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Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 8:24 pm
by BARC 1
Working with 1/43 scale cars and going from Carrera Mag to Nomag really is a challenge for a controller. Rather then buy a new controller I just added a simple OHMS adjustment box to each lane. This allows the driver to add up to 60 more ohms of resistance to any controller plugged into the layout in increments of 10 Ohms.

Lloyd's mods of the Carrera power track inspired this set up.

I use Scalextrics ARC for timing and race control. My cars were creating to much electrical interference for it to work reliably, so I added separate power to the track through the Carrera set up. This also has been modifed and the turbo wire was used as a brake wire so all the controllers now have the option of using brakes.

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Next track project is wiring in solenoids for the pit lane entrance so the driver can enter the pits remotely. I have not decided if I am going to be adding a pit button on each controller or just build a separate pit controller for each lane.. I 'll post pictures when I get that decided and done.

Cheers

Dan

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 8:33 pm
by MichiganCur
Cool, might have to borrow the idea

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 2:38 am
by dc6287
Very tech, I like.

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 3:10 am
by LloydL
Hi Dan, much as I would like to lay claim to the Carrera power pack, it wasnt me! LOL.

I have always used a stabilized 0 to 20 volt power supply for my main tracks, and a model railway controller for my portable track.

I find, with the various motors I use, and the differing handling of the various cars, the ability to change voltage is essential in this scale.

I do like your variable ohms idea though, I would find it very useful, especially with Carrera GO motors.

I still need to find a source for those HO can motors that you use.

Regards, Lloyd.

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 6:56 am
by BARC 1
I thought it was you Lloyd. I will have to go back and see who did all the mods to the carrera feed.

I just go on eBay and buy from whoever is selling these small cans. It is a bit of a crap but some retailers have the specs posted, and I try to buy from those that do.

Cheers

Dan

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 8:32 am
by RichD
Changing controllers when the track voltage is too high is only a partial solution. Putting resistors in series with the controllers is a good way to drop the track voltage, it is better to use ceramic core wire wound resistors. Another way to drop the voltage is to use diodes, those drop 0.7 volts each. I built this box to tame overpowered HO cars. Since this is made to go between the controller and the track it has six diodes and there is minimum 0.7 volt drop. This is made for tracks with positive polarity wiring, the diodes would have to be turned the other way if the track was wired for negative polarity.

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If you were to have a single control for all of the lanes it would be best to use 6 amp diodes. Another alternative is to add a voltage regulator like this one: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzLR4 ... A3NjdjNTZh

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 11:20 am
by BARC 1
Yes I used big 10 Ohm resistors in a similar fashion to the diodes. It works like a charm being able to dial in a particular car. Made a huge difference on the NO Mag cars.

Dan

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 4:56 pm
by ourwayband
Man that is slick!!

Rusty

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:19 pm
by Dodgefarmer
Dan is your ohm controller a production piece or homemade?

Randy

Re: Added an Ohms controller.

PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 1:03 am
by BARC 1
I built this and added the graphics for effect.

Dan