Home Racing World

Been away from slots for about 5 years, finally decided to go back with Carrera Evolution again. I found that BRS still had the DTM Speed Attack set, which I just ordered this evening. I will get it up and going as analog layout for now, and learn more on the Digital stuff in the future and make the switch. I'm really excited about the digital systems available now. It has definitely drawn me back into the hobby. :auto-checkeredflag:

Dave K.

Welcome back! You cant beat carrera :)

Yes, I agree! I had an Evolution Layout before so I still have several Carrera cars, and a few are actually Digital. I have been reading up on the digital and really impressed with the fuel load settings, pit lanes, and ghost cars. I do run a lot by my self so that feature is pretty important to me.

KsRacer, I was in the doldrums too, over analog slot racing. Then I tried digital and a whole new world opened up! Make the transition comfortable for yourself. When you get there, you will be welcomed into a world with a much more realistic slot racing experience.

Well I have full intensions of going digital maybe this summer. I will be asking questions on here so that I can better understand the digital world. Yes I'm very impressed with the real time aspects of the fuel load effecting the horse power to weight ratio as the fuel burns as the race progresses. That alone has pulled me back to slots over R/C's. I think this is only the beginning of digital enhanced slot racing.

Dave K.

Also I want to run magless, is it ok to run magless with digital Carrera. I know there are concerns about cutting power to the track to suite the reduced traction.Is it possible, or is it necessary to do with digital system in place.

Dave K.

Cool video! :D

Thanks for the information bus, I am ok with the throttle and brake reduction. Also I saw some where on the net that there are aftermarket digital controllers. They are the conventional pistol grip and finger trigger, instead of the thumb controllers by Carrera. They looked like Parma controller cases with digital guts inside them. Any one here use those, or are the Carrera controllers really good with throttle control.
Dave K.

Johnny you actually answered my question on using an aftermarket power supply so that I could in fact drop the voltage. Thank you! Buspor63 also brought it to my attention that I would have throttle and brake control. That being said, I'm looking forward to it. I just want to find out if everyone is happy with the Carrera controllers. I personally an interested in the Wireless controller if the have good throttle and brake control.

Dave K.

We don't have any problems with the OE Carrera digital controllers. Many ...all... analog home set controllers are just the basic and barely cover what needs to happen to control the cars. The digital controllers work great with a wide range of motors, perhaps because all the current is being handled by the chip and the settings dialed into it.

I'm sure the aftermarket ones are better, but just like lane gate controls and remote track call buttons, they are an added expense that is not needed, just may may the experience slightly better.

As far as dropping voltage to the CU, I've found any less than 12v input, things don't work so well. Go even lower and the CU shuts off.

Actually, the OEM digital controllers are very good, as buspor said, they really work quite well. In another post Dave Kennedy said that Carrera does not make any trigger type controllers. As a kid I raced with a Cox controller so the thumb action doesn't bother me. If you are thinking about upgrading your controllers, by all means, go wireless.
In one of your responses you sad, I think this is only the beginning of digital enhanced slot racing." You are so right! Little things that make a big difference, like brake lights on every car, gives digital a real edge over analog. Digital allows a much more accurate model for a scale model racing experience.

The Carrera thumb controllers were fine with my Carrera cars, but were too small in my hand and were controlled by the thumb as opposed to trigger-style with the finger. So I got a Slot.it controller with power/braking control plus a million other settings as a gift and it made a world of difference. Once I got a few faster cars it really came into play. Running Slot.it cars on Carrera track with the magnets out is a blast, especially if you can control the overall speed. That's really hard for me to do with the thumb controllers.

Back in the '60's you had a choice of controllers, at least mass market. Russkit controllers were trigger type, very similar to any you see today. Cox made a thumb operated controller. I've wondered why no one today makes a quality plunger type controller. As i recall, it was a pretty even split on the popularity of Cox or Russkit. I would get a Slot.it controller, but it would have to be wireless. I am hoping True Speed can make a wireless controller.