tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33426821388109486532024-03-14T17:31:19.283+02:00Ecurie Raceways BlogEcurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-10930356130704327492019-06-05T11:21:00.001+02:002019-06-05T13:56:47.030+02:00Ecurie Professor throttle controller quick and dirty guide<div style="text-align: justify;">
The excellent Professor controllers have been an Ecurie go to for some years and personal preference has swung to the dual transistor plus heatsink versions, now available from Raceworld in Cape town in fixed sensitivity and brake version:</div>
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<a href="http://raceworld.co.za/product/professor-motor-electronic-controller/">Raceworld Professor throttle controller dual transistor</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.professormotor.com/product-p/pmtr2106.htm">Professor web site reference</a></div>
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This guide is for fitting the stage one to stage three adjustment controls - Professor does strongly recommend (no I don't know why not the earlier compact version) this 25 ohm sensitivity potentiometer for these controllers despite the fiddly fit requiring short wires, so I ordered accordingly:</div>
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<a href="https://www.professormotor.com/product-p/pmtr2041.htm">Professor sensitivity potentiometer for dual transistor</a></div>
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<b>Per Professor:</b> "This pot is used ONLY on the newer version circuit boards that are fitted with or have the capability to have dual transistors installed - That includes controller model numbers PMTR2104, PMTR2106 and PMTR2130 AND may also be used at times in other models." </div>
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This the Professor version brake potentiometer, although one can leave the wire bridge in and externalise with pretty much any after market 5 watt 25 ohm (ish) wirewound potentiometer as I have done on top of the three pin plug in pics below, simply splice in to the "red" brake lead (nicely marked by Raceworld) and leave the brake bridge intact:</div>
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<a href="https://www.professormotor.com/product-p/pmtr2042.htm">Professor straight fit 25 ohm brake potentiometer</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.professormotor.com/v/vspfiles/downloadables/2040instructions_platinum.pdf">Online guides on the Professor web site - useful</a></div>
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<b>Stage 1: Fine for clubbie magnet racing and 1/24 production</b>, the bridges shown in the bottom pic, un-solder for which ever potentiometers you are fitting, that is all that is necessary for this level of racing:</div>
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<b>The stage 2 fixed sensitivity average resistor of 8 ohms only needs to be switched for a 4 ohm </b>(between 2 ohm and 5 ohms is fine) if you intend doing 1/32 plastic non magnet racing ala the Slot.it South Africa series and require a softer bottom end sensitivity - very likely voids warranty.</div>
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<b>The resistor cut is to splice in the stage 3 Cranmer Curve 50 ohm preset </b>if you considering doing plastic non magnet racing only - very likely voids warranty.</div>
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The pic below illustrates the fiddly fit for the recommended Professor Sensitivity potentiometer - shorten the solder tabs right down and it will fit with a push and turn to locate as shown:</div>
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The stage 2 and stage 3 tweaks can be ignored for most clubbie magnet and 1/24 racing, the pics below show the location of the 50 ohm Cranmer Curve pot super glued in and accessible through the controller top. A quick test on the home brew tester and the controller working sweet:</div>
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This very crude (but surprisingly effective) Cranmer Curve preset emulates the variable resistance boards used in top end transistor controllers, by changing the final "step" in the resistor chain. Sir Lancelot himself indeed finding it useful in other classes as well.</div>
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There we go, a controller for all my racing needs from 1/32 plastic Slot.it non magnet series right through magnet and on to Falcon and S16D type 1/24 metal racing, as we will encounter at Raceworld. </div>
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Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-83971326228919395692019-04-21T17:15:00.000+02:002019-04-21T18:04:33.265+02:00Plastic track rubber tyre pre-scrubber, a first?<div style="text-align: justify;">
The proven method of the tyre preparation for the Slot.it South Africa non magnet racing series has been lots of plastic track time and benzine or lighter fluid tyre cleaning.</div>
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Took us wood track magnet racers quite a while to come to terms with that, compounded by not having a coastal plastic track to achieve same....</div>
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Whilst looking at online tyre saucing machine (not applicable for this game) we challenged local Guru Lance Cranmer to come up with a gizmo that would achieve the same result as the scores of laps and copious tyre cleans a plastic track achieves. Ruaan of Modeltech had kick-started us on to track trued rubber tyres and he too was taken with the same idea.</div>
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Lance did just that.....</div>
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I collected my neat and solid 3D printed box with lathe trued and ball bearing scuff roller a week ago and was promptly waylaid by hospital visits before I could test drive for this report but am pleased to report that it is an extremely worthwhile nominal investment.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The neat 3D orange box with ball bear bearing scuff roller is mated up to a power source pretty much anywhere from 3.7 volts (single lipo battery) to about 6 volts - I used a RC charger in motor mode in my case, allowing me to experiment with different voltages at 4, 5 and 6 volts.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">T<span style="font-size: small;">he unit is taylor made for the popular long Slot.it Lola LMP Chassis (ignore redundant magnet from wood racing) but can also cater for anything smaller by simply turning in the large plastic bolt till the rear axle aligns over the centre of the scuff roller. Pretty much any slot.it pod will do but I was eventually pleased with the inline pod weighted down with the Boxer motor, proving to run cool even at 6 volts. </span></td></tr>
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A set of Slot.it N22 (20mm) tyres was carefully fitted on to a 16.5 rim, along with a harder Sideways Prospeed (19mm) tyre on a 17.3.mm rim. I had been pre-warned to seat the tyres carefully and that paid significant dividends as the combo ran smooth as a baby's bum from the get go, despite the back ground noise evident in the video. A short run at 5 volts to check for smoothness and then ten minutes at 4 volts with the N22 provided a smooth finish pretty much as promised. </div>
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I then went a bit over the top in experimenting with benzine on a rag and different voltages - the benzine really not required to aid truing as there is zero track dirt to be removed ;-). The tougher soft prospeed proved a longer exercise and three sessions of twenty minutes got me to where I was after.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The part that tickled me most was how the unit auto aligned itself and ran true as a die!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanLpfUwjca2wdaIBpklUQ_vMQwKmYSIiUFAP16Vv3O76s01zRqTh4cvk-4mgiiXoeR4Ql97Q_wE6PY7tzaQrwGJYCW6UzIkR6QkoBroMLFQHyyuG3IC29HNTr5uTOclcnSDSoCKGpLFA/s1600/IMG_1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanLpfUwjca2wdaIBpklUQ_vMQwKmYSIiUFAP16Vv3O76s01zRqTh4cvk-4mgiiXoeR4Ql97Q_wE6PY7tzaQrwGJYCW6UzIkR6QkoBroMLFQHyyuG3IC29HNTr5uTOclcnSDSoCKGpLFA/s320/IMG_1984.JPG" width="240" /></i></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Prospeed eventual tyre finish immaculate, as can be seen from the pic. The N22 also buffed up glossy and shiny like the fancy tyre cleaners and were carefully put away for track use in due course.</span></td></tr>
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<b><i>This unit will save time for all racers, including those with tracks, in minimising much trackside tyre preparation :-</i></b>)</div>
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Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-80289529148123534472017-12-18T11:21:00.004+02:002017-12-18T11:49:09.778+02:00Open & GT car prep for newbies<div style="text-align: justify;">
As much notes for myself as a couple of tips for the newbie assemblers of Slot.it pod type chassis - recommended is 0.75mm SW pod but 1.00mm will also do, provided the magnets ever so slightly recessed (only by feel):</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A useful kit complete with 61 smaller cut off wheels for motor pod.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Illustrating the plastic swarf build up on the small cut off disks, change regularly and typically six per pod project for clean accurate cutting. The smaller disks allow access to the inside rear.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Needle file roughening edge of magnet. The process relies on support for both front and rear long sides of the magnet, for the front and rear location.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZsAop5xN1qMjvw4TtMa8xrliYiL0mxZnFFmKYkV1VqmaL_DXJ3hsX463Gpl4s_lQwvi9ziKb_y8AJ7SOXbftUBtYJEwEsySww3HS0LGQRkVNq89rMmThkMn0yRJ8vwT3aV1xAL46o6M/s1600/Step+2+with+boiled+hot+kettle+water+to+thin+Wonda+fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="460" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZsAop5xN1qMjvw4TtMa8xrliYiL0mxZnFFmKYkV1VqmaL_DXJ3hsX463Gpl4s_lQwvi9ziKb_y8AJ7SOXbftUBtYJEwEsySww3HS0LGQRkVNq89rMmThkMn0yRJ8vwT3aV1xAL46o6M/s400/Step+2+with+boiled+hot+kettle+water+to+thin+Wonda+fix.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Warm the tubes in just boiled hot kettle water, mix and paint on to the nylon before fitting magnet which should be only just below (by feel only) the edge of the plastic (NEVER ABOVE). Keep the tubes stored vertically in a similar container [Oliver tip] thereafter. Once happy with location and the glue dried a bit, reinforce with a couple drops super glue from top (inside).</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW29Am3VgbWAUfW6y9cploWV9XSpRQyFSty0VX_kfPdcW5e5-s9DJAbxeeq2WxdWhG7PRzCEZ6dabo-qAD4ZR6iNt23XxcBe4R1zdP8EKyOw7KnJHqGvwBdTzQYtf7n-IL-pUvSHI-c3E/s1600/Step+3a+tight+fit+magnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW29Am3VgbWAUfW6y9cploWV9XSpRQyFSty0VX_kfPdcW5e5-s9DJAbxeeq2WxdWhG7PRzCEZ6dabo-qAD4ZR6iNt23XxcBe4R1zdP8EKyOw7KnJHqGvwBdTzQYtf7n-IL-pUvSHI-c3E/s400/Step+3a+tight+fit+magnet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Rough cut the front slot and finish with a needle file so the magnet clips in tightly for maximum support of the magnet. Use two stacked of the Professor 27x5x1.5 magnets at the rear and one 25x6x1.5 (any up to max two mm thick like Slot.it 25x8x2) at the front. The maximum downforce is to be biased to the rear. Again only just inside surface by feel. Note front magnet position has proven important and <i><b>whilst the Slot.it magnet holders remain, do not use them</b></i> (creates edge of the cliff downforce, not good). Rather stack trimmers on existing magnets.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqma9WNyh9WW4sGM1F7GwxWxedQj8RANJfsLE22jZD5Namv1OO7xCMKi609_jNIWYDqIqW26cecuegv0we3V1n_NNVbKzT-fwSkJ0A0qlOWfRl9lXSW1R6ElvRq8xRuwfDR-MO39bLqE/s1600/step+3+fitting+magnets+neat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqma9WNyh9WW4sGM1F7GwxWxedQj8RANJfsLE22jZD5Namv1OO7xCMKi609_jNIWYDqIqW26cecuegv0we3V1n_NNVbKzT-fwSkJ0A0qlOWfRl9lXSW1R6ElvRq8xRuwfDR-MO39bLqE/s400/step+3+fitting+magnets+neat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The fitted magnets with Black Wonda Fix (only use black never the clear) around the edges, both reinforced with a drop or to two super glue from the inside.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEeB7fXnql8XznqBmyVcNF7pdtOCxv3Ipmce9MUvL2cgfqHGdThB4qcHYTFFdDZjc25r6KwGAX8cpTqdGW92cz1I7nNAdj0QxKasUjbTK5XTmsGR32Yk2sXhfawPhuH_iQeRkRoX0dHY/s1600/step+4+with+trimmer+magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEeB7fXnql8XznqBmyVcNF7pdtOCxv3Ipmce9MUvL2cgfqHGdThB4qcHYTFFdDZjc25r6KwGAX8cpTqdGW92cz1I7nNAdj0QxKasUjbTK5XTmsGR32Yk2sXhfawPhuH_iQeRkRoX0dHY/s400/step+4+with+trimmer+magnets.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Trimmer magnets added, a must at the back and a Slot.it magnet has proved an ideal trimmer at the front, in the past.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i6lYWq7vdy0_7qlu3FTSKlCsAGVeKH0gSKyN1eHW7Pk2qAmi8btorLCcSWhIaqrp9QzcGsG2NtN64wF_sXqNIGdApoA-qtV6fFwB55EjklLNKa8vdTeCtEl7POBP-I0qTOaOfJPG3RM/s1600/Step+5+wonda+fix+front+axle+supports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i6lYWq7vdy0_7qlu3FTSKlCsAGVeKH0gSKyN1eHW7Pk2qAmi8btorLCcSWhIaqrp9QzcGsG2NtN64wF_sXqNIGdApoA-qtV6fFwB55EjklLNKa8vdTeCtEl7POBP-I0qTOaOfJPG3RM/s400/Step+5+wonda+fix+front+axle+supports.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>V</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">ERY IMPORTANT</span><span style="font-size: small;"> - reinforce the front axle supports with black Wonda fix at fore and aft of the axle supports (zoom pic if battling to see). Fit the motor pod and tighten the screws just enough to<b> allow the pod to slip fore and aft about 1 mm travel</b> (also important, do not lock up the pod).</span></div>
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The rest of the story will follow in due course ;-)<br />
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Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-2940518996107857202017-05-31T10:46:00.002+02:002017-10-29T19:36:09.048+02:00The amazing Slot.it GT40<div style="text-align: justify;">
The GT40 remains the open beastie to beat but only just lost fractionally by same lap total only to the Chris's Mosler in September (200 laps) and then Dave's own new Black Arrow Ferrari 458 with Olifer chassis in October, driven by Sir Lancelot (196 laps). The 3D chassis with Slot.it pod fittings are proving superb and almost bullet proof, as the recent three hour enduro with the Amato 3D Mosler chassis for Slot.it proved :-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR8VH_E8uCkPzk-FW44jLAgz5Nr-tuTVzZ34tFfl-ApDRq79adJT-KnQAyl_DAUdMPwGW_BPzc5VKealNlt3EtWQ6etOuuBHKGLfBX6KGDEi_1NEZI1zj6pR-0mswcmLck4SJsy3o-aE/s1600/Ferrari+458+Olifer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="570" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR8VH_E8uCkPzk-FW44jLAgz5Nr-tuTVzZ34tFfl-ApDRq79adJT-KnQAyl_DAUdMPwGW_BPzc5VKealNlt3EtWQ6etOuuBHKGLfBX6KGDEi_1NEZI1zj6pR-0mswcmLck4SJsy3o-aE/s320/Ferrari+458+Olifer.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Arrow Ferrari on Olifer 3D chassis for Slot.it pod</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqwc5nqDDQcQHYHI82mEgy6qXC2qdVVCBH3qPhJfX8BCpatGuiNDgSkgE6OkMDsutt45iE6ndvX9M_4QHytXns54g7-WmKKminBK6JxIr5FVCkc8Kqyg4xA3NWVfO2EnNznpthf8Qfbs/s1600/underside+Amato+Mosler+chassis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="511" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqwc5nqDDQcQHYHI82mEgy6qXC2qdVVCBH3qPhJfX8BCpatGuiNDgSkgE6OkMDsutt45iE6ndvX9M_4QHytXns54g7-WmKKminBK6JxIr5FVCkc8Kqyg4xA3NWVfO2EnNznpthf8Qfbs/s320/underside+Amato+Mosler+chassis.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath of the NSR Mosler with Amato stiffer Mosler chassis (Scaleauto motor later changed to BRM).</td></tr>
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Scroll forward to 26 August 2017 and the GT40 now, after quite some development, has a competitive stable mate in the form of the Led Zeppelin McLaren M8, which has been a long time shelf queen for obvious reasons but proved surprisingly robust and a proper traffic scooper in action. Both cars qualified on equal laps but yours truly was spooked by the Pmb Hotslots lads threatening (and looking it) the 200 laps barrier, so decided to stay with the proven GT40. This time it was Sir Lancelot and the Raw McLaren F1 who got the hole shot (and his first 190) and had to be chased down from a couple laps behind, so quite surprised the GT40 knocked off the outright Hotslots open laps record by an additional one lap to 196.360.<br />
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The GT40 has enjoyed the outright laps record at Ecurie Durban and Hotslots Pmb for a short while now, so time to switch tack to the M8 for Ecurie as well, where the traffic poop scoop element is vital and the more fragile GT40 not able to sustain the high speed traffic damage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGr_hdB-lqgB8cJOm-tClF8dl9-3aIj4-oHFxvHUJ8OfKQHQ4SB_Lym7gomAvDTbjYaONY95ZOyTGlZhKQsoYZvUCuDaCU83XPjx65jSTQNMZORkL7BZ02RCRTrSPrX495F3uZtJYn6k/s1600/Pmb+record+screen+August+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGr_hdB-lqgB8cJOm-tClF8dl9-3aIj4-oHFxvHUJ8OfKQHQ4SB_Lym7gomAvDTbjYaONY95ZOyTGlZhKQsoYZvUCuDaCU83XPjx65jSTQNMZORkL7BZ02RCRTrSPrX495F3uZtJYn6k/s320/Pmb+record+screen+August+2017.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm5FtXhNm-Jy67pt3YldJK2uCyGLIBHvuzfsf6vIW2ZbFZpwKx-VCwdVnCLYUmFfCJ4_FnZBikTjTB5fMd85Hg0qWeLhm1H21ietFN3OVJaKoMgXpZTh05qzzERNlU-yyEBnCMzkGNqc/s1600/PMB+M8+on+the+pace+with+the+GT40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm5FtXhNm-Jy67pt3YldJK2uCyGLIBHvuzfsf6vIW2ZbFZpwKx-VCwdVnCLYUmFfCJ4_FnZBikTjTB5fMd85Hg0qWeLhm1H21ietFN3OVJaKoMgXpZTh05qzzERNlU-yyEBnCMzkGNqc/s640/PMB+M8+on+the+pace+with+the+GT40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This one may be the last post before Photobucket possibly ruins much of my blogs. Again the GT40 had to come from two laps behind the Chris Mosler to improve the Hotslots laps record to 195.070, this past Saturday 22 July 2017. A small but significant mod to the Professor controller seemed to give the extra finesse, along with a pre race controller service by Lance. Still a fragile open option for most though, the GT40 finished the race with no front axle supports and front wheels......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ak0cAIcrAhLPgfqlhXp6HXrUS8qiCN0Pn0VefRwWQegMeD2Yf0lvdlPJj_c7aOjaO8gTfCSSkOlDbGLWIBOy9bXwFsCiUrvRmRG9YvjBw74g5hWYLGnkEbRid1ZPlY78uKbiVjfyNng/s1600/slotit+ford+gt+Hotslots+record+22+July+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ak0cAIcrAhLPgfqlhXp6HXrUS8qiCN0Pn0VefRwWQegMeD2Yf0lvdlPJj_c7aOjaO8gTfCSSkOlDbGLWIBOy9bXwFsCiUrvRmRG9YvjBw74g5hWYLGnkEbRid1ZPlY78uKbiVjfyNng/s320/slotit+ford+gt+Hotslots+record+22+July+2017.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Just had to record it for posterity but have to claim this Hotslots one for my controller of choice for the Pmb track, currently being the knife through butter double transistor commercial track Professor, which has also proved just the ticket for the South African non magnet Slot.it series, as well.</div>
