[soapy]

1) Hi Ive heard that some fly cars have a capacitor in their lighting set up, it seems like a good idea to me, does anyone know the specifics on this capacitor or upload a macro picture of it. I would like to try wiring a capacitor into one of my lighting setups.

2) Has anybody wired sound into their cars? If so do tell...

3) Feel free anybody to please chime in with electronic ideas for cars.

 

[Intergrali]

I'm workin on sound..

the "ganga" escort will be the candidate

Rob.

 

[Maverick]

The capacitor used is a "Goldcap"but this term won't help you if don't live in a native english country, at least that was my case, so when buying it ask to your retailer a capacitor which can be used as a backup capacitor or battery.
These specs should be OK:
+ 5V
+ 0.22F
That the one I am using to light my cars. But you can use a smaller capacity 0.1F is fine as well. Bigger the capacity is longer the light will remain on when the car is unpowered. 0.22F lasts for eternity (almost 5mn).

In order to have always the same light intensity a voltage regulator can be used as well and I have read somewhere that goldcap can popup if too much voltage is applied to it. I don't know what kind of power supply you are using but potentially your goldcap could receive up to 16-20V and that can be too much for a goldcap stamped for 5V. That's why a 5 or 6 V voltage regulator can be used.
You can check out an article about lightening slot cars at http://slotcars.carlsoncomputers.com/ it helped me lot.

Cheers,
Maverick.

 

[soapy]

OK Maverick,

I will give that a try, I could wire a resister in to keep the voltage down, besides which, a resistors needed for the diodes anyways.

Thanks, soapy

 

[McLaren]

I've heard of people hiding capacitors in their controllers which store power when you are in the corners and deliver it on top of the normal voltage when you put trigger to the plastic. Don't know how this works or how it is wired but would be interested to find out.
Similarly, would this work, hiding it somewhere in the car? That way, you could use a lower voltage power supply, run your LEDs off it, and use the capacitor to increase your speed.
Please post if you have info,

Lotus

 

[soapy]

Yes Ive heard of the capacitor in the controllers trick. I am not so much interested in carrying speed or adding length in stop and start races, as I am in charging the lights in the straights to keep them bright in the corners. I suppose you could put a capacitor in the car to help carry speed but I suspect it may not be big enough to make much difference, diodes on the other hand draw very little power. I will let you know if I find anything out though Lotus.

 

[Fergy]

To clarify on capacitors for increasing power (mentioned on a different thread recently):

A capacitor can only store a voltage, it cannot increase it. Thus, you can't get more out than what you put in, which can't exceed the full-throttle voltage.

The size of the capacitor determines how much current it can hold, but does not change the voltage, only the available amperage during discharge. Although an LED can remain lit for some time when powered from a capacitor (through a resistor to limit the current to safe levels), a slot car motor typically draws about 100 times more current than an LED can handle, with a total power requirement (wattage) about 1000 times higher. To run a slot car for even a fraction of a second would likely require a capacitor about the same size as the car. In theory, if power to the track is shut off at the end of a race (for example), a large capacitor hidden in a controller might propel a car for an additional inch or two, but that's about it.

The whole "hidden capacitor" thing is pretty much an urban legend.

But they are great for lighting!

 

[Intergrali]

Fergy, wanna bet on that one? really? wanna REALLY take a chance?

anybody on saturday KNOWS who will win this one

why? cos I got one.. AND I get an extra 7 volts at full throttle..

want a piccy?

Rob.

 

[Mecoprop]

CODE want a piccy? Yes please!

 

[Intergrali]

went to take one and friggin batteries have run out in the camera :rant:
see if I can get a pic now..

Rob.

 

[Intergrali]

havin your own site is great!

Rob.

 

[Fergy]

Inte, I'm sorry but that actually doesn't happen. Capacitors CANNOT increase voltage (unless you also have a hidden transformer in there too!

). If you seem to observe that the cap DOES, then you do not have a properly regulated and/or filtered power supply in the first place. In this case, the voltage you meter without a cap is an AVERAGE of a fluctuating voltage, while the voltage you meter with a cap is the PEAK voltage - however, when a car is in use and actually discharging the cap, it will quickly draw the cap's stored power down to the average level. In essence...no real gain, except that the motor may run slightly cooler in the long run because it will see a voltage level that is much more constant (near the average), rather than one that swings much higher and lower. Capacitors aren't magic, they are only storage devices.

 

[Intergrali]

yup I know.. we run 2 of the old transformers per lane un regulated

so at wrexham and staffs it will work, at pendle and preston it wont..

I do intend on getting MORE power somehow on normal tracks.. just wait an see

Rob.

 

[Fergy]

I suggest close scrutiny of Inte's cars and controllers, guys!

 

[Intergrali]

always has been



Rob