<![CDATA[SlotRacer Forum

<![CDATA[SlotRacer Forum - Scalextric]]> https://slotracer.online/community/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:19:11 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Technical spec: C7005 rev 11/2022]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5300 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:05:22 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5300
The photo shows the top side of the decoder - including a decoder with a JST ZH 1.5mm pitch lighting socket fitted.

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Key technical details:
=============

1/ Microcontroller:
16F1503 (same as C8515 rev H)

2/ Motor MOSFET:
DMN3404L
Marking “34N”
Max current* =5.8A at Vgs=10V
and 5.2A at Vg=ls=4.5V

3/ Brake MOSFET:
DMP3098L
Marking “DMB”
Max current* = -3.8A at Vgs=-10V

* when operating at 25 degrees C

4/ Four Schottky diodes as full bridge rectifier.
Labelled “SS34”
Each has a 3A max current limit giving a total capability of 6A for SSD AC drive packets.

5/ 100uF electrolytic capacitor replaced with six parallel wired MLCC (very low profile)

6/ head and tail lighting circuits which are npn transistor buffered.

Assessment:
=======

The C7005 rev 22/2022 has a similar footprint to the older C7005 and has a significantly reduced thickness profile due to the elimination of the electrolytic capacitor.

The new C7005 has a motor/brake current limit of circa 5A/3A (i.e. very similar to the C8515 rev H) so should be compatible with higher torque motors. It also has lighting circuits as per the C8515 rev H and so represents an excellent retrofit decoder for both F1 (due to its small dimensions) and saloon/GT cars (due to the lighting circuits).

Overall, an excellent upgrade to the C7005.]]> <![CDATA[Help with the C7006 Chip Lighting]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5296 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:28:55 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5296
My questions revolve around some saloon cars with lights in my collection that have the C7006 on board. Reading through many threads, it seems that the C7006 can be used to manage the lights and that the “always on” option is available. However, it also seems that some sort of flash might be needed to the chip, but further Googling suggests that the chip cannot have its firmware upgraded. Further further Googling suggests that it can be done via InCarPro. This is confusing to me.

So here’s the questions
1.     Is it possible to wire lights to the C7006? If so, do I need to flash it? If so, do I need some hardware and software? If so, where do I get those items please?
2.     Would someone share clear pictures of precisely how the chip should be wired to make the lights work in the simple way that they work with the EasyFit C8515 Rev H (I recognise that these are entirely different chips and each of a different “era”).

I know I’m probably asking a lot but, as my dad used to say, if you don’t ask you don’t get ?]]>
My questions revolve around some saloon cars with lights in my collection that have the C7006 on board. Reading through many threads, it seems that the C7006 can be used to manage the lights and that the “always on” option is available. However, it also seems that some sort of flash might be needed to the chip, but further Googling suggests that the chip cannot have its firmware upgraded. Further further Googling suggests that it can be done via InCarPro. This is confusing to me.

So here’s the questions
1.     Is it possible to wire lights to the C7006? If so, do I need to flash it? If so, do I need some hardware and software? If so, where do I get those items please?
2.     Would someone share clear pictures of precisely how the chip should be wired to make the lights work in the simple way that they work with the EasyFit C8515 Rev H (I recognise that these are entirely different chips and each of a different “era”).

I know I’m probably asking a lot but, as my dad used to say, if you don’t ask you don’t get ?]]> <![CDATA[Changing Pit Lane from Left to Right Hand entry ?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5271 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:43:34 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5271

First track design.jpg Size: 3.75 MB Downloads: 64

Sensor board 1.jpg Size: 4.23 MB Downloads: 71

Sensor board 2.jpg Size: 4.35 MB Downloads: 75

First track design.jpg Size: 3.75 MB Downloads: 64

Sensor board 1.jpg Size: 4.23 MB Downloads: 71

Sensor board 2.jpg Size: 4.35 MB Downloads: 75

Hi I am new to the forum but have been reading many of the tips on here for some time.
I am finally setting up my track on a wind down platform in the garage.
Photo attached currently on temporary peg board and cardboard base until I decide on a final layout then I will make it permanent with a ply base.
The Pit Lane I have is a left hand entry and I need to convert it to right hand entry.
I had read on this forum it was simply a matter of swapping the components from one track to the other.
Sadly this is not the case the solenoids and circuit boards can be physically moved and the red black wires connected to the track re soldered in place.
The issue I have is cct board for the sensor has solder terminals for LH or RH operation and 3 wires from this to the solenoid cct board.
Without a wiring diagram it is not possible to determine which of the 3 wires is attached to the common terminal and what is the correct orientation of the coloured wires.
I have seen a video where someone made the conversion by turning over the cct board at the solenoids and reversing the solenoids. This would work but is not ideal.
Has anyone on here rewired their pit lane or have photos of both sides of the sensor board on a right hand pit lane clearly showing where the red, white and black wires are terminated ?