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More by accident than design the same yellow Slot.it GT40 with Scaleauto red 35K at May 2017 now holds the outright open laps record for both the Ecurie Durban and Hotslots Pietermaritzburg tracks, against the field of Moslers et al.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlVo4RvYKCLbUpMm_0Z0eud0YNuKgbwCsAXTfWgLLaFgc04Dz9gtFwfCFe_T5_9YAXNntVCrXHOKMJruEXgEZzbM-2zkMXF7bpIxVQ-H6hgnmjvcV4SN3kH3lS5CFdIiCEFFzgqCwFqg/s1600/Dave+Hotslots+record+May+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlVo4RvYKCLbUpMm_0Z0eud0YNuKgbwCsAXTfWgLLaFgc04Dz9gtFwfCFe_T5_9YAXNntVCrXHOKMJruEXgEZzbM-2zkMXF7bpIxVQ-H6hgnmjvcV4SN3kH3lS5CFdIiCEFFzgqCwFqg/s320/Dave+Hotslots+record+May+2017.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiice9Gy_HiGo8pSwZ5QVT08tbJEk7R0kN67Xvupc1AP0K_OY85m6MItJ5v8s5OYIpAdhFXlz30GTQ5-7wpwQm-BSU_x-bpJBgqItgp5ybCFC8rI24A5kq8gqsHvEGqhF8tfIbAUmSWBvU/s1600/Dave+Hotslots+record+May+2017+with+the+yellow+GT40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="653" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiice9Gy_HiGo8pSwZ5QVT08tbJEk7R0kN67Xvupc1AP0K_OY85m6MItJ5v8s5OYIpAdhFXlz30GTQ5-7wpwQm-BSU_x-bpJBgqItgp5ybCFC8rI24A5kq8gqsHvEGqhF8tfIbAUmSWBvU/s320/Dave+Hotslots+record+May+2017+with+the+yellow+GT40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-37197392563374897942017-04-06T09:13:00.001+02:002019-02-04T10:35:38.022+02:00Formula Libre Pro prep for the metal heads<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Scalextric Lotus Evora super resistant and Ford GT40 are the competitive cars for the Ecurie Libre Pro (with original motor) class at present.</div>
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Gavin asked for a shopping list and Paul is commencing preparation of a new Lotus Evora super resistant so this takes the form of a list of recommended bits plus some pictures guide, rather than the blow by blow assembly guide for stock.</div>
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<b><i>Parts sourced locally in Kzn (generally):</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/slot-it-steel-pro-axle-54mm.html">Slot.it long axle (x2)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/slot-it-magnesium-wheels-16-9x8-25.html">Slot.it 16.9 mm narrow front wheels</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.topslotsntrains.com/topslotsntrains/final.asp?ref=Slot.It-SI-PT19-FRONT-SLICK-TYRES-15.5-X-8-Z1-COMPOUND&id=3098&manufacturer=%27Slot%20It%27">Slot.it zero grip narrow front tyres (were Z1)</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/slot-it-bronze-bushing-scalextric-carrera.html">Slot.it rear bushes for Scalextric</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/slot-it-lmp-plain-copper-braids-x8.html">Slot.it LMP braid (for short term solution) *</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.professormotor.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=MR8201">Mr Slotcar braid ex Macho Mart (long term solution) *</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/slot-it-set-of-spacers-for-hubs.html">Slot.it axle spacers **</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/slot-it-sidewinder-light-ergal-gear-36t-19mm.html">Slot.it 36t spur 19 mm ***</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jeffreystein.co.za/brands/ninco/spares-ninco/silicone-cable-120mm-with-terminals-8">Ninco silicone cable or similar</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jeffreystein.co.za/brands/ninco/spares-ninco/large-screws-2-2x9-5mm-10">Ninco longer star screws for the body rear *****</a><br />
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<b><i>Parts sourced overseas:</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/mb-slot-36t-sidewinder-spur-gear-19mm.html">MBslot plastic 36t spur gear bolt on ***</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/sloting-plus-urano-wheels-17-8x10mm.html">Sloting Plus 17.8 mm rim ****</a></div>
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* The Slot.it LMP braid is quickly and easily trapped against the guide silver braid shoe and one then threads the lead wire through the hole and (very) quickly solders the wire to the braid (see photos).<br />
The Mr Slotcar braid is significantly longer lasting but fiddly to tin the end for soldering in view of the capillary action.</div>
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** The only reason for a spacer is so the spur gear does not load against the lip of the pinion during right hand turns, which will load and ruin a motor.</div>
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*** The Slot.it 36t 19mm is ample (until worn) but the yellow MB spur is silky smooth and looks zooty.<br />
**** Ash and Dave experimented with a range of different diameter rims (17.3/17.5/18.0/18.3) but the 17.8mm rib diameter rim gives the sweet spot on handling and co-incidentally is the same size as the original plastic rim.<br />
***** Not a must but nice for body float and the body rear - the coarse Ninco long star screws are great whereas the more common flat head after-market body screws are a pain.<br />
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Remember that the Ecurie Formula Libre Pro rules require the magnet relocated to forward of the motor and one should then stack magnet pieces on to achieve the 150 grams target downforce on the Rix scale (minimum 145 grams recommended).<br />
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Similar components but different wheel sizes will apply to the Scalex Ford GT40, talk to Ash, Andrey and Lance for sizes. Changing the pinion 11t to 12t will make also make it suitable for Hotslots Pietermaritzburg sports & touring use but remember to change back to 11t for Ecurie! ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_H4IYPqsvdlClyr8bP8xkSSMo9Bq0N3soTUpKW3-4VfstsAPjZqntnen_NrWyJURM3ZiTDBbot_XMXc6UklorMLbTJmOa9D8EvO4QU7ZI0X7A96gtJ4rQ2bYQVL6Ptz0R9nlZLbo11F0/s1600/20170406_065433_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_H4IYPqsvdlClyr8bP8xkSSMo9Bq0N3soTUpKW3-4VfstsAPjZqntnen_NrWyJURM3ZiTDBbot_XMXc6UklorMLbTJmOa9D8EvO4QU7ZI0X7A96gtJ4rQ2bYQVL6Ptz0R9nlZLbo11F0/s200/20170406_065433_resized.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front wheel diameter 16.9 mm (changed)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOAMaOue9CLxF6mvdCou6EnL6_3BXXHfOvgF95wSgU7kGBQqvx4r-50SpW1NozYdHE5qX9EEjC1wy0BtBcq9C6EtcvaeKluAStNb29Zf0PCZd8DUTOdYBM4nkU0_1eJr0Pcjq5rMufBE/s1600/20170406_065926_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOAMaOue9CLxF6mvdCou6EnL6_3BXXHfOvgF95wSgU7kGBQqvx4r-50SpW1NozYdHE5qX9EEjC1wy0BtBcq9C6EtcvaeKluAStNb29Zf0PCZd8DUTOdYBM4nkU0_1eJr0Pcjq5rMufBE/s200/20170406_065926_resized.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note lead wire / braid plus magnet location</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUsLBeYsZdq2nkHqLC-OYCtqvauIKteH1KxwASJDIgtNsIMG7DP6WQvMu7WeRGjv2OWu7mgedQrp8tWc9pzSbjLp0hMVDrb20I6EwAVbm_IP6g-lxU4oHA9VxV3TawFeAPUDMxGvlvI0/s1600/20170406_070222_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUsLBeYsZdq2nkHqLC-OYCtqvauIKteH1KxwASJDIgtNsIMG7DP6WQvMu7WeRGjv2OWu7mgedQrp8tWc9pzSbjLp0hMVDrb20I6EwAVbm_IP6g-lxU4oHA9VxV3TawFeAPUDMxGvlvI0/s200/20170406_070222_resized.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LMP braid quick but short term solution</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYaG0l-0dYxjYKxu8OdEam6aRfojM6xhcnWYACyRpp9uzdHXd3TJNCPXxwxB6K2IGZDlV6xoqF9nGgVQ4H9R4ekItoEWYDwSjE3ln0M1jaqEE4-fWo61gGox7POSrLDnYj1CwKaqD-vQ/s1600/20170406_070444_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYaG0l-0dYxjYKxu8OdEam6aRfojM6xhcnWYACyRpp9uzdHXd3TJNCPXxwxB6K2IGZDlV6xoqF9nGgVQ4H9R4ekItoEWYDwSjE3ln0M1jaqEE4-fWo61gGox7POSrLDnYj1CwKaqD-vQ/s200/20170406_070444_resized.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not cheap but neat rear 17.8 mm rims</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiUqDp6mol5dbVo6ky9RvDHIrp7iweuj-VtX78qh62ADKZEKtPAcCvsYipzHm97r7AKS1SvIQMfdcHm6wl22m84pfLUU2tcLAKkkpUMAZfs_VdS8TfKDpcrEsyX_7l6ohfGXQV_PKLcU/s1600/20170406_070556_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiUqDp6mol5dbVo6ky9RvDHIrp7iweuj-VtX78qh62ADKZEKtPAcCvsYipzHm97r7AKS1SvIQMfdcHm6wl22m84pfLUU2tcLAKkkpUMAZfs_VdS8TfKDpcrEsyX_7l6ohfGXQV_PKLcU/s200/20170406_070556_resized.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">36t 19mm spur gear alternative</td></tr>
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Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-11485184103660101622016-12-01T08:16:00.000+02:002019-02-04T14:56:09.815+02:00Costa concept stock inline car race preparation 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8DsFrI1BxztpqaIuUwJ7H-DN06SVxbHbWTjPd87kn0RJbdSXM6e-KTHX-dopqsIrXKyS2T5dB_jBqQTUX4nITQxmLIROWQaZY8VY4Bf-E2zdHdRuQ9eaAI8YLmXLo2ICnoPMa3nsQ9o/s1600/20161201_070515_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8DsFrI1BxztpqaIuUwJ7H-DN06SVxbHbWTjPd87kn0RJbdSXM6e-KTHX-dopqsIrXKyS2T5dB_jBqQTUX4nITQxmLIROWQaZY8VY4Bf-E2zdHdRuQ9eaAI8YLmXLo2ICnoPMa3nsQ9o/s640/20161201_070515_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Buy the excellent Scalextric GT Lightning and a pack Ecurie stock class rule 8.1 specified Slot.it S2 tyres, along with the option useful investments for the future in the form of cheap 3mm wide trim stripe tape, needle point oiler with thin oil and lighter fluid for cleaning (original can is ok but needle point bottle useful). </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tfQDi7SJR2CId-6r4au7nS0R4oRJz8CF0KSkA-4zsFk7C1K8wP_0U9hKtqwUdzf3rWzLNfYJtEESufZkCt24uG7FFTo6UB_nUY3wwpXCovKyrZI7c_ApaHjHJFKgkYRwMS3s85IkBwM/s1600/20161130_215138_resized_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tfQDi7SJR2CId-6r4au7nS0R4oRJz8CF0KSkA-4zsFk7C1K8wP_0U9hKtqwUdzf3rWzLNfYJtEESufZkCt24uG7FFTo6UB_nUY3wwpXCovKyrZI7c_ApaHjHJFKgkYRwMS3s85IkBwM/s640/20161130_215138_resized_2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dave carries a large stock off <b><i>free</i></b> pair skinny magnet, 2.5mm thick front O ring, 1.0mm thick rear O ring and one pair "just in case" rear axle plastic spacers as per Ecurie rule 3.3 - just ask and you will receive these. There are other Ecurie experienced who will have similar. My own current source:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/50pcs-Strong-Rare-Earth-Bar-Neodymium-Magnets-N50-25x5x1-5mm-Permanet-Customizable/1926920375.html?spm=2114.01010108.3.255.igR3ft&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_8,searchweb201602_2_10057_10056_10065_10037_10055_10054_301_10059_10058_10032_10017_107_10060_10061_10052_414_10062_10053_10050_10051,searchweb201603_4&btsid=8d79bc5d-f83e-42b1-b82b-346ac15879ca" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Strong-Rare-Earth-Bar-Neodymium-Magnets-N50-25x5x1-5mm</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/331726105779?var=540841354674">O ring 2.5mm thick by 17mm or 18mm OD</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3gbo4b6Bx0MmUC7kJPt7KAkhF9JNokXBOO3g0HYA1jGrOg5b4bs63dxcgvS4DcsgB7MfO6KEiErTmPupujj8t8UUN4kvDohF8wmmYQDCFrH6O3E1WosrvbTgL4D0BjmSnoYJHZsKzJ8/s1600/201611301155_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3gbo4b6Bx0MmUC7kJPt7KAkhF9JNokXBOO3g0HYA1jGrOg5b4bs63dxcgvS4DcsgB7MfO6KEiErTmPupujj8t8UUN4kvDohF8wmmYQDCFrH6O3E1WosrvbTgL4D0BjmSnoYJHZsKzJ8/s640/201611301155_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strike>With guide plate in place, flip the top pair braids (brushes) forward as per left in pic. Now only carefully remove the guide plate by sliding forward then lifting rear. Rotate the guide plate 180 degrees and refit per the right in pic. Use will decide if you should trim the rear longer braids but most do and some also replace with other brand braids.</strike> This now redundant as Ecurie has amalgamated the GT Lightning Pro and Stock classes and one may now dispense with the clip in guide plate and fit the braids directly to the guide as well, whist Hotslots even allows a switch to a Slot.it guide. The O-ring fronts can also be switched to Slot.it front tyres. Tony at Durban and Oliver at Hotslots are still showing the stock form running gear and wheels to be competitive, though. Now ease the 2.5mm O rings on to the outer front wheels, so the O ring is not "twirled" in the process. I prefer not to glue, if you really must then nail varnish or ask uncle Lance to MEK secure - DO NOT superglue.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JNCFOdaBlpRceRFlB_lCZmeTYRtfntH_dDIAcRVpKGoW2wpwTuVCWEHV-IAn5iX4tdYm7xbaqJ02aLCtdM0d22p21eYBzxAY-6o0yY-nQSs4Sh46zZ4v92Rcs27mUKgB4TTWWglvbcc/s1600/20161130_225320_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JNCFOdaBlpRceRFlB_lCZmeTYRtfntH_dDIAcRVpKGoW2wpwTuVCWEHV-IAn5iX4tdYm7xbaqJ02aLCtdM0d22p21eYBzxAY-6o0yY-nQSs4Sh46zZ4v92Rcs27mUKgB4TTWWglvbcc/s640/20161130_225320_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Scalextric wheel centre rib is wrong for Slot.it and other non Scalextric tyres and must be built up with a single layer of trim tape and widened with a single 1mm O-ring on the outside (no glue). Start and finish the trim tape so the rib "pimple" is in the gap, obviating any need to shave the pimple. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W0SXq_glOngUBXAoO6TQ2N63BXL9TloZIuDnGXzve9dsl2YHn7VgVvAm0N0GZowdtLVHaXT1nFwwnHuFZdfTbLr8bSfUJkWVo7vRe2t6wsooPoZMMGI3HrKbc-5n-hWWBXoMlr6lQts/s1600/2016-11-30+23.52.44_resized_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W0SXq_glOngUBXAoO6TQ2N63BXL9TloZIuDnGXzve9dsl2YHn7VgVvAm0N0GZowdtLVHaXT1nFwwnHuFZdfTbLr8bSfUJkWVo7vRe2t6wsooPoZMMGI3HrKbc-5n-hWWBXoMlr6lQts/s640/2016-11-30+23.52.44_resized_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ease the Slot.it tyre on, sidewall writing inwards (so the ruffle edge also inwards) and "knead" the tyres till well seated and a totallly flat finish with no sign of rib (the sunken cheek finish is what kills the stock motors). Never sand S2, makes the tyre too sticky for stock motors.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5PF6zK-ic2HyrPQVwUd1K5K4foXiWyJnXRXMpaLnxD2ALLjm70Z7p7LRT1ZK65Dx24AQmx7LfYKJFojNToB5Y0dHvTNcwzhDZaIZEUkGNHr4ufIrUPzNEgKQk5-QURNdyvbVCzlsGj4/s1600/2016-11-30+23.53.21_resized_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5PF6zK-ic2HyrPQVwUd1K5K4foXiWyJnXRXMpaLnxD2ALLjm70Z7p7LRT1ZK65Dx24AQmx7LfYKJFojNToB5Y0dHvTNcwzhDZaIZEUkGNHr4ufIrUPzNEgKQk5-QURNdyvbVCzlsGj4/s640/2016-11-30+23.53.21_resized_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The only place I use glue on the whole car, if needed to stop the motor rocking (some motors are tight enough).<i> If you really must remove the motor for any reason, lift at this front point or you will break the rear motor mount. </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAseGU2t03dCOASwwt_ekkQ6oPfvSsoIYWyk5lh9X1N0zLrSLpMz_3qYnglM-H_H5VgZRqM-kdGmQ7xj-wIU9y8rXUM7zbC9j0dLu5jMsnFjmFCxECr2e_-v81kx0XcckWkWGMnt64_Y/s1600/2016-11-30+23.48.37_resized_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAseGU2t03dCOASwwt_ekkQ6oPfvSsoIYWyk5lh9X1N0zLrSLpMz_3qYnglM-H_H5VgZRqM-kdGmQ7xj-wIU9y8rXUM7zbC9j0dLu5jMsnFjmFCxECr2e_-v81kx0XcckWkWGMnt64_Y/s640/2016-11-30+23.48.37_resized_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The skinny magnets are boon as one can leave the original magnet in place and stack add the skinny magnet without popping out the motor or axle. I break (do not Dremel as heat kills the magnet) the last 20% so that the 80% will clear the plastic clips and sit flat on top of the original magnet. I then stacked the little 20% piece on top (per pic below) and the car came out just shy of the spec 180 gram downforce per Ecurie limit. Use bits of the spare magnet to trim to same, it is worth the time and effort. The finished stack should be pushed forward to the motor mount and will be well clear of the gears. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEVPT5ezuoHYwKpwOvCL2ipJuaaulS_HNWJ2eY6j6q-MQ7J_61pJtBDaqlLYQlEpwh-nn_NMjD04uMQVegGLeT6zbJ82NrO1cN_F72YDP25pDiuj7XawO-OIPkk7svyiJ2defjOAg8Yo/s1600/20161130_231300_resized_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEVPT5ezuoHYwKpwOvCL2ipJuaaulS_HNWJ2eY6j6q-MQ7J_61pJtBDaqlLYQlEpwh-nn_NMjD04uMQVegGLeT6zbJ82NrO1cN_F72YDP25pDiuj7XawO-OIPkk7svyiJ2defjOAg8Yo/s640/20161130_231300_resized_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Never run a stock motor "wet" with any kind of muti, it burns the commutator black. Dribble in some lighter fluid through the the top little square holes till the bottom of the car is damp then stop and wipe excess. The hi-tech RC approach is to use a slave motor to turn the car motor to seat the motor brushes, the lower tech Mike Wilkie approach of spinning the rear wheels by hand gives plenty gearing to do the job - sitting in front of the tv for ten to fifteen minutes is ample manual run turn time. Once dry then oil all the moving parts of the motor, axles and gears with your new pin oiler or similar.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cVmOKgF6JMCAi12rPPSjH6JoV_22DMKBubMeujIlzL4tA6ndDZobKpYOS4IM1p9fV0ITqN_CREWXYkcmKfgQjR1IoLtSPkMR0WftkNDLINXq2NDvmJHQmzy2CcXgyCylZwtb2g4GqK8/s1600/2016-12-01+00.01.