Nbase, An addition tot the Ninco digital system Options

[Nbase]

Hi to all (Ninco Digital) slotcar enthusiasts,

I am proud to announce the Nbase.
The Nbase is a Ninco compatible power base, meaning you can drive your slotcars equipped with a Ninco digital chip, use the lane changers and multi lane detectors of Ninco. The Nbase is not a replacement for the Ninco power base. The Nbase is an addition to the Ninco digital system. The Nbase will be used to drive the cars. The Ninco power base remains on the track and will be used to do the car detection and provide the info for the RMS (Race Management System)

Why should you be interested in this project?
Well the main key of the Nbase is “car control”. With the Nbase all 16 control steps are made available. If one uses a controller with an analogue output you will get even more steps...
The throttle curves are not fixed, they are user configurable by the use of a simple computer interface.
There is more. Till now few features have been added to the Nbase.
-The main feature is the Nitro boost mode. (now you know for what the N stands in its name)
The Nitro boost mode allows you an extra boost when running at top speed. Actually the car will have extra steps available for a limited time. Once your buffer is empty it will take time to refill it so it's available for the next boost at your command;
-The system takes advantage of the lights you can build into the car. The blinking lights can give you info or you could use it to signal other drivers;
-Changing from lane can be inhibited when your speed is too high (limits the number of crashes)
Features are configurable and more features can be added in future releases...

Ninco Base
The Ninco base will still be used to do the car detection. It remains on the track but will not actually provide the power and data signal for the cars. This part will be done by the Nbase as described here above.

What is not supported?
Some features of the Ninco digital system will not work.
-Speed limitation when in pitstop mode will not work
-The Ninco original tower will not work
-...
If the need is high these features can be added in future releases.

ATTENTION
This project is not intend to be commercial.
I will never build or sell the Nbase hardware for commercial purposes.
Nbase is a BUILD-IT-YOURSELVE project.

The firmware will be made available for FREE and will be made OPEN SOURCE.
The software you need to have to program the curve(s) will be made available for FREE as well.

Because this is a BUILD-IT-YOURSELVE project, it does not mean that you will have to make a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The Nbase is based on an existent board that you will have to modify and extend.

Something about the controllers
Well any controller that is compatible with the Ninco system can also be used on this system.
You need to know that you will get most out of the system when you use a controller with a lot of steps. A controller with an analogue output will give you the best result.
You can build a controller your own or you can use a controller like the SCP1 controller with digital cartridge from Slot.it

Costs
It will cost you about 50 to 80 euro to build the Nbase.
Depending on your skills it will take you about one or two days to build it up from scratch.
Once you have build the Nbase you will notice that one part, the power output module, is missing.
Well here you have an option. Or you use the Simple-H module to do this job or you can build the power output module by your own by using an L6302 or equivalent. This last option will cost you about 8 to 10 euro's extra.

A homemade controller will cost you less than 4 euro, casing and trigger not included. An analogue (resistor based) controller will be suitable to start with.

We have the Nbase in use for several months now and it is in beta release, ready to be discovered and tested by other slot car enthusiasts.

Finally
I noticed that others have developed similar stuff in the past but never reached to make it work or distributed. Actually this project could end up just like that I am aware of it.

A lot of work still needs to be done. Hardware needs to be checked and reviewed if necessary. A manual has to be made so you are able to build the Nbase. The interface to program the curves, is MS Excel based, it works but not meant to be released like it is.

I have created a poll in this topic.
Question is simple and the result will determine the future of this project.

I am looking forward to read and comment your reactions on this project.

Regards,

Nbase

[Homoslot]

GREAT!!!!!

Very interesting project.

In Spain we drive without magnets and will be a great help, we could customize our hand controllers power delivery curves.



Best Regards.


Jordi

[bswan72]

Nice job on the project!

Is the braking also adjustable or only the throttle control?

I am interested in testing the Nbase. Preferably, would like to be able to test an assembled unit but could probably build one if the components and instructions are easy enough to follow for someone with average electric skills. Perhaps you could put together a kit that includes all the components so we don't have to try to source all the different components.

Best regards,
Brian

[Homoslot]

Is the braking also adjustable or only the throttle control?

+1

[Nbase]

Braking is not (yet) adjustable.
I notice that mostly analogue racers asks me this question.
I better start to do some analogue racing so I would fell the need.

I will investigate if brakes can be made adjustable.

[injectorman]

Adjustable brakes, IMO the most important aspect of control along with trigger sensitivity.

[GTR XU-1]

Nbase - cheers for the message and a good read.

Sadly - too little too late for me as I will be going scorpius very shortly. In my opinion, Ninco have really failed to improve the system themselves which has lead me to look at an alternative more advanced system...I agree that adjustable brakes are definately needed as well as longer lane changes.


Dave

[Homoslot]

My soldering iron is turned on for five days.

[mfogg]

My soldering iron is turned on for five days.

Don't mistake it for a pen (ploma)!

[Nbase]

I' m making an electrical scheme of the Nbase and will post it soon.
I would like that the specialists could go through it and make comments or improvements.

A bill of material will follow so you will have an idea of what is needed.

[Homoslot]

Don't mistake it for a pen (ploma)!

Hi Michael.

I'm going to build one for you!!

[Nijn]

It looks to be an improvement. I have tried to get a better handle of the cars by making a hall based controller.
It is an improvment compared to the standaard controller but the ninco power base limits the number of incomming steps in it's curves.
I use version 104 and for me this is the best one I have tested so far.

A few questions about this nbase:
- What controller are you using?
- How do you program the controller?
- What language do is used?

Thanks,
Nijn

[Nbase]

Hi Nign,

I use different controllers I have a Ninco analogue controller which I have equipped with an hall sensor, it is simple and very easy to do.
I also use the Slot.it SCP1.0, this one you can modify when driving
The controller cannot be programmed, you need to set the curve in the Nbase.
For the moment being the curve is loaded via MS excel, I hope that once some-one can make a tool.

Regards

[Nijn]

I use different controllers I have a Ninco analogue controller which I have equipped with an hall sensor, it is simple and very easy to do.
I also use the Slot.it SCP1.0, this one you can modify when driving
The controller cannot be programmed, you need to set the curve in the Nbase.
For the moment being the curve is loaded via MS excel, I hope that once some-one can make a tool.

Regards

I want to know what µcontroller you use?
I have some experience with Pics.

I once made a detection system for ninco digital with a pic.
Dead strip > PIC > Parallel port > Ultimate Racer. 3.0
Today we connect the ninco ML sensor to the computer and UR3.0

Nijn

[Nbase]

The Nbase is equipped with a PIC16F887 with 40 pins.
The PIC is programmed in Nmemonic style (35 single word instructions) , simple to program for everyone at no cost!


I have finished the scheme's I wonder I anyone can have a deeper look at them to check.
Just PM me and I will send them.