I have never been so fascinated by something that was so completely over my head Lol! Thank you so much for sharing all of this knowledge!

@joshuaglass1827

10 ай бұрын

Bro for real 😂

This is a great explanation of how the data is sent through the voltage. It's so complex, yet so simple. Mind blown...I need a smoke.

This is so much more advanced than my AFX racing days. Lane changes was something only the cool TCR kids had. Lucky, lucky. And the Jam car.

@johnniehobby

9 ай бұрын

We saw the commercials on TV for TCR and wanted a set so bad. Then, a neighbor kid got one for Christmas and we played with it. It was a disappointment and after that we didn't feel so bad keep on playing with our regular ol' Tyco Nite-Glow track with "77 Trans Ams.

@Capgains7777

9 ай бұрын

@@johnniehobby You are right, a lot of camera trickery went on in those commercials. I couldn’t understand why a friend of mine who had one didn’t have it out all the time. But once you figure out the inside lane car couldn’t hold the line going into the turn. The illusion was exposed.

@I_like_turtles_67

Ай бұрын

I saved up as a kid for a TCR racing set. I am in my forties now with two small daughters. I want to build a small track in the garage to play with them.

Thanks for for the education man, I grew up with Aurora then went to AFX when I was a teenager ( many moons ago lol) about 3 years ago I got back Into the hobby. Now I have a Carrera Digital with a tek-slot switch, and I'm loving it!!! Again thank you for what you do, I've learned a lot from your channel!!!!! It's also entertaining and funny

I remember the non-digital slot cars as a kid. I haven't thought of seen these in decades, but recently saw a two lane system with four cars on it and was wondering how the heck did that work. That's really cool they ran run them like this now and have the digital switching too. Thank you for getting into the details of it a bit.

I was curious as to how they knew to switch lanes and you answered that perfectly. Thank you.

I thought I knew something about the D132…wrong. Your video is awesome and I thank you for sharing it. I’m back into slots after many years away and I had to go digital. No regrets.

Thank you for taking the time to break down the info into understandable terms. Now I have a basic knowledge of digital slot cars & tracks to grow from. Well done!

Todays word of the day is Electronical. Great video explaining the digital system! Very very nice in-depth look at it 🙌🏻

Hi Johnie, I am operating DCC model trains, your explanation is better than any I have seen in the model train KZread world. Thanks Peter.

Thank you so much for sharing this, I was using analog racing sets back in the day

I didn't know digital slot cars were a thing until watching your video. I've known about DCC for years and I've considered using DCC on my Lego train (with metal tracks). I often think it might be easier to just use a wireless protocol rather using using the power supply as the signal. You'd probably run into all sorts of interference problems if there were multiple tracks being used at once. I really appreciate your including the oscilloscope traces to show the protocol details. Thanks for the interesting video.

Thank you for making this video. It was full of great information 🏎️

Wow,first time viewing this channel. They came a long way since I was a kid. Similar to Lionel trains and others.

Great channel! I just found you. I didnt even know about digital cars until now. Thanks for sharing!

Great details. Thanks for the vid.

You’ve answered a question I didn’t have but I am happy to have learned about that!

As always, great information that’s easy to understand

Your explanation of the two types of encoding the info into the power feed was very clear - finally I learnt how they work - thank you!

@muskokamike127

6 ай бұрын

Even though it's been explained a dozen times, I still can't wrap my head around how fiberoptic works. Yes I get that the light on or off creates a digital signal but how do you differentiate between 10,000 different signals going through the same hair thin fiber? lol My 62 yr old brain just....doesn't....get....it lol

I have not played with slot cars since the 1970s when we had miles of track at home in our basement. I would love to try some of this new digital stuff. Thanks for explaining what digital cars are etc. It was very informative.

great explanation. many thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍👍👍

Thanks for trying to explain how the pit lane works. You are about 95% complete. 🤩 I linked full power into the pits to make mine reliable, but the jury is still out on whether that works on race day when the cars run low on fuel and Smart Race software is dealing with realistic fuel usage and cars get slowed down when they run dry.

a well crafted and very informative video,thanks for making it,now when i need to explain to my freinds how i can have more than two cars on the track i will point them directly at this video,it was a eye opener for me too.

