 Gb RAM | RTX 2080Ti | Virpil Mongoose T-50 base w/ Warthog & Hornet sticks | Warthog throttle | Cougar throttle USB | DIY Collective | Virpil desk mount | VKB T-Rudder Mk IV | Oculus Rift S | Buddy-Fox A-10 UFC | 3x TM MFDs | 2x bass shakers pedal plate| SIMple SIMpit chair | WinWing TakeOff panel | PointCTRL v2 | Andre JetSeat | Winwing Hornet UFC | Winwing Viper ICP

FC3 - Warthog - F-5E - Harrier - NTTR - Hornet - Tomcat - Huey - Viper - C-101 - PG - Hip - SuperCarrier - Syria - Warthog II - Hind - South Atlantic - Sinai - Strike Eagle

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Finally received my ForceFeel (EU Order #1388 if you are wondering where in the queue you are for delivery!).

 

First impressions - nice looking and feeling - and comfortable enough on my IKEA POANG based simpit chair.

 

I could feel *something* in Soundmode but it was so weak I was starting to get worried - until I set it to 'default' application and suddenly it came to life!

 

It's simple all over rumble for now - but even that adds an edge. The landing and rumble of the tyres really works!

 

Now we just need the software integrated for things like wing buffet etc. I don't know what's going on there - and there is no clear answer as to if it should be SSWings, or SSAviator that needs to set it up (SSWings was included but doesn't support DCS).

 

I don't really care which program I have to use and will pay for Aviator if I need to, but I really hope it comes soon....

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zXITg4a.jpg

i5 8400 | 32 Gb RAM | RTX 2080Ti | Virpil Mongoose T-50 base w/ Warthog & Hornet sticks | Warthog throttle | Cougar throttle USB | DIY Collective | Virpil desk mount | VKB T-Rudder Mk IV | Oculus Rift S | Buddy-Fox A-10 UFC | 3x TM MFDs | 2x bass shakers pedal plate| SIMple SIMpit chair | WinWing TakeOff panel | PointCTRL v2 | Andre JetSeat | Winwing Hornet UFC | Winwing Viper ICP

FC3 - Warthog - F-5E - Harrier - NTTR - Hornet - Tomcat - Huey - Viper - C-101 - PG - Hip - SuperCarrier - Syria - Warthog II - Hind - South Atlantic - Sinai - Strike Eagle

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Ok, so a quick and dirty first impressions post:

 

Wall of Text FAST.

 

 

Hallo ca787546,

 

thank you for your Quick View!:thumbup: I was worried because I couldn't get Sim Shaker for Aviators to work. Where was the manual and the CD hidden? I didn't find anything....

 

 

Greetings, Thomas

[sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]

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Any idea how this compares to the Jetseat?

 

The company said they were looking to make this one a better product. The control box looks like it might have a better design and connector that is less prone to breaking than the cheap DIN connector on the Jetseat.

 

Is that all it has going for it?

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Any idea how this compares to the Jetseat?

 

The company said they were looking to make this one a better product. The control box looks like it might have a better design and connector that is less prone to breaking than the cheap DIN connector on the Jetseat.

 

Is that all it has going for it?

Yeah I also wonder the same. I love my JetSeat. I wish I had gotten one of the custom models as the one strap on mine ripped.

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Any idea how this compares to the Jetseat?

 

The company said they were looking to make this one a better product. The control box looks like it might have a better design and connector that is less prone to breaking than the cheap DIN connector on the Jetseat.

 

Is that all it has going for it?

 

as of today, considering the name of these forums, jetseat is better because software works.

when realteus get a compatible software for dcs, we can discuss further details ;)

i5 8400 | 32 Gb RAM | RTX 2080Ti | Virpil Mongoose T-50 base w/ Warthog & Hornet sticks | Warthog throttle | Cougar throttle USB | DIY Collective | Virpil desk mount | VKB T-Rudder Mk IV | Oculus Rift S | Buddy-Fox A-10 UFC | 3x TM MFDs | 2x bass shakers pedal plate| SIMple SIMpit chair | WinWing TakeOff panel | PointCTRL v2 | Andre JetSeat | Winwing Hornet UFC | Winwing Viper ICP

FC3 - Warthog - F-5E - Harrier - NTTR - Hornet - Tomcat - Huey - Viper - C-101 - PG - Hip - SuperCarrier - Syria - Warthog II - Hind - South Atlantic - Sinai - Strike Eagle

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I don't have a JetSeat to compare it to. I tried it with Beta SimShaker Wheels. I know it's not DCS related, but with software support it sure ROCKS. The 8 motors give quite a bit of feedback. Hope SimShaker for Aviators gets support for the ForceFeel soon.

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Realtus Forcefeel

 

Just got mine today. It definitely is a little disappointing for flightsim as it is not supported in PC mode yet like driving sims. Figured since continuing where Gametrix left off would work at least that good, but no. Unclear from forums if any support imminent in Q1. On the positive side, it is comfortable and seems to be nice enough materials. For now though, just a massage chair.

