Conspit Ares 12Nm CDR Direct Drive Wheel Base

Regular price
$849.00
Regular price
Sale price
$849.00
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Vendor : Conspit

Product Type : Wheel Base

Sku : CP120

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The Conspit Ares 12Nm is a direct drive wheel base built around two decisions most of its rivals do not make: a motor developed from scratch for sim racing rather than adapted from an industrial servo, and a 23-bit optical encoder in place of the cheaper magnetic type. This version is fitted with Conspit's newer CDR quick release, which follows the pattern most of the industry uses, so third-party wheels fit without an adapter.

We stock the Ares 12Nm in both quick-release fittings and neither replaces the other. If your wheels are already on Conspit's original coupling, take the CDP version instead.

12 Nmholding torque23-bitoptical encoder<0.01°angular resolutionSkew-poledirect drive motorCDRquick release fitted5.6 kgnet weightPOGOexpansion contactsConspit Link 2.0tuning software
Authorised Australian Distributor for ConspitGenuine Conspit stock brought in direct, with a full 12 month manufacturer warranty handled by our team in Queensland, so a warranty claim never means shipping a unit overseas. Prices in Australian dollars, GST included.
Authorised DistributorOfficial Conspit distributor for Australia
12 Month WarrantyHandled in QLD, no overseas returns
Free Shipping Australia WideFreight from Queensland
Sim Racing AdviceWe run what we sell
Conspit Ares 12Nm CDR and Ares Platinum direct drive wheel bases side by side in low light
Master the scene

Direct drive, with the quick release that fits everything

The Ares 12Nm is Conspit's core direct drive base: a purpose-built skew-pole motor and a 23-bit optical encoder. This version fits the newer CDR quick release, so it takes the wheels the rest of the industry makes.

CDP and CDR, side by side

The only thing that changes is the coupling

We stock the Ares 12Nm in both quick-release fittings, and neither replaces the other. The motor, encoder, electronics, software and mounting are identical. Pick the one that matches the wheels you own.

Conspit CDR quick release fitted to an Ares wheel base, showing the wheel-side coupling and locking clasp
CDPConspit clasp and ballCDRIndustry-standard pattern

Fits the wheels everyone else makes

The CDR follows the specification widely adopted across sim racing, so third-party wheels bolt straight on. The CDP remains the right choice if your wheels are already on Conspit's original coupling.

Conspit Ares wheel base 23-bit optical encoder shown as a transparent cutaway render
Resolution23-bit opticalAccuracyBetter than 0.01°

Optical, not magnetic

Optical encoders cost more and hold their accuracy better, especially as the base warms up. Every small steering correction is captured rather than rounded away.

Chart comparing optical and magnetic encoders for accuracy, consistency, detail, latency and cost
MagneticCheaper, drifts moreOpticalConsistent under heat

Where the money goes

Conspit's own comparison at identical resolution: optical wins on accuracy, consistency and detail, and costs several times more to fit. That choice is most of why this base feels the way it does.

Already on Conspit wheels? The Ares 12Nm with the CDP quick release is the same base with the original coupling, and we stock the CDP and CDR quick releases separately.

12 Nm
Holding torque from a purpose-built skew-pole direct drive motor
23-bit
Optical encoder resolving better than 0.01 degrees of steering angle
5.6 kg
Net weight in a 134 x 150 x 243 mm aerospace aluminium housing
4 hours
Endurance thermal testing with live motor and control system monitoring
Specialised for the task

A motor developed for sim racing, not repurposed from a factory floor

Most bases in this class use an off-the-shelf industrial servo motor. Conspit developed the Ares motor from scratch, optimising the parameters that decide subjective feel: torque response, torque ripple and cogging torque.

Conspit Ares direct drive motor cutaway showing the skew-pole stator and rotor assembly

Built around the feel, not the spec sheet

The whole motor is forward-developed for steering feedback and stability rather than adapted from industrial duty, which is where the fastest, smoothest response comes from.

Conspit Ares motor dual skewed pole design, stator and rotor poles angled to cut cogging torque

Dual skewed pole design

Both stator and rotor poles are skewed. That cuts cogging torque and with it torque ripple, electromagnetic vibration and noise, so low-speed movement is smooth instead of notchy.

Conspit Ares motor rotor magnet ring, NdFeB magnets arranged for high torque density

Ultra-high torque density

High-permeability cores and powerful NdFeB magnets with an optimised air gap and high slot fill, so a compact housing delivers real torque rather than needing to be big to do it.