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cVmOKgF6JMCAi12rPPSjH6JoV_22DMKBubMeujIlzL4tA6ndDZobKpYOS4IM1p9fV0ITqN_CREWXYkcmKfgQjR1IoLtSPkMR0WftkNDLINXq2NDvmJHQmzy2CcXgyCylZwtb2g4GqK8/s640/2016-12-01+00.01.16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ecurie is strict on no butchering of plastic cars so the simple solution is toss the fragile spoiler up front. If you really must fit it then this is the one time you will be forgiven for butchering the locating pins shorter and then bumper taping the spoiler directly on to the car body. Carefully screw the body on to the chassis with the original screws so that the body is loose enough to give about 1mm gap front and rear, there should also be a tiny amount of sideways body float at the rear.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XtIjmSLf_24QlLhi3sxZYjQKVgFjEzCdDJGakPcPgaGQhcU2aijo3x2kMxRqDJLEK4HW6zPprXGV-IftKLXqZk_f2vEg8L-piCVCIqKQGpu84D_xo2HI9GqA2guxwB83A3gJ-W1i3yU/s1600/finished+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XtIjmSLf_24QlLhi3sxZYjQKVgFjEzCdDJGakPcPgaGQhcU2aijo3x2kMxRqDJLEK4HW6zPprXGV-IftKLXqZk_f2vEg8L-piCVCIqKQGpu84D_xo2HI9GqA2guxwB83A3gJ-W1i3yU/s640/finished+car.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">You are ready to run, most cars are fine but some (not all) show excessive rear end axle float, which manifests in a motor killing "Grrrrrk" through the long bends. You should immediately stop as you are hurting the motor and it is time for those "just in case" plastic washers per Ecurie rule 3.3, Dave gave you up front.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUFln64NlcUaozhiJX6KxyKOqBYKYTNTXY1ytT4S22p-0Y9ipCiVvKb05q3uUHDQw81qFIPAygTCXnAz2Gq8TXNI_ELbX2JQXp5F8bG57E7SxWrzy3vZSi4JHbq7_x5dr21BPNoDVZfQ/s1600/2016-11-30+23.49.20_resized_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUFln64NlcUaozhiJX6KxyKOqBYKYTNTXY1ytT4S22p-0Y9ipCiVvKb05q3uUHDQw81qFIPAygTCXnAz2Gq8TXNI_ELbX2JQXp5F8bG57E7SxWrzy3vZSi4JHbq7_x5dr21BPNoDVZfQ/s400/2016-11-30+23.49.20_resized_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This gets tedious and fingerprint removing but one needs to sand the the washers to half the thickness (no don't just put one in, it must be balanced or the motor will run tight). Note the slit (with scissors or knife) so that one can twist and fit over the axle after completion.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yZqZokFUdGh2uLduhGjy_iizrzsQLAu1YjslHDqHddXRb2HDxSnoowP1HPRyHOCIxMIJQ7J6Of9uhYDFhsfR9a2g2mKfHj6mYatDTcwyFW2qn_AlRwwIe-X4xY5lT6RoQwmmSlbA7DI/s1600/2016-11-30+23.50.02_resized_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yZqZokFUdGh2uLduhGjy_iizrzsQLAu1YjslHDqHddXRb2HDxSnoowP1HPRyHOCIxMIJQ7J6Of9uhYDFhsfR9a2g2mKfHj6mYatDTcwyFW2qn_AlRwwIe-X4xY5lT6RoQwmmSlbA7DI/s400/2016-11-30+23.50.02_resized_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is for example only, just to show where the thin spacers go. Never pop the axle out more than once or twice or you will eventually be obliged to glue the bushes in - you are warned. If the axle still spins freely and the "Grrrrrk" is gone through the long turns, you are now ready to race :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Regular maintenance is a must. A day or two before each race night (or minium couple of hours), repeat the lighter fluid dribble through the top of tmotor, clean the mess and manually rotate the wheels for a minute or two only. Then oil sparingly and wait to race. Running the motor "wet" is an anathema, it will bring a short term gain for the first few laps but kill the motor in the not so long run. Also avoid thrash practicing with your new race car for long periods on race evening, just a half dozen laps maximum to settle. The advance motor preparation will give you consistent good performance throughout the evening. </span></td></tr>
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<br />Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-20999630107337168332016-08-10T10:01:00.002+02:002016-08-11T11:53:34.950+02:00New Hotslots Pmb track race video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Macho Mart's Leon achieved something special by managing to follow this A main dice between Lance Cranmer (orange car on black lane), Dave Greer (yellow car on Red lane) and Hadley Woodroffe (black car on yellow lane). </span></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/Z5JSiH0ttSs" style="text-align: center;">You tube video of the Hotslots open A Main</a></div>
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The lap and a bit down Dave's yellow car catches up to Lance and Hadley on the outer lanes but both immediately lift their game so that Dave cannot pass to try catch up the lap deficit - that only being achieved on Dave's next lane (white) but thereafter both Lance and Hadley pulled away to give Lance 1st, Hadley 2nd, Dave 3rd, Oliver Wills 4th and Dave Gush 5th. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV8DlyC58SbBimVsQaWCph486e3_voGlK_UHaN4jwj3ZPtwiN-TPgnDBh7cVsIc7M0XGAMrX6qTGoXSx4p0Obfh_SiO6aGJg068VLaIfzwVUGTM4nrhggmxRW8jkuC4u9JubUVd1vc6Y/s1600/Hotslots+Pit+Panarama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV8DlyC58SbBimVsQaWCph486e3_voGlK_UHaN4jwj3ZPtwiN-TPgnDBh7cVsIc7M0XGAMrX6qTGoXSx4p0Obfh_SiO6aGJg068VLaIfzwVUGTM4nrhggmxRW8jkuC4u9JubUVd1vc6Y/s640/Hotslots+Pit+Panarama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The mob in the pits at briefing and the hand over by Oliver of the obligatory beer to Chairman Arthur, along with the special plaque to be mounted on the track commemorate Arthur's drive and dedication to making the new wood track a reality.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LMJmVCRsY_vJlutfuq93tjNCqdc8AqGxiYkx2qu6GUy2WZMfwYY6da_vk3oh3TA_X9kX7Ay6fthJLLPv8DcjEVjPpUUS0i45QAG2g13FHdpRuQqXj4LSrepzXXHksy2ylapISTjBrsY/s1600/2016-08-06+20.44.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LMJmVCRsY_vJlutfuq93tjNCqdc8AqGxiYkx2qu6GUy2WZMfwYY6da_vk3oh3TA_X9kX7Ay6fthJLLPv8DcjEVjPpUUS0i45QAG2g13FHdpRuQqXj4LSrepzXXHksy2ylapISTjBrsY/s400/2016-08-06+20.44.47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8_AfcI6e8kpnfgDoUTa2ZY0tZj10cBTcG892p8VruqVTRk8kuD6JewUWWHA_lgMW67GufNd6Jv4CB9t-CZYeJ_QJRGM8xixGdw09keiSRbIQuvXyQHcIcUoFvnfnRUGNB2EsnyhKhig/s1600/2016-08-06+20.47.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8_AfcI6e8kpnfgDoUTa2ZY0tZj10cBTcG892p8VruqVTRk8kuD6JewUWWHA_lgMW67GufNd6Jv4CB9t-CZYeJ_QJRGM8xixGdw09keiSRbIQuvXyQHcIcUoFvnfnRUGNB2EsnyhKhig/s400/2016-08-06+20.47.30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then it was on to race day action for the 25 participants from the Hotslots Pietermartizburg and Ecurie Durban clubs.<br />
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The very first race heat on the new track for driver, Ross, one of the Jacoby twins, Byron and Rodney.<br />
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Marshalls ready for race action.<br />
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Drivers Gavin, Dave Gush, Freddie, Ashwin, Chris and Tony in one of the heats.<br />
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Leon, Kevern and Keith busy in the pits.<br />
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Finals results for the absorbing afternoon's racing.<br />
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Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-78787353269474563982016-03-07T11:55:00.000+02:002016-08-29T16:30:42.453+02:00Britain's best kept clubbie slot car secret? ;-)<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have enjoyed experimenting with transistor slot car controllers ever since assembling a Difalco Junior kit I obtained through Gustav Heymann at the turn of the century. That controller sparked a series of scratch builds, although I have to concede that that ultimate value was still enjoyed from the over the counter Professor, Difalco and Truspeed buys I eventually settled on for magnet plastic slot car racing.</div>
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Transistor controllers remain relatively easy for the owner to maintain, often just a transistor replacement being all that is required. </div>
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One and half decades later and midst a softening Rand for South African slot car racers, it was rare treat to again trip over another inexpensive transistor controller byo kit for a donor Parma Turbo chassis (with thanks to RC friend Stan Haussman), available at modest price through the link below, along with detailed graphics and instructions:</div>
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<a href="http://www.truspeed.co.uk/product.php?product_id=89">Truspeed transistor controller kit</a></div>
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Even for total novice slot racers, the kit is simplicity itself to wire up. I was fortunate enough to entice returning slot car racer and multiple South African champion Johan Louter in to tackling it as an initiation to transistor controllers. Transistor and PWM controllers are new concepts for Johan, who still retained his trusty rectifier diode controller from when he retired from racing just after the turn of the century.</div>
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Pardon the fuzzy cell pics of the final product, which is ultra compact, clear of controller case top clutter and very light, given the Turbo chassis combo:<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I did much googling to try find some outside commentary on this excellent kit, which Truspeed's Steve Hill had evolved as an inexpensive option for Britain's clubbies to put together. An unusual element not seen on other transistor controllers is the use of transistor braking as opposed to the normal wire wound or diode pot, along with the brake and hold feature mentioned in the Truspeed blurb. The total lack of Google find reviews or commentary thus convinced me to publish this on the blog and get the word out. I can only assume the clubbie's were keeping this gem secret to themselves. ;-)</span><br />
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The main test vehicle for the controller was my open magnet racer Slot.it GT40 with trusty Scaleauto 35K red motor. This combo has been a useful Ecurie open and handicap option for me but pretty much red lined at 4.5 second laps on the Ecurie track. The outright lap record for open magnet had previously been set at 4.3 seconds with Lance Cranmer driving my Proslot Toyota GT1, also powered by the Scaleauto red 35k motor.</div>
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After being suitably impressed at my own efforts with the Truspeed and the GT40, it was time to entice Lance back for another crack at a useful lap time. He too was impressed with the knife through hot butter feel of the controller and, as per the pic below, the rest is history with a new outright lap record and constant 4.2 second laps. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEgxqEETxBcwoZl-IShnzqi_NLQHo3LPkGak3Glp4JnXKYte_r4qk7nUGG2gOJyoMhH4dZOxo0YrKylziagIY7aeZ_PQW_rH7PnieaHqR1EBfU4459_jz2GgzgTdJ0UdO5oXLFWh6yDE/s1600/Johan+completed+Truspeed+kit+sets+new+Ecurie+outright+lap+record.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEgxqEETxBcwoZl-IShnzqi_NLQHo3LPkGak3Glp4JnXKYte_r4qk7nUGG2gOJyoMhH4dZOxo0YrKylziagIY7aeZ_PQW_rH7PnieaHqR1EBfU4459_jz2GgzgTdJ0UdO5oXLFWh6yDE/s320/Johan+completed+Truspeed+kit+sets+new+Ecurie+outright+lap+record.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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<i>The same car / controller combo also broke the laps final record at the recent open magnet event. :-)</i><br />
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Truspeed have now gone one better than their Transistor kit and will be producing a complete transistor controller at a very good value price:<br />
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<a href="http://www.truspeed.co.uk/product.php?product_id=110">Truspeed BP2 transistor controller</a><br />
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Update:<br />
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Friday 22 April Open Handicap - extract<br />
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<i>"Secondly, the Truspeed controller continued to weave its magic with the aging Slot.it GT40 and not even its owner in his wildest fantasies would have contemplated again breaking the laps record, this time by a whopping three laps, to take it to 156 laps, like Ash did with 1/24 production record earlier in the month."</i><br />
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Latest and final update:<br />
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Friday 26 August Open handicap - extract<br />
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<i>"From a personal perspective, the steady improvement had looked red lined at 157 laps, although last month’s 157.96 was knocking at the 158 door. Qualifying was very, very nervy and the race only slightly less so but it is with thanks to Truspeed controllers and track-clean Lance that <b>the same GT40 frog-leaped the plastic race record by almost four laps to the new ultimate record of 161.69 laps.</b> Whilst I am confident that Ash, Lance and co. will soon attain same and beyond, it is time to tick the 160 lap holy grail box and retire the GT40 and slightly crazed speed to shelf queen status."</i><br />
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The ultimate best lap time with the BP Controller:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_2NpaMmqc1WEobaqCOtgwV7Mty2mytfqM9jUlbzaFw94FknJc23n3G3PCKu0xwDvfbCGidv72lyvU5Q7_6_iqBoPJueWsBVvTIwYejp6MwlOyzuisXbfb48drr1fqbq1BPuyhAd3-ns/s1600/BP+controller+ultimate+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_2NpaMmqc1WEobaqCOtgwV7Mty2mytfqM9jUlbzaFw94FknJc23n3G3PCKu0xwDvfbCGidv72lyvU5Q7_6_iqBoPJueWsBVvTIwYejp6MwlOyzuisXbfb48drr1fqbq1BPuyhAd3-ns/s320/BP+controller+ultimate+best.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sub 4.2 second lap time with the brand new production version Truspeed BP2 controller, which features adjustable spring tension (the plug mounted pot not required):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzJacF0xUJqjLwzigjhQ6j-QqN0Nnzrepe1uZQVGopfrBYT2SryC0RYmsJXut2RmRd5FBCXrFlPcKJ4jiYO5Y9L7KOIOBbD0Oo5HqRNIPUNFhHgKaX18_JLJB96VXuK293b74MgFcSZQ/s1600/BP+2+controller+sub+4+point+2+second.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzJacF0xUJqjLwzigjhQ6j-QqN0Nnzrepe1uZQVGopfrBYT2SryC0RYmsJXut2RmRd5FBCXrFlPcKJ4jiYO5Y9L7KOIOBbD0Oo5HqRNIPUNFhHgKaX18_JLJB96VXuK293b74MgFcSZQ/s320/BP+2+controller+sub+4+point+2+second.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-17860308321483149442014-03-14T13:07:00.003+02:002014-03-14T13:23:13.018+02:00Sort those traction magnets!<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is pretty much common knowledge that not all magnets are of equivalent strength and some even vary wildly in strength between the north and south poles! There is an obvious upside to sorting out the good from the dud magnets and also marking the side with stronger magnet attraction so that faces down to the track.</div>
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The magnet strength is termed "gauss" and there is a very cheap and simple way to make your own tester, using a hall effect device and voltage regulator, totaling twenty bucks from Mantech and other electronics shops. Most have their own multi-meter or if not, these are cheaply bought from places even like Osmans or your nearest electronics shop. The black mini multi-meter in the pic cost me twenty-five bucks so not a huge investment.</div>
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The hall device measures 0 to 2.5 volts for the north pole and 2.5 to 5 volts for the south pole. Either convert the south pole reading back to 0 to 2.5 volts on your calculator so the measurement is same and just use the voltage or convert both to gauss for a common reading, as well.</div>
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There are some links to the "techie" document at the end or simply go with the extract text I found the most useful and put below. A spreadsheet conversion excel file is downloadable to save you own number crunching or simply print off the mini summary, which seems to cover the range of 25 mm traction magnets we use.<br />
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Below is the two components built on to some vero (perf) board, showing a voltage reading of 3.39 volts with a tyre as spacer. reference to the table or calculator gives the gauss number. I cut out the completed circuit portion of the board and glued the whole caboodle under an old slot car case base to give somewhere between 4 mm and 6 mm gap between the magnet and hall reader - any jig will do. The guy in the article was only using a ferite magnet so was able to rest directly on the hall reader, our traction magnets are far too strong for that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktVyvs1U9SHCseY0nHWsS48W4D_SsWsRdvhxZjsAJgNCpdNOi8HB9ek7HyOi7eLvn_ac1L03jFr4y8QSdgDpKy3hODA_TOcRtduNQPxpb9PeP7B7wmx528yVX9uRsl5Tj11_epay3wB8/s1600/Daves+hall+effetc+gauss+meter+for+slot+car+magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktVyvs1U9SHCseY0nHWsS48W4D_SsWsRdvhxZjsAJgNCpdNOi8HB9ek7HyOi7eLvn_ac1L03jFr4y8QSdgDpKy3hODA_TOcRtduNQPxpb9PeP7B7wmx528yVX9uRsl5Tj11_epay3wB8/s1600/Daves+hall+effetc+gauss+meter+for+slot+car+magnets.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkT_CloQM06-MuKM8PjvVMdhVmc0M-RXw7MBTiAer3XA1ht-N1O7PqPcFPNeW96Z7Im_clYf8BSYNMh-LMeoG-qxUyKdOGV0Db75zhydUkGTSthAFobPbzw7ng3qoDJei8Ik1-ZSH8Rg/s1600/Mantech+invoice+Gauss+meter+hall+effect+and+regulator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkT_CloQM06-MuKM8PjvVMdhVmc0M-RXw7MBTiAer3XA1ht-N1O7PqPcFPNeW96Z7Im_clYf8BSYNMh-LMeoG-qxUyKdOGV0Db75zhydUkGTSthAFobPbzw7ng3qoDJei8Ik1-ZSH8Rg/s1600/Mantech+invoice+Gauss+meter+hall+effect+and+regulator.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