@johnniehobby

9 ай бұрын

Glad it helped. Thanks for the feedback.

Good explanation. I am model railroader and use digital to control everything

Model trains do this, too. DCC vs DC. Cool for racing. Had Aurora and AFX when I was a kid. Still have the set.

@johnniehobby

9 ай бұрын

My first set was an AFX with Datsun 280 Zs in 1977 I think. Too bad I don't have that set any longer.

Thank You from Germany

Great video. Thank you very much and subbed

@johnniehobby

8 ай бұрын

Thanks, and welcome aboard.

The SCX Digital system really was awesome in its simplicity for their mechanical lane changers. I’ve always loved it in that it just simply worked. Unlike the IR systems, there was no chance of interference from light sources and no issues with the alignment of the sensor to transmitter when a car isn’t perfectly straight (such as putting a x-over right after a curve). Literally, when you tell the car to change lanes it literally works (so long as that x-over track is perfectly flat as well). But alas, the biggest complaint was the difficulty of modding other brands of cars to work on it (just not enough room for that mechanical system and the need to really cut up the chassis is not preferred). Regardless, SCX today is a shell of what their original digital system used to offer. It’s really sad that they can’t get their act together and come up with a product that speaks of quality. Its no wonder they pulled out of the US market and in my opinion I don’t mind since they have nothing new to offer me. I’m perfectly happy to still run their original system and have everything I need to get the most out of it. 😊

@altpraize6708

7 ай бұрын

Sounds like the system is multiplexing the power. Embeds digital signal in the dc supply voltage on the track.

@MovieGuy846

7 ай бұрын

@@altpraize6708 Some guy used to have a website that explained all the variations of the different systems (wished it was archived somewhere) and essentially speaking they are all running on variations of PWM (pulse width modulation). Pretty much the same thing with DCC for trains.

Great Bro... Tks

Thanks a lot!!! Probably it took you a lot of research, so double Thanks! If you could leave some references for more technical info will be great to ones like be that wish go deeper on understanding this digital slot car systems.

thanks for the info well done

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

No problem 👍

Thanks, this is very interesting to me. I had a huge HO scale track back in the '80's, so much fun. This new (to me) technology makes the sport very attractive again. I always thought a 1/32 scale set up would be a blast. Your explanation of how the digital system works is very much appreciated. I was on the Carrera website and there is not a whole lot of info there about how it all works. That's what YT is for though, right?

@johnniehobby

6 ай бұрын

Yes, YT is great for learning just about anything. If you need to figure out how to repair something on your car (any car), build your own septic field, program macros in Excel, how to tie a tie, or lay ceramic tile, etc., somebody has a video on it.

@user-fy5fm5so1g

5 ай бұрын

This for really changes the game in slot car. Racing. Just think real pitstops and pace car .Do these sets come caution lights.😅

I use PCM modulation to control my laser on my cnc router. The pulses tell it to turn on or off and how strong of a beam to produce. When I use it in router format, it's just on (router spins) or off (router stops). In router mod, it turns on once at the beginning of the file and off at the end. It does this by sending a digital command to a relay that activates 110V to the router or not. With the laser, I need a constant 12V 5A, then the PCM controls the laser on/off and strength.

Very interesting. At my work, we have high-frequency, square wave technology and variable frequency drives, etc. It sounds like they use industrial motor-control, logic and communication integrated into this toy.👍😉 Well done video sir. This is not easy to explain.👌

@muskokamike127

6 ай бұрын

I have a cnc router table and that's what they've done: taken the same theory and applied it to the slot car world.

Back in the 70's had.my.first taste of an ocilascope As you were explaining code that kept popping I to my thought. Good job of an explanation

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching.

