[jmlima]

Heya All, first time poster here.

The question that brings me here is, I have read loads about connecting track to the pc, to use all the software available (like Slotman), but I never managed to have the electronics knowledge or technique to do the necessary cabling a track connections. Given that I use my slot track for fun at home, nothing (very...) competitive, I find it hard to justify spending quite an amount of money on things like the Sclaextric RMS, just for the hardware. Is there someone that actually builds just the items needed for the connection (say the track piece and the cable)? Is there a place to buy such a thing? Or am I really stuck into having to buy something like the Sclaextric RMS just for the hardware?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Ade]

hi
if you have a spare laptop and a six car powerbase then you can run scalextric sport digital console.(ssdc)

you will need a powerbase to pc usb lead and purchase the software itself, for info and prices have a look in the scalextric digital section on this forum.

It is a fab system and there are many more add ons as well,pit pro for realistic pit stops and wireless throttles for total freedom...

You can trial the software for 30 days at no cost apart from the lead of course...

Good luck in your search and welcome to the forum..

 

[jmlima]

Ahh... yes. Forgot about that, I do not have the digital scalextric, I have a sports track only.

 

[Ade]

hi
ssdc does analouge timing but you will need a 6 car pb to do it, the C7042 apb can be found on ebay for as little as £40 and will sit right into your scaley sport track..

 

[RichD]

HO Slot Car Racing has a lot of information on how to connect your track to a computer. Look under Electronics, then Lap Counter. Two types of sensors are commonly used with 1/32nd slot tracks, those are dead strips and light sensors. The most common type of light sensors are the infrared ones, usually there is a bridge over the track with matching IR emitters built into it. A variation of that has the emitter/sensor pairs mounted in the track so the car's guide flag generates the signal, that system can be purchased as a modified Scalextric track section and is called SensorTrak. You can purchase a cable with IR sensors at the end that plugs into your computer, you drill holes in the track and glue the sensors in place. You can build your own light bridge or buy a pre-made one. Be aware that these timing systems are easier to use with older computers that have parallel and serial ports. If your computer only has USB ports things can get more complicated.

 

[CMOTD]

You can buy ready-to-go lightbridges and connectors but they are not particularly cheap. For example, a connection kit for Lap Timer 2000 costs £69. LINKY

I would suggest buying the obsolete Scalextric Sportworld. It is complete with track sensors and can be used on its own or easily plugged into a computer if you need more than basic lap timing. It is ideal for anybody who is not happy with electronic connections and the like.

It has not been made for some time but occasionally pops up on eBay and often sells for about £20 which is cheaper than the other ready-made alternatives.

 

[jmlima]

Thanks all for the answers!

Is Scalextric Sportworld this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scalextric-C8310-S...k/dp/B000H5V2I2

 

[CMOTD]

Yes that is it.

There is a Sportworld section of this forum if you want more information. LINKY

 

[jmlima]

Rights Gents...

Now, taken into account that a Sports World set just popped in ebay for £50...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...ME:B:SS:GB:1123

For what I want (see above), I assume this RMS would suffice (and save £25...)?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SCALEXTRIC-RACE-...=item27c775659c

Or are there massive differences between both?

 

[CMOTD]

I would think that the RMS would suit your stated purpose. It is even more obsolete than Sportworld but is similar in many respects. At that price you haven't got much to lose.

Be aware though that the commentator's voice overs are in a very boring Scottish accent which will probably make you lose the will to live!

 

[stoooo]

QUOTE (jmlima @ 3 Jun 2012, 18:10) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>For what I want (see above), I assume this RMS would suffice (and save £25...)?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SCALEXTRIC-RACE-...=item27c775659c
These also work with UR30 and Yascart, so you don't have to settle for the truly rubbish software that comes bundled on the CD.

 

[jmlima]

Thanks guys.