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The invoice is for the un-calibrated hall effect device and five volt regulator that was purchased, reference the article for more detail. Also two small crocodile clips to clip on the multi meter probes. Below is the extract picture from the article that I followed in conjunction with the text extract below that. Note the writing faces up on both gizmos and you then can follow the logic:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7T8SqfrAUEtHWN72sRDZurLLCMt3565eEsLIVu3EDxDZIYI5R3IptXTSARI-sF1qhGcXHlaKWN9nqHGAtbjkBDQnnu8mcaZzhP73c8oRlhaxWTJJRkCatpoUQHTH1c4IoM2w3k16Nq0/s1600/guass+meter+layout+and+hook+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7T8SqfrAUEtHWN72sRDZurLLCMt3565eEsLIVu3EDxDZIYI5R3IptXTSARI-sF1qhGcXHlaKWN9nqHGAtbjkBDQnnu8mcaZzhP73c8oRlhaxWTJJRkCatpoUQHTH1c4IoM2w3k16Nq0/s1600/guass+meter+layout+and+hook+up.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>"Now, how do you make it?</i><br />
<i>Connect the + (red) of the battery clip to the input of the 7805 (pin 1).</i><br />
<i>Connect the - (black) of the battery clip to the common of the 7805 (pin 2).</i><br />
<i>Connect the +5V input of the Hall device (pin 1) to the output of the 7805 (pin 3).</i><br />
<i>Connect the common of the Hall device (pin 2) to the common of the 7805 (pin 2).</i><br />
<i>Set the voltmeter to read 20Vdc max.</i><br />
<i>Attach the + of the voltmeter to the output of the Hall device (pin 3).</i><br />
<i>Attach the - of the voltmeter to the common of the 7805 (pin 2) or the common of the Hall device (pin 2).</i><br />
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<i>You are now ready to snap a battery onto the battery clip.</i><br />
<i>The red lead from the 9V battery goes to pin 1 of the 7805. The black lead from the battery goes to pin 2 of the 7805. The output of the 7805 (pin 3) is connected by a green wire to pin 1 of the Hall device. Pin 2 of the 7805 is connected by a black wire to pin 2 of the Hall device. Please note that the marking on the Hall device (giving its part number) is facing the camera. The voltmeter common (black) is connected to pin 2 of the Hall device. The voltmeter input (red) is connected to pin 3 of the Hall device. (I got the voltmeter from a Home Depot store near here for about $20.) That's all there is! Great, or what?!</i><br />
<i>The voltage at pin 3 of the voltage regulator. Ideally it is 5.00 volts, but we measured 5.02, which is close enough.</i><br />
<i>The output of the Hall device when no magnet is nearby. Ideally it is 2.50 volts, but we measured 2.59. This would be our V0 as noted above. The Hall device I have here is an Allegro UGN3503U, with a sensitivity of about 1.3 mV/G."</i><br />
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One assembled and good to go, either download the full spreadsheet here:</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByxPEkmTgjQ1R2NuR1A5Y1k0Tms/edit?usp=sharing">Voltage to gauss spreadsheet for north and south poles</a></div>
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Or click and print off this graphic that has the range most magnets tested operated in:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yPWUuWpawrnuVVc34kyIWSY4EPSsGqMDDZZ9QHbZnkAkwai1HNWr7iCjp-0Agw8PFxLkbHWUcHcaWCiWk2uPOKoS-s2PONAQb7Vo_zi5Un-3WGxSzSE9_2jUKt91oEo0_agh-nSS9oI/s1600/common+gauss+readings+schedule+for+a+rnage+of+traction+magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yPWUuWpawrnuVVc34kyIWSY4EPSsGqMDDZZ9QHbZnkAkwai1HNWr7iCjp-0Agw8PFxLkbHWUcHcaWCiWk2uPOKoS-s2PONAQb7Vo_zi5Un-3WGxSzSE9_2jUKt91oEo0_agh-nSS9oI/s1600/common+gauss+readings+schedule+for+a+rnage+of+traction+magnets.jpg" height="320" width="146" /></a></div>
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The detailed article is available through google or link here:<br />
<a href="https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CFAQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coolmagnetman.com%2Fmagmeter.htm&ei=xuAiU5roJMuVhQes7ID4DQ&usg=AFQjCNFz7dk1nHAHOuaenN2xG0XRWibcIg&sig2=zyT8YHrGLmO8_ASKEbQ1Fw&bvm=bv.62922401,d.ZG4">Magnet Man article for making a cheap & simple gauss meter </a><br />
Or<br />
<a href="https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CIMBEBYwCA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blueguitar.org%2Fnew%2Fmisc%2Fgaussmeter!.pdf&ei=xuAiU5roJMuVhQes7ID4DQ&usg=AFQjCNE1tD3c1tUu8Jqn106VoSsGSTbIcw&sig2=75tJ5AmZl-HH-1F1AinkdA&bvm=bv.62922401,d.ZG4">direct to pdf on article about making simple gauss meter</a><br />
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Having completed the project, I found this circuit I must have downloaded previously (apologies for not crediting its owner), which is a bit more larney with switch and led light and maybe easier to follow:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblAZzhtyZGQZ5p_3EaFM_X8XpZZOPQkDSNFphtiZ1aAhwt31dryxfrREbp2Ezet2TVUeb4-LXkvBOB-lNEPkkc9aNq9b-Jd8yg1FlcZndRmWC7UfTnDrXOZ-lSXcwmwq7zGJlMMXKSPI/s1600/gauss+meter+circuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblAZzhtyZGQZ5p_3EaFM_X8XpZZOPQkDSNFphtiZ1aAhwt31dryxfrREbp2Ezet2TVUeb4-LXkvBOB-lNEPkkc9aNq9b-Jd8yg1FlcZndRmWC7UfTnDrXOZ-lSXcwmwq7zGJlMMXKSPI/s1600/gauss+meter+circuit.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
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A small investment in time and money and gold dust for magnet racing!</div>
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<br />Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-88534349892488708022014-03-10T19:03:00.000+02:002014-03-10T19:19:19.455+02:00BYO multi board thirty band controller for 1/32 racing<div style="text-align: justify;">
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This one is for those tight on local Rands and willing to do a relatively simple bit of handiwork to give themselves the versatility similar to the 1/32 Difalco 30 band controller, especially if contemplating something like non magnet plastic racing in addition to magnet racing, where alternative resistance boards are a must.</div>
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One way is to source a Parma turbo controller and bolt on:<br />
1. <a href="http://www.ncphobbies.com/difalco-1/24-controller-accessories/difalco-conversion-module-economy-rheostat-slot-cars/dd253-hd30/">1/24 difalco conversion module economy rheostat slot dd253-hd30</a><br />
2. for that "feel" <a href="http://www.ncphobbies.com/difalco-1/24-controllers/difalco-ball-bearing-upgrade-kit-w/trigger-pin-our-trigger-pin-is-threaded-and-is-tightened-to-the-fram">Difalco ball bearing upgrade kit w/trigger pin</a><br />
3. If you really want to go the whole hog (not necessary) - <a href="http://www.ncphobbies.com/difalco-1/24-controller-accessories/difalco-dif277-diy-genesis-frame-kit-w/trig-pin-slot-car/dif277/">Difalco diy genesis frame kit w/trig pin</a><br />
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Using the conversion module instructions and this useful little pictorial which shows how to modify the Parma Turbo frame and fit the board - the board is different but the assembly and hook up precisely the same:</div>
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<a href="http://www.slotcartalk.com/slotcartalk/showthread.php?34078-Difalco-Genesis-DD273-Pro-Module-Build">Difalco Genesis Pro Module Build</a></div>
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<b>Or one can go the cheapie approach I used for Craig's controller</b>, using the Euro style pnp transistor and simply bolting (with bolt insulation) the pnp transistor to the Parma Turbo frame and following the simple hook up. I recommend using the 1/24 upgrade board with 148 ohm for magnet racing and purchasing a spare 290 ohm board only if you intend non magnet racing.</div>
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For this approach source a Parma Turbo controller and bolt on:</div>
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1. $56 <a href="http://www.ncphobbies.com/difalco-1/24-controller-accessories/difalco-hd30-upgrade-pcb-for-10/15-band-pro-plus-or-fanatic-controllers-slot-cars/dd261-hd30">Difalco hd30 upgrade pcb 148 ohm dd261-hd30</a></div>
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2. $16 <a href="http://www.ncphobbies.com/difalco-1/24-controllers/difalco-ball-bearing-upgrade-kit-w/trigger-pin-our-trigger-pin-is-threaded-and-is-tightened-to-the-fram">Difalco ball bearing upgrade kit w/trigger pin</a></div>
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3. R12 From Mantech or many electronic shops, the <a href="http://www.mantech.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?Item=340M0505">Tip36c Transistor</a></div>
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4. £7 Brake pot <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/24mm-Wirewoubd-4W-Power-Potentiometer-25R-25-Ohms-/121171739167?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item1c3666021f">Wirewound 4W Power Potentiometer 25-Ohms</a> (50 ohms ok as well)</div>
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5. £7 Sens pot <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/24mm-Wirewoubd-4W-Power-Potentiometer-50R-50-Ohms-/121168020835?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item1c362d4563">Wirewound 4W Power Potentiometer 50 Ohms</a> (25 ohms ok as well)</div>
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Just follow the hook up guide in this picture using colored wire, cut completely though the board rail shown between H and C so there is no continuity and you good to go. No cutting of the existing wiring other than splicing in to the existing white and black cable and chopping and extending the red cables to hook to the 25 ohm brake pot, which is bolted on along with the 50 ohm sensitivity pot, which is soldered on where shown. That's it you done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetxn936lx-vQ2begqabNqENV9z1UeLKFVq_CUsg8gOcL8nxtPPDUUuHRSoAurGFmQlbJeh0SJnYsP3VMSdTwG6Wf14bGhZbqc2K97oDaSMFhjnj0GPJGSMAiXAdgMiatnrj1QhKIrpwA/s1600/difalco+project+board+with+cut+to+change+npn+to+pnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetxn936lx-vQ2begqabNqENV9z1UeLKFVq_CUsg8gOcL8nxtPPDUUuHRSoAurGFmQlbJeh0SJnYsP3VMSdTwG6Wf14bGhZbqc2K97oDaSMFhjnj0GPJGSMAiXAdgMiatnrj1QhKIrpwA/s1600/difalco+project+board+with+cut+to+change+npn+to+pnp.jpg" /></a></div>
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This the assembly sequence for the Craig pnp controller:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAHvjqZqvg3tMP2GgLX9e4v-HrG8vvnJOHBT-daP0g067pKNGgt4monOLXjsII_yBQnE3GkWS_o5pAG6I3G9swtzI_DT6pFyAse6fSXdYgyq5HrUofnz3AW-CedBjhkBArO-BKpPIEoE/s1600/Craig+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAHvjqZqvg3tMP2GgLX9e4v-HrG8vvnJOHBT-daP0g067pKNGgt4monOLXjsII_yBQnE3GkWS_o5pAG6I3G9swtzI_DT6pFyAse6fSXdYgyq5HrUofnz3AW-CedBjhkBArO-BKpPIEoE/s1600/Craig+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolt on upgrade board and transistor and cut frame heat sink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCrBazmivZKWBjJJkHqPyuEkxZkXDq4SZ2LO4pUnhvozQrdZwn7McmzwQbl39M2lErmL_bQuraeSLaZ0x2hILROtpxVTK65fQLAz0jzWM2xA55ayxrCt-9zIoTJhoLEgvQQpxkG_FXPA/s1600/Craig+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCrBazmivZKWBjJJkHqPyuEkxZkXDq4SZ2LO4pUnhvozQrdZwn7McmzwQbl39M2lErmL_bQuraeSLaZ0x2hILROtpxVTK65fQLAz0jzWM2xA55ayxrCt-9zIoTJhoLEgvQQpxkG_FXPA/s1600/Craig+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note screw insulator for transistor and home made "L" brackets to hold board to frame</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDtwvMiGYS8-3Q89d5naCXdUOyhfyA1QMvyCfv2pL1LL7sRfcIvP8osVeo-FmHtRzL2RD8ICMAXzHvoXNxxhySlSFveP1slFVr2vzm5WeKppcmj3p6ErlAcz5WapThe1GR6AoGkmSTi8/s1600/Craig+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDtwvMiGYS8-3Q89d5naCXdUOyhfyA1QMvyCfv2pL1LL7sRfcIvP8osVeo-FmHtRzL2RD8ICMAXzHvoXNxxhySlSFveP1slFVr2vzm5WeKppcmj3p6ErlAcz5WapThe1GR6AoGkmSTi8/s1600/Craig+3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See it fits and chop case to suit</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgCUaPl0dp74p9zzo3oTcr1Oz8xShIbNyAcgWhoMKl-ZJA_oIHu2XCZu1tBCbV6lQIimdrFZK-nmR-PEsG7YWQcDD7fYrDsyU7g4pORdKtOded-l-wqaZdyJWFAgTdltudxzn4YzqOAc/s1600/Craig+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgCUaPl0dp74p9zzo3oTcr1Oz8xShIbNyAcgWhoMKl-ZJA_oIHu2XCZu1tBCbV6lQIimdrFZK-nmR-PEsG7YWQcDD7fYrDsyU7g4pORdKtOded-l-wqaZdyJWFAgTdltudxzn4YzqOAc/s1600/Craig+4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopped Case</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDy8qE-cZLBDsAMuWaVOfDoWiQ8ymM3FuVEMYXXadoYQ03fKkbi0fkiam1pPnLANwFO_MDMzzvPoGbhCxNDYeEHylGJafbi5ncLBJ7XGuEvYMqpst5ajyuOoth2nfcsjlamGVs0SfH4A/s1600/Craig+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDy8qE-cZLBDsAMuWaVOfDoWiQ8ymM3FuVEMYXXadoYQ03fKkbi0fkiam1pPnLANwFO_MDMzzvPoGbhCxNDYeEHylGJafbi5ncLBJ7XGuEvYMqpst5ajyuOoth2nfcsjlamGVs0SfH4A/s1600/Craig+5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiring and wiper arm added</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0ybZYuw3FKOUNYjr894DEGQUF9-yHeaIk9UBJthZ9vzJs4QllCiL9NevMJErjeu_QnYJcpfcaxsXL0RBrOu3ZPYXdxoDwjZff0kx8LZ4_UlFAt1DMLd-z-VB7Jazk1dFVh3fak2b0pg/s1600/Craig+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0ybZYuw3FKOUNYjr894DEGQUF9-yHeaIk9UBJthZ9vzJs4QllCiL9NevMJErjeu_QnYJcpfcaxsXL0RBrOu3ZPYXdxoDwjZff0kx8LZ4_UlFAt1DMLd-z-VB7Jazk1dFVh3fak2b0pg/s1600/Craig+6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hook up to back of upgrade board.</td></tr>
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That is pretty much it. <b>If you prefer to go with the original US npn transistor approach</b> then you don't have to cut through the track between H and C but you do have to insulate the wiper arm from the wiper base using tape on similar, as per the detail hook picture below:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9CwZNHECiQm2uQDpXLXmTBLIo0ZxLaQdLMhdT5xaC8EHgc3kNfeI07uZ_IyPTKj7LJpwVXa26_akk-l43ZphtA3lCgS1WP7M3BDEY7Vu0KQQaCLj-Oj6NSjTohZX3DlyUP8QnegNxQM/s1600/difalco+project+board+NPN+WITH+TIP35C+or+difalco+transistor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9CwZNHECiQm2uQDpXLXmTBLIo0ZxLaQdLMhdT5xaC8EHgc3kNfeI07uZ_IyPTKj7LJpwVXa26_akk-l43ZphtA3lCgS1WP7M3BDEY7Vu0KQQaCLj-Oj6NSjTohZX3DlyUP8QnegNxQM/s1600/difalco+project+board+NPN+WITH+TIP35C+or+difalco+transistor.jpg" /></a></div>
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On my version I used a <a href="http://www.ncphobbies.com/difalco-1/32-controllers/difalco-replacment-power-transistor-1/32-controllers-slot-cars/dd330/">Difalco replacement power transistor 1/32</a> for $7 or you can local and cheap with the <a href="http://www.mantech.co.za/Stock.aspx?Query=tip35and">Tip35c npn transistor</a> for about R14.</div>
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Once complete, if you wish one can add a 30 amp or more automotive relay. One has to disconnect the white cable from the full power stop and connect in a new "skinny wire" from the relay to the full power stop. The rest is hooked up as per Jim Difalco: <i>The brake wire is on #86, the skinny control wire that turns on relay is terminal #85. Then the two main black and white controller wires go to terminals #30 and #87 (does not matter which goes where).</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFUD9yc1d18OHEkhyphenhyphenr3-u6Y6w9vtM6_epgeEGQarAfiUdrY7hpJcxDOOwLWqdmArDDNdlx1p-Oi1KaoSlmt1IK1XtZTt7PLA_lqdhO-pd0VIHhatWT4nsTHx3B3xkMJRHvZ4kGGawziw/s1600/relay+hook+up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFUD9yc1d18OHEkhyphenhyphenr3-u6Y6w9vtM6_epgeEGQarAfiUdrY7hpJcxDOOwLWqdmArDDNdlx1p-Oi1KaoSlmt1IK1XtZTt7PLA_lqdhO-pd0VIHhatWT4nsTHx3B3xkMJRHvZ4kGGawziw/s1600/relay+hook+up.png" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
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Changing the Wiper arm button to floating is also recommended, guide as per Jim Difalco:<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>A floating button is pretty simple. About 1/4" below the wiper button hole bend the arm down, towards the circuit board, at about a 30 degree angle. Next at the centre of the wiper button hole bend the arm up at a 30 degree angle. Make sure you make both bends parallel to the top of the trigger. This setup with all the wiper pressure on the centre of the button lets the button pivot top to bottom. This is needed so when you pull the trigger the top or bottom button edges do not lose contact because of the play in trigger bearings.</i></div>
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<i>Next file the face of the wiper button flat. File the face of the stud and tin it with solder. Now install the trigger in controller. If you have an electronic type controller solder the skinny wire to the wiper button stud. If it is a resistor type controller solder a short 1" piece of leadwire from the stud to the wiper contact that is over the wiper arm to ensure connection. Leave a little slack here, do not run the wire straight from button to trigger contact. The button needs slack to pivot. </i></div>
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<i>Tips: if you are trying this on a resistor controller the wiper button edges should be rounded off. If you are trying this on a Parma resistor that resistor should be sanded flat or you will be causing the button to catch the edge of any high band.</i></div>
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<i>Adjust the wiper arm tension by gently pulling it away from the wiper board. Check that the wiper button does not lose contact as you pull the trigger across the contacts. Also check that the button contacts the first band at the front edge of the button. If it does not, you can twist the front edge of the wiper arm down until this happens. </i></div>
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Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-39885418615485046222012-04-30T10:22:00.002+02:002012-04-30T10:46:45.498+02:00Gordo's 1/32 plastic anything goes handicap a success<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fourth Friday of the month at Ecurie is now officially 1/32 plastic anything goes for 2012 and is beginning to pick up momentum toward not only the mainstream Scalextric cars but all kinds of brands and hybrids. Brainchild of motor rally boffs Gordon and Tony, the committee has developed it in to a useful platform for all skills levels of drivers with all kinds of 1/32 plastic slot cars.</div>
