by b.yingling » Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:57 am
While you can use the PC cable with a Black Box system- you'd have to buy an old, 30342 model lap counter. On a Black Box system, that's where the PC cable plugs in. It doesn't plug into the port on the Black Box. Unless you already have one, or one of them (the 30342) can be found really, really cheap- like free- it really isn't worth it. Just buy a Control Unit and you can get on screen fuel, the ability to change the speed, brake and tank from software and a whole, whole lot more. If you add a pit lane, with the CU you get Real Mode: the car drives differently depending on fuel load. And still more.
Aftermarket power is definitely worthwhile if you run more than a few cars at a time. More stable power delivery means lane changers will work better, cars will run smoother- no downside.
The pit lane will work with the Black Box- but again, when using a BB as your power base, there is no way to track fuel use even with software. A car's lights flash when it's getting low, and they stop flashing when you're full in the pit lane, and that's the only fuel information you will ever see.
In short: if you want to expand and improve your Carrera digital experience, buy a Control Unit before you do anything else.
Not entirely sure about the Ramjet, but I can think of no reason why they wouldn't work. Best to confirm with the manufacturer before purchase. If you've got room for a Ramjet in your slot budget- I'd again recommend buying a Control Unit as your first digital upgrade. While it will make little immediate difference w/o other purchases (such as PC cable or pit lane or driver displays or app connect or.....) it does open a world of possibility.