One of the biggest advantages of the Fanatec ecosystem is the seamless and straightforward connectivity between different products. Pedals, handbrakes like the ClubSport Handbrake V2, and shifters such as the ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5 can easily be added to your sim racing rig. Depending on whether you are playing on PC or console, there are several ways to connect your hardware.
Connecting directly to the wheel base
The most straightforward - and arguably the most elegant - way to connect your Fanatec hardware is through your wheel base. All Fanatec pedal sets, shifters, and handbrakes are equipped with an RJ12 socket and come with an RJ12 cable included. RJ12, a common telecommunications standard for signal transmission, allows for direct, hassle-free connections to the wheel base without the need for additional adapters.
Once connected, the wheel base functions as a central hub, collecting input signals from each device. It then transmits all data to your PC or console through a single USB connection. This not only simplifies cable management but also ensures full compatibility and optimal performance across your setup.
Note that you can use any RJ12-RJ12 (6p6c straight) cables that have the right connectors on both sides. They should however be of high quality and similar length to those that Fanatec provides with the product.
Connecting all your gear via an RJ12 cable has several advantages. Aside from it being the neatest solution, it is also the go-to for console players. This way, all your accessories can directly be used on PlayStation 4 and 5, provided you have a PS-compatible wheel base like the ClubSport DD+ or Gran Turismo® DD Pro.
The same applies to Xbox Series consoles when you have a compatible steering wheel for your Fanatec base like the CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2 or a wheel with the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox.
Both consoles require a single USB connection from your wheel base to ensure all your gear functions properly. Connecting your wheel base and, for example, your pedals or shifter to separate USB ports will not work.
Connecting gear via USB
Fanatec gear can also be connected to PC via USB. Load cell pedals like the CSL Pedals LC, ClubSport Pedals V3, and CSL Elite Pedals V2 can directly be connected via the integrated USB socket. The ClubSport USB Adapter will further allow you to connect your Fanatec shifter or handbrake if you do not use a Fanatec wheel base.
If you’d like to find out more about compatibility with PCs and consoles, as well as possible product combinations, please visit our Fanatec product pages or learn more via our introduction to the Fanatec ecosystem.