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Umhlanga Model Flyers Club's Anton and Mike, along with Mike's missus Karen, were first time visitors this month. After some cajoling, Karen got in to the race action and also enjoyed the evening, along with the lads. We are also appreciative of their full time marshaling support for the evening! Anton had the benefit of a prior practice evening and put it to good use by finishing second to one of the club's older farts - so the format rewards novice and experienced folk alike. Anton and Mike reported having enjoyed the evening, at UMFC flying on Sunday as well.</div>
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Those looking for something a bit more speedy but light on the pocket for the handicap series need look no further than Tony's Revell Monogram Lola T70, which posted a remarkable 19 laps in qualifying, in pretty much out the box form. The excellent 19 laps was going to be tall order for all six lanes in the final but Tony still had fun breezing past us quite regularly. ;-)<br />
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Another highlight for the older hands was ex member Craig Wilson and daughter turning up out the blue, after the first qualifier. Despite a couple of decades away and zero practice, Craig achieved an excellent 16.5 laps and sixth place qualifier for the A main with just the one run, prompting the race controller to ask who this ringer was! ;-). Craig also then went on to achieve an excellent fifth overall for the evening. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6tGQWXq9OOQi5pceGDJ58ltWltsmgKNQahIoUE0NKPJMUcNm9S_jZa1XdJzBPMtETD4LzlxlVzLRJAiEAYZ7JKqei5YCx31EZE5dueO8VQihTSpz8KFn6drEaukp-I85vP-K9Ijgd30/s1600/DSC_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6tGQWXq9OOQi5pceGDJ58ltWltsmgKNQahIoUE0NKPJMUcNm9S_jZa1XdJzBPMtETD4LzlxlVzLRJAiEAYZ7JKqei5YCx31EZE5dueO8VQihTSpz8KFn6drEaukp-I85vP-K9Ijgd30/s640/DSC_0127.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These pics courtesy of Anton - nice track full view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokeHivrJZzpl5g7LVN52DD_onNSjffSsJFn3Sid4IwqL6ZyrwXIV4RR2d5Zii2clmbHS1eQ_4Dgy-p7GSbpWrXoWEAztChRg4JHQ0GKRKxs5CoV8pl_YqHC6pCGgu36NRkuxBR_xh3Co/s1600/DSC_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokeHivrJZzpl5g7LVN52DD_onNSjffSsJFn3Sid4IwqL6ZyrwXIV4RR2d5Zii2clmbHS1eQ_4Dgy-p7GSbpWrXoWEAztChRg4JHQ0GKRKxs5CoV8pl_YqHC6pCGgu36NRkuxBR_xh3Co/s640/DSC_0134.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chairman Costa, Karen, Ashwin and Phil in practice action.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiIMfvhbst2XhSqJ-GohuSZYP-vVEjXpHD5lsWUWkWep3rYDizN8l795IZ6TshJfuvA3j7SG8bj7-P-3cQgIvAYfjlp6Quym2UxRaTHJB1q587TMbNDmex3A31vo55H9m7vx8TbjzdEU/s1600/DSC_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiIMfvhbst2XhSqJ-GohuSZYP-vVEjXpHD5lsWUWkWep3rYDizN8l795IZ6TshJfuvA3j7SG8bj7-P-3cQgIvAYfjlp6Quym2UxRaTHJB1q587TMbNDmex3A31vo55H9m7vx8TbjzdEU/s640/DSC_0140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_Q6FOSpdhhAzer5oiYpCMu3KV3td8dbo4DbJwilbVZ68SmkGYlVedYNJy7bu9WTRCA_trsiCttdNK8USJ3Cnk8EYFu4QgWwhwqpKK6ocp-fbgGMc2b3EaiU8XIbwagXJ1tgW2xPQ86Q/s1600/DSC_0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_Q6FOSpdhhAzer5oiYpCMu3KV3td8dbo4DbJwilbVZ68SmkGYlVedYNJy7bu9WTRCA_trsiCttdNK8USJ3Cnk8EYFu4QgWwhwqpKK6ocp-fbgGMc2b3EaiU8XIbwagXJ1tgW2xPQ86Q/s640/DSC_0141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UMFC's Mike practicing on yellow, along with the other relative newbies.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqh5Z4vxT6vQA6nWcHE17dAsnIscG0wWpZYTbK6n8b1Bd1PvP92jO_khP3xR4Dl0JtZ3pSdzDFgnNiKp8zw1ww90iEK7BZIyv7ZGn9sBi1mJMA7VYvvBAfWl-dTGDjf-BZQBtw-C_uOM/s1600/DSC_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqh5Z4vxT6vQA6nWcHE17dAsnIscG0wWpZYTbK6n8b1Bd1PvP92jO_khP3xR4Dl0JtZ3pSdzDFgnNiKp8zw1ww90iEK7BZIyv7ZGn9sBi1mJMA7VYvvBAfWl-dTGDjf-BZQBtw-C_uOM/s640/DSC_0142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The range of cars could hardly be more diverse!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H3iWQm3RfH8RSGzx2H7eWNdIpv7Xcm2tzt_JEnxRu6c2LfN_8hMNp5yjecNZoa41C7J1Qp_-7_3FCesKDJeitrjEG5IIXHzeVK4ppzUkwL5Ihe1L4GsqlanJ28nsP47dYpbLEDIZR6s/s1600/DSC_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H3iWQm3RfH8RSGzx2H7eWNdIpv7Xcm2tzt_JEnxRu6c2LfN_8hMNp5yjecNZoa41C7J1Qp_-7_3FCesKDJeitrjEG5IIXHzeVK4ppzUkwL5Ihe1L4GsqlanJ28nsP47dYpbLEDIZR6s/s640/DSC_0155.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrera orange Capri, Fly leaded Capri, Ninco Saleen (on Slotiit HRS), Scalextric LMP and Scalextric super-resistant!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Costa, Shane, Ayrton, Gordon and another newbie. Gordon carried the concept across from full size racing.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ5enq9SYAB5XKo4iQGN8oFKJh8qf68N2TMYjCuDlqiowtaQNdgR-ctzSFf_JQsZvR7tmQYGQTrR9C0PQngD81ze7kGwq6WXRy5-uY3WgE_YyfuJtUIDyknfpEPmifC8IuNuuvhkRmtk/s1600/DSC_0157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ5enq9SYAB5XKo4iQGN8oFKJh8qf68N2TMYjCuDlqiowtaQNdgR-ctzSFf_JQsZvR7tmQYGQTrR9C0PQngD81ze7kGwq6WXRy5-uY3WgE_YyfuJtUIDyknfpEPmifC8IuNuuvhkRmtk/s640/DSC_0157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave supporting Scotland and servicing the controller wiper with comm drops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGekBz-w8TwHfcKOJ6A0K7UYg0om6KzrDuQFG_Evqee-ExMUAd68sEmuZTphO4HqY3phyphenhyphenOPuWJUup2P3zOPjnP3RR7AcYguZCMUCp0yYKfVM4DeN8nYAaJPGtSPkN5doI7yg0TJQvLgck/s1600/DSC_0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGekBz-w8TwHfcKOJ6A0K7UYg0om6KzrDuQFG_Evqee-ExMUAd68sEmuZTphO4HqY3phyphenhyphenOPuWJUup2P3zOPjnP3RR7AcYguZCMUCp0yYKfVM4DeN8nYAaJPGtSPkN5doI7yg0TJQvLgck/s640/DSC_0168.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane's blitz vinnig Scalextric Ford GT qualified very well. </td></tr>
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<br />Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-53856234550199845052011-10-10T13:56:00.000+02:002011-10-10T13:56:17.363+02:00Gordon and Tony's trial anything 1/32 plastic goes handicap event<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8LAjrEMs_OBhpF-T7ISjSrj6jhQw2NeM3taqHtoeBT7XP4ovqlaIeqm6e0Hasoc2CgFPSxb6iJkgdI_ZkNcgWSo1OCpzOweXW9Xhl_qTTJrdR_31iORLvXNPPLiSOAVmrPZnzW9IyB4/s1600/Durban-20110930-00053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8LAjrEMs_OBhpF-T7ISjSrj6jhQw2NeM3taqHtoeBT7XP4ovqlaIeqm6e0Hasoc2CgFPSxb6iJkgdI_ZkNcgWSo1OCpzOweXW9Xhl_qTTJrdR_31iORLvXNPPLiSOAVmrPZnzW9IyB4/s400/Durban-20110930-00053.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordon in red shirt - he proposed the handicap event.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXGHQwWW6QysRtH6EADZ3XWUuAVvmjluGnSseKvEaYc-uh5iwF5f9SSD71_3eGIODVWe0g3RzdIlp7ml7QuPCE1Oct9Hp1O87N8J05rhF_fjo0rOCglb4ah8JJQebBi-BronjyNpCHAM/s1600/IMG-20110930-00050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXGHQwWW6QysRtH6EADZ3XWUuAVvmjluGnSseKvEaYc-uh5iwF5f9SSD71_3eGIODVWe0g3RzdIlp7ml7QuPCE1Oct9Hp1O87N8J05rhF_fjo0rOCglb4ah8JJQebBi-BronjyNpCHAM/s400/IMG-20110930-00050.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony Ball advises the newbies on the goodies in the new cabinets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0soDJv1cNkw5TTgJ0sikMbrK3riHQydjlr51BPBrF1zlz6X7FPMavSs6icgfXpWe_TOUXkMiJPEwz1JhU-b0w1ZTuxCCrHY7ySyb6Cu-YfLpoBYaVKH1uWNxo5DYItCr8SaNW8XHyswE/s1600/Durban-20110930-00055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0soDJv1cNkw5TTgJ0sikMbrK3riHQydjlr51BPBrF1zlz6X7FPMavSs6icgfXpWe_TOUXkMiJPEwz1JhU-b0w1ZTuxCCrHY7ySyb6Cu-YfLpoBYaVKH1uWNxo5DYItCr8SaNW8XHyswE/s400/Durban-20110930-00055.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshals on duty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-xVNIkNKL-EzNgJ_s764g61YqaMQkuDUVKOBsje7PJIDxTrZQNm84oNbVSjJfQqgquhaUA-Ivzn5Brog3HTb4A08ivgxmJ8EgRFmzGg7azKLP8o3b8VovZIFvkQd0kb8GJi70tS1aLg/s1600/Durban-20110930-00056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-xVNIkNKL-EzNgJ_s764g61YqaMQkuDUVKOBsje7PJIDxTrZQNm84oNbVSjJfQqgquhaUA-Ivzn5Brog3HTb4A08ivgxmJ8EgRFmzGg7azKLP8o3b8VovZIFvkQd0kb8GJi70tS1aLg/s400/Durban-20110930-00056.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rare short of Phil on race control! Vallen spectates.</td></tr>
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Thanks to the persistence of Ecurie's PRO Annetjie, I enjoyed a visit to the club's trial novelty handicap event last Friday evening. Gordon Neal proposed this as an “any 1/32 plastic car” class, with handicap based on the two 2 minutes qualifiers driven the same evening. This permits brand new drivers and differs from the handicap championships of old, which were based on two previous events. Those achieving more than 105% in the final "broke out" and were excluded, to catch out the ringers. <br />
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Maybe not a championship style event but it was certainly a bunch of fun for a one in a while giggle event and saw quite a range of cars dug out of dusty boxes. Of course the older hands always have to be smart - Mike and Shane had a double magnet F1, which is traction locked down for consistency, till it was panel beaten by other cars and the barriers. Tony and Dave went with an older Fly and touring car for consistency in the 7 to 7.5 second per lap category. Nigel decided on blitz vinnig, which turned out anything but consistent ;-) <br />
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The organisers were blessed with just the result they wanted, the top three results all being kids! Phil looked spot on 100% for his 102 laps with 51 laps at half way but Shane saw to it that the track calls increased exponentially and although Phil took it on raw laps, followed by yours truly, he suffered on handicap and yours truly was able just pip him on handicap with a useful 97.8% but the lighties were un-catchable at over 100%!Costahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11762997536957539432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-50947831681015471542010-08-21T11:53:00.000+02:002010-08-21T11:55:53.372+02:00awesome TurnoutHi all<br /><br />Just a short note to complement everyone on some awesome racing on Friday night for the Stock class. It was thoroughly enjoyable. As Dave said, it was the first time that he battled to find parking to get in.<br /><br />Well done to Tony who won the racing overall and to think, he bought the car on the night!Costahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11762997536957539432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-91488567977369624852010-08-10T14:25:00.000+02:002010-08-10T14:33:04.549+02:00Ecurie SAMCA controller plug hook up<div align="justify">A picture is worth a bunch of words - this hook up picture is for my own edification and may be useful for anyone else connecting a slot car controller to the current five amp plug system at South African Model Car Association (SAMCA) clubs:</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlUSz-HlabOfxqDxUC6P2oD2HyWKIq7Dbc8MsZANdz_2369Anup_EAxXI6P120eW7rojaytU2ylN1B1zRG1fgS4OoD-aUKYuUHyeXMlW51Ng_pSM1Oea7_KuRyRNaMsCSBgvtTq_KsO4/s1600/Ecurie+SAMCA+controller+plug+colour+connections.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503756672638106210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlUSz-HlabOfxqDxUC6P2oD2HyWKIq7Dbc8MsZANdz_2369Anup_EAxXI6P120eW7rojaytU2ylN1B1zRG1fgS4OoD-aUKYuUHyeXMlW51Ng_pSM1Oea7_KuRyRNaMsCSBgvtTq_KsO4/s400/Ecurie+SAMCA+controller+plug+colour+connections.JPG" /></a>Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-52720038585806819792010-07-21T07:46:00.000+02:002010-07-21T08:35:32.782+02:00MRRC controller with 1/24 HD30 UPGRADE PCB<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YldiPDpfPTUJBir5kGfwC1Py4pAVvY_eHKQeym1EeIaEFELlOFbACUczmE5iprtJyGSnhrh6UTEEO1lkYJxN5sQJBEloZhwJdGapsbnQfwQUP3HwdLE8eU4xo4KYdO-2dGErIDDECE0/s1600/MRRC+controller+with+Difalco+30+band+board.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496232232126138786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YldiPDpfPTUJBir5kGfwC1Py4pAVvY_eHKQeym1EeIaEFELlOFbACUczmE5iprtJyGSnhrh6UTEEO1lkYJxN5sQJBEloZhwJdGapsbnQfwQUP3HwdLE8eU4xo4KYdO-2dGErIDDECE0/s400/MRRC+controller+with+Difalco+30+band+board.jpg" /></a> The rash of new visitors to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ecurie</span> provides the enjoyable <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dilemma</span> of how to kit them out with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">cheapie</span> controllers. Amazing how folk take to electronic controllers once they have driven with them!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Both the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Parma</span> Turbo (Plus) unit and the newer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRRC</span> unit provide an excellent base at reasonable cost. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Difalco</span> products are Rolls Royce and there is a present window of opportunity to purchase the new 30 band wiper boards complete with resistor banks at an excellent value price. Add two 20 ohm pots and a Tip 36c transistor for pennies and you have a stunning combination for club racing at well under a grand.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The unit above was assembled with the transistor soldered direct to the board and has tested well but not used in track action, yet. Feels <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">luverly</span>, though ;-)</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Soldering the unsupported transistor direct to the board is neat but dubious without additional support (see under the right potentiometer) - that may be added later, if necessary. The rest of the soldering reduces to a simple six joints, using this gorgeous board. Reference to the previous posting reveals that there are a host of resistor bank options for the Tip 36c, although experience has shown that the 113 ohm bank will probably be the most suitable.<br /></div><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-K40HgVkMaQy8qR_UYnW783rSZU2xN93N41q0qJDf0ZiFC9zdpz3Mr3ZNtnbZ5qe8ndliBepTTAEX0DKVtGHa2j17_VWIEoTops6fhVIaefvjTabbQCbJe971KuKMEz8cQc7k95uGkXs/s1600/MRRC+controller+with+Difalco+30+band+board+back.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496232228352788338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-K40HgVkMaQy8qR_UYnW783rSZU2xN93N41q0qJDf0ZiFC9zdpz3Mr3ZNtnbZ5qe8ndliBepTTAEX0DKVtGHa2j17_VWIEoTops6fhVIaefvjTabbQCbJe971KuKMEz8cQc7k95uGkXs/s400/MRRC+controller+with+Difalco+30+band+board+back.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify">There will be a latter blow by blow once testing is complete but, in the meantime, these are the sources I used for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">various</span> components:<br /><br />2 x 20hm potentiometers (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">loudspeaker</span> volume controls) for brakes and start adjustment @ R30 each:<br /><a href="http://www.fort777.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=269_456_552_582_584&products_id=3056">http://www.fort777.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">cPath</span>=269_456_552_582_584&products_id=3056</a></p><p align="justify">Tip 36c transistor at R20 a pop, from most electronic shops:</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.fort777.co.za/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=tip36c">http://www.fort777.co.za/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=tip36c</a></p><p align="justify"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Difalco</span> upgrade board with resistor bank from various online sources, or even direct from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Difalco</span>, at approx R400 (this one is 148 ohm):</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.ncphobbies.com/cgi-bin/vcat/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-2753&SearchField=partnumber&SearchFor=DD261&template=Htx/product_detail.htx&hdr=Product+Details&displayNumber=1">http://www.ncphobbies.com/cgi-bin/vcat/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-2753&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">SearchField</span>=<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">partnumber</span>&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">SearchFor</span>=DD261&template=<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Htx</span>/product_detail.<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">htx</span>&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">hdr</span>=Product+Details&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">displayNumber</span>=1</a></p><p align="justify"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRRC</span> controller base (normally sourced from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pendleslot</span> for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">GBP</span>25, under accessories) at approx R300:</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/html/body_track.htm">http://www.pendleslotracing.co.uk/html/body_track.htm</a></p><p align="justify">That makes for an all up cost of about R800 for a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">larney</span> controller and you can brag to your mates about the smooth as silk 30 band action......!</p><p align="justify">Scroll back through previus blog posts for the circuit but remember only to connect to the brake stop, <strong>never the brake band</strong>.</p><p align="justify"><br /></p>Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-70509623052442526652010-04-23T08:15:00.000+02:002010-04-23T08:30:15.226+02:00Nigel's MRRC project sorted<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZPFLxalWn2pDB2TGKkuqV5KrwfA8XKQe-AUBKgf6ixixndc-HjZXGoLiz_vcxMOd6C2P2WwdeUFtLxx56x1p8rMQWZ1nUGFy8ePR0TtLSoM8n71Nr46VNONd5THNfLOWvKJJ0AUgoGc/s1600/Nigel+controller.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463213415013380434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZPFLxalWn2pDB2TGKkuqV5KrwfA8XKQe-AUBKgf6ixixndc-HjZXGoLiz_vcxMOd6C2P2WwdeUFtLxx56x1p8rMQWZ1nUGFy8ePR0TtLSoM8n71Nr46VNONd5THNfLOWvKJJ0AUgoGc/s400/Nigel+controller.