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This was a HUGE discussion on an HO list not long ago.
My personal viewpoint is that any controller which does not add power (to the power circuit or brake circuit) should be allowed. Some shot me down, citing "coast" on most of the electronic controllers as being a decided advantage. I pointed out that I can modify a Parma (or ANY resistive controller) to achieve the coast function. Others felt that the "sensitivity" adjustments were unfair. Again, that can be built into resistive controllers, and some in the US are offering custom wound resistors for HO that exhibit very unique "power curves". It can actually be added to ANY resistor if you don't mind soldering in a few goodies.
I don't think resistive controllers are going to be part of the aftermarket scene for much longer. Why would they? A simple electronic, transistorized controller can be built and sold for much less. I know, I use one I built myself. No parts to replace, except maybe a wiper button every few years!
I see resistance (no pun intended
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) to electronic controllers all the time, and frankly, I think most of it is due to not understanding how e-controllers work, and not realizing that they will likely soon be the only controllers you can buy.
Cost is a scary thing too, at the moment, but that will change - costs WILL come down as they do with all electronic goods after becoming commonplace. Even now, if you have more than one resistive controller to account for different scales, tracks, or motors, it could be cheaper to use a single e-controller that will handle them all.
Edit: For proof of that, look at the US-made Professor Motor controllers - some are very close in price to a fully featured Parma resistive unit!
Having said all that, I will still gladly run a good resistive controller against anyone's e-controller in a race. It's still the driver that counts, the e-controller is just a "more comfortable steering wheel".
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My personal viewpoint is that any controller which does not add power (to the power circuit or brake circuit) should be allowed. Some shot me down, citing "coast" on most of the electronic controllers as being a decided advantage. I pointed out that I can modify a Parma (or ANY resistive controller) to achieve the coast function. Others felt that the "sensitivity" adjustments were unfair. Again, that can be built into resistive controllers, and some in the US are offering custom wound resistors for HO that exhibit very unique "power curves". It can actually be added to ANY resistor if you don't mind soldering in a few goodies.
I don't think resistive controllers are going to be part of the aftermarket scene for much longer. Why would they? A simple electronic, transistorized controller can be built and sold for much less. I know, I use one I built myself. No parts to replace, except maybe a wiper button every few years!
I see resistance (no pun intended
Cost is a scary thing too, at the moment, but that will change - costs WILL come down as they do with all electronic goods after becoming commonplace. Even now, if you have more than one resistive controller to account for different scales, tracks, or motors, it could be cheaper to use a single e-controller that will handle them all.
Edit: For proof of that, look at the US-made Professor Motor controllers - some are very close in price to a fully featured Parma resistive unit!
Having said all that, I will still gladly run a good resistive controller against anyone's e-controller in a race. It's still the driver that counts, the e-controller is just a "more comfortable steering wheel".