Conspit Ares motor stator laminations and copper windings in cross section

Minimised torque ripple

Multiple simulation and prototype rounds settled the electromagnetic design: skewed poles, matched slot and pole counts, and a precise magnetic circuit for an unusually smooth steering feel.

Measured, not claimed

The torque figure comes off a test bench

Conspit's position is that a torque number without a measurement behind it is marketing. Every Ares is calibrated against a dynamic torque sensor rather than shipped on a nominal rating.

Conspit Ares torque performance testing bench with a dynamic torque sensor coupled to the wheel base

The testing bench

A dynamic torque sensor with 0.015 Nm resolution sampling at 1 kHz, coupled directly to the base to record what it actually produces.

Conspit Ares output torque plotted against measured torque during bench testing

Output against measured

Commanded torque plotted against delivered torque. The same rig is used to calibrate and optimise each unit, not just to produce a graph.

Design, software and safety

The parts you live with

Conspit Ares 12Nm CDR wheel base on white, showing the compact aerospace aluminium housing

Compact, and made of the right things

A visually lightweight profile over a high-grade aerospace aluminium body, with a heat dissipation design proven through endurance testing. It takes up little room on a rig and does not need to be hidden.

  • 134 x 150 x 243 mm, 5.6 kg net
  • Aerospace-grade aluminium alloy housing
  • Multi-stage forming, machining and surface treatment
  • Four M6 bottom or four M8 side mounting points
Conspit Ares wheel base front face with the magnetic POGO contacts for expansion modules

POGO module contacts

Magnetic contacts on the front face let expansion modules attach without cabling, so future Conspit accessories fit without opening anything up.

  • Magnetic, tool-free attachment
  • Provision for future Conspit expansion modules
  • Sits behind the quick release, out of the way
Conspit Link 2.0 software showing Ares wheel base force feedback settings and presets

Conspit Link 2.0

Set steering range, tune force feedback, watch live status and save presets. Official presets built by professional drivers give you a sane starting point instead of a wall of sliders.

  • Force feedback tuning with live status monitoring
  • Steering range and stop feel per car
  • Custom presets that switch with the game
  • Safety mode for supervised or junior drivers
Conspit CES emergency stop button, an optional accessory that cuts power to the Ares motor

CES emergency stop, optional

An external switch that cuts motor power instantly. Worth adding for coaching rigs, shared setups and anywhere a driver may be meeting direct drive for the first time.

  • Immediate motor deactivation
  • Sold separately, plugs into the rear panel
  • Pairs with the built-in safety mode

Specifications

Product Conspit Ares 12Nm CDR direct drive wheel base
Holding torque 12 Nm
Motor Purpose-built skew-pole direct drive, dual skewed stator and rotor poles
Encoder 23-bit high-resolution optical, better than 0.01 degree angular resolution
Quick release Conspit CDR quick release system (industry-standard pattern)
Thermal management Real-time high-frequency motor and controller temperature monitoring
Expansion POGO magnetic contacts on the front face
Safety Built-in safety mode; CES E-Stop available separately
Housing Aerospace-grade aluminium alloy
Dimensions 134 x 150 x 243 mm
Net weight 5.6 kg
Shipping weight 13 kg
Mounting M6 x 4 (bottom), M8 x 4 (sides)
Connection USB direct, USB 3.0 data cable supplied
Platform PC (Windows)
Software Conspit Link 2.0
SKU CP120

What you get

  • Conspit Ares 12Nm CDR wheel base
  • Power supply
  • USB 3.0 data cable
  • Mounting hardware
  • Printed quick-start guide