Great overview and lots of good information. Minor correction, though. Carrera is the only system that sends lane change data over the rails. All the other ones use a system where the car tells the lane changer what to do. Scalextric, for example, the lane changers look at the how the ID is emitted. If it's normal, then the car is asking to go straight, so it activates the "go straight" solenoid. If the ID is emitted opposite polarity (highs are lows and lows are highs) then it knows the car wants to change lanes and activates the "change lane" solenoid. Scalextric lane changers don't reset automatically, so their flippers just remain in whatever it was last told to do. There's also a very short delay before another signal is accepted, which means if you are tailgating another car, you are most likely going to follow them through however they choose, so it's always best to back off a little bit to ensure you can choose your own path. Of course, every system is a little bit different because of patents and things. The only ones that are the same are Scalextric Digital and slot.it oXigen digital, because they have an agreement.

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

Excellent. Thanks for the info. Now I am off to fire my research department.

@ggaub

Жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby LOL!

Great video as always! Great info! Nice one on the Christine and BB moments! Never seen an Inner space reference before, Bravo! For the fueling with the blinking lights method. Will that work the same way when using the Smart Racing App? I have not tried that yet. I do very much like the alternate pit lane method. Really works well with no smart app. Thanks, your channel is outstanding! Race On!

@johnniehobby

Ай бұрын

The blinking light pitting method should work the same whether using Smart Race or not. At least with the racing app we use (HSSRMS), it works both ways.

@TojuRacing-ry4cf

Ай бұрын

@@johnniehobby Thank you for info.

Totally awesome, love your channel. But where do you get the pole positions track. Been searching everywhere.

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

By 'pole position track' do you mean the power base/control unit or the standard straight piece that has markings on it where to align the cars for the start?

Really awesome video and explanation... where can I download that incredible video calibration test screen that shows up periodically?

@johnniehobby

7 ай бұрын

I don't know where I found the calibration screen, but I remember I just performed a Google search for "test pattern" and a bunch of them came up and I saved the the one I liked the best (non-royalty one, of course).

Great video! Noticed the UP shirt, my wife is from Calumet in the Keweenaw Peninsula

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

I spent five winters in the Keweenaw while attending Michigan Tech. Brutal! I think I may have dated a girl from Calumet at some point, too. Can't remember exactly as a couple of those years were a bit fuzzy.

@garageofslotcars

Жыл бұрын

@johnnie hobby Lol my wife has a couple of fuzzy years from there too. Fish bowls at Ambassadors in Houghton 🤣

Thank you! Answered or confirmed a lot of questions I had about this hobby.. I have been thinking of buying a track to play with... space and cost are my biggest factors...

@johnniehobby

6 ай бұрын

Are you looking to get into 1:32 scale? 1:24, or HO? Analog or digital?

@Kurrick61

6 ай бұрын

@@johnniehobby Yes, My wife actually surprised the hell out of me this Xmas and bought me the Carrera "Bull and Horse" Digital 132 set... Not often I get surprised but man! Lol! Your sight has been extremely helpful already!! Taken much of the "fear factor" out of the plung.... Not sure why my name doesn't show, my name is Dan. .. and given half a chance I'll talk your ear off... you been warned lol 😉😁

@johnniehobby

6 ай бұрын

Nice! She's a keeper. What are your expansion plans for your new track?

@Kurrick61

6 ай бұрын

@@johnniehobby Well once she kicks me out of the dinning room lol.. I plan to set up a table in the garage. The Ghost racing is what really drew me. I'm a Disabled Vet. and spend much of my time alone. Just works out that way. That and the diorama building just looks fun... Going from all the info I have gleaned so far look at a table around 7ft x 16ft ish..is... Most all this will take time of course as the budget is very small, but that's kinda of the fun as well ain't it? 😁

Excellent explanation, thank you 😉😁😄😎 One question: In reality the width of the track changes, not lanes all the way round. Can you use the pit lane track to make another racing lane on the main circuit?

@johnniehobby

8 ай бұрын

Yes and no. Depends on whether you have another pit lane in the circuit and if it has an advanced pit lane adapter in it. Plus, if it is on a high-speed section of track, the abrupt change of lane can de-slot cars quite easily. The better way to expand to an additional lane would be to use the Carrera chicane set. It's kinda like a pit stop without the pit electronics embedded and a more gradual transition to the other lane.

