by BIG E » Tue Feb 23, 2016 12:13 am
As I've posted many times before, I use slightly modified PARMA Turbo controllers, many which are almost as smooth as a digital unit after a little extra "TLC" during the assembly process. Most of them have cut down frames and single barrel resistors so they will fit into my classic Russkit and early PARMA handles. Since I race many different types of slot cars from nearly stock original AURORA Thunderjet 500 HO cars to 1/24 scale hard body drag, oval, and road race cars, I've got quite a few different controllers set up for racing. Of course, ohms are ohms, so a 60 ohm controller that I use for T-Jet HO racing can be used just as well with a 1/32 scale car, the same 25 ohm controller I use for road racing modern HO inline magnet cars I use on the HO drag strip for T-Jets and other HO cars, ect. My question is this - what is the resistance range (ohms) that these new electronic controllers can be dialed into? From 1 ohm to at least 100 (or better yet, 120) ohms would cover my varied racing needs.
I know Jim DiFalco has made a quality product for many years, but I've never purchased an electronic controller for two reasons:
1) - I like the feel of my vintage looking Russkit/Parma hybrid controllers.
2) - Many of the large scale races that I've won or placed on the podium I've been the only guy in the field with a ceramic resistor controller (which adds an extra bit of personal satisfaction), so why change?
I did put together a small auxiliary box that I can insert into the brake circuit should I need to dial back the dynamic braking, but I almost never use it. And when racing on larger scale ovals, I may use two or three different controllers as I move from the inside lanes to the outside. For example - on an 8 lane commercial Tri-Oval I may use a 4 ohm on the inner 2 or 3 lanes, a 3 ohm on the middle lanes and then finish with a 2 or 2/12 ohm on the two outside lanes).
I know, why carry a bag of controllers when one digital electronic unit and maybe a backup will perform just as well (or better)? The answer is simple - I enjoy using those cool metalflake and other colored Russkit handles, and I don't like all of the electronic "baggage" that's hanging out or off most modern digital units. I realize that if you put the two on a meter that the digital one is technically superior, but I'm just plain having a lot more FUN with my old school stuff!
Hey man, what ever you're most comfortable with, use it... Enjoy!! -- Ernie :>)
*Sorry this got so long, but you get the idea, right? -- E :>)
Last edited by
BIG E on Tue Feb 23, 2016 9:37 am, edited 1 time in total.