Discussion of Controllers?

[Howard Lynk]

I've looked around on the site, and haven't found anything... but maybe I've just overlooked it. Or perhaps there is another recommended site with a good discussion of the issues. I am really quite ignorant of the basics concerning controllers, as well as recent developments, brands, etc. I know there are various ones out there for sale, but have no good idea where to start or what I should be looking for. What little knowledge I do have is 40+ years old...

I am in the process of building up a more or less permanent layout using Scalextric Sport Digital track, and currently have the standard controllers that came with the power base. I would really like to have smooth consistent control of the cars through a range of speeds, including at the low end. Some of my track will be through a "mountainous" area with tight turns and elevation changes; other areas will have some nice straight runs (hopefully with one about 15' to 20' long) and "speed curves". I will be running various cars, including my own pre-war models. I am primarily interested in magnet free racing and realistic "wheels out" driving rather than blindingly fast "glued to the track" speeds.

I would really like to hear other people's experiences and opinions on what might work best. Are there good options for controllers to work with Scalextric Digital tracks other than the stock ones? Recommended upgrades or modifications to existing controllers? I also intend to run the track frequently in "non-digital" mode... how will this affect my choice? Wireless controllers sound interesting, but good quality wired is fine with me.

A discussion with suggestions, comments, pointers, tips, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

With regards,
Howard

[f143]

Hi Howard,
I only race at home on my track, not any club racing, so this is my experience from that point of view.
I had basic controllers from Ninco and moved to Parma resistor style, then I purchased a Professor motor basic electronic controller and I find it much better than the resistor controllers.
I hope this helps.
regards
Nigel

[Peter Seager-Thomas]

Hi Howard.

I'm not quite sure whether this topic is correct for a scratchbuilding car forum, but since it is here, I will make my contribution. I'm not exactly an expert.

Up until a couple of years back I always used either 15 ohm or 40 ohm MRRC controllers, or 'Raygun' Scaley transformers which I think were about 50 ohm. The very powerful MRRC Clubman motors (with very bevy windings) barely worked unless the 15 ohm controllers were used, whereas the more modern cars needed the higher resistance, since when the 15 ohm controllers were used, it was a little like an on-off switch.

The controller you need will be determined by the car you are using. it also depends upon the track.

Parma (the best known?) do a range, such that you will find one to suit any car.

I race a wide variety of cars, for which chopping and changing my controller has not been a problem, but like many, since I race twice a month, I have found a variable controller almost essential.
The basic Truspeed is what I use, and even though I am still just getting used to it, it already seems worth the not quite modest investment. Others at the club are also going this way.
I rarely use other than the sensitivity setting, the equivalent to a variable resistor. Slot it do a similar controller.

I'd suggest that better information would certainly be found on Slot Forum International and suggest that perhaps similar threads should be posted there in future.

Peter.

[Howard Lynk]

Thanks Peter and Nigel. I suspected the topic might not be a good fit on this forum, as controllers are obviously not part of the actual car. But, I decided to ask anyway... I don't know anywhere else where one can benefit from the long time experience that so many of the members on this board have. I guess I was thinking along the lines of go "here", or read "this", etc. I had gone to the Professor Motor site, and there are so many controllers that I immediately realized I need to start back at the "beginning" and try to understand the basics, and how the resistance of different models affects the performance and control of various motors. I really would like to buy the best controllers for my needs the first time... and not by expensive trial and error. Anyway, thanks again for your helpful comments and suggestions.

Regards,
Howard

[Taffy]

Hello, Howard,

well, we are scratchbuilders, but we are racers, too. So I think, a question about controllers isn´t completely wrong in this place...;-), and so I´ll try to answer your question by telling you my personal opinion:
I´m racing on my hometrack and, for many years now, I´m racing on different clubtracks in my country.
My recommendation is to use an adjustable controller (adjustement of acceleration AND brake). With the right controller, you will have a perfect adjustment to every single car, that you want to race. You will experience, too, that the smooth control of the trigger (compared to a basic controller) results in a very much better handling of the car.
I cannot recommend a special brand, because here in Germany we have several small manufacturers, who build these controllers (often by converting basic controllers). I own two different controllers, that are reconstructed Parma controllers. The adjustable controllers are a must in clubracing, but they give much more fun in homeracing, too. So I´d never go back to basic controllers.

Best regards

[dangermouse]

Hello Howard

TruSpeed make a good controller for Scalextric Digital - slot.it is another option - I haven't tried either on a digital track but one chap at the club has the TruSpeed and another a slot.it - from general discussion when we were racing on a digital track with the standard controllers it sounded like the TruSpeed was easier to setup than the slot.it

www.truspeed.co.uk

SSD III Controller for Scalextric SSD Digital Slot Cars
Direct plug-in replacement for the original controllers.
Sensitivity Adjustment Control
Brake and Lane Change Buttons
Spring Tension Adjuster
Nickle/Gold plated Element Board contacts with 9 point Stainless Steel Wiper.
User-Changeable Single and Double Finger Trigger
1.6m Cable Length

Slotcar Corner has the TruSpeed controllers listed on their website - I am sure they would be able to give you good advice on suitable controllers

cheers
David