What brand would you recommend for ho racetrack for around 500 bucks to get started ? My wife and grandson are dying to use one. I have a 4 ×8 piece of plywood on legs to start. I'm curious how fast and how these new cars handle. Thanks for a cool video

@johnniehobby

6 ай бұрын

I haven't been keeping up with HO slot cars for many years, so I don't know what's currently out there. For info on HO, one KZread channel you might want to visit is @slotcarcrazy. That channel is all HO slot cars. What I can tell you about HO, though, is that you can quite a bit for $500 and you can get a lot of track on a 4'x8' table.

Man, I remember having tracks like this when I was a kid. I would build them in the living room and it would take up the whole floor. lol.

Thanks for the great vid, I am just re-exploring slot car racing as I relive my youth in my retirement. I am particularly interested in drag racing. Do you have a recommendation for a setup? Thanks again.

@johnniehobby

11 ай бұрын

We don't do any slot car drag racing so I can't recommend anything. Sorry.

Being of technical mind and body, thought the video was excellent. You're right you could go down a rabbit hole of a long explanation on binary/digital/frequency... Where did you get the information from? Id like to read more about how Carrera does it

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

There are references in the video description. The modulation links are from Wiki so kinda general. But there's also plenty of more in-depth info on that if you were to do an internet search on PPM and PSK.

🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 At the slot car track we used to have in the mall. They call me the Frankenstein doctor. I have some of the fastest slot cars. And stuff that I have rigged. But they used to have to tell people that I made them and they don't Sell them in the store. I have some of the fastest Indy cars that I cut up and Redesign😊😊😊😊😊 When I bring stuff in There They were happy to balance it out for me. To see how fast we could get it to run😊

@clydeterry2289

10 ай бұрын

🤔🤔🤔😊😊😊 Long story short I usually strip all the digital stuff out of it

I like all the features of carrera digital. And on a tighter home track a super fast car like a slot it or various other rockets, there isnt enough space to chip em and really let it run . Their power can be turned down easily, at that point why not just hop up a carrera car some? Its kinda fun to play with modding carrera cars. Ive chipped about 4 of the hot rod cars and its pretty pricey to keep doing that. There is no huge club track around here to take fast cars to, in a town of 120,000 people I think I have the only slot car track.

It is pretty much a can network line on a real car. That’s amazing. Have to buy one for me

Wow, this video was perfect timing for me. I had just installed two cheap voltmeters (one on each lane for possible analog future racing) to monitor voltage drop issues, and as a novelty. The “cheap” volt meters reacted funny once installed and running. They both boot up read a voltage, fluctuate a bit, then the meter reboots. This reboot is sporadic, not at any specific frequency. Soooo…..now, I think I understand a bit more…..cheap meter, fluctuating voltage ( voltage gaps) that the meters eventually see as no voltage, and trigger a reboot. It actually looks cool while racing, and does give me actually track voltage be it momentary. Have another question for you. Does the pit lane entry know that it is a pit entry? I tried to use a Carerra narrowing track as a pit entry for a pace car and it did not work. The pace car did not know that a regular switch track is a pit lane. So I guess if I wanted to use the narrowing track for a more gentle in and out for pit or pace use, I would need to change the board in the switch track to a pit lane board. Am I correct with that analysis?

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

I'm assuming you are talking about Carrera 30351 Chicane track. Your solution of swapping the electronics to make it into a pit should work, just be sure that the inside rail of the pit lane (or what will be the pit lane) is isolated from the rest of the power in the track and only powered by the decoder.

@orestkucyna5546

Жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby , another great video from you. Thanks so much more providing this type of info for slot car users.

I'm looking for how the cell apps work for Scalextric digital.

Question. Converting analog to digital, analog cars don't have LED on bottom of chassis. Will all still work with lane change and pitting?

@johnniehobby

6 ай бұрын

The IR LED is part of the digital decoder. So when you 'chip' the car it will then have the LED. The analog car has a cover over the hole where the LED will protrude. You'll remove that cover before putting in the decoder. Slot Valley Racing channel has a video that shows the conversion here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eJum2rOdpcLAdNo.html

@496kartoon

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much. Enjoy your channel. Has helped greatly getting into this new hobby.