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Nige’s controller successfully tested after a transistor and wiper board change back to the old standard 108 ohm total for the Tip36c. How I ever worked without this simple tester......? I will try amend the blog postings to drop all references to the ill conceived shorter travel and less ohm spreads, when I have a mo.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4ADuEne7ZBeItCsJ1jRMpisFODlzxI8po_Z8bwwc0SSVu2TSusgBfrMIl17hkN5DJCjq7XROncBI0CBcriPit7khWrdBPMu_3mLDmYA2yvjGFikIbZiAFhThv-B0CvXOUBw2MqThWd8/s1600/difalco+project+board.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463213403557823698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4ADuEne7ZBeItCsJ1jRMpisFODlzxI8po_Z8bwwc0SSVu2TSusgBfrMIl17hkN5DJCjq7XROncBI0CBcriPit7khWrdBPMu_3mLDmYA2yvjGFikIbZiAFhThv-B0CvXOUBw2MqThWd8/s400/difalco+project+board.jpg" /></a>Nige’s board soldering attempt suggested for me (personally) that below is a far more logical approach in buying a <a href="http://www.difalcoonline.com/">Difalco</a> pre-made board, complete with resister arrays that can be unplugged to change to a whole range of values – helluva cheap at the price for a Rolls Royce bolt on to the MRRC, with the bonus of 30 bands..... Just fit pots, tranny and hook up wire only – I have ordered my own through North Coast Hobbies.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>1/32 HD30 UPGRADE PCB (Suits the Le mans MJ type)<br /></strong>DD553: HD30 Upgrade PCB: Convert. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 290 ohm resistor network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions included.<br /><br />Or<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>1/24 HD30 UPGRADE PCB (Ok for the Tip36C type or use the DD256 113 ohm array for exact)<br /></strong>DD261: HD30 Upgrade PCB: You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 148 ohm network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions included.<br /><br />DD255: Standard Resistor Network. 180 ohm<br />DD256: Standard Resistor Network. 113 ohm<br />DD257: Standard Resistor Network. 78 ohm<br />DD262: Standard Resistor Network. 290 ohm<br />DD258: Custom Resistor Network. 136 162 and 192 ohms.<br />DD260: Custom Resistor Network. 64, 87 and 113 ohms of total resistance.</span></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />That completes all my committed or otherwise foisted on projects and no more third party projects will be entertained – it was spoiling my attendance at racing, even if that is spotty;-)</div>Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-88106429828251063312010-04-09T08:51:00.000+02:002010-04-09T14:18:07.448+02:00Simple controller checker for three pin plug type<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDgu2hpMC9lXh4arxZGcEJY6Al3Vjh6dUvQtwVP5BjtHr5BCv4fk4M645dyApSzLmCi_-X2PU1qVek5RPMtmV6AzhrCNDudVa3lGBfB9-pbfV1joRQ7_3fOhJsHrpeCYfGiKdWYX9s_Y/s1600/slot+car+controller+checker+with+three+pin+socket.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458026967242974978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDgu2hpMC9lXh4arxZGcEJY6Al3Vjh6dUvQtwVP5BjtHr5BCv4fk4M645dyApSzLmCi_-X2PU1qVek5RPMtmV6AzhrCNDudVa3lGBfB9-pbfV1joRQ7_3fOhJsHrpeCYfGiKdWYX9s_Y/s400/slot+car+controller+checker+with+three+pin+socket.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">Given my infrequent trips to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ecurie</span> and distance involved, any transistor controller repair or development had ground to an effective halt as a consequence of the tedious delays in testing the units. A simple diagram off the British Darkside slot car site (see link at bottom) suggested that the new three pin plug and socket system now provides an excellent opportunity for a simple test unit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDaDN7pf91EKB9CzvAll74cbpOkJvzW0p86Mom5XcHWeJaWFp34ONG-PNAgBD9oc6AfJyLgvXFzMiOp44qqnGDIcqrpaJ2xiqmqai4MvnXMddHWYVt_z2uayi7SE869xSt6u-Equ5rro/s1600/slot+controller+checker+with+Jono+controller+plugged+in.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458026955742497122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDaDN7pf91EKB9CzvAll74cbpOkJvzW0p86Mom5XcHWeJaWFp34ONG-PNAgBD9oc6AfJyLgvXFzMiOp44qqnGDIcqrpaJ2xiqmqai4MvnXMddHWYVt_z2uayi7SE869xSt6u-Equ5rro/s400/slot+controller+checker+with+Jono+controller+plugged+in.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="justify">A chat to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erlo</span> and a tip from flying buddy Mark lead to the purchase of the white 5amp three pin plug socket shown at the left. I flirted with retaining the US controller three colour red/white/back approach but then decided I would stay with black/red colour shown for intuitive ease of hook up to the DC power supply source and test motor/car. When I can actually locate the Brit diagram drawn to controller colours on the net again, I will add that but for now it is actually easier to tell than draw:</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>1. Two negative black wires twist together and connect to the earth E (bigger) terminal [controller red]. One negative black lead connects to the DC power source and the second negative black lead connects to the test motor or car left negative braid.</strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>2. One positive red wire connects to the live terminal [marked "L" - controller white] and across to the positive lead of the DC power source.</strong></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>3. A second positive red wire connects to the neutral terminal [marked "N" - controller black] and across to the test motor or car right positive braid.</strong></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span></div><div align="justify"><em><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error">That's</span> it!</strong></em> The DC source can be max 13.8 volts DC right down to my 8 volts DC unit Lance made us for D<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">remel cutters</span> etc and worked fine in my case. Obviously mounting the 5 amp socket in to a box would be the next step.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The controller in the second pic down is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jono's</span>, which was a basket case example of why unravelling insulation tape is a poor second to heat shrink tubing. Both adjustment pots and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">NPN</span> transistor had been changed without success but it was suspected that the thin red wire to the insulated wiper may have fractured internally under movement load or the intense heat when the the controller cooked. It was simple <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exercise</span> to check, replace and immediately test the controller on the new tester - with great success. <em>Those up the north coast may have heard the cheer at midnight last night ;-)</em></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The controller savvy folk will by now have twigged why the German slot car racers insist their controller cable colouring is correct and the more common US colours incorrect. Our red "brake" cable is in reality the negative (black) common feed from power source to car!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Now that I at last have this bogey controller repair sorted, I can aim to finish off Nigel's new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRRC</span> project...... ;-) </div><div align="justify"><em>The useful "build a simple controller checker" article located here:</em></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><a href="http://www.darksideracing.co.uk/page19.html">http://www.darksideracing.co.uk/page19.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.darksideracing.co.uk/controller%20checker.pdf">http://www.darksideracing.co.uk/controller%20checker.pdf</a>Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-85529360361526192222009-07-16T15:33:00.000+02:002009-10-21T10:08:00.212+02:00Costa's bread board controller - part 3 MRRC addendum<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWaWdcp_fUYuLsZzkJPoT6_UmfQqjes1IwKobBYupvXaqF683aa4QqbVk4PkajOO9ZWe5cY_XnKX9pEBeI3qwafgYNTWlye95WpF7s6Nb76rmEhtFTqIfd4NXPWBheAPJZgyTf5wApWs/s1600-h/002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359051384321354898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWaWdcp_fUYuLsZzkJPoT6_UmfQqjes1IwKobBYupvXaqF683aa4QqbVk4PkajOO9ZWe5cY_XnKX9pEBeI3qwafgYNTWlye95WpF7s6Nb76rmEhtFTqIfd4NXPWBheAPJZgyTf5wApWs/s400/002.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Trotted Costa's new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parma</span></span> Turbo down to club, only to be greeted with "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ja</span></span>, but wot about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MRRC</span></span>". Having motivated the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MRRC</span></span> up front, I was obliged to cobble together the one I had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pre</span></span>-ordered way back. Decided to this as a complete breadboard approach to minimise connection lengths and cable change - the only existing main cable change being to disconnect the red cable to facilitate brake adjustment, with one only cut to the controller case to let the bread board poke through. Note how the bread board is wasted to minimise the case cut.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY7qRaRNu-6qv-W5u8DqX3f5CJyY8pYil0BO31FsCxjq7tK3QNlM4A-e_dHYH69N457XZuzha30k-w9Brz3G3N5mu26Cs1saxSqDbwov-lWzDCyJyPfXMu4eMcBgGvBhH34BMuQSK4cQ/s1600-h/001.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359051152753814226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY7qRaRNu-6qv-W5u8DqX3f5CJyY8pYil0BO31FsCxjq7tK3QNlM4A-e_dHYH69N457XZuzha30k-w9Brz3G3N5mu26Cs1saxSqDbwov-lWzDCyJyPfXMu4eMcBgGvBhH34BMuQSK4cQ/s400/001.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> Both pot terminals poke through to the board front so that connecting up is a breeze and the TIP36c was reverted to in this case to minimise weight and complexity.</span></div><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>It is vital that all cut adjustments are made to the breadboard and nix to the controller case - the internal pimples and bits are for holding the existing board!</strong></span><br /></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitqb2LQsiMUJ3gJ9Po0uA0rjXCAyvXH2SKIvNN1AOjpad1ZaC9A4hVGcK6VAak-L0BOKLpYjIo2RFHghBf0Pf0hIJ7HUZfHAncGheXFi0llSxzXe7GVRuk2MNQcge-DWlvEOr0tPXlqc/s1600-h/003.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359050833355667282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitqb2LQsiMUJ3gJ9Po0uA0rjXCAyvXH2SKIvNN1AOjpad1ZaC9A4hVGcK6VAak-L0BOKLpYjIo2RFHghBf0Pf0hIJ7HUZfHAncGheXFi0llSxzXe7GVRuk2MNQcge-DWlvEOr0tPXlqc/s400/003.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> The exercise to cut and drill the bread board took one episode of Desperate Housewives and was simply eyeballed, it is really not a tricky exercise. The existing board has four holes perfectly located to hold the home brew bread board. The wiper board is spaced and bolted to the bread board in the space previously used for the resistor.<br /><br />There are excellent features in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MRRC</span></span>, like two trigger options, adjustable spring tension, sprung wiper arm and adjustable full throttle stop.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The stock 12 band wiper board had the bottom third trimmed off for clearance of the spring <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">mechanism</span> on the wiper arm. The jury still out on the neat sprung arm as I think the wiper button may be of overly hard material [<em>proved fine</em>] and require a mod, time will tell.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sensitivity</span> pot is the same 20 ohm volume control pot we have been sourcing for the brake adjustment, through the net from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Yebo</span></span> Electronics in Cape Town. Two 20 ohm pots at forty bucks a pop and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">cheapie</span> Tip36c plus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">heatsink</span> and one can have an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">adequate</span> transistor conversion of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">MRRC</span> unit......</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The lightweight <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">heatsink</span></span> for the Tip36c is widely available and more than adequate cooliing, ignore the mini fan unit in the picture.</p></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><em>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">MRRC</span></span> unit is easily the simplest and quickest way for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ecurie</span></span> folk to home brew a change to the transistor approach</em>. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXDJ0SLo57uvvL89EQFy1SwCBZ36H0AIHQyto4Qc4mbFyFxfkiJcIizU_SjcG8evaWXNCzQRJg6Dfe5yx3lG7JLSa8rtyg6kTH5cltkUr542b-wryC4Zi0lHg13MHMBwbfSJQuJ8szV8/s1600-h/mrrc+low+ohamage+coversion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364582915777267330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 341px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXDJ0SLo57uvvL89EQFy1SwCBZ36H0AIHQyto4Qc4mbFyFxfkiJcIizU_SjcG8evaWXNCzQRJg6Dfe5yx3lG7JLSa8rtyg6kTH5cltkUr542b-wryC4Zi0lHg13MHMBwbfSJQuJ8szV8/s400/mrrc+low+ohamage+coversion.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK9kYXxnUgdudLG6TH_CTQOaRtAzy2IwuxjUbfVBgnWJHZMEnlzf0l1HcYmaCz0xKO2b2iI8UUi2H_ge03_DAUQ_jXoi4GGjB5hIyEdGL-J-bA7WoT_bPrPqWR79sDx19amPiYnvWPH0/s1600-h/mrrc+controller+cable.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364583160064442210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK9kYXxnUgdudLG6TH_CTQOaRtAzy2IwuxjUbfVBgnWJHZMEnlzf0l1HcYmaCz0xKO2b2iI8UUi2H_ge03_DAUQ_jXoi4GGjB5hIyEdGL-J-bA7WoT_bPrPqWR79sDx19amPiYnvWPH0/s400/mrrc+controller+cable.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The new unit proved a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">success</span> for all of one and half laps, which is why the picture of the main cable is shown here. It would be crazy to change the magic cable but the colour sequence is white / black / red against our normal white / red / black jack plugs - no problem, simply <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">swapped</span> the red and black cables across but under tension it pulled the red and black jack plug terminals together and instant brakes, no go! </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Took a while to find and not a big deal, just be careful when fitting a jack plug - the club will be converting to three pin 5 amp plug, which will obviate this issue.</span></div>Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-11881173782210617312009-06-15T09:20:00.000+02:002009-06-15T10:43:13.566+02:00Costa's breadboard controller - part 2 final<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QZoQ0Yh1z6CqbE8LLrnoA5xkocObpKWTXI_E4rveCozzq2cc0VDRQSSS4ViBeNuz1pPFE0nqi_fJ4yWSw3f1RsjKLLCzv8w2inX-FEhJrnp6YKnyH53mBtrhL8kN-940N2dg4q_UG9o/s1600-h/controllerstromlaufplan-03gross.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347452457385820594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QZoQ0Yh1z6CqbE8LLrnoA5xkocObpKWTXI_E4rveCozzq2cc0VDRQSSS4ViBeNuz1pPFE0nqi_fJ4yWSw3f1RsjKLLCzv8w2inX-FEhJrnp6YKnyH53mBtrhL8kN-940N2dg4q_UG9o/s400/controllerstromlaufplan-03gross.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Rather than a nuts and bolts view of the hook up wiring, I have rather re-posted the layout schematic with a note that the transistor view on the layout is the bottom of the transistor! Seem obvious but I had it reversed on Gordon's unit that I could never get to function. Most of the wiring tucks away in the unit and the drawing actually does a better job of showing the hook up than I could.</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Thanks to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ecurie</span></span> guys for slotting me in to a race after a late arrival on Friday night - the controller was truly tested in action from first press and worked fine with a useful third overall, despite the rusty driver.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The pictures illustrate the neat and uncluttered final product. I have also included a cut out of the Gordon economy handle to illustrate how the black lead is bolted to both sides of the transistor top with terminals, one for the contact to the trigger and the other black lead to jack plug. The orange thing is a resettable fuse and well worth the extra precaution if you lend out your controller from time to time. The circuit theory borrowed from the excellent Christ Frost and Le Mans slot car web sites, with the neat artwork off this interesting web site:</span></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://home.arcor.de/slotracingtechnik/homepage/transistorregler.htm"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">http://home.arcor.de/slotracingtechnik/homepage/transistorregler.htm</span></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUl0zdOFhtoe-ZSY96EyRTgkPTBtHF9kBeh0zgMkZayZp_IdS0VDehttvDX8tsrpmnHqLdhmlTrcCPUc2jz3p-sQJC-6PkQksKrI-epy5iOF1BcgarBNl-xXYwMBhI60WD7YBKtFDbnU/s1600-h/controller+brush+hood+wiper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347471526437082082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUl0zdOFhtoe-ZSY96EyRTgkPTBtHF9kBeh0zgMkZayZp_IdS0VDehttvDX8tsrpmnHqLdhmlTrcCPUc2jz3p-sQJC-6PkQksKrI-epy5iOF1BcgarBNl-xXYwMBhI60WD7YBKtFDbnU/s400/controller+brush+hood+wiper.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The sprung button in the MRRC controller is a boon right out the box but, in this Parma Turbo project, I simply bent the end of the wiper arm and bolted on an old brush hood unit off an old can style motor (16D or C Can units fine) - the motor brush being the smoothest approach I have come across for cheapie homebrew units.