48 replies to this topic

[David Rees]

Here is a drawing which will make it clear

[havlicek]

Ideally, the com slot shouldn't be much wider than the "blade" you're using as an indicator.  BTW, the full thickness of an X-Acto #11 blade (not the sharpened edge) should be about right on a lot of coms.  The indicator on the Proformance fits pretty snug as well and can be rigged to work with a protractor (guilty).  In any case, if you measure all your arms with the same gauge, you still get perfectly useful and accurate enough readings.

 

-john

[MSwiss]

Exactly John.

 

Unless you have an optical comparator, which blows your 1/2 inch  dia. arm, to about 8 inches in dia. on the screen,

it's pretty hard to get a measurement off the edge of the comm plate.

 

I suppose you could offset your pointer to compensate, but knowing exactly what it is isn't real important.

 

You're just looking for a way to consistently measure so you can compare one arm to another.

[Champion 507]

Thanks for your help, David.

[wbugenis]

Proformance gauge here:

 

http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1555.l2649

 

 

Remember to use the Slotblog Ebay Portal

[wbugenis]

Bullit Raceway Timing gauge:
 
http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1555.l2649
 
Remember to use the Slotblog Ebay Portal

[Michael Rigsby]

I have one of the Proformance gauges that I've had for a while. While not astonishingly accurate, it gives me a rough idea of what I'm looking at as far as armatures, and tells me how far the tube markings are off.  It's a nice little compact tool good for quick reference.  Obviously if I was winding my own arms, I would make something a  little more elaborate, but for the general slot racer it's not a bad tool to have.

[Racing Rtlee]

I'm not anywhere near ready to wind arms or anything. I just need to be able to check out my arms and maybe tweak the timing a bit. I'm gonna keep an eye on the one on Ebay

[SST]

I have to disagree with the assumption that the slot is only 4 degrees. Most slot are between 7 and 8 degrees wide. This is not just my measurement but Monty's opinion also.  I have a protractor type tool that is accurate to + or - 1 degree and am in the process of gathering materials to build some more soon if there is enough interest.  

[Dan Miller]

The typical .010" wide slot is 5.5 degrees. This is based on commutator diameter of .210". 

[Marty N]

 

I have to disagree with the assumption that the slot is only 4 degrees. Most slot are between 7 and 8 degrees wide. This is not just my measurement but Monty's opinion also.  I have a protractor type tool that is accurate to + or - 1 degree and am in the process of gathering materials to build some more soon if there is enough interest.

 
.202 comm, .015 slot. 8.5 degrees BUT that is the total width. Timing tool measures from the center of that slot. That said 4.25 degrees and that's where that number comes from.

[Rick]

Once again you guys are splitting hairs. The timing tool you use will be relative to YOU. If your best arm, in your mind, checks 40 degrees, the next one you check that says 40 degrees is the same. It does not matter if its 34 or 46, its 40 to YOU. So long as you use the same tool, the same way. Just like arm meters and gauss meters. Or even volt meters on your controller.....................All you are looking for is numbers to compare agianst other numbers.............

[SlotStox#53]

Hi Rick Have you had anymore thoughts on doing a re run on the arm/comm timing tools you did before?

[Racing Rtlee]

I lost out on the Proformance one on Evilbay but won the Bullit one. AT least now I have something to get started with. Rick told me he was gonna make some up and I will buy one of those when he gets them ready.

[Rick]

Here the is first one off. Some minor additions are going to be added and anodizing. But to give you an idea...

[Racing Rtlee]

Looking good Rick!

[SlotStox#53]

Wow that looks a very nice piece of kit Rick
Anodizing is the cherry on the top . Any confirmed price yet on these cool timing tools once finished?

-Paul

[John Miller]

That does look nice!

[havlicek]

VERY nice Rick.  What does the indicator look like?  Can you post a picture of it in use?  I'm pretty sure I want one of those bad boys

 

-john

[HarV Wallbanger III]

Hey Rick ... don't know how you will build the indicators but the one I use I built back in 1983-4? I used a round point so it sits centered in the slot and is better than all others that use a pin because slots do vary and this does not matter with a round ball. Does anybody remember the "boat anchor" type that Ralph Klose built way back when... I have one and will post a pic later.

[zipper]

 Does anybody remember the "boat anchor" type that Ralph Klose built way back when... I have one and will post a pic later.

I think one anchor (Magnetron) is lying somewhere in our club - probably never used...

[HarV Wallbanger III]

Yes Pekka here it is...

You can see how big this is by the arm in the hole... Here are some pics of Ralph's "Boat Anchor" timing gage with one of my old high timed Int.15 arms. Years ago I got two reference arms from... one of the arm manufacturers (I will not say who) that allowed me to build my own smaller timing gage and it reads the same as this one.

For all you that missed slot cars secnd coming in the '80s and '90s when this was made and imported.... for sale make offer...

[Rick]

The pointers are not made yet. Will post a complete unit soon...........

[Marty N]

I'm buying one Rick when they are done. Keep it up man.