What is in the car, that allows it to analyze anything? Wouldn't all of that be decided in the variable drive?

Your goated

They sell a full-sized sedan version called the "Tesla Plaid," but It can't use a slotted track. 🤣 I worked with digital (PCM) systems in the Army back in the early-mid 70s. To me, it makes perfect sense to drop the analog control and go digital.

Digital is awesome.

@johnniehobby

7 ай бұрын

Correct!

Great explanation. BTW- how many times a day do you get told you look like football great Dick Butkus?

@johnniehobby

4 ай бұрын

Never been told I look like Dick Butkus, but several times ppl have said I sound like Peyton Manning for some reason.

what scale do you normally buy for your cars?

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

We mostly run 1/32. We do have some 1/24 as well which are a lot of fun.

Sweet, Go Huskies!

@johnniehobby

7 ай бұрын

Right on!

dependability could be an issue the older analog stuff is pretty easy to trouble shoot...

Are these 1/24 or 1/32 that your handling?

@johnniehobby

9 ай бұрын

Those are 1/32.

Well Done, Thank you👍

Is there a way to adjust down the power for kids to use on a Carrea Digital system?

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

Yes. The SPEED button on the control unit is used to set individual car speeds from 1 (slowest) to 10 (fastest).

@patrickcotter5629

Жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby Thanks very much the info!

@patrickcotter5629

Жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby Another question I have for you. As a beginner in this hobby, do 1/24 cars stay on the track as easy as the 1/32 cars? I'm trying to decide which size to buy in a set.

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

@@patrickcotter5629 The 1/24 cars don't have as much of a top speed or the quickness of the 1/32. You could actually describe them as "sluggish." They will have more of a tendency to drift more in the turns, but at the same time much more controllable when they do. Thus, they don't tend to de-slot as much as a 1/32.

@patrickcotter5629

Жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby Great information to know. I appreciate your response.

Are there wireless hand controllers available as well?

@johnniehobby

3 ай бұрын

Yes. Carrera and Scalextric have wireless controllers.

@jkm49us25

3 ай бұрын

@@johnniehobby Thanks, what do you prefer Carrera or Scalextric? I am looking to purchase a set for my son. I keep reading about Toy Cars vs Pro Cars. What is the classification for these companies? Who makes the better car and track setup, Carrera of Scalextric?

@johnniehobby

3 ай бұрын

@@jkm49us25 I prefer Carrera for two reasons: the lane changers span two sections of track, therefore with our large, very fast layout you can take a lane changer at full speed without de-slotting the car. Also, the Carrera track is actually 1:24 scale so we can run 1:24 scale as well. Because Scalextric track is 1:32 scale, you can get more running feet of track in a given area, thus if you are limited on space, Scalextric may be the better option but you can only run 1:32 cars on it. Scalextric has a better selection of American muscle cars and street rods, whereas Carrera's selection is more focused on European racing classes like Ferrari, Porsche, etc. If you get an analog track, then you can run any analog car from any manufacturer on either track (including cars from Ninco, Fly and others) . If you go digital, then only cars that have a digital decoder specific to the track brand will work.

Great presentation. Answers several questions I had. Still wonder if a 1/24 power supply would really impact a 1/32 car.

@Clearwater124

Жыл бұрын

You will burn out the chip. 1/32 runs about 14.8 volts and 1/24 runs at 18+ volts.

@Gladstone-Gander

Жыл бұрын

I have been running 1/32 on my 1/24 power supply. Very fast, but no noticeable damage to the electronics. I suspect a voltage regulator on the circuit board. Thoughts?

I wonder if this could be scaled to a garden railway. I was thinking 7” scale trains?

@johnniehobby

6 ай бұрын

I think it's already a thing. The same DCC system used for indoor model trains is available for large scale model trains also. Apparently, there are some additional precautions to be taken, however, but I don't know too much about it.

