All Wireless Options for SSD, please add and update as things change Options

[ethobias]

Chris, yes that is our general idea. For the moment it requires a special PIC-programmer to do the upgrade but we are aiming at implementing some kind of bootloader to simplify the update, not clear when this will be done though...

We will also be able to send new updated MCUs for the cost of post and packaging.

Thobias
www-slotcarsolutions.com

[Richard TB]

Boy, Mr. Flippant, you woke up the Beast with this thread. Since I went to bed last night and got up this morning there has been a veritable hive of activity! To answer Gregk's question, I have not tried the SCS system in analog mode but I will try it soon and let you know the results.

Richard

[MrFlippant]

The posts so far have been exactly what I hoped the thread would encourage. An open dialog about the technology and benefits of all systems that support SSD car control.

I'm hoping that various solutions can be field-tested with different combinations soon. For example, it will be important to learn how well the SCS system works with the C7042 base. Similarly, if it works, or can be made to work, with the Slot.it SCP1 controller.

Chris99, the only one I know of that at this time will FOR SURE work with the C7042 base without the need of a computer is the Slot.it solution. Since it's probably the most expensive "buy it in one go" solution, and since you can't get it all just yet anyway, we should know if the SCS system works with the C7042 base in time to make an informed choice. The slot.it solution is expensive for those who haven't already got the SCP1 controller and a compatible cartridge. Since the system requires four components to work, each between $50-100, just to control one car, it will probably be lowest on the list of choices simply for cost reasons. I would expect Rick will ensure that the Scorpius Wireless bridge device will work with the C7042. Hopefully he is able to make it work with the C7030 as well. Hopefully he does not drop those plans in favor of allowing SSDC to perform the control through an APB.

Another option I hadn't thought of would be a Slot.it to PC to APB solution, like the Scorpius Wireless and SSDC Throttle Box solutions. I don't know how much throttle data the slot.it wireless PC dongle is designed to receive, but I'm pretty sure it's "all of it" just like Scorpius. As such, SSDC could also interface with that for car control. In that case, one would purchase a slot.it SCP1 with oXigen cartridge for each car they wish to control, and just one oXigen PC dongle to receive them all, interpreted by SSDC and then sent through the APB to control the cars. Depending on pricing, this option could be very similarly priced to the Scorpius Wireless option, both of which would be more expensive than the SSDC Throttle Box. For going through a computer and an APB, the SSDC Throttle Box is the most economical choice, assuming a computer upgrade is not also required.

I so rarely turn on my PC, though. It really is reserved primarily for club race nights. I'd much rather have a solution that didn't require the PC in the middle, not to mention the APB and loss of my precious Rich G Lap Display. Darn you, Rich, for making such a great piece of kit!!!

[injectorman]

Hi Guys
This is the Scorpius solution to date:



These 3 components allow you to:
a)Use Scorpius controller only with Scorpius chipped cars
b)Use Scorpius controller on SS 7040 APB to run 6 SSD cars.
c)Allow Scorpius controller to run an analogue car.

The WAM (Wireless Analogue Module) is currently being upgraded to 50A.

Current Scorpius controller features able to be used with the new APB include:

a)256 step control
b)256 step brake control
c)Wirelessly reflashable
d)Wirelessly configurable
e)Long bsattery life
f)LCD screen
g)Learner mode
h)10 rewritable throttle curves
i)Diagnostic software
j)Driver name, this could be programmed to automatically be entered in the race set up.
h)Security PIN
i)Version number
j)Extra button for any function.
h)Lightweight balanced controller with light, med or heavy spring tension.

Prices: Controllers $199, Dongle $99, WAM $129 (due mid 2012). all prices in AUD and are ex tax.

Controllers and dongles released July 2011, now sold out, next production currently about to begin mid Jan.

Andy is currently in the software stage and we hope to have this out soon.

