[filmsculptor]

hi 
I'm  new to this hobby so apologies (if like on most hobby forums) this question has been asked many many  times...
anyhow  bought a scalextric digital set recently , that has the 4 channel  silver digital powerbase 
done the usual thing  and already doubled the size of the track  only to find its now lacking in even power and has little chance of powering 3 or 4 digital cars at once .it doesnt..
So have attached  three sets of powertaps to the track , and while this has helped , its still lacking in even consistent power. 
two questions 
1 should the powertaps be connected pretty much one to the next , till you've got all the way around the circuit , or can they be randomnly connected from a strong spot to a weak spot thus strenghtening the weak power area
2 with the sort of power base set up i have is it and (how) possible to connect a second power supply  to the track ?
thks in advance

[BAracer]

It sounds like you have some poor continuity between some of your track pieces, power taps are no substitute for that.

Check that the tabs between track pieces in the sections of low power are nice and snug for starters.

[woodcote]

Welcome filmsculptor  

Probably the main source of your power issues is the powerbase. That old powerbase was a low-budget product to bundle with entry-level digital sets. Those sets came with two or three cars and the powerbase struggled to run more than two, unless the cars' traction magnets were removed. If you want to run four cars (or even six) and explore the awesome potential of Scalextric digital, my advice is to upgrade as soon as possible to ARC Pro (+ SmartRace app) or the C7042 Six-Car AdvancedPowerbase (+ RCS64). Both of those powerbases can be powered by two power supplies. ARC Pro is the most straightforward to use (and has wireless controllers as standard), the C7042 APB does offer more functionality (especially with pace cars), but you would need to invest in third-party add-ons (see details here). Please note that the C7042 APB itself and many of the add-ons are only available on the second-hand market.

Whatever Scalextric digital powerbase you use, electrical continuity is crucial - both for power and control. BARacer's advise is important. This is the official Scalextric video of how to fix loose tabs...



Power taps are good for maintaining electrical continuity on larger tracks. There are various ways of achieving this. What we have done at WHO Digital is to create a 'master tap' that is placed next to the powerbase. Cables then radiate to three track pieces around the circuit, an equal number of track pieces away. It is important to connect to the same rail, otherwise you'll get a short circuit.

I hope that helps!