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">My unit will have the two pots facing out rather than in as I found my method of holding had me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unintentially</span> winding the sensitivity to zero through the race (not an issue for most other folks). That's it in this series, there may be a further breadboard approach to the interesting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MRRC</span></span> controller, time will tell. In the absence of the metal turbo frame, a small lightweight heat sink and fan (The dinky little Hobbywing RC unit for R85) will be fitted, along with reverting to the Tip36c and a 30 ohm total wiper board to explore the potential of other folk using the existing resistor as a wiper board.</span><br /></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Any net readers are welcome to email the team to find out the component sources etc, although most of mine were from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mantech,</span> locally</span>.</span></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPsBHK76M8JIoZ4dB3b9Md_17K3HZEbElMAMUlZoGvaaB4DdnrhO-myt2f09hKKPoBi84emCqZL6HT9AKya4sHnpFU6BTzHG9M0kX4Z0BSr30McOs1xAbDn7sxVoMpy8tXsBTwaBvo9c/s1600-h/Costa+controller+final+tested.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347452064036947378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPsBHK76M8JIoZ4dB3b9Md_17K3HZEbElMAMUlZoGvaaB4DdnrhO-myt2f09hKKPoBi84emCqZL6HT9AKya4sHnpFU6BTzHG9M0kX4Z0BSr30McOs1xAbDn7sxVoMpy8tXsBTwaBvo9c/s400/Costa+controller+final+tested.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44cWFkl9QBWb1GhjBi4e7xoiEzjvuHGGFrhb3_ZaNOmpzvS7pXgik8arJpAYWsyd4fKqyZxqQ9HnjIJwoyxm-W7-bP1ZU7xSDhToU6xh_FhYHCrkItjM5E4HjmEvFQw0KaFFDdncPgCA/s1600-h/Controller+Gordan+hook+up+to+transistor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347452174001550002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44cWFkl9QBWb1GhjBi4e7xoiEzjvuHGGFrhb3_ZaNOmpzvS7pXgik8arJpAYWsyd4fKqyZxqQ9HnjIJwoyxm-W7-bP1ZU7xSDhToU6xh_FhYHCrkItjM5E4HjmEvFQw0KaFFDdncPgCA/s400/Controller+Gordan+hook+up+to+transistor.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfhCjQ0At8JczMXyBU1rt6duWzBRaOTz4K8XQBkUn1Pw3_Y6YYPn7t6W28VNOgzBF7tXYnE0343L-RrbkAzI-XNnZNCYDjO8dgSbUbVmSlYlhaCm5Rfx4cHdg6lsBxYaT2j2-R2_jbRc/s1600-h/001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347451218986963602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfhCjQ0At8JczMXyBU1rt6duWzBRaOTz4K8XQBkUn1Pw3_Y6YYPn7t6W28VNOgzBF7tXYnE0343L-RrbkAzI-XNnZNCYDjO8dgSbUbVmSlYlhaCm5Rfx4cHdg6lsBxYaT2j2-R2_jbRc/s400/001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44cWFkl9QBWb1GhjBi4e7xoiEzjvuHGGFrhb3_ZaNOmpzvS7pXgik8arJpAYWsyd4fKqyZxqQ9HnjIJwoyxm-W7-bP1ZU7xSDhToU6xh_FhYHCrkItjM5E4HjmEvFQw0KaFFDdncPgCA/s1600-h/Controller+Gordan+hook+up+to+transistor.jpg"></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44cWFkl9QBWb1GhjBi4e7xoiEzjvuHGGFrhb3_ZaNOmpzvS7pXgik8arJpAYWsyd4fKqyZxqQ9HnjIJwoyxm-W7-bP1ZU7xSDhToU6xh_FhYHCrkItjM5E4HjmEvFQw0KaFFDdncPgCA/s1600-h/Controller+Gordan+hook+up+to+transistor.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44cWFkl9QBWb1GhjBi4e7xoiEzjvuHGGFrhb3_ZaNOmpzvS7pXgik8arJpAYWsyd4fKqyZxqQ9HnjIJwoyxm-W7-bP1ZU7xSDhToU6xh_FhYHCrkItjM5E4HjmEvFQw0KaFFDdncPgCA/s1600-h/Controller+Gordan+hook+up+to+transistor.jpg"></a></div>Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-68253475387249700352009-06-10T09:01:00.000+02:002009-06-10T10:17:04.620+02:00Costa's breadboard controller - part 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwfq1kRKI3IeN1prt5KDYXzGhX7hbjnghLgsJMqAr4mXv4N86QfTu3t4UdXpS2xBRnVKtWhyphenhyphenyqwrLUburekbRn-HJfe0Xq6fMIu15wo7npjWJmsbyb19TrBgx9DiqfHsuKGbv_jaacH4/s1600-h/Costa+simple+bread+board+controller.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345599591689569074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwfq1kRKI3IeN1prt5KDYXzGhX7hbjnghLgsJMqAr4mXv4N86QfTu3t4UdXpS2xBRnVKtWhyphenhyphenyqwrLUburekbRn-HJfe0Xq6fMIu15wo7npjWJmsbyb19TrBgx9DiqfHsuKGbv_jaacH4/s400/Costa+simple+bread+board+controller.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Some gentle persistence from Chairman Costa got me to scratch out the previous start of an "easy to follow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Assembly</span>" controller, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">commissioned</span> by him so long ago. This is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Parma</span> Turbo and it is hoped to do same with the new good value <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MRRC</span> controller. Thought it worth dealing with the basics without the clutter of hook up wire, first. Of course this is where the steam ran out before so hopefully this motivates the part 2 for final completion. Click on the pic and study the large version closely before reading on. Costa's requirements in bold:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>1. Minimum butchering of the controller case.</strong> With the above <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">approach</span> there is virtually no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dremel</span> cutting of the a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Parma</span> Turbo case, although a standard case would have to opened at the top <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ala</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Parma</span> Turbo space for the frame. Three pimples are removed from inside the case to clear the transistor and new spring position. Easy to spot when closing the case together.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>2. Simple layout to follow.</strong> The brake pot is just above the brake stop and the sensitivity pot is a similar short distance away from the full throttle hook up, requiring very little hook up wire and a circuit layout which can be followed by someone with no electronics knowledge at all. Obviously all the long <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">spiky</span> arms will be cut off the potentiometers after the hook up wiring is complete, so there will be no pricking of precious fingers.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>3. Minimum parts count.</strong> The transistor uses the Turbo frame as a very efficient heat sink. The frame kindly already provides the necessary holes, which only need a some extra opening up to prevent shorting of the two hook up legs, which are bent over to clear the case. A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">cheapie</span> transistor insulation kit is a must to prevent electrical shorting against the frame.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>4. Minimum drilling.</strong> There only two extra holes drilled in to the frame to hold both the fibre potentiometer board and the wiper board. The resistors are first soldered in the back of the wiper board whilst being bent flat. That means the board can be located very low down with no fouling of the upper case by the wiper arm.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>5. Relocation of the trigger spring (not specified but essential).</strong> This is very important to ensure effective returning back to the brake stop. The frame also kindly already provides another hole in to which a new spring holding point bolt is locked. The original spring locating arm will be bent over to hold the main cables in place. Costa's Turbo controller kit had the best spring supplied that I have ever seen in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Parma</span> controller, by the way - way better than the old barbed wire Turbo springs and saves pinching out of old Economy controllers.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>6. Minimum manufactur<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ6h962FympP9zXaIb9IqDr7qyiDrGBFlGfOGZGSBc-T2-tGvkydTcbkB5kXub-fBipsrL6lyV6xj1bjlXBRPjet7qca89gTWG1hqp5slNtd-62FUwqR3MddK3dRtJ-V0pr6wmKotfCE/s1600-h/Costa+simple+bread+board+controller+back.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345599109501361922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ6h962FympP9zXaIb9IqDr7qyiDrGBFlGfOGZGSBc-T2-tGvkydTcbkB5kXub-fBipsrL6lyV6xj1bjlXBRPjet7qca89gTWG1hqp5slNtd-62FUwqR3MddK3dRtJ-V0pr6wmKotfCE/s400/Costa+simple+bread+board+controller+back.jpg" border="0" /></a>e of parts.</strong> The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">pre</span>-made wiper board is available locally and online and is well worth it to simplify the project. Thus the only element of home manufacture is the small piece of board to hold the two potentiometers and bolt to the controller frame at the two points mentioned. This can really just be eyeballed off with the pots themselves before drilling and cutting the board.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">That's it! Roll on part two wiper arm and hook up.</span></div></div></div>Ecurie Racewayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197913329043010463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-82718705962750898072009-06-03T10:39:00.000+02:002009-06-03T11:10:19.956+02:00Scouts Race Meeting - 2009/05/30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk2xB029XfJvlI0MQoDD9rKJUFnH_6irfQGCdudHIDTahVqk1_PlJiVZat78Kuz6DO4SMZmzZmgMwUV4a0kj_vNWp1KcnsZq1VdWpzUIV3drimx09Oe564_hrjSE4tf8uBPq1xEyJckI/s1600-h/Scouts+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343021428131998178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk2xB029XfJvlI0MQoDD9rKJUFnH_6irfQGCdudHIDTahVqk1_PlJiVZat78Kuz6DO4SMZmzZmgMwUV4a0kj_vNWp1KcnsZq1VdWpzUIV3drimx09Oe564_hrjSE4tf8uBPq1xEyJckI/s400/Scouts+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>In what has become an annual event, the Club hosted the Scouts again on Saturday 30 May. This motivated some of the members to undertake a much needed clean up of the premises beforehand. Thanks to Mike, Costa, Tony, Vic and Phil for the hard work put in prior to the event. Vic did a sterling job cutting the grass while the others scrubbed, swept and vacuumed inside. The less said about Phil almost flooding the Club the better!<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343021423757105570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM-LNM8XFtqsBfrrvWFar0fumWWX_YBgnVqmXoaFuxBQHaU2bZxi9dOZjVfsfVDRVWuWANFg_-MpJ6g4tEBrm40ehd92_ZiZlzYiTaUKfBplM3qe_4a76Mv0SuAylTLVaz9axB4o4wyY/s400/Scouts+012.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343020266340039906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OgxMRnPaMOkgWw7uVMf8AtcPEl6T9tuH3DGaeVsAQZquChZJfAa8Q9o85O0MACj4t0z59mk-lcDwReJnw9M_bNNOhkYQykNA22xV75bEUqTekBFddnNe3wDVJDeS2wUtE5AZ9iNmn44/s400/Scouts+011.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Unfortunately Neil Robinson couldn't make it due to work commitments but his brother Gavin was there to help us organise the event. With 17 Drivers, numbers were down on last year but enthusiasm and enjoyment were no less!<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343020265480723858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5BP8EaxRKUh3GBAgnbeQT475FTVAeV6PGtjF0Jmqsnb0kBymIWv14GirRwmZZxRK2giFpRFuDM2f6W4oylX-nGkDbD2-wqUPlveQiC-kXYtvGBgNcGb0XmKFhE4fqs-Ew0SIvTv7_Ew/s400/Scouts+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343021429310389202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvhjufjqZgzax5jjqc4JhlqW3-sTPYD_GhBm2soggoKHIISkAolhll8VI3Qyt16JW9KW39eYxMMX7weRwrAiaNu9i2EEK7yN5o2ojgRaISHj-ludLHOMiMplIwz5f7N_U-hbFTqu4dn0/s400/Scouts+013.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Erlo had done a fantastic job on the cars which have taken somewhat of a hammering in the last few months. Not content to simply service and clean them, the cars were re-sprayed and sported new decals. Apart from a few minor problems, the cars performed well throughout.<br />Practice started at 3pm, followed by two qualifying rounds and then the finals. With Costa on Race Control and Mike instructing the drivers and keeping order, the event ran like clockwork and ended at 6:30pm. A great deal of fun was had by all, and we look forward to hosting the Scouts again next year.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343020262895101778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6aQWTbAgDsRsjqQtlAGS6ok3mpL0M_Y99pAESsn4UNSFmW8l6MI6n0xtOGwTVNUTe0OD-78em_ATd3X1CekMEH8B_7vqnHP5CGo8tXyh4Rb6AikXHlK7QpueXFYZTW_dLozmIp_qZIo/s400/Scouts+004.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343020262634905234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKYb4lu7krBuPZkqjeFQ5uI8bKCF7eZjtty8eMDfMzJqvdTMjB2Fx54WRJuyLgHmBBZaH-P2uGoUlIj78GImXYTKZLOLfMBNqHLJQtLvKCBcxBHv6WJWJoDcIBmYdq_a0DhHPLMaifUs/s400/Scouts+003.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343020256485039186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVzHGFrh9jvEgsz8f5ecnHFE_ocVIblkkHx1Nvwgq_4s7sQ3VC-ijDnSCqPWdc9etTH_uU0lkqA2ss9NK1tHQUHXnhLCfzbcHSTtUteKS8gh_NiLzOGDEmBto0ulNuAT2lGTgXwr8MQQ/s400/Scouts+001.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Costahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11762997536957539432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-58414893377039509002009-05-28T15:03:00.000+02:002009-05-28T15:08:17.441+02:00Race Report - Libre 22/05/2009<div><br /><div><div>It was the usual Friday night gathering for all the Libre class enthusiasts…but this time round<br />there were a few new faces…This would be imminent of the popularity of the Libre class, more<br />and more youngsters joining, which of course would mean more competition.<br /><br />Well, as per normal everyone was early and trying there utmost to have a few practice laps…before the daunting qualifying session would get underway. Whilst practicing, even the young ones gained some insight and experience with the help of Mike and not to forget Brad…<br />(and everyone else who pitched in to help with the cars) We must say a special thank you to Brad, especially with the “trigger” tips…Yes, the trick is to remember to hold and release instantly when approaching a sharp hairpin bend or looming corner….. As Brad always reminds me, if you don’t concentrate your car will come off the track, which will equal less laps, which will equal, you loose….Thus a valid tip for all aspiring young racers out there.<br /><br />Anyways…moving on…The time arrived for the first qualifying rounds to begin. You can just imagine the expressions on everyone’s faces, the anticipation and anxiousness…Where will I qualify? Will tonight be me night? The youngsters were so excited, whilst the top racers were tense as usual….After all your qualifying position could just give you the edge to beat Ashwin this time round. The top 3 positions were…yes you guessed it….Costa “The Great” in first..hmmmm,<br />Followed by Ashwin “The fast and the furious” and Phil “The Fox”. They were closely followed by Johannes, Erlo and Mike. Scary stuff!!!<br /><br />Then it was time for the main races to take place, for the evening…Yes, it was a bit of a long, but enjoyable evening J First up, were the young ones Cameron, Chris and Kyle. The tips from experienced Mike and Brad, definitely assisted Chris in taking the victory in this first race, followed closely by Cameron and then Kyle. Well done guys!<br /><br />In the second race, Gwain and Vic battled it out for the title of first place in there race, not to forget Kevin in the golden cruiser….or sorry you changed your car…forgot, close on their tail.<br />You could feel the tension mounting…second by second…To add to the mix, young Mikheel was playing catch-up with Kevin and Aubrey, definitely giving them a run for their money…at the end<br />Gwaine came out tops in this race, followed ever so closely by Vic, Kevin, Mikheel and Aubrey. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340860186718938850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdtZ9B2iz6ibG-x3ogAjUxBGjWbDytu3N-vMFAsvQAnK8yKJTD0GPmPByVUK3MHbLK77-DPybDrftzJJZTb92eBnG46W1S6O0R8Ws0Yml3m0a9AnVSBtwSMFTQ3czZWMjprUmwuasCy8/s400/IMG_0634-sml.jpg" border="0" /><br />Ahh….at this stage the night was still young, then we moved on to the start of the third race.<br />In the starting blocks we had Mike, Jono, Ayrton, Luke, JP and of course myself. Well, well, well, <div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340860181214129074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLCx_d3jQDUL1rXmPsxpQ5m0AOj-9jFl3vZuCW3Q0kpZH6RTGcyLwidF6HUSzchRsgh5sRzj276lqIjjmaRdP2BH0mXM6BSJG2KeRxy7GGUIxo2p4YG0dq5GNdn3TFCg5G5NGg4ONaZw/s400/IMG_0631-sml.jpg" border="0" /><br />did we have a blistering start to this race or what…Yes, a birdie tells me someone was even doing lap times of 6,7’s….I gave the guys a bit of stick, such a pity I came off the track, Jono was probably the cause breaking my concentration to try and beat me this time round…Well, we had Mike, Jono and Ayrton playing yo-yo throughout the race….you couldn’t keep up. I tried of course to do it for the girls, but I had to admit Mike was on a roll and took first place in the race, followed by a neck-to-neck challenge by Jono, Ayrton, myself and then Luke and JP.<br /><br />The night was not over yet, but soon coming to an end….The end is near…The final curtain..<br />Yes, it was time for the MAIN race event of the evening. The main racers were about to take center stage. Just picture it… Phil “The Fox” ready to give Ashwin “The Fast and the Furious” a go…Ashwin trembling in his boots…thinking will he be lucky to win Brad again by one segment?<br />Not to forget Costa, the number one qualifier..was this a sign that he will win? Then we had the quiet and placid Erlo and anxious Johannes…All ready to GO..GO…GO<br /><br />It was going to be a tight race from the words of race control “Drivers ready, Marshals ready, three you have from now”. Erlo and Ashwin definitely meant business and were close on each other tails. Followed by Costa, our number one qualifier….then we had Brad in the Ferrari trying to make his Ferrari go faster to catch up to Ashwin..Phil and Johannes were battling it out side by side. Things were tense, as we were approaching the last segment, Ashwin and Erlo were one lap apart, followed by Costa, Phil and Brad all on 85 laps….But congrats go out to Erlo, as it was his night this time round, followed with a hair length by Ashwin and well done to Costa for coming third. Last but not least Brad seemed to beat Phil just just and decided to have bragging rights until the next race event…followed by Johannes whom gave it his all. