AlphaTecRacing Dashboard Formula – Review

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AlphaTecRacing Dashboard Formula – Review

With the Dashboard Formula, the German manufacturer AlphaTecRacing has introduced its first product under their new name. Previously active exclusively as an Etsy shop (SimRacingTec), it is now turning its back on 3D printing and offering a product with high-quality materials for the first time.

Ordering and shipping

The dashboard can currently be obtained from the following shops, which are also official distribution partners:

The regular price of the dashboard is 399€ + shipping, but is currently (as of May 2023) reduced to 349€ in each of the three shops.

Note: The dashboard tested here was provided directly by AlphaTecRacing. There was no influence on the review. There were also no specifications regarding the content of the review or the time of publication.

Scope of delivery

When it comes to the scope of delivery, the very elegantly packaged dashboard scores with plenty of accessories: An angled USB-C cable and mounting screws for various manufacturers are included, as well as a quick-start guide (not included with the sample reviewed here) and a sticker from the manufacturer.

Dashboard Formula
Bracket
Screws
USB-C cable 2 m,
Quickstart Guide

Screen

AlphaTecRacing uses an already well-known display. The built-in VoCore screen has a diagonal of 4.3 inches and a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Even though Leoxz (DDU800), for example, now manages to operate the dashboard with 60 FPS and additional dithering with the help of its own chip, it is still one of the best displays for use in a dash in its original form. A comparatively high brightness (350 ln) and a good viewing angle compensate for the maximum 30 frames per second.

LEDs

For the LEDs, AlphaTecRacing uses the following distribution for the Dashboard Formula:

Left: 3 RGB LEDs
Middle: 15 RGB LEDs
Right: 3 RGB LEDs

As usual, the RGB LEDs are freely adjustable via Simhub and can be set in brightness and colour. They are cleanly manufactured, do not dazzle and are perfectly centred in the housing.

Materials

In terms of material quality and workmanship, the Dashboard makes a clear statement. The very slim and compact housing (only 15.5 millimetres deep) is anodised in matt black and makes an exceptionally high-quality impression. Thanks to the chosen surface, small scratches can be wiped away with the hand. The recesses for the dashboard holder on the back and the recessed protrusions for the LEDs on the front also contribute to the high-quality appearance.

Mounting

For mounting on a wheelbase, AlphaTecRacing uses a universal bracket with pre-drilled holes for almost all common manufacturers. In contrast to many other suppliers, this also allows the use of more exotic wheelbases. For this review, the Formula Dash could be mounted on a Forte wheelbase from Asetek without any problems thanks to the spacer tubes and longer screws supplied. The height adjustment is then done without tools using the thumbscrews that are also included. Even if the adjustment range could have been a bit larger, the chosen method is very convenient and the tool-free height adjustment is particularly appealing.

AlphaTecRacing states the following manufacturers as compatible:

Fanatec
Simucube 1/ 2 (Sport, Pro, Ultimate)
VRS Direct Force Pro
Mige & Lenze Motoren
Simagic
Asetec Simsports
Moza Racing

Software

The software used to display the dashboards and configure the LEDs comes as no surprise. Simhub, currently the undisputed number 1 in this field, is used here as well. AlphaTecRacing is currently one of the few manufacturers to offer official support. All you have to do is install the official VoCore driver and you can then add the dashboard to Simhub without any problems.

In order to additionally stand out from the broad-based competition, AlphaTecRacing provides a comprehensive dashboard package. This includes the following dashes:

ACC: All vehicles except update version 1.9
iRacing: All vehicles
AC, AMS2, F1: SF23 Replica

Even though the dashboards still have some minor problems and the resolution in ACC is currently only 480 x 272 pixels, the dashboards are an excellent addition. In many cases, it is no longer necessary to download your own dashes, especially if you regularly do your laps in IRacing or ACC.

Note: To use Simhub with 30 instead of 10 FPS, a full version is required. This is already available from 6€.

Driving impressions

Conclusion

AlphaTecRacing has made the leap into the premium segment with the Formula Dash. The materials, including the quality of workmanship, scope of delivery, assembly and compatibility, are just as convincing as the included Simhub dashboards.

The only downer is the high price of 400€. However, if this is something you can live with, the dashboard is an excellent choice.