30 replies to this topic

[studentdriver]

I have a Third Eye FET2 (older release) and it works great. Also have a very old Difalco with brake and sensivity and the remote brake to keep controller cooler. I don't necessarily race but like to go fast and try to have fun.

 

I don't mind spending extra money but I'm not at the $800+ range for a controller. I was trying to find a backup (or maybe a newer style) controller. I'd like to find a newer Third Eye, as it has choke (which I'm finding out with the Phoenix motors to be pretty helpful). Also the Third Eye has the FTB (full throttle bypass) without the need to push another button for high-banked tracks. The problem is getting another Third Eye, none in stock and after looking into it, I'm not sure when they will ever be back in stock where I could find one.

 

Anyone out there have a newer Third Eye controller that they might want to sell? 

 

If not, what are some of the other good controllers with a choke and similar FTB option? I'd like to stay with something at least assembled in the US and one that I can send to get repaired if it breaks.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[Ramcatlarry]

Difalco Online

[bbr]

Les Wright is making a controller.

[crazyphysicsteacher]

I would look into a Carsteen. It has a choke and also a customizable curve like the Third Eye.

[studentdriver]

Difalco Online

 

Really like Difalco stuff! Have used them over the years, etc. I see he does offer a custom choke option but I do not think he offers a FTB (full throttle bypass) option, just an extra button to push to go full throttle. You might say well that's not bad (and maybe for most it isn't), but I can't walk and chew bubblegum at the same time so I'm thinking it might not work. Chances I'll hit the bypass too late into the corner out of the banked turn. 

 

Mike

[studentdriver]

Les Wright is making a controller.

 

I've used some of his stuff in the past. I see he has a Facebook page, will keep an eye out!

[studentdriver]

I would look into a Carsteen. It has a choke and also a customizable curve like the Third Eye.

 

Cool, you are the second person to recommend the Carsteen. There was a post here in this topic area "The Controller Corner" a few months ago saying that while the Carsteen works, it's better for Euro-style cars. So I was a bit hesitant to spend the money on the CS4. I would be comparing it to the Third Eye I have and if it doesn't match up or even better, I might be disappointed.. I wish I could try one out first to see.

 

In the other thread they were saying that the choke is linear and not measured in feet. To be honest, when adjusting the choke I don't always look at the numbers but count on how the car is feeling and lap times so the linear change with the choke of the Carsteen might not be that big of a deal for me, just not sure. 

 

Also just saw the other thread that it doesn't have a full throttle bypass (either with button or built in switch). I race on tracks with banked turns and large straightaways so this would be bad.

 

Guess I can wait and see.. I'm not in a huge rush until I have an issue with my 3rd eye (maybe I never will).

 

Mike

[Eddie Fleming]

Someone will correct me if I am wrong but as I see it. 
 
The new Difalco controllers with the traction control acts rather like a choke with a full throttle bypass. As you turn up the traction control you slow down all the bands below full power but the full power band is still full power. 

[Sloter]

Difalco has full throttle relay. Keep in mind service for your controller if you ever need it. I have used Professor Motor and Difalco for decades and service is top notch as is the controller. 

 

Bob

[Phil Smith]

I started back racing in the early '80s with a Parma controller that I modded like everyone else did. All the rest of my controllers have been Difalco. I have two now and I've had maybe four others. Never owned anything else. Just that one Parma and multiple Difalcos.

 

If there was a way to post a poll on Slotblog asking what brand controller you use, the vast majority would be Difalco.

[studentdriver]

Someone will correct me if I am wrong but as I see it. 
 
The new Difalco controllers with the traction control acts rather like a choke with a full throttle bypass. As you turn up the traction control you slow down all the bands below full power but the full power band is still full power. 

 

I didn't know this.. I will have to look into it. Appreciate the info.

 

I talked to a few folks (and this was just their opinion) that they didn't necessarily like the traction control so maybe it's not exactly the same as a choke? Again, I have limited knowledge of traction control and never used it myself. I only have used a regular choke on my Third Eye and really like it once you get it tuned in.

 

Thanks again,

 

Mike

[Eddie Fleming]

I talked to a few folks (and this was just their opinion) that they didn't necessarily like the traction control so maybe it's not exactly the same as a choke? Again, I have limited knowledge of traction control and never used it myself. I only have used a regular choke on my Third Eye and really like it once you get it tuned in.

