29 replies to this topic

[DocSlotCar]

With the recent and continuing controversies about the 900.00 plus controllers heating up somewhat. What actually makes these Czech and other controllers worth the money?

Just exactly what does the controller do that the Difalco or Rudduck 300.00 controller does not do?

Anyone?

[Benno - SAC]

I tried to ask the same question in the recent other thread. I'm still wondering, too.

[Tim Neja]

WC Fields once said--- "There's a sucker born every minute"!!!

 

If we keep letting "deep pockets" define our hobby--we're going to continue to LOSE participants!!  Soon---there will be a dozen racers with BIG $$ racing each other--- look at what's happened to wing racing without limiting the cost of racing.  It's near non-existent.  Sad really--- 

[Phil Beukema]

One thing is, it comes with 10 network modules to accommodate a specific motor and track configurations.

[Eddie Fleming]

The thing that makes the controller worth that is the fact that someone will pay that for it. A wonderful thing for the one getting the money and the one getting the controller as long as the one getting the controller is happy.

 

Is it good for the sport? No

 

Just my opinion.

[Zippity]

As I posted on the "other" thread, I believe that there are aliens amongst us

[Don Weaver]

These things didn't seem to help with the TRAAAACK!  fest we saw this past weekend.   !   !

 

Don Weaver

[Dominator]

It's all about what feels right to the racer.  I used to use a 10 band Difalco years ago but back in the early 2000's when I was running scale cars it didn't have enough range for sensitivity so I went with a used DR-40.  That has been all I have used for about 15 years now.   I have tried 3rd eye's, Carsteens, and also the new Synapese.  The threshold braking on the Synapese is great with the retro cars on tighter turns which is why alot of guys also use the 3rd eyes.  Of the four which one would I buy tomorrow if I was in the Market?  Probably another DR-40 or Synapese because of program-ability. 

 

The reason being is I like the lower bands more to have more punch and the power curve fits my driving style better.  I tried the Difalco with the 148, 125, and even the 98 resistor pack but it just didn't fit my sytle.  For a beginner its a great controller for an outstanding value.  

 

So I a $600, $800, or $1000 controller worth it?  Depends on your budget, what your racing, and if it feels right to you. 

[Gene/ZR1]

I will keep my 1967 R4 controller, original price $5.98, 4 ohm, still works great. 

[Rob Voska]

Try running a 1/32 F1 with a $300 controller.

[hjames]

Lower classes not so much! Higher scale classes on flat tracks absolutely needed! The more control the more control.

[axman]

Lower classes not so much! Higher scale classes on flat tracks absolutely needed! The more control the more control.

Absolutely agree Herman.. Flat scale tracks particularly with tightening radius turns require finesse some controllers cant achieve. To most drivers it's all about brake and punch.. Often, as a result of starting their driving "career" at commercial tracks they punch too hard on scale tracks... and instead of re-training their driving style they dumb down the controllers response. Most modern controllers have this function but where it gets tricky is when you need lots of mid range control. To have a controller dialled right may mean you need to change from linear to bellcurve.. By adjusting the bellcurve to flatten out in a difficult part of the track certainly makes for more consistent lap times. 
I'm looking forward to trying the new Synapses controller for this reason.   

[Justin A. Porter]

Try running a 1/32 F1 with a $300 controller.

I would say that's exactly the case that most folks aren't getting. Running something along the lines of a dialed in Can Am or GT1 on a Gerding King you need very little in the way of throttle sensitivity and you likely wouldn't see the advantage. 

Greg Meyer gave me a few laps on our Hillclimb with one of his ISRA Production cars and his Carsteen and there was DEFINITELY a difference in the esses that my Difalco could not have made up. 

Thanks Greg, now I have to be good this year so that Santa brings me a Carsteen...

[DocSlotCar]

I get it is sometimes personal preference.   But the reality is that if it does something other than personal preference. What is it?  What is the reason for the triple cost?  

Explain what it does exactly....

[Phil Beukema]

^^^ See post #13 + #4

[Half Fast]

The bells and whistles  (chokes, traction control, anti-brakes) of high end controllers are designed to cater to high end Eurosport racing on flat tracks, such controls are unnecessary for Wing, flexi and retro slot cars as run in the US.

