[Bazzer]

I was wondering what forum members preference is on the type of controller either thumb press or trigger style?

When I first drove Scalextric we had thumb controllers both of Scalextric manufacture and the Blue MRRC barrel types, when I raced on a permanent track I used a custom made thumb press controller.

Now that I have just moved into the 21st century my Scaly controllers are all trigger types, force of habit has me holding them upside down and thumb pressing the trigger.

Does anyone else struggle with this?

Baz

[KensRedZed]

Now that I have just moved into the 21st century my Scaly controllers are all trigger types...

Does anyone else struggle with this?

Baz

Hi Baz,

Several slot car minds came together and thought it better using the index finger for throttle as it seems a bit more precise than the thumb. What do winning slot car racers use? I try to follow their lead even though I am only in it for fun.

Try getting used to the new way. Stay in the 21st century. 

[Qman]

Thumb users matter... stick with what you prefer, myself I have used thumb for the past 52 years and have no intention of changing, I've tried finger, both Parma & Truspeed and I still have them but always revert to the thumb, it boils down to what you prefer.

[Gordon Steadman]

Thumbs rule.

Maybe mine is peculiar but I have more sensitivity in it than with my fingers. I have very big hands and use the middle finger on trigger controllers. I have a DS that gets used only in an emergency and had a Truspeed which I sold on.

Now I seem to have an unending collection of proper ones. Two MRRC resistors - 5 and 7.5ohm, one SCD transistor, half a dozen MRC resistors of various values. I still use the MRRCs from choice and ran a test swapping between controllers. With only one car was I faster with the transistor controller although I had to use that with the modern cars. Trying to control SlotiT or Thunderslot cars with 5ohms is rather fun!

Maybe years of muscle memory are at play but a 50 year break should have sorted that I would have thought.

[Bazzer]

Gordon, oh no there was no 50 year layoff, loads of racing in between. Just mapping out when I started to now.

Baz

[Bazzer]

Now that I have just moved into the 21st century my Scaly controllers are all trigger types...

Does anyone else struggle with this?

Baz

Hi Baz,

Several slot car minds came together and thought it better using the index finger for throttle as it seems a bit more precise than the thumb. What do winning slot car racers use? I try to follow their lead even though I am only in it for fun.

Try getting used to the new way. Stay in the 21st century. 

Ken


When I was doing the Int 32 and group 16 everyone was using thumb controllers, I will give it a go holding the controller and using as a pistol.

Now to really shock you guys I have a complete Scaly Sport World race control and controllers coming any day now, pretty well brand new.

I know it is a no longer supported system and received bad press but it looks like you can map the throttle response in the software, with my cars I could do with the throttle being a whole lot sharper, I can rarely use the brake effectively as I have to get back on the power again so quickly.

Baz

[Gordon Steadman]

Gordon, oh no there was no 50 year layoff, loads of racing in between. Just mapping out when I started to now.

Baz

It was me that had a 50 year lay off

[Nonfractal]

As a kid , I used thumb "plunger" and finger "trigger" scalextric controls. 
When I came back to slot raacing about five years ago, the controls in use at the club were (mainly)  DS trigger controls. 

As part of my job I attended RSI "repetitive strain injury" training. 
Many on the course (including the trainer) had already gone through surgery to repair carpal tunnel damage. 

The cause? Incorrect extended use of keyboard, mouse and mobile phone (texting). 
The trainer's biggest bug bear was teenagers using their thumbs to mobile text.
"An accident happening in slow motion" 

Her big message was that your thumbs are precious , don't overuse and abuse  them. 

Having said that, unless you are racing as a full time job or at 24 hour events, other aspects of your life are more likely to cause RSI than slotting. 

I use my middle finger because:
- it gives me better fine-motor control 
- the contact-free light spring trigger on the slot it scp2 seems to respond better 
- the controller can be stabilised by the outstretched index finger, avoiding the need for the 2  handed grip to keep the  controller correctly orientated and making blood flow to the trigger hand easier for your cardio vascular system.

I'm a "left thumb in my jeans pocket, controller hand hanging loose by my side " kind of racer. 
(Unless its digital oxygen racing where the 2 handed grip really is the only option) 

Hope this helps 

Alan W

[Gordon Steadman]

Yeah! You have to look cool even when under pressure

       

[Fluff]

Well Gordon ,you look cool in shorts !!!!