Frequently asked questions

What is the Conspit Ares 12Nm CDR?
It is Conspit's 12 Nm direct drive sim racing wheel base fitted with the newer CDR quick release instead of the original CDP. Same skew-pole direct drive motor, same 23-bit optical encoder, different wheel-side coupling.
What is the difference between the CDP and CDR versions?
Only the quick release. The CDP is Conspit's original clasp-and-ball design; the CDR uses the widely adopted industry pattern, so it fits a much broader range of third-party wheels. The motor, encoder, electronics, software and mounting are identical. We stock both: see the Ares 12Nm CDP version.
Which one should I buy, CDP or CDR?
If you are already in the Conspit wheel ecosystem and own CDP-side wheels, the CDP version keeps everything interchangeable. If you own or plan to buy third-party wheels, the CDR is the more flexible choice because it matches the common industry pattern. If you are unsure, tell us which wheels you own and we will tell you which base to take.
How much torque is 12 Nm, really?
Enough for serious GT and formula driving on a rigid rig. It is a meaningful step past belt and gear drive bases, and it is the range most drivers settle at rather than the maximum they can hold. If you want more headroom, the 20 Nm Ares Platinum is the next step up.
What encoder does it use?
A 23-bit high-resolution optical encoder with angular resolution better than 0.01 degrees. Optical rather than magnetic, which is the more expensive choice but holds accuracy and consistency better.
Why does an optical encoder matter?
Magnetic encoders drift more with temperature and resolve less detail at the same nominal resolution. An optical encoder captures small steering inputs more faithfully and stays consistent through a long stint, which is what you feel as a base that does not go vague when it gets warm.
What is a skew-pole motor?
The stator and rotor poles are angled rather than straight. That cuts cogging torque, the notchy magnetic detent you can feel when turning an unpowered motor, along with torque ripple, vibration and noise. It is why the Ares feels smooth at low speed rather than grainy.
Does it get hot?
It has real-time high-frequency temperature monitoring of the motor and its control system, and a heat dissipation design proven over four-hour endurance testing. In normal use, including long stints, thermal throttling is not something you should run into.
Has the torque figure been independently measured?
Conspit publishes bench data rather than only a claimed figure. A dynamic torque sensor with 0.015 Nm resolution at 1 kHz is coupled to the base and the output torque is plotted against measured torque, which is also how each unit's torque parameters are calibrated.
What is the POGO module?
Magnetic contacts on the front face of the base for quick-fitting expansion modules, so accessories can connect without cabling. It is provision for future Conspit modules as much as anything you plug in today.
Is there an emergency stop?
The CES E-Stop is an optional external switch that cuts power to the motor instantly. Worth having if the rig is used for coaching, by children, or by anyone unfamiliar with a direct drive base. There is also a built-in safety mode that limits output.
Is it safe for kids to use?
With the safety mode enabled, yes, under supervision. The mode caps the force the base can produce so a young or inexperienced driver is not fighting full direct drive torque. Adding the CES E-Stop is a sensible extra.
What software does it use?
Conspit Link 2.0 on Windows. It handles force feedback tuning, steering range, status monitoring and custom presets, with official presets built by professional drivers as a starting point.
How does it mount to my rig?
Four M6 bolts on the bottom or four M8 bolts on the sides. It fits standard aluminium-profile cockpits, and Conspit sells both CNC aluminium and sheet steel profile brackets plus a front mount bracket. Tell us your rig and we will confirm which bracket you need.
What wheels will fit it?
Any wheel with a matching CDR-side quick release, which is the common industry pattern, plus Conspit's own wheels via the CDR Quick Release. Conspit's Max01 and H.A.O hub are the natural pairings.
Does it work on PlayStation or Xbox?
No. The Ares is a PC product on Windows. There is no console licensing chip in the base.
Can I use it with pedals from another brand?
Yes. Pedals are a separate USB device on PC, so Simagic, MOZA, Fanatec, Heusinkveld or Simucube pedals all work alongside it. Conspit's own CPP EVO 3 V2 pedals can also connect through the base over USB-C to keep the rig on one cable.
What is in the box?
The Ares 12Nm CDR wheel base, the power supply, a USB 3.0 data cable, mounting hardware and the printed guide. Rig brackets, the CDR quick release and the CES E-Stop are sold separately.
What warranty do I get?
A full 12 month manufacturer warranty. As the authorised Australian distributor for Conspit we handle warranty and support locally from Queensland rather than sending you overseas.
How long does delivery take?
Free shipping Australia wide from Queensland, typically two to four business days to metro areas once dispatched. Call us before ordering if you need it by a specific date.

Build the rest of the rig

Everything below is Conspit gear we stock and can bundle with your base.

Questions about the Ares 12Nm CDR?

CDP versus CDR, rig brackets, wheel compatibility or stepping up from a belt drive base. Ask us before you order and we will make sure it fits.

Call 0488 385 870

Send us a message

Ask us anything about the Conspit Ares 12Nm CDR, from wheel compatibility to rig mounting.

All Conspit products include a full 12 month Manufacturer Warranty.

As the authorised Australian distributor for Conspit, the Player1 Support Team provides first-line local support from Queensland for all warranty and support issues, so you are not shipping a unit overseas.

