[woodcote]

Jeremy - it's never a bad idea to get used to the club equipment at home. The layout of the Truspeed SSD controllers is the same as the standard C7002 Scalextric digital controllers, although the 'feel' is different. The feel and driving technique is also quite different when RCS64 is running. We use RCS64 without dynamic braking, which means using the brake button on the controller. There are also software characteristics to deal with - less power and slightly delayed braking after a pit stop (to simulate a full fuel tank / cold tyres), plus retarded braking with weather changes or worn tyres.

I am pretty sure Steve will not be producing any more SSD IV controllers, although he has said he's currently developing a new wireless SSD controller - but not whether this is for the older powerbases or ARC Pro. An alternative would be the SSD III, which is identical apart from being a wired design - and will plug into any of the powerbases the C7002 works with. I have occasionally seen second-hand SSD IIIs for sale. I am sure the SSD III will remain in production. Steve is currently waiting on handles to arrive from China. He has the electronics ready for when they arrive.

As I said, the Truspeed SSD controllers and the C7002 are very similar in layout. However, the Slot.it SCP controllers used for oXigen are absolutely not! That was the biggest learning curve for us turning up to an oXigen event the first (and second) time. It's a big advantage to get to know the SCP controls at your lesiure (and with Alan Nonfractal's expert advice) - not something I've done properly yet. We've all been waiting for the oXigen SCP3 controller for quite a while and it in the last stages of beta testing. The current options are either the SCP2 or SCP1 with oXigen cartridge (SCP201H or SCP01H) - which will be £100-£130. The oXigen cartridge (O202A) is also available separately.