10 replies to this topic

[Cheater]

Just noticed this product, which has evidently been announced for some time, but which is not yet shipping.

 

 

"The ultimate slot car race control system is here - Scalextric ARC ONE!

 

Scalextric ARC ONE is a revolutionary slot car system that allows users to wirelessly create and manage races with a handheld smart device*, such as a smartphone or tablet. Download the ARC app, then connect your device via Bluetooth to the new ARC powerbase, unlocking unique features and control of your races.

 

Personalise your race by selecting features such as race type, driver names and number of laps. Customise and save your race settings and car setup, before you head out on the track to test your skills and challenge your opponent.

 

* tablet/smartphone not included"

 

Just what is ARC One app race control, i.e. what all does it do? The Scalextric blurb doesn't say much...

 

Is is a lap counting system or what?

 

Anyone have one so they can clue me in?

 

Here's a LINK to a review at the UK's CAR magazine, but it didn't enlighten all that much...

[MSwiss]

I would say it's a lap counter that makes a big deal out of some trivial stuff, but the car setup reference has me thrown a bit.

[Cheater]

Would you agree that their marketing material is vague, perhaps intentionally so?

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

ARC One is VERY cool. I have had the analog version is stock for several months. Unfortunately the digital version has been delayed now for almost two years and there still isn't a firm ETA.

[MSwiss]

McM,

 

What is the car set-up feature?

[Cheater]

What I lack is a clear understanding of what this product does or provides.

 

I think the vague functional info and the long gestation is due to software issues, but that's probably just a cynical stab in the dark.

[Mark Johnson]

Who's got the fastest phone??

[Dennis David]

In digital racing now you have things like refueling, car damage, etc. In the UK slot car racing is called the Scalextric Racing Game so you're talking game play. Don't knock it, just a different point of view.

 

They are trying to merge video game aspects to slot car racing. If it works good for them. Imagine all the cars are set with the only changes are done on the computer and your car then drives based upon what the computer thinks it has as far as setup. It may not handle better but it will go faster or have better breaks. This is controlled by the computer talking to the controller and the actual car is unchanged.

[MSwiss]

So it will lower or raise the voltage on the lane?

Then it certainly is way more than a lap counter.

[Dennis David]

It lowers the voltage as well as acceleration and braking to a particular car. Any other car running on the same lane would not be effected. If I was interested in this type of system I would wait to see what Carerra came out with or even Scorpius rather than Scalextric.

In this type of system it works best if the cars were equal by themselves and let the computer work things out.

The other side of the spectrum to what most of us run.

[Dennis David]

At least that's the theory and could differ depending on what is finally implemented. As anyone who has run digital will know it's a whole different kettle of fish, in some ways more of a game.