3D-Simgear Racedash Pro – Review

3D-Simgear Racedash Pro – Review

One of the most used accessories among sim racers are undoubtedly dashboards in every possible variation. Especially since the introduction of Simhub, they provide a lot of useful information, cost comparatively little and often add significant value to the rig.

Ordering and shipping

The dashboard can currently be purchased from the German shop of 3D-Simgear and is regularly available there for 229€ + shipping costs. Alternatively, it can be purchased from SimRaceShop.

Note: The dashboard tested here was provided by 3D-Simgear. There was no interference at any time, nor were any conditions placed on the review.

Scope of delivery

The scope of delivery is very limited. The following components are included in the package:

  • Dashboard
  • Fanatec bracket
  • Bracket VRS / Simucube 
  • Two screws for mounting the bracket on the dashboard

A USB-C cable and screws for mounting on the wheelbase are not included and must therefore be purchased separately.

Display

The heart of the Racedash Pro is the well-known 4.3-inch display from VoCore, which has the following technical specifications:

SPEC4.3 Zoll Display
SIZE104.3mm x 61.3mm x 3.6mm
DISPLAY SIZE93.6mm x 56.2mm
INTERFACEUSB 2.0 480MHz
COLORS24bit, 16bit
RESOLUTION480 x 800
FRAME PER SECOND24(24bit), 30(16bit)
TOUCH PADCapacitive, two points
DRIVERframebuffer, libusb
POWER SUPPLYmicroUSB 5.0V
POWER CONSUMPTION~0.6W
BACKLIGHT350LM

Screen brightness and resolution are very convincing for a display of this size. Only in terms of refresh rate do we have to accept certain compromises, but these are of little significance when used as a dashboard.

All you need to do in order to use the display is install the official VoCore driver.

LEDs

3D-Simgear installs a total of 21 LEDs, which are arranged as follows:

  • Left: 4 LEDs
  • Centre: 13 LEDs
  • Right: 4 LEDs

The LEDs are mounted on a circuit board, which is also available directly from 3D-Simgear. They are extremely bright and are turned down to (well) below 20% in actual operation. The recesses of the housing fit exactly above the LEDs.

Material and processing

The Dashboard scores here with the carbon front panel, which is the most important part of the housing because it is visible during use, while you will have to make do with an FDM-printed housing on the back and sides. This is a bit of a shame for a dashboard in this price range.

This and the overall somewhat clunky design are definitely points with potential for improvement.

Software

As a software solution, 3D-Simgear relies entirely on Simhub. This decision is absolutely right, because the software has become essential and should be found on almost every simracer’s PC. Here you can find a variety of ready-made dashboards via different platforms (e.g. Racedepartment, Simhub-Discord), which you can then also completely adapt to your own needs,

In Simhub, the LEDs can also be fully configured. In addition to the classic RPM display, countless other functions can be realised here. From flag effects and a spotter function to the display of locking wheels and a starting TC.

Note: To use Simhub with 60 instead of 10 FPS, a full version is required. This is already available from 6€.

Mounting and connection

If you have a wheelbase from VRS, Simucube or Fanatec, you will be well served by the brackets supplied. With these, the Dash can be mounted on the base in a few simple steps, provided the appropriate screws are used. In addition, the height can be varied as needed via the slotted holes. The Dash then only needs to be connected to the PC via a USB-C cable (not included in the scope of delivery).

If you own a base from another manufacturer, you will have to get creative yourself when it comes to mounting.

Video

Conclusion

Overall, the Racedash Pro from 3D-Simgear does a solid job and has no major weaknesses. The built-in VoCore display has become a standard feature of simracing dashboards and scores with a combination of comparatively high resolution and brightness. The 21 LEDs that can be freely configured via Simhub also do their job well.

The verdict on the choice of materials and the design, however, is rather mixed. While the carbon front gives the Dash a high-quality look, the printed housing and the overall somewhat clunky-looking body fall somewhat short.

Pros

  • VoCore-Display
  • 21 RGB-LEDs
  • Operation via Simhub
  • Single USB-C port
  • Carbon front

Cons

  • Scope of delivery
  • 3d printed housing
  • Form factor
  • Maximum of 30 FPS

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