The FS2 and FS3 are motion simulators with a seating position similar to that found in formula series racing cars. The FS2 is 2 DOF and the FS3 is 3 DOF.
What does DOF stand for?
DOF stands for Degrees Of Freedom. There are 6 DOF (surge, sway, heave, pitch, roll and yaw) and they refer to the freedom of movement of a rigid body in 3D space.
What DOF do the FS2 V2 & FS3 provide?
The FS2 V2 provides up to 12° of pitch and 22° of roll and the FS3 provides up to 25° of pitch, 22° of roll and 160mm of heave. These are used to simulate g-forces and chassis movement of a racing car.
Can Mantis simulators be used on PC and consoles?
Currently, they can only be used with a PC utilising Simtools software.
What games are supported?
The list of supported games is extensive, including popular titles such as Assetto Corsa, iRacing, Automobilista 2, Assetto Corsa Competizione and F1 22/23/24. Check out the plugin library at Simtools for more info.
Can it be used with VR?
Mantis simualtors are designed to be primarily used with VR. A monitor can be used but a higher level of immersion can be reached in VR. Mounting a monitor directly to the FS2 and FS3 is not recommended. For the best experience it is recommended that a form of motion compensation is used while using with VR, or by switching off head tracking in your VR headset to enable 3 DOF mode. Support for motion compensation is not provided.
Can the simulators be used for racing non-formula style cars?
Yes, the FS2 and FS3 can be used for any in-game vehicle and also suits a LMP/GT3 style seating position.
Can the simulators be used to simulate motion for anything other than racing games?
The FS2 and FS3 can be used for any game that outputs motion telemetry, including flight and roller coaster simulators, such as Elite Dangerous Horizons, MSFS and No Limits 2 (game plugin must be available).
Are they plug and play?
The FS2 and FS3 are supplied in kit form and require self-assembly (using basic tools such as hex keys, spanners and screwdrivers - not supplied) with detailed build instructions provided. Wiring for the electrical components is necessary, but all cables are supplied pre-crimped, so installing them is a simple task. Once the FS2/FS3 has been built the software is setup via a provided installation file and takes a few minutes. A self-build kit allows me to keep the price competitively low.
What is included?
The following is included in the FS2 & FS3 kits:
Mechanical parts:
- T-slot aluminium profile
-Seat mounting plates
- Wheel mounting plate
- Pedal mounting plate
- Electronics mounting plate
- All fixing bolts, nuts and plates
- Motor lever arms
- Toggle clamps
- Profile end caps
- 3D printed pot gears and cable tidies
- Pot mounting brackets and pulley belts
- Power socket mounting bracket
- Rod ends
- Gas struts
- Seat spacers
Electrical parts:
- 24V 400W DC motors with 1:60 gearbox
- 360° hall effect potentiometers
- 24V 42A DC switching power supply
- C14 switched power socket
- C13 power lead (UK customers only)
- Sabertooth 2x32 motor driver
- Wire wound resistors
- Arduino Uno R3 (clone)
- All pre-crimped electrical cables
- Emergency stop button
What isn’t included?
The seat and C13 power lead (for non-UK customers) are not included.
Why is the seat not included?
The FS2 and FS3 are exclusively designed to fit the RCC-MK8-2S seat by Luso Motors and must be purchased directly from them. Luso Motors offers a huge range of customisable options to suit your preferences. Rather than limiting you to a single configuration, this lets you choose the materials, padding, and finishes that work best for your setup. Lusso Motors provides a variety of choices, so you can get the perfect seat to match your needs. The RCC-MK8-2S is offered in standard and XL sizes. Spacers are included in the kit to accommodate for the 2 sizes. Please check Lusomotors website for sizing guides. All purchases of a FS2/FS3 come with a Luso Motors discount.
Why is the power cable not included?
Due to specific country power plug requirements, it is necessary to purchase a suitable C13 power lead locally.
How long does it take to build the simulators?
Depending on the ability of the user, it will take anywhere between 4-6 hours to complete the build and setup.
What software is provided?
The FS2 & FS3 require Simtools installed on a Windows PC.
Simtools is not provided and a license must be purchased. The reason for this is that Simtools offers licenses depending on the use case (private/commercial). Licenses can be purchased here.
What wheel and pedals can be mounted?
The wheel and pedal plates have mounting holes for most major peripheral brands, including Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Logitech, Simucube, Simagic and Heusinkveld.
Where do you ship to?
I’m primarily shipping to 220-240V regions, but I do have a small number of 110V power supplies, meaning I can ship to the USA on a first-come, first-served basis.
How can I get in contact?
Please email info@mantis-simulators.co.uk with your enquiries.
When will my simulator be dispatched?
All orders received before 5pm on Monday will be shipped the following Friday.
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