I just discovered the world of slot cars. Actually, my business partner did and sent me a link to a YouTube video of them--I was amazed! The original idea was that we'd setup the track for our customers at the shop to entertain themselves.
Oh, a little about me: I have 14 years experience working in technology, I also own a shop that specializes in building road racing and performance cars, and I am an amateur road racer myself. Thus digital slot cars appeals both to the racer and the geek in me.
I picked up a Scaley set off of CraigsList. It included over a dozen cars, 100' of classic and sport track, bridges, banked turns, lots of curbing, R1-R4 corners, 4 car digital PB, pit game, multiple XLC and CLC, multiple pit line pieces, and more! When we received the track, my business partner and I decided we should setup up a small oval track to test the system. Well, the small oval turned into a 65' track with multiple LCs, pit row, and elevation changes. We threw on a couple of cars and started racing. I had selected a Ferrari F430 challenge car. I placed in on the track, pulled the trigger, and swiftly sent the car flying off the track and across the room. It left the track with such force that the airfoil broke off. I just looked at my business partner, smiled, and said "well, they are fast, but it seems you have to drive them more like real cars. I guess I'll slow down for turn one this time." We spent the next several hours racing.
We had purchased the SSD set as a novelty. We thought it would just be something to entertain the customers, but we were hooked. My business partner just kept saying, "This is a lot more fun that it should be!" And he is right--who would think that a "toy" could provide so much racing fun for "grown up" men?
Most of the cars that came with the set we purchased were the durable type from Scaley, but there were a few nicer cars from Fly included. Understanding the difference in quality of the cars, we quickly got online and started ordering some additional cars. Soon the FedEx man was bringing us new Fly and Slot.It cars. Realizing that most the cars were analog, I started looking at the options for converting them to work with our SSD system. This lead me to SlotForum and many hours of reading...
At this point I'll interject that I understand that slot car roots are in analog racing. I know that there are lots of slot car purists that scoff at the digital systems. Personally, I find digital systems much more appealing. There is much more realism with a digital system. Running multiple cars and planning passes makes the experience much more like real racing. The LCs also allow you to plan your line on different sections of the track to yield faster lap times. Additionally, the track just looks silly when you have 4+ lanes around the entire track. I just can't ever imagine myself enjoying racing on a analog track as much as I do a digital track.
Back on point: after spending some time lurking on the slot car forums, I quickly realized I needed an APB. I found a great deal on a Digital Platinum system that includes the 7204, 8 digital cars, and of course more track. Once it arrives, I'll update the firmware and start using SSDC. We have also decided to dedicate an entire room at the shop to our track. This will allow us to have a permanently installed track with flat screen displays on the wall for timing and scoring.
Since I would like to begin to use SSDC, I need a couple of items. I of course need a PC cable and I'd like to have my Pit Lane Game converted to a Pit Pro. Is there a resource in the US for these items or am I better off sourcing these from the UK?
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
-bj meyer
Oh, a little about me: I have 14 years experience working in technology, I also own a shop that specializes in building road racing and performance cars, and I am an amateur road racer myself. Thus digital slot cars appeals both to the racer and the geek in me.
I picked up a Scaley set off of CraigsList. It included over a dozen cars, 100' of classic and sport track, bridges, banked turns, lots of curbing, R1-R4 corners, 4 car digital PB, pit game, multiple XLC and CLC, multiple pit line pieces, and more! When we received the track, my business partner and I decided we should setup up a small oval track to test the system. Well, the small oval turned into a 65' track with multiple LCs, pit row, and elevation changes. We threw on a couple of cars and started racing. I had selected a Ferrari F430 challenge car. I placed in on the track, pulled the trigger, and swiftly sent the car flying off the track and across the room. It left the track with such force that the airfoil broke off. I just looked at my business partner, smiled, and said "well, they are fast, but it seems you have to drive them more like real cars. I guess I'll slow down for turn one this time." We spent the next several hours racing.
We had purchased the SSD set as a novelty. We thought it would just be something to entertain the customers, but we were hooked. My business partner just kept saying, "This is a lot more fun that it should be!" And he is right--who would think that a "toy" could provide so much racing fun for "grown up" men?
Most of the cars that came with the set we purchased were the durable type from Scaley, but there were a few nicer cars from Fly included. Understanding the difference in quality of the cars, we quickly got online and started ordering some additional cars. Soon the FedEx man was bringing us new Fly and Slot.It cars. Realizing that most the cars were analog, I started looking at the options for converting them to work with our SSD system. This lead me to SlotForum and many hours of reading...
At this point I'll interject that I understand that slot car roots are in analog racing. I know that there are lots of slot car purists that scoff at the digital systems. Personally, I find digital systems much more appealing. There is much more realism with a digital system. Running multiple cars and planning passes makes the experience much more like real racing. The LCs also allow you to plan your line on different sections of the track to yield faster lap times. Additionally, the track just looks silly when you have 4+ lanes around the entire track. I just can't ever imagine myself enjoying racing on a analog track as much as I do a digital track.
Back on point: after spending some time lurking on the slot car forums, I quickly realized I needed an APB. I found a great deal on a Digital Platinum system that includes the 7204, 8 digital cars, and of course more track. Once it arrives, I'll update the firmware and start using SSDC. We have also decided to dedicate an entire room at the shop to our track. This will allow us to have a permanently installed track with flat screen displays on the wall for timing and scoring.
Since I would like to begin to use SSDC, I need a couple of items. I of course need a PC cable and I'd like to have my Pit Lane Game converted to a Pit Pro. Is there a resource in the US for these items or am I better off sourcing these from the UK?
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
-bj meyer