Also planned the Universal Receiver that plugs into:
a)SSD 7030 PB
b)SCX digital
c)Ninco digital
d)Carrera digital

Due: 2013

Rick

[injectorman]

double post

[injectorman]

Triple post

[MrFlippant]

So, the universal receiver (the piece that lets us not use a computer) planned for 2013, is NOT planned to work with the C7042 base?

[injectorman]

Yes the Universal Interfsace will work with any digital powerbase on the market. If you own the APB the dongle in thru the PC is a cheaper, cleaner option though. And you only need one dongle for all 6 channels.

Were not sure how to configure the Universal Interface yet, singulary, double, triple or all 6 car IDs. All outputs simply plug into each controller input on your PB.

Rick

[MrFlippant]

I see. So, no PC-free option for APB users who like the Scorpius controller.

As for the Universal Interface, well, I guess that depends on the cost versus value. If the cost/price only changes a little per output, then all 6 would make more sense to me. They'll still need a controller for each ID they'd want to use through it. You could make a poll, of course. Personally, I'd rather spend $200 on one that does all 6, rather than $100 for just one, or $150 for 2 or three. But if the price/cost increases proportionately to the number of outputs, and a 6 output version would cost 4-6 times the single output version, well, that's a no brainer as well. It would be much easier to buy a couple receivers and add more later, just as most people would be likely to buy only one or two controller and add to them later on.

[injectorman]

I see. So, no PC-free option for APB users who like the Scorpius controller.

The universal interface will service all digital powerbases.

Rick

[MrFlippant]

Got it. I misunderstood what you meant in your previous post. So your original post can be amended to:

Also planned the Universal Receiver that plugs into:
a)SSD 4 car, 7030 6 car, and 7042 6 car PBs
b)SCX digital
c)Ninco digital
d)Carrera digital

[injectorman]

Thanks Greg fior clearing that up

[chris99]

2) Slot Car Solutions Wireless bridge system. This system is a wireless bridge between the controller and the powerbase itself. No computer or software required. A transmitter and receiver pair is required. Each receiver can handle up to two transmitters. The basic system includes two transmitters and one receiver. The receiver is powered by USB type power (PC or wall wart with USB socket), and the transmitter is battery powered. Transmitters are pre-programmed to specific frequencies, so specific ID pairs must be ordered. This system has been tested on the C7030 powerbase with resistive controllers. Testing with other controllers and the C7042 base is being conducted.

If I have missed a solution, or made any mistakes, PLEASE post corrections and updates. I think this thread will be a great place to discuss the various merits of each solution without taking over threads dedicated to a specific solution. If you have any thoughts on any of these solutions, any that haven't been mentioned, or even your own ideas, please share!

Hi all,

All I have to say is wow, wow, BLOODY WOW.

I've just received two SCS wireless controllers and have been blown away. Why hasn't anyone done this before! It's just what the doctor ordered and critically there's absolutely no noticeable lag. It's just plug and play and thereafter just like wired controllers except there's complete freedom of movement and no computers to hook in - just power up, 4 to 5 secs to connect & then race. I can even control them from the bottom of the garden and through a thick stone wall and it's fun to do it from above with a bird's eye view from the mezzanine - just need someone on hand below to reslot the car . These guys were so modest in their comments that I was ready for a second class Heath Robinson product but this is top class.

We've been racing for 2 hours solid trying every car & every option with the C7042 APB and everything worked as usual in digital and analogue modes apart from the throttle calibration but this can be done before plugging in. I'll give it a few days testing before coming back with more objective feedback but first signs are incredibly positive. Thanks Ola & Thobias for making my day and overturning my initial scepticism of buying a product still in development. And here's to future enhancements which can only make it even more attractive

Chris

[Ade]

hi
excellent news Chris,i think you are the first to confirm that this system works with the C7042(apb).

[MrFlippant]

Yeah, it's great to have confirmation that it works well with the APB. Can you tell us more about how calibration works with the SCS wireless and the APB? It sounds as if you must calibration the controller while plugged directly into the base, and then swap in the wireless?

I wish I could update the original post to reflect new information like this.