controllers 101

OXO cube · 2nd-Feb-21, 06:07 PM

thanks guys

after more internet delving
i think i understand that the ohm's affects the initial trigger input ( lower ohm = more power initially ?), since the max power is a constant

and then letting go of the trigger in effect turns the motor into a dynamo therefore slowing the motor faster which in turn stops the driven wheels faster creating brakes

are these the 2 knobs seen on some controllers that can be adjusted ?

is this correct ? or have i got it wrong again hehehe

Scuderia_Turini · 2nd-Feb-21, 07:14 PM

Hello Kev,

Yes, your summary above is the essence of the dynamics of a slot-car power train.

Firstly, let me reveal that I have only once used an electronic controller (Scorpius WAM).
To my understanding, the fundamental benefits are analogous to the computer control in high performance road cars.

1 - Power delivery from the engine is controlled by electronics so that when the driver "stamps on the gas" the driven wheels are not allowed to break traction.
2 - Braking effort is controlled so that when the driver "stands on the brakes", the wheels/tyres do not lock up and lose adhesion with the road surface.

The knobs on the slot-car controller allow the computer/human to pre-set these aspects to suit the car/motor, track and driver skill. In a 1:1 car, the system is "closed-loop" type where the computer has feedback from sensors at the wheels and can detect wheel spin and/or lock-up, and nowadays, the power distribution to each wheel can be governed.
With slot-cars the system has no feedback and therefore has to be regulated by the driver's pre-judgement.
Some of the benefits are:
The same controller can be matched to cars that have hugely different motor specs.
The delivery of power to the driven wheels is more consistent than simply having a human finger on the trigger.
The releasing of the trigger is smoothed so that "coasting" around curves is smoothed rather than sudden braking.

The set-up is a compromise matched to the flavour of the track layout and of course there is a learning process as the driver tunes in to how the car will re-act when the knobs are twirled.

Leo

OXO cube · 2nd-Feb-21, 10:02 PM

thanks Leo
good to know I'm heading in the right direction
was always going to wait until a club is open before i made any purchases
just wanted a bit of clarity on things ... been wondering for a while lol

thanks guys for your input

kev

Nonfractal · 3rd-Feb-21, 05:38 AM

Not "1.01" territory, however.
If you are considering an electronic controller,

https://slotracer.online/community/showt...=Explained

Savage GT · 3rd-Feb-21, 06:35 AM

Looks like you are in the UK so....

No need to worry about this ,that and the other. For analogue racing the answer is buy a Truspeed PWM Rofl

Pulse Width Controllers – TruSpeed

If you want to elevate your Scalextric digital control, when I started I had digital and had the early version of this: SSD III Digital Slot Car Controller – TruSpeed

I have no affiliation with them other than being a happy customer for a good few years, and finding the customer service to be top notch Yes

Johnno · 8th-Jun-21, 10:38 PM

(1st-Feb-21, 06:32 PM)OXO cube Wrote: sorry my bad Jason you are correct

definition of 101 :- It is usually used when someone gives or asks for a “beginner guide” in order to teach or learn something new.

So you would be in need of an Intermediate and Advanced posting? Which sounds like a great idea.

I've been having podium wins with my TruSpeed PWM controller now for some time, the other week I grabbed the controller that another racer left plugged in for a quick car test and was amazed how smooth the trigger was, so now I'm weighing up do I buy a Slot.it SCPII or still get the TruSpeed Apex controller or both.. as I don't have a spare controller currently

autoavia · 10th-Jun-21, 08:27 AM

For what it is worth I borrowed a Truspeed PWM for a few club nights and the 2019 Policar GP after my Carsteen went u/s and I didn't like it.

I am sure it is a good controller and others are obviously very happy with it but it just didn't suit me which just emphasises the point that it would be very useful to go to a club and ask to try other members controllers before committing to buy.

I race modern Hardbody and Vintage cars so I will look at the new Truspeed Apex once it has been fully tested on all types of cars but I do think that it is bound to take a while to learn to set up all the variables that the Apex offers.

Fluff · 10th-Jun-21, 09:30 AM

I have just bought a SCP2 and I am very happy with it , if you get used to couple of settings before trying everything at once you should not get into confused state ...although most things confuse me now .!!!

Steve

Johnno · 10th-Jun-21, 10:15 AM

(10th-Jun-21, 08:27 AM)autoavia Wrote: For what it is worth I borrowed a Truspeed PWM for a few club nights and the 2019 Policar GP after my Carsteen went u/s and I didn't like it.

I am sure it is a good controller and others are obviously very happy with it but it just didn't suit me which just emphasises the point that it would be very useful to go to a club and ask to try other members controllers before committing to buy.

I race modern Hardbody and Vintage cars so I will look at the new Truspeed Apex once it has been fully tested on all types of cars but I do think that it is bound to take a while to learn to set up all the variables that the Apex offers.

I agree with what autoavia (sorry didn't get your real name) says about borrowing a controller that you are interested in from another racer.

I love my TruSpeed PWM controller, however I am looking at investing in five of the SCP3.0 controllers, four for my track and one for myself after having a quick minute use with one that was plugged into the drivers station, the trigger is sooooo smooth even compared to the TruSpeed PWM I currently have.

I too am waiting for the TruSpeed Apex controller to arrive to test and see how that improves my racing.

Qman · 10th-Jun-21, 02:11 PM

As I think I've said before, I have a Truspeed, a couple of electronically converted Parmas, a Sid Jensen special, a Birdseed special,and 2x ECE Rockets (thumb) converted to electronics.
In order of preference I go:
1. ECE Rocket (I am and have always been a thumb person)
2. Birdseed special (smoothest controller I've ever used)
3. Sid Jensen special
4. Parma
5. Truspeed (I quite like it except that if I use a 'hot' motor it will invoke a safety cutout every now and then, I've had the same report from another user)