 

Cheers

[MSwiss]

^^^ See post #13 + #4

The reason the OP seemed to be missing, or ignoring, the answers everyone patiently gave him, was the thread was actually started to promote an agenda.

 

http://www.slotcarta...lers-are-banned

[Phil Beukema]

The agenda is that he wants a premium controller so badly but can't figure out how to explain the charge on his debit card.

[havlicek]

The reason the OP seemed to be missing, or ignoring, the answers everyone patiently gave him, was the thread was actually started to promote an agenda.

 

http://www.slotcarta...lers-are-banned

 

Bingo.  Look, if sanctioning bodies wanted to, they could easily spec controllers the way many spec motors already.  In many classes/types of racing where such controllers might not offer an advantage, a person could choose to use one and still be beaten by someone with a "lowly" $300 controller...maybe even an old Parma Micro   Aside from the potential for embarrassment and ribbing, who cares?

In races where such a controller DOES offer an advantage, the field is naturally going to be limited to people who can afford such things...but again...who cares?  If that's what they want to do...well...that's what they want to do!

As for "value", certainly these are basically hand-made custom devices done in small lots and people are *willing* to pay a premium for them.  On strictly a time and material basis, I have no way of knowing what they are truly "worth"  (ie: parts and hourly wages for an electronics tech, PLUS the cost of development and materials sourcing), but I can tell you that I make motors all the time that *should* sell for $3-400.    Heck, I see chassis here that *should* be $1,000!!!

*It bears repeating (even though it's been said many many times) that people talk about this stuff leading to the "deep-pockets" podiums, but those same people don't seem bothered by some folks "motor programs" or even the money spent on tires.  I'm old-fashioned and still like to believe that, except in the case where slow cars are run on punch-bowls where the racers could zip-tie their triggers on "full-tilt boogie" and wait for the race to end, the best drivers will have the real advantage.

[SlotStox#53]

From my understanding about the Synapse (that is the one being discussed?) From watching YouTube vids it looks like it has a full on touch screen tablet!

Just like the original r/c electronic speed controllers where you hooked up via USB to change parameters this you can also hook up and adjust stuff.

The touch screen and software also allows you to adjust all manner of all without twisty knobs along with I think individual profiles for maybe separate cars, lanes or even tracks which sounds cool!

Is it worth it? Who knows? Its hand built, it obviously had a lot of design and that kind of bespoke stuff don't come cheap.

I'm sure when everyone was running fixed resistor controllers there were naysayers whinging and moaning about the digital/electronic apocalypse

[Half Fast]

The Synapse is actually less than $900 around $600, its some of the European controllers that are in the $900 range.

 

Cheers

[boxerdog]

I don't always like the concept that we are "racing controllers", but I also remember the early attempts at transistorized controllers in the '60s, so it's hardly a new concept. And it would be easy to spec resistor controllers in some cases. Just another case of evolving technology, although some examples appear to be over-priced. The Synapse may represent the next step or it might be just an interesting side trip. I kinda like my  (older) Third Eye, but I don't need anything more complicated at my skill level. 

 

Or do I???

[DocSlotCar]

No agenda....  As far as affording one of those questionable controllers.  NOT an issue.

The issue is IF this controller does NOT offer any major significance in performance over the 350.00 and less controllers, there should be NO issue with NOT using them or restricting there use in our local or national racing?  Correct?

We do not allow any controller with boxes or batteries or  meter boxes or additions in our local racing. Not only for cost but for fairness to the local racers.  

So like motors and chassis, we have monetary limit on the controller as well at no more than 350.00 retail And it must be commercially available through Eagle and other distributors.  

Anyone have an issue with that?

[MSwiss]

No agenda....  

 

there should be NO issue with NOT using them or restricting there use in our local or national racing?  Correct?

Anyone have an issue with that?

No agenda?

 

You just stated your agenda.

 

Highlighted in your quote, above.

 

Do whatever you want at your local level.

 

And why won't you answer what raceway you race at?

[Noose]

The Synapse really makes a stink when it goes up in smoke.  Saw it happen at our last race.