|
|
Post by Frankenstein1 on Mar 20, 2019 12:28:21 GMT -7
Hey guys, noobie here. Also new to whats needed for my drag track . The last step is a power supply. I bought one of those cloned variable power supplies (30v 10 amp) you see all over ebay for around $50-$75.. but it took a dump in 3 days.
So Im going to spend a few more shekels but Im not sure if I should go "switching" or "Linear". I'm sure its been beaten to death but I have to ask because I keep reading conflicting explanations on both. Im told to lean towards linear however Mastek makes a unit for slot cars but its switching... Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by Frankenstein1 on Mar 20, 2019 12:51:12 GMT -7
PS Any other name brands other then Mastech as I don't want to pay a ridiculous $41 for shipping... Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by dave632 on Mar 20, 2019 13:23:54 GMT -7
I have 2 Volteq 30A 0-30V supplies on my track, which were about 270.00 each. I also have a 10A 0-30v which I use for bench testing all are
switching power supplies. Had all of them for years now.
I think you were a bit unlucky to have gotten a dud but I also had problems with one of the cheaper units which worked but gave an improper
amp reading. A switching power supply should be just fine as long as it is a good unit. The linears are bigger heavier more expensive units
that use big transformers for power conversion. As to which one is better that is up for debate. I don't have any personal recommendations but
maybe some others do. I got a rebate for the bad one I got off of e bay.
|
|
|
|
Post by frankenstein on Mar 20, 2019 13:42:07 GMT -7
I have 2 Volteq 30A 0-30V supplies on my track, which were about 270.00 each. I also have a 10A 0-30v which I use for bench testing all are switching power supplies. Had all of them for years now. I think you were a bit unlucky to have gotten a dud but I also had problems with one of the cheaper units which worked but gave an improper amp reading. A switching power supply should be just fine as long as it is a good unit. The linears are bigger heavier more expensive units that use big transformers for power conversion. As to which one is better that is up for debate. I don't have any personal recommendations but maybe some others do. I got a rebate for the bad one I got off of e bay. Thank you Dave Ok so its a vote to "switching" With that and a little seaching Im liking the velleman which seems to be moderately priced & made in the usa . I appreciate the reply & help |
|
|
|
Post by AJR on Mar 20, 2019 14:17:17 GMT -7
Hey guys, noobie here. Also new to whats needed for my drag track . The last step is a power supply. I bought one of those cloned variable power supplies (30v 10 amp) you see all over ebay for around $50-$75.. but it took a dump in 3 days. So Im going to spend a few more shekels but Im not sure if I should go "switching" or "Linear". I'm sure its been beaten to death but I have to ask because I keep reading conflicting explanations on both. Im told to lean towards linear however Mastek makes a unit for slot cars but its switching... Any help would be appreciated. Thanks I am using (2) Mastech 3010E units at Bear Creek and have had one for as long as I have had the track (approx 6-7 yrs) and the other I added about 3 yrs ago. Never had any problem with either one. Ebay...Amazon...etc always have different deals on those type power supplies. Shipping will depend on the Seller. I think I got mine both for around $100 - $120 each and I know I didn't pay a lot for shipping because I don't do that either. Switching is the way to go. I did the research and I can't remember all of the details, but like Dave said....the linear are bigger and heavier. They are used a lot for bench type work. Switching works best for our slot car needs. Sorry you had trouble with the one you bought. I also think that it was probably an unlucky isolated incident. I know Eagle Racing also has been using a Mastech 3020 unit for the last 7 -8 yrs without issue as well. I think you should be able to find the deal you want with a little patience and effort. Hope this helps. |
|
|
|
Post by frankenstein on Mar 21, 2019 6:23:13 GMT -7
Thanks JJ
You guys made it clear. So I went ahead an ordered a "switching" unit. Thank you. Mastech looks like a good unit but I did wind up with the Velleman for the reasons I mentioned plus Mastech wanted $41 to ship! Yeah...not happening.
Recently seen pictures of Bear Creek...simply wow. Great looking track. Absolutely getting ideas from that layout and others. Great forum. Great responses. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
Post by dave632 on Mar 21, 2019 7:50:01 GMT -7
Hopefully you will join us in some future races. All on the site are willing to help with advice on preparing the cars. Yes 41.00 is a little excessive to ship a 10 lb item.
|
|
|
|
Post by GTS on Mar 21, 2019 8:21:34 GMT -7
Thanks JJ You guys made it clear. So I went ahead an ordered a "switching" unit. Thank you. Mastech looks like a good unit but I did wind up with the Velleman for the reasons I mentioned plus Mastech wanted $41 to ship! Yeah...not happening. Recently seen pictures of Bear Creek...simply wow. Great looking track. Absolutely getting ideas from that layout and others. Great forum. Great responses. Thank you! I'm curious if that $41 was direct from Mastech's site or another vendor? Reason I'm asking is that someday I would like to acquire a couple Mastech units and just gathering info.
Thanks, G
|
|
|
|
Post by AJR on Mar 21, 2019 12:16:37 GMT -7
Thanks JJ You guys made it clear. So I went ahead an ordered a "switching" unit. Thank you. Mastech looks like a good unit but I did wind up with the Velleman for the reasons I mentioned plus Mastech wanted $41 to ship! Yeah...not happening. Recently seen pictures of Bear Creek...simply wow. Great looking track. Absolutely getting ideas from that layout and others. Great forum. Great responses. Thank you! Thanks for the good word. Keep us updated on your progress. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2019 14:46:19 GMT -7
Frankenstein, where are you?
I am in S E Pa.
I have a 1/4 mile track with timing system that I might be willing to sell.
right now it is portable, but could easily be mounted.
|
|
|
|
Post by GTS on May 3, 2019 16:25:40 GMT -7
Concerning the Voltec/Mastech power supplies, the 3010 & 3020; Do you owners of those, plug them into 120 or 240 volts? I've read where the 3030 is 240 only.
|
|
|
|
Post by AJR on May 3, 2019 17:24:13 GMT -7
My two supplies can be set for either 120v or 240v. I don't have a 240v outlet available so I use the standard 120v.
|
|
