6 replies to this topic

[Pappy]

I sold my track and I'm going to build a six-lane Hillclimb with about 110' of running surface. Seems like there is always new power packs coming out that are reasonably priced but are they really any good for slot car tracks. Is there any reason this unit wouldn't work? 45 amps is all I'll need.
 
PowerMax 45 AMP 12 volt Battery Charger Power Supply

[MattD]

12V DC 30A Regulated Switching Power Supply 360W LED Strip Light Cooling Fan
 
Butch, I've been running this power supply for six-seven years with no issues. I bought two and thought I may need to use them together, but one has been sufficient for four-lane racing with the Chinese 180 motors. I'm sure there are plenty of reasons why they are not a good choice, they are bad for motors, many other reasons  will probably be given. I just know you can buy six-eight of them for the cost of one deluxe power supply that comes from name brand company and they have worked fine for me.
 
If it makes you feel better you can order one from Micro Mark and pay about $60-$70 for the same thing.
 
mb

[Jay Guard]

Butch:
 
I have no info to indicate that this wouldn't work but the question is always how "clean" is the DC power, the cleaner the better for our DC motors. I use the Rivergate Bulldog 45 amp supply and have been very happy with it. It puts out 13.8 vdc but there is a feature that allows you to vary the voltage a bit but I have to admit I've never tried to use that feature. BTW... I know many of the commercial tracks use a Bulldog without any problems that I am aware of. The price is around $160 so that might be a negative.

[MSwiss]

45 amps is certainly enough.

If you thought being able to vary the power infinitely was important, this is your guy.

Regulated Variable Switching DC Power Supply 15V 50A

That's what was used for vintage event this past Saturday on the Fiedler Flat.

We ran on 11V.

[Pappy]

Jay, I've used the Bulldog in the past and they are good units but you can't adjust the voltage down and we like about 11 volts for most of the cars we race. For the cars with the little FK 050 motors they run better at 13.6 volts. The one I was looking at is 12 volts so it's kind of a happy medium.

 

Matt, that looks like a great deal but I like the one Swiss uses because you can adjust it down to 11 volts and up to 13.6 volts, plus it's got a digital readout so you can see exactly what you've got.

 

Thanks guys, I think I'll go with Swiss'.

[MattD]

Butch, the version I have is adjustable from 9 to 12/13.   There are about 15 models like this and there are all sorts of ratings for voltage and amps.  Some are even variable from 0-36!   I like amps and mos of these have enough.

[Ramcatlarry]

While the 'Bulldog' does not come with a meter and a knob to adjust the voltage, it can be added with a bit of tinkering.
They all have a small trim pot that allows a short range of voltage adjustment. A bit of electronic surgery and you change that one out to whatever you need A length of wire and the trim can be at a location other than under the track