 

By the way, as far as sound mode, yes will vibrate but not realistic at all. No spatial or other advanced effects it’s capable of with driving sims.

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Good to know people are starting to receive them, mine still isn’t here. They sent me the below in an email on the 13th Jan.

 

For the DCS and X-Plane 11 force-feedback effects, we are cooperating with the developers of SimShaker for Aviators. The integration is still under the development, but we hope to finish the support within the following weeks.

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Good to know people are starting to receive them, mine still isn’t here. They sent me the below in an email on the 13th Jan.

 

For the DCS and X-Plane 11 force-feedback effects, we are cooperating with the developers of SimShaker for Aviators. The integration is still under the development, but we hope to finish the support within the following weeks.

 

Thanks for that makes me feel slightly better. The activation codes I received for the simshaker software are not working either so hopefully that will get sorted. Probably have to end up buying them off andres shop

It just seems odd to me that for a product that is 6-8 months behind schedule the software is not ready to go. You'd think they would have sorted it during the delay period - waiting patiently

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The keys for SimShaker Wings that I received from Realteus don't work either. I hope they will work once the ForceFeel option is activated with a beta, like the SimShaker Wheels.

 

On another note. I have communicated with the developers of SimShaker for Aviators and SimShaker Wings/Wheels. Not clear with a date, and they need to work with Realteus to implement support. So Realteus needs to get things rolling for the developers to be able to support the ForceFeel. Also, SS for Aviators is developed by a team that does NOT get paid as far as I know, so they're doing a favour for the community, but as such, they also have a life, family, work, and so on that demands their time ahead of development.

 

That's my understanding, and I'm not quoting anyone here, just sharing my thoughts.

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The keys for SimShaker Wings that I received from Realteus don't work either. I hope they will work once the ForceFeel option is activated with a beta, like the SimShaker Wheels.

 

On another note. I have communicated with the developers of SimShaker for Aviators and SimShaker Wings/Wheels. Not clear with a date, and they need to work with Realteus to implement support. So Realteus needs to get things rolling for the developers to be able to support the ForceFeel. Also, SS for Aviators is developed by a team that does NOT get paid as far as I know, so they're doing a favour for the community, but as such, they also have a life, family, work, and so on that demands their time ahead of development.

 

That's my understanding, and I'm not quoting anyone here, just sharing my thoughts.

 

Thanks for the thoughts - wish realteus would come out and give a bit of an update. Sounds as though it could be a bit of a wait if relying on the community.

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Hello,

 

 

 

I got mine few days ago (but I was on trip and could not check it before).

 

 

A short debrief of the unboxing :

 

-Nice box, lokk's like pro.

-The seat it seems a good quality material

-The cable are far too short for "complex cockpit" as mine, I had to add extension to power-lead cable, usb (and unfortunately sound as well !)

-No DOC !

 

-NO CD, DVD with software !

-No key for software activation (even through they sent me a mail to offer me both softwares for free because of the extra delay I face) - I did contact them, but still waiting their answer ...

 

 

 

I have downloaded doc and software from the net. (By the way I was surprise to find two set of software with same name and same functions, but not driving same seats !!!)

 

 

Installation and wiring is quite easy and direct.

Software point of view :

 

- forcefeel control center demonstrates the correct installation and comm. with the seat (un USB mode).

- SimShaker - Wing (in demo mode !! thanks REALTUS !!) seems not to communicate with the seat in usb mode (not talking about the DCS not yet present in the list, but even the TEST button does not provide any response from the seat).

- By curriousity I test Simshaker - Wheel and got the same result (non-response should I say !) until I move to the very-last beta version with which the TEST button did work ==> seems their software guys are progressing (but not on the Wing software part).

 

 

As most of you I am surprised that after a 8-10 month delivery date, the software is not ready on time (especially while it did works with the previous generation ... gametrix ...)

 

This weekend I will get a try in sound mode , even if this not the mode I initially planned to use ... and give you some in-flight feedback

 

 

 

Anyway, Hope everybody will have nice flights !!!

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Mine arrived last Monday.

As others have stated, the box it was in was slightly damaged by transport but no damage to the unit itself.

Indeed the cables are too short, and neither Simshaker Wings nor SimShaker for Aviators supports the ForceFeel properly.

I was only able to test the massage mode, which works quite well. All we can do now indeed is waiting for the software to catch up (I can't understand why this was not sorted before shipment of the first batch).

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Mine arrived last Monday.

 

Indeed the cables are too short, and neither Simshaker Wings nor SimShaker for Aviators supports the ForceFeel properly.

 

It's worse for me as I use a repurposed IKEA chair as a simpit about 2m from my computer! I've ended up using a 2M power and Headset cable extension to get the power and signal out to it. USB would be no issue as it's got a USB hub mounted on it.

 

I kind of feel that the Wings side has been let down in comparison to the wheels side....

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I guess the answer is ‘maybe’ but i’m Not about to spend $89 to find out if it does when DCS should have been supported using one of Simshaked wings or aviator out of the box... Realteus needs to step up and get it sorted out by ASAP by whatever means available to them using the finances we gave them for a product.

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