Digital Carrera purchasing advice needed

[Burrell]

I pretty new to the hobby and am still trying to figure out the best way to build up my setup. I am on a limited budget, so I will be purchasing items a little at a time. What I could use advice with is what order to purchase accessories. And if there is anything that I have forgotten. If you have the exact part number, since there are some items that are newer than others, I would really appreciate that as well.

I'm currently using D132 exclusively, but would like the option to run some D124 cars.

What I have right now:
Streamliner D132 race set with old Black Box
4' x 12' table
(I'm still playing with the exact layout and that will change as I get more track pieces)

1. First, I want to get the new Control Unit (30353) and PC Unit (30432) so that I can hook up with b.yingling's software.

2. Then I'm thinking of a power unit and new trigger controllers. This is where I need very specific advice. What power source would you suggest? What are the trigger controller options out there for Carrera digital?

3. Next, I'll get the pit lane.

Is this a good purchasing order? Should I get controllers and power source first, then control and PC unit? Anything else you can think of that I should put on the list?

Thanks is advance for any advice!

[cagee13]

The Control unit would be my first purchase. Then I would probably try to get the pitlane and PC Unit at the same time. Only because b.yingling's software is so much better when you have the pitlane option for breakdowns and have the fuel gauge shown on the screen.

As for the power unit and controllers. I use the Rubirosa controllers that are available from Cincyslots and Cincyslots also have a great power supply available that I use to run D132/D124 just send Bruce an email or give him a call. He runs digital as well and could help set you up. A word of caution when using the aftermarket power supply is to INSTALL AN INLINE FUSE BETWEEN THE POWER SUPPLY AND CONTROL UNIT. The control unit can't handle more than 8 amps so I put a 7 amp fuse inline just to keep my control unit safe because I blew 2 control units before I realized what was happening.

[proxieken]

A new set will come with the control unit, and some online sellers are offering the older sets and a new control unit for an extra $25. Buying some extra sets will be a good place to build your controllers, lane switches and basic tracks. The best deals I got when starting was buying a couple of used tracks on e-bay. Usually a person getting out of the hobby will have a couple extras as well, like some cars. I also look over Craigslist. This ad is on my local Craigslist right now- http://york.craigslist.org/tag/3862001001.html If I needed track it would be a nice deal.

After picking up some extra sets I needed some curves of radius 2 or 3, and that gets costly. There are some deals, but hard to find. Hobbytown USA in Frederick Md was selling Carrera 1/32 borders for 75% off when I was there a few weeks ago.
I use the standard Carrera controllers and power supply and have few issues so far. I only have a 1/32 power supply. On my track the 1/32 cars can get about 26 laps per tank but the 1/24 cars only get about 15 or so. It measures electricity used and the 1/24 cars running on 1/32 power take a lot more juice. Even though I am only running the lower power supply the lap times are very similar between the 2 sizes of cars.

Borders are expensive, but needed for the 1/24 cars and are really nice even for the 1/32 cars. I lose a lot less paint on the guard rails now.

The pit lane is a must buy. I do not think any sets come with it.

Good luck and enjoy. It has been just a few years since I returned to the hobby and I have a great time.

[RazorJon]

you may want to check out Carreraslots.com he has pit lanes for 84.00

[Burrell]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I've gotten the new Control Unit and connection cable ordered. I've also downloaded and have Bruce Yingling's software.

Next month, I plan to purchase the pit lane.

Then I'll worry about controllers and power supply. I'm also trying to figure out which track pieces I need to improve my layout.

[ddyke]

Rubirosa's controllers are nice. Good German engineering.

[cagee13]