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340860187436592994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9wXi8Usa_Qkozc8RF-21qmcY2pdOjaHprecpNIFyQsuyeAHJMmNO4Xw8N3KbkZS_hwfMFA5I2Y8OqoAdJ-zi_mTvALPClo5USVlL4W0YNBbbhTWLFqnNIO71Ja6Z_8cvQl0jJDnunuo/s400/IMG_0644-sml.jpg" border="0" /><br />Well, what a night of racing, I’m sure you will all treasure this night’s memories…Who will be the next “King Pin” of the Libre racetrack…The drama continues next week Friday…Don’t miss out.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340860192841783442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS-3A4dfpI6z-tSlTAL3uecWQuN8l7F-BudIFy9wxlFdwV_PGD9SnFaLtpfU6KoXl25Z9-J3GITgnFdMLHGvAQEvHdNdGzrGuxyqX-QPNdjAzS-3J-E8g0DnL4vrU2L4Yejlh05CmPx4/s400/IMG_0645-sml.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>A big thanks to Celeste for providing us with an excellent race report.</p>Costahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11762997536957539432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-9751832491125365312009-05-19T14:09:00.000+02:002009-05-19T14:24:19.427+02:00True Scale Race Report 15/05/2009<div><div><div><div><u>True Scale Race Report 15/05/2009</u><br /><br />The field was made up of 8 drivers myself included, and it was to be my first taste of the true scale class and boy what a taste it was! I arrived with the intention of marshalling and spectating and as the established members would have it I was to race! This was going to prove difficult as I don’t own a True Scale car, but Mike stepped up to the plate and very bravely offered me the use his machine and I, never being one to back down from a race, grabbed the opportunity with both hands!!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337508471921338210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPO6y5bue6tp7xzMdSo4HVJz86lpk8qnwdcpwDTrv4Zvt7UXSDK6ic_tsnQmKLxW24PRDnops0RYOTQes4KwwQB42LZpzxZuEc62z5XyL7wZ9Bswv-6_XPGbooUhvEVOMDfxhwFV6XR1U/s400/TS150509+003.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br />So very soon after arriving I kicked off what was to be the first of two qualifying sessions for us all, placing myself ahead of Phil and young Ayrton, who showed he had pace and just needed to keep it on the track, the three of us were however, no where near the Top Guns of the class, with Craig taking Pole position ahead of Erlo, who, I might add, had a very neat Ferrari 330 P4 going extremely well!!! Ashwin was hot on his heels however, followed so closely by Mike, with Costa the last of the hard chargers in 5th position, it was going to be close racing at the top and we were all eager to see what the outcome would be!!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337508475761486466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcBzkgKmwVGOuRbo24QBIOYrl4nZkFptoVqQJ7aR8xZlOdpbGKutMWKVqHtDZOqWJWC0s595xgILf70xUpaupb4l6N4I00G8aiFM80_Vkx5S5wToFf6rChtWRksv_OjNCLc1fVdgRP1U/s400/TS150509+005.jpg" border="0" /><br />With the field small we were divided up into 3 sub categories of drivers, Myself and Ayrton kicking off the nights racing. I felt a little pressured knowing that the young but extremely talented Ayrton (Using Costa’s car) was to be my adversary for the evening, needless to say it is racing and it was, most definitely, on!!! The heats were close and although Ayrton was able to coax faster lap times out of his machine it was consistency that would win the evening in our race. Young Ayrton reminded me of a desperate Senna destroying his car on the scenery in the process of pursuing the chequered and I the Prost of the evening, not the fastest, but there indeed, and staying on the track the longest, to take overall 7th only 2 laps ahead of Ayrton. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337508477772504738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1Z1ArfTAN5eczopj6kCjKcEv-D6nAUOYbZdsGlpHvui-uq0_Rks2i3mDkPTlzZ4tGO8v3ItRlz9fL36CYW8cGS9_wzpHViNSBQzctPae9l6cy4-F4m-rZufhpOunvXTOS-fz_2SSJug/s400/TS150509+007.jpg" border="0" /><br />Next up we had Mike, Costa and Phil (the bold, the big mouthed and the balding J Just kidding guys!!) making up race 2. The race started and after 2 segments of close racing there was only one lap separating the 3, the lap times were much faster than in my race, with experience clearly showing its pace!! Costa had built himself a little cushion of a lead but the race was nowhere near won with Mike letting him know that he was right there, Phil bringing up the rear, struggling a little with his car I would assume, as his driving is rarely at fault. At the start of the last segment they were within 2 laps of each other with Costa and Phil separated by Mike. Costa drove a near faultless final segment to take 4th from Mike in 5th one lap behind and Phil bringing up the rear in 6th, finishing on a total of 104.16. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337508479531360434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLDLttC6LmD23_fwwMrTMu-ghdu_7VRHpubnBXBWjJtQ84xeky9TP-0Bivm0jTU-mDW6-goHZtCNPPRmA97dPQ2pUn3JHs_V73dDkC6Uk7axZiEr6Up5iv5B6vvF2ARAgoxsGOJTQGzQ/s400/TS150509+009.jpg" border="0" /><br />And into the final, consisting of the three bullets, Ashwin, Erlo, and Craig, with them putting in 9.44, 9.45, 9.46 laps respectively in the second qualifying segment, this was going to be a close close race!! The flag dropped and Erlo’s beautifully turned out Ferrari looked to have the edge, although the other 2 were never more than a car length behind him, a small turn of speed and within a lap Erlo was caught and very gently shunted off his lane by an apologetic Craig! Ashwin I am sure breathing a sigh relief that his competition had effectively been halved! Erlo was never to recover from that, although he did put in some lightning fast lap times! It looked as if it would be Craig and Ashwin dicing for the win, and then….the Blue lane happened!!! Ashwin hit it and was never able to find a rhythm on it, we all agreed that there was something amiss on Blue that night, still he was not deterred and fought until the very end, catching Craig by consistently lapping in the 6,2 sec lap time bracket, it was to be a case of just what was needed, but just a little too late. So it was Craig who put in an almost flawless run, who assumed his well earned place on top of the podium, followed home by Ashwin, with Erlo taking third.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337508481284570594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk91St-jVYt424smS6XmCGHfCJkzUjQYEV6Wb9aIOZXMpCRKGTPY43yPst9n58C1IxgCGwWsVJWtaiPBppfNL9guVnoAZLt5azPGlSHkbonx1JqK4wJ9mt5EdhaSl7YlY8t3aTag6Z3A/s400/TS150509+010.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The guys comparing notes!!!</p><p><br />A great night was had by all, and thanks go out to the guys who worked to lay Goop down on the track!! </p><div> </div><div>Excellent report by Jono - thank you</div>Costahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11762997536957539432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-53483944036943581702009-05-11T09:19:00.000+02:002009-05-11T13:48:43.984+02:00Formula Libre - 08/05/2009 - Race ReportSo it was Libre class again and everyone was eager to show improvement on the night.<br /><br />Ashwin proposed that we get there early and clean the track because there was so much rubber on the track; it was starting to get bumpy.<br />Costa, Ayrton and Phil got there nice and early, as per instruction, and started to clean the track. We think that Ashwin waited outside until we had finished and then strode in but we were wrong…. he was just late. Actually, we was at a function so although we think it was part of his great plan, we forgive him this time. Kevin and Luke also were there to lend a helping hand as was Gwain so it did not take long to get the job done.<br /><br />Once the track was clean, it gleamed and a decision was made not to goop it for the Libre class. The motors might have taken strain so I think it was the right decision. This however ensured that the normal levels of grip that we were used to were no longer there and it reminded me of the old days were tyre cleaning pitstops were going to be the order of the day.<br /><br />Qualifying came and went with all of us struggling with grip but learning lots for the main race and the top positions were Ashwin, Erlo, Ayrton, Costa, Brad and Phil.<br /><br />In the first race, the newer guys battled a lot with the less than normal grip and a 12 minute race ended up taking more than 35 minutes. Gwain ended up taking that heat from newcomer Wynand and Vicwith Aubrey and Mikheel bringing up the rear.<br /><br />In the second race, Tony ran away with it as he managed to decipher the track conditions and grew in confidence. I think this is Tony’s first outing in the Libre class for a long time and it was nice to have him back. I’m sure he’ll soon be fighting at the top again in no time.<br />Mike and Jono ended up having a ding dong battle which went down to the wire. Mike was battling with grip and Jono’s yellow lightning Ferrari 330 was flying. Jono has a potentially serious deadly weapon for the future even though he was only 1 segment (0.07 sec on an average lap) away from Mike.<br />Luke and Kevin also had a very close fight with the smack talk much better during the lane changes with Luke eventually edging away from Kevin towards the end of the race.<br /><br />In the top race, things were going to be tough. Ashwin was ready with his ever well prepared GT40. Erlo’s Riley looked good on the starting line and we knew from past races that he was going to be fast. Ayrton out-qualified Costa and his Opel Astra with the silicon tyres was going to be the most consistent with grip but was seriously lacking in speed. Costa’s Chev Camaro was fast but was struggling with grip as he was using the larger diameter rims. Brad decided that his normal Ninco was not going to cut it so decided to use Jono’s yellow Ferrari P4 and we knew it was fast. Phil’s black and white GT40 did well in previous battles but was also battling with grip.<br /><br />The race started and a first corner slip out by Costa but him almost a lap down whilst the rest screamed away. The racing was tight though with cars following each other very closely. I managed to claw my way up to fourth as two guys in front of me had an off and there I stayed for a while. The top runners decided to stop for a tyre clean as this greatly improved grip levels and before I new it, I was leading the race. I promptly called to race control to announce to everyone who was leading and as this was done, I crashed at the end of the main straight… back down to fourth again – such was the closeness of the racing.<br />By the end of the race the whole field was only separated by 5 laps and a last segment scurry provided the closest racing finish in this class in ages.<br />Ashwin held on by a whisker from and very hard charging Brad and took it by 1 segment. Less than a lap behind, Costa and Ayrton we having there own battle and Costa managed to take him by only 4 segments. Erlo took fifth with Phil bringing up the rear. I was so busy fending off seemingly everyone at some stage that I do not know why Phil’s GT40 ended up so low. It was probably grip related but I would not rule out excellent driving by me as the reason… ;-).<br /><br />Personally, I think that the combination of different track conditions, the tyre clean pitstops and the emerging younger drivers all contributed to an amazing race that left all drivers with a yearning for more. If this can be emulated repeatedly, we have an even greater class than we originally thought.<br /><br />Final Race Positions (Qualifying position in brackets):<br /><br /><br />1 Ashwin - 98.54 (1)<br />2 Brad - 98.53 (5)<br />3 Costa - 97.71 (4)<br />4 Ayrton - 97.67 (3)<br />5 Tony - 95.37 (10)<br />6 Erlo - 94.34 (2)<br />7 Phil - 93.51 (6)<br />8 Mike - 89.57 (8)<br />9 Jono - 89.56 (7)<br />10 Luke - 72.24 (9)<br />11 Gwain - 69.44 (12)<br />12 Wnand - 69.12 (15)<br />13 Kevin - 69.09 (11)<br />14 Vic - 67.92 (13)<br />15 Aubrey - 63.83 (14)<br />16 Mikheel - 48.83 (16)Costahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11762997536957539432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342682138810948653.post-45914808312799737662009-05-05T08:47:00.000+02:002009-05-05T09:21:46.396+02:00Highlands - Portable Track Event (02/05/2009)The Highlands Event in Toti proved to be very good even though it had its challenges throughout the day.<br /><br />The day started off with the imminent threat of rain. It held off though pretty well right up until the very end.<br /><br />On arrival, I noticed that we were not setting up at the "change room enclosure" as was negotiated by Phil. Apparently the location of this site was not very good and was away from any sort of pedestrian thoroughfare. There was a cancellation at one of the big tens and Mandy the organiser told us we could set up in there. We thought that this would be brilliant as it was right nest to one of the pedestrian entrances and as we know, it's all about location.<br />We proceeded to set everything up and then waited for the gates to open so we could weave our magic.<br /><br />The gates opened and...... nothing! The people were paying to get in, walking past our tent and not even looking at us. The tent that was protecting us from the elements was the very thing that was causing our downfall.<br />Even getting Mike and Phil to stand at the entrance pointing people to our stand was proving to be pointless as I think we only had two paying customers.<br /><br />We got together and made an executive decision to move our track into the outdoors on the main field next to the dancing tents. Erlo volunteered to get his two gazebos from home just in case it rained.<br /><br />Like the well oiled slick machine that we are, we got the track moved across in record time and we already had "customers" waiting for us to be ready as well as lots of questions from interested persons.<br /><br />The rest is history. We ended up selling 144 tickets which was not bad considering that most of the morning was wasted.<br />It was a long day but thoroughly enjoyed by all.<br /><br />A big thanks to Phil, Mike, Ashwin, Erlo and Costa for all the effort they put in during the day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVs8sv1X7Unp7aJwRJ9OjR21CK0_BtGOO9FtKKXRElJu1hKTvfzifr5zMlbdj4UK98GEpHDFDQIf_7fI1_ALBjpKjE31ZjHa4jqZPvdDEa8JEQBObKyc7XqUXE44eZpr8ZIo7VaC4fhE/s1600-h/Highland9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332230209508694162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVs8sv1X7Unp7aJwRJ9OjR21CK0_BtGOO9FtKKXRElJu1hKTvfzifr5zMlbdj4UK98GEpHDFDQIf_7fI1_ALBjpKjE31ZjHa4jqZPvdDEa8JEQBObKyc7XqUXE44eZpr8ZIo7VaC4fhE/s400/Highland9.jpg" border="0" /></a>Costa telling the troops how to hold their controllers (again).</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoGcCeWIeWI4XPlpbBBr9zJeJUT117NbTFVnbM34FU4q7eqqP6rvY6XvA7UppMp2cmbA1hjqdLTfP5CWkUuKEjpC2WTeuGSKyPwPdahi8AK3MGn2eGYVoGo10-XZeLiRGvZXHgGP7JZg/s1600-h/Highland8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332230204320237554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoGcCeWIeWI4XPlpbBBr9zJeJUT117NbTFVnbM34FU4q7eqqP6rvY6XvA7UppMp2cmbA1hjqdLTfP5CWkUuKEjpC2WTeuGSKyPwPdahi8AK3MGn2eGYVoGo10-XZeLiRGvZXHgGP7JZg/s400/Highland8.jpg" border="0" /></a> A brief lull as we moved to our new location on the main field.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xkdoFDe6GwCWIdwLHlimFLzNloFOSTuo1Ddk71PsQMOHy0D-9UKEF18sBveG0SaW2xSXwTI9rA0VJI7CSCGJBFXZ6eorz0aeCefbu9ulCerxdVAR9E-_dRg5QX8PWLLcLQ5qFXyKcI8/s1600-h/Highland7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332230204141199698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xkdoFDe6GwCWIdwLHlimFLzNloFOSTuo1Ddk71PsQMOHy0D-9UKEF18sBveG0SaW2xSXwTI9rA0VJI7CSCGJBFXZ6eorz0aeCefbu9ulCerxdVAR9E-_dRg5QX8PWLLcLQ5qFXyKcI8/s400/Highland7.jpg" border="0" /></a> The interest is good and the numbers were excellent.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCN3hLb9TJV9GSI9Dr1_fKCC_OWB2kLDP1UvJMZnOWGgzSRX7BfeG9wkRLv0eKNsG7c5mkGv50TrX0W8EOusq9WI4OsEQkWw_NIV4aAVt1nWMD2T8_reQW8s0S1JAHndcgN0Lj2pKofw/s1600-h/Highland6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332230199312698690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCN3hLb9TJV9GSI9Dr1_fKCC_OWB2kLDP1UvJMZnOWGgzSRX7BfeG9wkRLv0eKNsG7c5mkGv50TrX0W8EOusq9WI4OsEQkWw_NIV4aAVt1nWMD2T8_reQW8s0S1JAHndcgN0Lj2pKofw/s400/Highland6.jpg" border="0" /></a> Location next to the dancing tent was a winner.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQya8wOMabTCBvSyQ_1862IJgE77yk0qfgUCTjOdb0zjGvGRZWpMBcyCATVeb6Ws2cIcmmO3-2gXVzbbZk0jSHEX-Rv92qfn-QusxP65QgmGudjRYZhr-jvyJPURChL_09nKuTbgEY0g/s1600-h/Highland5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332228142559199634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQya8wOMabTCBvSyQ_1862IJgE77yk0qfgUCTjOdb0zjGvGRZWpMBcyCATVeb6Ws2cIcmmO3-2gXVzbbZk0jSHEX-Rv92qfn-QusxP65QgmGudjRYZhr-jvyJPURChL_09nKuTbgEY0g/s400/Highland5.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had racers of all ages enjoying our track.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFlhhsM86XB7L_P5A9Pkg9tug7vp6eXO64XzQ-4YlMyV4s-kBvJJazXbtgIZt3zNxn-KUBOyloVigqmLqrQz_6B9ey7Z1B1zYbuMksu6GbAE8Gm09pQme6t3sSx61BxKIh0g2qK1WHjs/s1600-h/Highland3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332228135614993922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFlhhsM86XB7L_P5A9Pkg9tug7vp6eXO64XzQ-4YlMyV4s-kBvJJazXbtgIZt3zNxn-KUBOyloVigqmLqrQz_6B9ey7Z1B1zYbuMksu6GbAE8Gm09pQme6t3sSx61BxKIh0g2qK1WHjs/s400/Highland3.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had to cover the track as the sun was causing the track to expand.<br /><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Costahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11762997536957539432noreply@blogger.com0