After market power supply

[rick42]

I am considering an after market power supply for my Carrera 132 x 124 track. I have both digital and analog control units that I swap back and forth , depending on what I’m in the mood to run at the time.

I would like to be able to adjust the power , when my grandkids come over. I know I can only do this with analog. What is a good power supply unit for this track , and how do I keep from burning up my motors ? Will this unit take the place of the current control unit? I assume it will. Any info on this will be greatly appreciated.

[Gameover]

I use the professor motor variable power supply on my four lane oval. I actually have two of them. They are a bit on yhe spendy side but work perfect. My father in law uses the same one on his 1/43 digital setup. We boyh got them from carreraslots.com. Give carrie a call and she can set you up with all the wires you may meed too.

[HomeRacingWorld]

[slowshoes]

[rick42]

Thanks for the help. I see what looks like the same one on Carrera and electric dreams for 179.00. And on eBay for less than 50.00. Are they the same ? I will be running 132 and 124 cars , so what amps and volts do I need , for minimal and maximum output ?

[RichD]

If you are talking about Carrera 1/24th scale cars 10 amps would be fine. For commercial raceway type cars you would need a lot more power, unless the cars had the lower powered motors that Parma sells to run on set type tracks. If you buy a power supply with adjustable amps always leave that control turned all the way up. It is best to have a separate fuse or circuit breaker for each lane, something like 2 amps should work well.

[rick42]

I wander why the big price difference from eBay to carerra. How will this connect to my carerra track

[Z-carfan]

I have one of these as well based on Harry recommendation. I mainly use it on my bench for my Tire Razor which is perfect. Think I'm going to grab another one for the Carrera track I'm putting up. I have an older Pyramid I use on my Routed test track. It's nice too.

[Czar]

This is how you will wire the track. If you use an aftermarket power supply, it is not plug and play. But, it is a very simple wiring project. Since you will no longer be using the pre-wired terminal track, you just wire the track directly. Choose the track piece you want to use for your new terminal track. Using a good gauge wire (16 is very minimum, 14 or 12 is better) simply push the wire into an open slot on the back of the track section, making sure the wire makes good contact with the rail. This next step is optional, but I do it - using silicone caulk, or rubber cement, put a good layer of glue onto the back and sides of the opening where the wire is inserted. This just makes sure nothing will slip out of place. Label your wires coming from the track, insert the new terminal track wherever you want in your layout, and follow the schematics. You can use this same technique for adding power taps, if you want.

Thanks to Professor Motor: http://www.lightningspeedway.com/wiringschematic2.pdf

[rick42]

Thanks czar, that’s what I was needing. From what I understand at this point, I will crank the amps up all the way and the cars will use only what they need. Is this correct?

[rick42]

Sorry for all the questions, this is all new to me.

[HomeRacingWorld]

Yes they will only draw what they need.

[rick42]

Thanks everyone for all the info. Harry,I just ordered the one you gave me the link on. 46.00 and free shipping. Cant beat that with a stick. Cant wait til I get it. Im just about finished with my new table , then I will start putting the new track together. Thanks again.

[Cobra]

Chinese power supplies may not burn up your slot car motors, I would worry more about my house :lol:

I use an Astron VS-35M for my 6 lane commercial track. The MG PS10-AD is another good one. These are linear power supplies which is better choice for a slot car track due to the cleaner power and better regulation over varied current loads.

Probably doesn't matter on a 2 lane track, it does make a difference with 6 NSR or Sideways cars running at 12 volts.

[FC47]

Well, I've got an MG as well and am happy with it, turned down runnin open wheel Legends, little higher for hotter cars, up more for H&R's, or right up real high for pounding around with Carrera 's or hustling BRM. Building a wood track this winter and looking forward to feeding it with the MG. My simple PM controllers manage all of it.
Best purchase so far other than tools and of course cars!