For drivers, product manuals, firmware downloads and SimHub profiles, see the Conspit Support Pages.

Australia-Wide Shipping

We ship all over Australia and want you to get your new gear as fast as possible, so we always aim to ship on the same day we receive your order, using the fastest and most reliable couriers in Australia. Of course, it may not always be possible to process your order on the same day, so please allow 1-2 business days for processing. If we encounter any delays we will let you know via email.

To  maximise efficiency, Player1 Sim Gear ships all products in their original packaging straight from our warehouses or directly from our suppliers and manufacturers. Orders may be shipped in part or in full, and different courier companies may be used for different parts of your order. Please allow 2-8 business days for delivery.  Please advise your phone number at checkout so we can get in touch with you if there is any problem. If you should receive a product that has been damaged while in transit please contact us immediately.

Please make sure someone will be available to receive your order, otherwise, your package may be diverted to your local post office or to your local shipping depot. We recommend all deliveries are sent to a business address to avoid any re-delivery charges.  Note: Player1 Sim Gear will only ship to confirmed addresses, we cannot ship to PO Boxes sorry.

There may be times when the product you have ordered turns out to be out-of-stock with us or our suppliers. We will contact you to arrange a refund or alternate product if an item you have ordered is out-of-stock or unavailable for immediate shipment. You may cancel your order at any time prior to shipping.

International Orders: Apologies at the moment we don't ship internationally as standard. However if you outside Australia and there is something you'd like to purchase please do message us at sales@p1simgear.com.au, we will be happy to see what we can do.

Note re Larger cockpits and remote locations:  We do our very best to ensure accurate shipping rates, however for larger cockpits and heavier items, rarely our shipping pricing may not be correct. In the event that the actual shipping costs for a large item should be exceed those quoted in your order, we will call you to discuss before we dispatch. You will have the option then to amend or cancel your order at no cost.

Returns Policy

We hope we can provide as much information and guidance as possible about each item so that you will love whatever you buy. We do understand though that the unforeseen happens. So in the unlikely event you wish to raise a return, please contact us and we shall discuss options and how we will proceed with the return request.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.  You may return your item(s) for an exchange/refund, so long as it is in the same condition that you received it, unopened, with tags and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To request a return, you must first send an email to support@p1simgear.com.au with your Order number as the email subject and Reason for Return in the email body/message. We will reply to your email with your relevant return information. We will not accept any returned items if we have not had an email from you requesting a return, so you must request a return first, before sending anything back. 

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.

All returns are subject to the following conditions:
  • You, the buyer, are are fully responsible for paying all charges necessary to return the item to us. A restocking fee of up to 20% of the returned product's value may apply.

  • Items must be returned sealed and unused in their original packaging and in a fully resalable condition. All items are supplied to you, the customer, in brand new condition unless explicitly stated otherwise in the product title. For such items supplied in Brand New condition, if any seals have been broken, the item cannot subsequently be sold as new after the return, therefore the return will be declined or a restocking fee will be levied and partial refund given.

  • If the item is deemed DOA or faulty once opened, we shall troubleshoot and assess the nature of the fault and repair the item or replace like-for-like, should the fault be deemed a legitimate fault.

  • Items returned that are not in their original condition may not be accepted, and the refund request declined.

  • Returned items must be complete with all packaging in good condition, ready for immediate resale. All components and items within packaging (e.g. polystyrene/bubble wrap) must be returned also. We reserve the right to levy a charge to replace product packaging which is damaged  / defaced / missing.

  • We cannot accept responsibility for returned parcels which are undelivered back to us (e.g. lost by the courier, delivered to incorrect address) or damaged in transit back to us. We strongly advise you send returned items using an insured & tracked service. Furthermore, we also strongly advise you to obtain and retain your proof of postage, as you may require it should you decide to make a claim against your carrier should they damage or lose your item whilst returning it to us.

For items which require assembly, we are not responsible for any charges (labour or otherwise) incurred during fitment/removal of allegedly faulty (or incorrectly supplied) parts.

Returns made outside of the 30-day return window, or with no valid reason, will be declined.

Pre-Order Cancellations
In the event a Pre-Order becomes unavailable or is cancelled by Player1 Sim Gear you, the buyer, are entitled to a full refund. In the event that you change your mind or choose to cancel your Pre-Order for any reason prior to shipment, cancellation fees may apply to offset any unrecoverable costs incurred by Player1 Sim Gear.