 

When I bought my Difalco with TC, I did not like it and ran with TC turned off all the time. Then I started playing with it. I found it is a balancing act with TC and sensitivity. It is another tool to get the feel you want.

 

And it can be added to older Difalco controllers. 

[studentdriver]

 

When I bought my Difalco with TC, I did not like it and ran with TC turned off all the time. Then I started playing with it. I found it is a balancing act with TC and sensitivity. It is another tool to get the feel you want.

 

And it can be added to older Difalco controllers. 

 

 

Do you know if you have TC on and you go full power (straight or banked) if it will give full power without needing to push another button? I guess I could learn to use another button but I've been racing with 1 finger for years, heh.. might be a long learning curve. 

 

Right now I have the 3rd eye tuned to where I never go full power in flat turns (which would be silly to have it limited/choked that much) and with the bypass enable you can still get max power without pressing another button. 3rd eye has an option to enable and disable FTB but with the tracks I'm on I'm ok with FTB always on. I could see maybe needed to turn off full throttle bypass on flat tracks potentially (depending on how long the straights are).

[Eddie Fleming]

Full power is full power with or without TC on. There is no TC bypass button. Only the pot to turn TC from off to full. 

[Tim Neja]

You can also CALL Howard at Third Eye and see what he can tell you directly for what you are looking for.

[BrettC]

The CS-4 has choke, and traction control, and is good for any class of car , from 32nd scale to wing cars.

[studentdriver]

You can also CALL Howard at Third Eye and see what he can tell you directly for what you are looking for.

 

I emailed him (probably should have mentioned this in the opening message, whoops).. Not to get into too much detail but I know he's had some issues as of late and stock is non-existing and when I asked he said it would be several months before places like ERI got stock back. You can order 1 specific controller from him directly but it's pretty expensive (not doubting it's worth it, but over my budget) and lead time is 1 month.

 

That's why I asked if anyone would want to sell one used possibly or what other options I might have.

 

Again, should have included that bit of info to start, don't know why I didn't.. 

 

My personal buying habits for slot car is

1) ask my local track, they use ERI

2) ERI didn't have any so take a look online

3) none of the normal vendors have any in stock

4) quick look on ebay, nothing..

 

and here we are!

[Jim Lange]

The Les Wright / Mike Blevins controller is by far one of the finest controllers ever made. They offer different styles for different types of racing and makes a controller with the very least resistance of ANY controller made today. I personally tested the new prototype controller that does it ALL. It is designed for ALL types of classes and does ALL exceptionally well. It features: Variable sensitivity and brake, adjustable choke, adjustable anti brake, mush button, choke bypass button, and ....a panic brake button! This controller works well for G7 wing cars, Retro, and flat track cars like GT12 or Eurosport. PM Les Wright or Mike Blevins for more info.

[crazyphysicsteacher]

3rd eye has a bypass for full throttle on the regular voltage choke controller. No extra buttons needed. The voltage choke will work as a max limit and range of the trigger will therefore function from 0 to that limit.
For the e-wire, the bypass is built into the system. You will always have full throttle at full travel but the e-wire choke will give a slight delay. Not much at full throttle, but a slight amount as it releases to full voltage. I have an e-wire that I have used in everything from womps to box stock 12 in a flexi chassis. The choke functions and works for them all and is very smooth and predictable on the bottom end.

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[LiqTenExp]

I recently got a Carsteen CS-4 from midamerica, I love it, totally worth it. I have a ThirdEye Hitman and this controller was worth the money over it. The hitman is now my backup.

 

The CS-4 has a voltage choke knob to limit top speed, current choke knob to limit inrush and acceleration, 4 throttle curve switches (1 that makes it more sensitive and 2-4 that progressively make it less sensitive), sensitivity control knob, variable brake control knob, and antibrake all in one package. The heatsink module has a built in fan, volt meter, and hanger for the track. Very happy with it so far, the throttle is very smooth mechanically and the build quality is great. The anti-brake and choke 2 have their own switches in case you want to take them in/out on the fly. My only complaint is that those switches are slightly hard to find "blind" and could have been a hair longer.

 

The ones they have in stock is the latest 2021 version which you don't see a lot of photos of online (pictures on midamerica is the older style).

