[hellsbells]

Hi I'm new to the game and have decided I want to build a wooden scalextric track, so far I have bought some stuff to make a start. A 4 power base and pit lane game. My question is can I hook up a different power supply to my base or do I have to purchase a genuine one?. I have seen some digital wood sets on you tube but cant see any of the set ups. My next question is do I have to buy the change over lanes, take the sensor out and install in my track or is there somewhere that sells just the sensor or an after market one?

 

[MrFlippant]

You can use another power supply as long as it outputs 15v DC, but honestly if you're going through the trouble of making up a wood digital track, then you're wasting your time on a 4 car base. Get the C7042 6 car base. It's like the Rolls Royce to a Reliant Robin.
As for the lane changers, since you'll need the flipper hardware and solenoids as well as the electronics, it's still cheaper to buy a Scalextric one and tear it up for the parts you need. SlotFan1966 has posted a great thread in the SSD forum about how he installed SSD lane changers into his wood track.

 

[Ade]

hi
before deciding on a psu best first to consider weather you intend to run with a race management program..

If you opt for ssdc for eg you can buy a psu with a fixed output voltage as the program allows for differing power options and save quite a bit of cash on the variable voltage one's..

Either way you should be looking for 10amps as a minmum..

 

[hellsbells]

thanks for the reply guys, I have a adjustable power supply that pumps out 30 v and up to 5 amps. After a bit of homework I have found that I can use a dc plug with banana plugs to power up my system. I think the best way will be to buy a piece of track and chop it up like you said or drop the plastic into the wood. I picked up a cheap 4 car base and because this is my first try at something like this I don't wont to muck it up and cost me a fortune, also the wife will kill me if this project gets out of hand. When I suceed with this one I will then convert to a 6 car system with track management on the laptop, as for now it's for me and my 2 boys that are only 4 and 6.

 

[Ade]

hi
i would be very carefull with the voltage setting. Anything above 16v and it will be fired chips and powerbase.

Digital normally runs at 15v and if you are going for the 6 car pb at a later date then that psu is not going to be man enough.

You should be looking for 8 amps as a minimum..

 

[Mr Modifier]

I believe the APB takes in 15V from the transformers (2 x 4 amps so 8 amps yes) BUT it only delivers 13.8V to the track.

There is a high power modification for the APB (just search for "APB high power mod" on SlotForum) which allows you to use your variable power supply.

Anything above 16V will indeed fry lots of stuff, power base, chips, lights, some motors.

I would stick my 30V 5A variable PSU on the bay and get a 15V 25A variable PSU for about the same money (just under £100 in both cases).

 

[ss67]

I should be on commission for the number of times I've said it but what you really need is something like this

edit: so many times I've decided to put a link in my signature!

 

[Mr Modifier]

Ha! you should resell them Simon - they are £35 cheaper than anything on evilbay!