@petersabolewsky4983

6 ай бұрын

@@johnniehobby Thank you for that, much appreciated

👍👍👍

How in the world do you get that red Monza to stay on the track I have two and they are so hard to drive still have the magnets in them

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

Have you trued the tires? Out of the box, the tires on Carrera cars are usually sketchy and truing them is the biggest single thing you can do to improve the handling. If you haven't seen it, our video on truing tires is here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o5Z-19mAd7rRirg.html Something else you can do with that car, because it is one of the few that has the G4 chassis, is shim the magnet. The parts package in the back of the case should have come with shims you can put under the magnets which sets them closer to the track, thus more downforce. A third method is to rub a little WD-40 on the tires. Putting oil on tires to make them stick better is counter-intuitive but it softens the rubber giving it more gription. This might actually shorten the overall life of the tire so I only do this when it's an older tire that has hardened a little bit and it going to need replacing soon anyway. I'd say try one (or both) of the first two methods mentioned first and let me know how it goes.

I always thought that with the ability to have almost unlimited 2.4 ghz r/c cars within a given area, why wouldn't someone come out with a system where the cars have a esc/receiver and the track only supplies power. Then your transmitter would control throttle wirelessly. I know I know, that's called mini z which are wireless slot cars without the slots.

dude it was good then the heavy jargon kicked in then i was lost... i`m going to race my analog Nascar impalas now. jeez!! lol

Now I want to break out my old Eldon track and cars! 🏎🚓 Are they still around? Get bought out? Dissolved? Just curious....

@johnniehobby

9 ай бұрын

Eldon was bought out by Cox in the late 60s. Couldn't find much information beyond that.

Tire truer parts available yet? Email me if so

This works the same as DCC does in the model train world.

@johnniehobby

7 ай бұрын

Yes, the Scalextric track uses the same technology as DCC. The protocol for Carrera is a bit different.

you are right they do not know how it works and they dont care.lm 74 now and it was our generation that invented this stuff we do know how it works ,l worked with flight simulators most of my aviation career some of the most advanced devices ever created

@johnniehobby

Жыл бұрын

When I was a kid I took my toys apart because I wanted to find out how they worked. Sometimes the only thing I learned was that I didn't know how to them back together.

DCC but for cARS, COOL

😂😂😂😂😂 My parents still talk About They would buy me toys and I will tear them up. But they were shocked that I would put them back together and make them better than when they bought them.😂😂😂😂😂

Driving multiple cars in a single lane? Being able to switch lanes and still maintain individual control of each car?!? You're mad, MAD I tell you. It can't be done!

looks like steven segal a little bit

What has happened to Ninco

@johnniehobby

10 ай бұрын

They are still around just not as popular in the slot car realm as they used to be.

Digital = to work with your fingers. Digital interference = somebody fiddled with something they shouldn't have. Even analogue slot cars were digital, you were always putting them back on track.

@johnniehobby

6 ай бұрын

LOL.

its uncle eddie!!! (from famliy vacation)

Didn’t have the time to sit through the entire video, is this the same mechanism as the X10 protocol?

@johnniehobby

7 ай бұрын

Similar idea, but different implementation. X10 forces a burst of digital bits at the zero crossing. That's where, in a AC sine wave, the voltage is at zero between forward and reverse current. The frequency and duration of the wave isn't changed unlike the PPM and FSK protocols used for digital slot cars that modify the frequency and/or duration of the power in order to embed the digital code.

@CostantinoPipero

7 ай бұрын

@@johnniehobby this is brilliant. Thank you so much for the explanation

I'm not smart enough to race slot cars...

That video was 15 minutes too long. Plus you don't need all that digital junk to do the same thing. You could totally just use crystals in the cars and transmitters in the remotes. Seems like overkill to make all that digital crap that a little poke of static electricity could just knock out.

Never understood why scale cars don’t do scale speed when it comes to slot cars. It’s not scale, and producing cars that do idiotic speeds has no real attraction - except for those that are really NOT into trying to duplicate real life......which isn’t scale modelling ! .??

@MarquisDeSang

3 ай бұрын

Have you ever seen a real car on a SLOT? You want the real thing, go sim-racing. I want them to be fast but not too fast to be impossible to pilot.

"Digital slot cars. How does that work?" No matter how it's said you still have to explain how it works.

8 min in got bored bye

Boring