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[team burrito]

i had two ruddocks & i thought they were the best controller on the market. then i tried a carsteen cs-1 & thought i found the best controller in the world. then i bought a difalco genesis 2 hd30 & now this is my go-to race controller. i did buy a dubick controller & it's a good back-up controller. it has the option of turning off the relay blast, but i added that feature to my difalco - a simple switch does the trick.

[studentdriver]

I recently got a Carsteen CS-4 from midamerica, I love it, totally worth it. I have a ThirdEye Hitman and this controller was worth the money over it. The hitman is now my backup.

 

The CS-4 has a voltage choke knob to limit top speed, current choke knob to limit inrush and acceleration, 4 throttle curve switches (1 that makes it more sensitive and 2-4 that progressively make it less sensitive), sensitivity control knob, variable brake control knob, and antibrake all in one package. The heatsink module has a built in fan, volt meter, and hanger for the track. Very happy with it so far, the throttle is very smooth mechanically and the build quality is great. The anti-brake and choke 2 have their own switches in case you want to take them in/out on the fly. My only complaint is that those switches are slightly hard to find "blind" and could have been a hair longer.

 

The ones they have in stock is the latest 2021 version which you don't see a lot of photos of online (pictures on midamerica is the older style).

 

 

My 1 concern is, who makes Carsteen and if it breaks where do I send it to get fixed? I did a google search and maybe I just missed it but I couldn't find a site for who manufactures the controller.

 

Mike

[Dominator]

Carsteen is Steen Michealsen. You can message him here or on FB. Super nice guy and very helpful with trouble shooting. I have two of his controllers and they work flawlessly. His turn around is usually fairly quick as well. When I have had to send him one back (because of my own doing) I get them back usually within 3-4 from shipping date. Shipping takes 7-10 days each way.

[studentdriver]

Full power is full power with or without TC on. There is no TC bypass button. Only the pot to turn TC from off to full. 

 

Thanks, I confirmed with Jim that's how it works. Not that I doubted you at all Eddie! Also thanks for your great info. 1 thing I clarified with Jim is, his choke definition (maybe others have a slightly different understanding, not doubting Jim at all) is that a REAL choke will limit power consistently.. enabling a FTB means it's no longer a technical choke (apologies to Jim if I didn't sum it up completely correctly). I just wanted to mention this in case someone else was looking into chokes specific to Difalco controllers. Sounds like traction control IS what I'm looking for. I'm going to see if someone local has one to try out.. 

 

that said, unfortunately seems like the list of controllers that have some nice tuning is limited.

1) Difalco with traction control

2) Carsteen CS4 (as of me writing looks like 4.2 is the latest?)

3) Dubick

4) Devel pro (waaaaay out of my price range, also not sure on support) but looks like a REAL nice controller. Would love to try one to see if spending the money might even be worth it

5) Les Wright, not 100% sure about this one, will need to look into it!

 

Thanks all for your information, appreciate you taking the time out to discussion your thoughts on current controllers!

[LiqTenExp]

Carsteen CS-4.2 (2021 dated board) is the latest. I am absolutely loving this controller. Raced with it this past couple weeks and it is amazing. 

 

 

Thanks, I confirmed with Jim that's how it works. Not that I doubted you at all Eddie! Also thanks for your great info. 1 thing I clarified with Jim is, his choke definition (maybe others have a slightly different understanding, not doubting Jim at all) is that a REAL choke will limit power consistently.. enabling a FTB means it's no longer a technical choke (apologies to Jim if I didn't sum it up completely correctly). I just wanted to mention this in case someone else was looking into chokes specific to Difalco controllers. Sounds like traction control IS what I'm looking for. I'm going to see if someone local has one to try out.. 

 

that said, unfortunately seems like the list of controllers that have some nice tuning is limited.

1) Difalco with traction control

2) Carsteen CS4 (as of me writing looks like 4.2 is the latest?)

3) Dubick

4) Devel pro (waaaaay out of my price range, also not sure on support) but looks like a REAL nice controller. Would love to try one to see if spending the money might even be worth it

5) for now seems like 3rd eye only has limited production, hopefully stock will come back soon?

6) Les Wright, not 100% sure about this one, will need to look into it!

 

Thanks all for your information, appreciate you taking the time out to discussion your thoughts on current controllers!