14 replies to this topic

[nicky 65]

Does anyone have any idea what is going on with Third Eye???

 

There is no info from them at all... who owns them now? Are they going to be built? Are they going to be any good ?... many questions... not many answers.

 

But it is great for Jim Difalco... Poor guy must be up day and night building controllers .

[Tim Neja]

Third Eye is in business and doing well. I had my controller recently checked out and repaired. Just go to their website and the info is there.

 

Third Eye Technologies

[Cthulhu750]

Yes, that’s great news for repairs but when will the be selling new controllers to the masses?

[Bill Seitz]

According to the website and Third Eye's Facebook page, new controllers are supposed to be available now. I can't say more than that, because I build my own personal controllers, so am not trying to buy any of the available brands.

[studentdriver]

Bill,
 
I believe the entries on both Facebook and their website are really old, like from 2017 to 2018. I do not believe they are selling controllers yet, only repair and service.
 
It's a little disappointing right now for the availability of controllers that can be bought by American vendors that are supported/serviced by American companies. I know there are some other good controllers out there, but they need to be serviced overseas, which leads to a long turnaround time for repairs.
 
As far as I am aware:
1) Difalco, pretty much the 281
2) Mid-America Products controller (Jay-Gee?)
 
Both are nice controllers but I would like to get my hands on another FET2 or better.

I agree with Dave, nothing very high end for the masses unfortunately right now  If I missed something, please someone fill me in!
 
Mike

[Bill Seitz]

I've seen recent Third Eye Facebook posts announcing both the change in ownership and new products. Maybe they're not shipping yet, but there's recent Facebook activity that's advertising another new controller, FET 4 or 5, I don't keep count. I'd contact them.

[studentdriver]

Bill,
 
Not sure I see any specific models mentioned in any posts after the July timeframe when they took over. I do see mention that they will be working to come up with new stuff but nothing specific about models, but if I'm wrong, maybe provide a link to the Facebook post! I'd definitely like to see some new model info! Perhaps it was on another group page that you saw this and not their main Facebook page?
 
Could it be that you are in a group that I am not in, and they made a post to the group, not their main Facebook page?
 
Thanks,

Mike

[Bill Seitz]

I realize that my brain has scrambled together a number of different postings over a period of time, and while Third Eye is alive and well under new ownership, there may not be any new controllers. My apologies for suggesting otherwise.

 

For those that are interested in new Third Eye controllers, I still suggest contacting Third Eye Technology either through their Facebook page which has been getting periodic postings, or the updated contact address at their webpage. The new owner is Jeff Zimmerman.

 

The electronics industry had serious supply issues as a result of worldwide Covid-19 impacts and shutdowns. Recovery has taken a long time, and from my observation of components I use myself, mostly in the last few months. For a while it appeared that the components I had used in my controllers would no longer be available and were becoming quite expensive when available at all, but this has improved both in availability and cost recently.

 

Another controller brand where the owner died has had trouble building new product or providing service because the heirs had difficulty discovering the original sources of parts used. That can prompt obsolescence and a complete redesign which isn't an overnight solution.

[studentdriver]

I did ask a month or so ago and they said nothing new available. i also reached out again today... waiting for a reply.

 

I did hear from others about difficulty getting parts that might be considered "legacy." i.e., they have been replaced by different types of controllers/PCBs/whatever. Apparently, the automotive world had a similar issues where companies manufacturing "legacy" based circuitry are no longer making parts as they have been discontinued. Basically parts suppliers are saying "upgrade or die," I guess? I'm assuming making these parts in the good ol' USA would be very cost prohibitive...

 

I wish I had the knowledge to come up with my own controllers using newer microcontroller tech. Or even older stuff. I watched the video from CleaveTech where he made a box up with an adjustable choke. The one nice feature is having a full choke bypass when trigger is compressed all the way. I don't know if he showed how to make that. Anyways, back on track...

 

I'll post if I hear anything back regarding time lines of new controller availability. Couple of my concerns:

 

1) I wish vendors could possibly share timelines or concerns about parts with their customers... "be more open." Maybe there isn't much to gain here, not sure. Would potentially keep people informed and avoid threads like this?

 

2) There are just very limited options for controllers that can be serviced in the states that might be more performance-oriented.

 

Mike

[Ascott]

I'm kinda new here; haven't raced in twenty years. Just what is a Third Eye controller?

[Jay Guard]

Scott:

 

It's just a brand of electronic controller that works on a pulse width modulation concept. A very good controller that has adjustments for brakes, sensitivity, and some even have a built-in choke. I have two of them and they work great.

[Ascott]

Dont most controllers have brake and sensitivity adjustments? Whats the choke?

[Ascott]

Dont most controllers have brake and sensitivity adjustments? Whats the choke?

[Jay Guard]

Scott:

Some of the very basic low cost controllers do not have sensitivity or brake controls, the Parma Turbo controller is an example.  The choke is a feature that limits the power to the car.  You might want this feature if you have a very high powered car on a very tight flat track, and example would be for Eurosport cars.

[Easye]

I recently purchased a Hitman controller from Third Eye. The first one I received was defective. It would not work when first hooked up but would start working after being hooked up for a few minutes. I was sent a replacement that worked this time but the nut on the trigger came loose. No thread locker on it. I had to fix it myself. I love the controller but I feel that the new owner needs to tighten up the quality control.