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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2008 16:40:17 GMT -7
Just curious as to what controllers members of this board are utilizing for launching their drag cars?
Are folks aware that an electronic H.O. "Dragtroller" is available from DiFalco Design? It is not listed on the DiFalco site but it is available for purchase direct from DiFalco. I was instrumental in having this unit developed for H.O. and provided input to Jim on it's development. It can be utilized on everything from Stock pancake motored cars to Neo Bullet cars.
So what are folks using? Standard Parma drag racing 1 OHM controllers? Custom made units? Modified existing controllers?
Rocky
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Post by SKR on Feb 17, 2008 17:03:34 GMT -7
Most everyone is using a 1 ohm Parma or Koford. We do have some Parma controllers up to 45 ohm that racers are welcomed to and some stock Tyco home set controllers.
What are the features on the DiFalco?
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Post by johnbalich on Feb 17, 2008 17:06:32 GMT -7
also what is the relative cost?
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Post by da big ragu on Feb 17, 2008 17:12:08 GMT -7
 from what ive seen on line at some shops not cheap but that depends what you think is cheap. over a hundred for sure just my 2 pennies .
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Post by kdog on Feb 17, 2008 17:45:35 GMT -7
What you are looking for is a 0 OHM controler, eletronices has nothing to do with it. You could mount a door bell switch on a piece of wood( I have seen one used ) and win a drag race with it. What you are looking for is an on & off switch no need to spend a bunch of cash on controllers. You can take any controller you have,and jump a wire from one end of the resistor to the other and you have 0 OHMs. It dosn't get any better than that, no matter how much cash you throw at it.
Kevin
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Post by SKR on Feb 17, 2008 18:18:49 GMT -7
Rocky, send me the picture to skrcustoms@msn.com and I'll get it on soon or you can go through photoshop. Sam |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2008 18:22:36 GMT -7
An "on-off" door bell switch cannot handle higher amperages and last for an event. However, an "instant on" high amperage capacity motor switch can do that.
You must not be taking into account simulating realism. Yes, they are slot cars and not 1:1 vehicles. However, launch control, rollout, staging (normal, shallow or deep) and other factors come into play here. I'm not here to debate subtlities. I just had an inquiry.
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Post by SKR on Feb 17, 2008 18:50:31 GMT -7
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Post by kdog on Feb 17, 2008 18:56:54 GMT -7
WOW Like calling the SWAT for a mouse.
K
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2008 19:05:58 GMT -7
Over the years you learn things... a standard mouse trap works well but a better mouse trap works...better!...for all shapes, sizes of wise mice !
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Post by johnbalich on Feb 17, 2008 19:35:17 GMT -7
A hot rodders rule: "the only thing better than a big engine...is a bigger engine"
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Post by allstarhr on Feb 17, 2008 19:38:27 GMT -7
I agree that the better product will win more races and it looks like that is a substantially better product. My main goal however is not to win races but to add many, many new people to the ranks of HO drag race enthusiasts. That's why we have two "non-consistant" 45 ohm Parma controllers hooked up to the track all night. Track supplied controllers only. The "non-consistant" part is that you might not pull the trigger exactly the same speed every time and therefore the controller adds to the inconsistency of the launch and et...somewhat. That's just another item that each racer should pay attention to when it's his/her turn. Another advantage is that it pretty well eliminates the need for wheelie bars for most cars, especially the magnet cars. What that does is make it easier for "newbies" to get involved. All they need is a car and a few cheap supplies to get going. Since I started with all newbie's here (including myself) I needed to make it easy or I would just chase away the people I might get interested in the hobby. It's working well as I started with 5 invitee's and me and after 15 months I've got 14 people who want to be here plus about another 15-20 who would probably love to be here but I haven't invited yet as this is at my house and I don't want to hassle with the HOA or my wife over this. My goal is to get two or three other tracks running and let it spread that way. I've already got the timing equipment and track ready to build two more 1/8 mile tracks plus I lucked into buying Rev. Barnsdale's protable 1/4 mile track. I'm kind of moving the post away from controllers but that's the reason I don't just go out and buy a high dollar quality "gonna help me win" controller. I really admire the guys who put in the time and money to run the high speeds and zero in on the perfect reaction time but it's not for me. In NHRA terms, I guess I'm a Sportsman racer not a T/F racer. (OK...I'm really closer to an IHRA Pure Stock racer..) Does this make sense to anyone besides me?
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Post by johnbalich on Feb 17, 2008 20:11:47 GMT -7
there is always room for both approaches. We guys love gadgets, so of course the bigger better deal is always cool. For those who want the ultimate then no cost is really objectionable. sometimes we want the gadget whether it helps us win or not! I think high tech high performance stuff is very cool. I think there is just as much place for simple and easy. I think Rock was just sharing info and that always good to have...
Phil yopur efforst are duly noted. I think the idea of a portable drag styrip is a wonderful one. Has anyone ever thought of setting up one at a school fair or similar charity event? Just for fun, or maybe post a 'beat the expert' sign and door prize as a promo. Or I am being goofy? (again)
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2008 20:21:53 GMT -7
You have summed up the logic quite nicely Phil and John. The dragtroller does this and more....and yes, accurate information is always good to have and be aware of. Then you have choices.
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Post by allstarhr on Feb 17, 2008 20:53:51 GMT -7
Good..I was hoping you guys could understand my thinking. I think some of you know how much time and money I have spent on this and I'm not complaining...I love the hobby. I plan of spending plenty more on it. (No, Kevin, Sam, Mead Bros, etc.....I'm not buying EVERYTHING you guys post on ebay! Although sometimes it feels like it.) Some of you know I ran 1:1 tracks in a previous century. I have watched the local hotshot chase off many, many new racers in the lower classes by his skill and I just don't want it to happen to as solf/fun hobby as HO drag racing. I've now raced/owned/worked at tracks in 4 diferent states over the last 40 years and it happened at every track. I loved watching the Winternationals Pro classes, I really get into it and admire all of them for what they can do. I just think after so many wins in the "beginners classes" a racer should move up. Otherwise the guy who's not as good or new will quickly get discouraged. And the fun goes away...then they go away. Or worse yet, someone watches their first couple races and is thinking of getting into the action but sees the difficulty level of beating the "Track Pro" and then the newbe doesn't even enter. Then the fun is not there for the Pro in the amature class. He just comes each week to collect his 2nd job paycheck. I kills the sport/hobby. JMO and it's why this sort of thing is so important to me. Seen it too many times. Heck of a controller for the FAST classes though! If I ever get good at this I'll have to have one and follow my own advise and move up. (After the Gasser Nationals you will understand that I won't be needing it for a while.)
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