[Dr_C2]

Somewhat late to the table I thought I would give Ninco lane changer mechanics some investigation.

So I acquired some Ninco XLCs and some Ninco pit lanes.

As we know there are several lane changer mechanics in market:

1/ Scalextrix push-pull dual solenoid.
2/ Carrera single solenoid with blade actuated mechanical auto return.
3/ SCX which is purely mechanical.
4/ Ninco which is single solenoid and spring loaded return.

Then there are currently announced plans from Policar/Slot.it and ScaleAuto - both of course exciting.

So with Ninco lane changers in use by a number of enthusiast communities I thought I would take a closer look.

I plan to explore two questions:


1/ Could lane changer electronics use two solenoid current options - an initial high current to enable fast actuation - then a reduced current for solenoid ‘hold’ to maintain position against the spring tension?

2/ Could lane changer electronics use a second sensor (post-lane change mechanism) which then releases the solenoid? This would prevent early release for slower moving cars.

I plan to explore both of above.

Any thoughts from like-minded enthusiasts?

c

[Dr_C2]

I should add, my plan is a fast setup and fast pack away approach when using my Ninco track so to keep things simple I would like to power the lane changers through the rails.

The lane changer solenoids have a coil resistance of 7 Ohms which corresponds to a current of 1.7Amps at 12Volts. If several are in lane change position (i.e solenoid ‘hold’) at the same time the amps will quickly add up.

The reduced current approach of the previous postmight provide a useful solution. Let’s see.

As mentioned elsewhere I have ‘independently developed’ fully functioning lane changer firmware so a new design for the lane changer electronics hardware is a logical next step - and an opportunity, therefore, to explore the reduced current approach too :)

c

[Dr_C2]

   

The test hardware is starting to take shape. It’s always nice to show a photo :)

Initially the Ninco lane changers will be integrated with Scalextric Sport track using off-the-shelf adapters.

Next to add the under-track continuity wiring, the flipper mechanisms and some home-brew LC electronics and firmware.

c

[Dr_C2]

Currently we are focused on control and lap detection of a 12 car rack pack using 2.4GHz wireless for control and wired sensors for detect. Once this approach is proven, we will pick up on the above thread. The lane change sensors used in this project are already proven capable of detecting 36 unique IDs, so anti-collision methods for 12 or more cars should be straight forward. We will pick up on this project after 24th August 2024.

Thanks for your interest.

c