Thanks
Kym]]> <![CDATA[`Scalextric wants to know...]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5066 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:29:01 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5066 https://community.hornbyhobbies.com/foru...tric-club/]]> https://community.hornbyhobbies.com/foru...tric-club/]]> <![CDATA[SSD limited to 6 car IDs]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4989 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 23:09:10 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4989 It has always been limited to 6 car IDs.
It will always limited to 6 car IDs.

I once offered a $1000 to a fellow to prove otherwise. 6 years later still no cigar.

Prove me wrong Wavegreen

]]> It has always been limited to 6 car IDs.
It will always limited to 6 car IDs.

I once offered a $1000 to a fellow to prove otherwise. 6 years later still no cigar.

Prove me wrong Wavegreen

]]> <![CDATA[Technical Bulletin: APB C7042 Microcontroller Swap-out]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4964 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:54:04 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4964
Also, we now know that when throttle ports fail this can also lead to wider reliability issues with the APB - so it is often not as simple as avoiding using the dead ports.

This brings consideration of whether the microcontroller can be removed and replaced, back into scope.

Over the next few posts I will share a step-by-step guide covering the removal and replacement of the microcontroller.

This is not something that everyone can try. However there are likely to be a few members across the digital slot car community who will have the skills and equipment to successfully carry out the procedures involved.

What will follow is a high-level outline guide.

I hope this thread generates some interest and proves useful too.

c]]>
Also, we now know that when throttle ports fail this can also lead to wider reliability issues with the APB - so it is often not as simple as avoiding using the dead ports.

This brings consideration of whether the microcontroller can be removed and replaced, back into scope.

Over the next few posts I will share a step-by-step guide covering the removal and replacement of the microcontroller.

This is not something that everyone can try. However there are likely to be a few members across the digital slot car community who will have the skills and equipment to successfully carry out the procedures involved.

What will follow is a high-level outline guide.

I hope this thread generates some interest and proves useful too.

c]]> <![CDATA[Chip Repaired and a Big Thankyou]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4937 Sat, 16 Aug 2025 17:34:38 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4937 This was my first successful repair of a 8515 style digital chip.
After replacing the two components I thought it would be an absolute miracle if this chip would be functionable. I'm not at all schooled on electronics and only have some crude soldering tools and skills, so this was a huge suprise when the car ran and changed lanes and speeds through my contoller.
I had tried to repair a 7005 chip prior to this without success, and am pretty sure I damaged the PCB beyond repair, so I wasn't very confident about repairing this one.
I want to give a Big Thank You to Dr_C, for his advise and help with this. He is a wonderful member of this forum and a valuble contributor and enthusiast to our hobby. Thank You, Dr_C.]]> This was my first successful repair of a 8515 style digital chip.
After replacing the two components I thought it would be an absolute miracle if this chip would be functionable. I'm not at all schooled on electronics and only have some crude soldering tools and skills, so this was a huge suprise when the car ran and changed lanes and speeds through my contoller.
I had tried to repair a 7005 chip prior to this without success, and am pretty sure I damaged the PCB beyond repair, so I wasn't very confident about repairing this one.
I want to give a Big Thank You to Dr_C, for his advise and help with this. He is a wonderful member of this forum and a valuble contributor and enthusiast to our hobby. Thank You, Dr_C.]]> <![CDATA[C7042 dead port repair?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4782 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:22:32 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4782
I believe this fault occasionally happens during plugging-in of wired controllers, and is likely due to static charge effects from the throttle ports onto the microcontroller input pins.

So can the microcontroller be replaced?

The short answer is yes - but it needs considerable care.

The longer answer involved learning how to replace the microcontroller without allowing any solder bridges to occur between any of the 64 solder points. Once a bridge occurs it is extremely difficult to correct.

After three re-fitment attempts on the same APB - success!

And, next time around it should be a bit easier :)

After re-fitment, a continuity check of each of the 64 solder points was carried to ensure all APB functions were restored. This is quite time intensive!

The final step was to flash the v1.009 firmware onto the new microcontroller. The result is a fully functioning APB with all throttle ports operating correctly.

At present, while brand new APBs are still available the best solution for an APB with a a failed microcontroller is replacement of the entire APB. However, with time, and as the stock of new APBs is exhausted the option of replacing the microcontroller may become more attractive.

At least we now know that the microcontroller swap-out is possible using simple lab-bench soldering techniques.

c]]>
I believe this fault occasionally happens during plugging-in of wired controllers, and is likely due to static charge effects from the throttle ports onto the microcontroller input pins.

So can the microcontroller be replaced?

The short answer is yes - but it needs considerable care.

The longer answer involved learning how to replace the microcontroller without allowing any solder bridges to occur between any of the 64 solder points. Once a bridge occurs it is extremely difficult to correct.

After three re-fitment attempts on the same APB - success!

And, next time around it should be a bit easier :)

After re-fitment, a continuity check of each of the 64 solder points was carried to ensure all APB functions were restored. This is quite time intensive!

The final step was to flash the v1.009 firmware onto the new microcontroller. The result is a fully functioning APB with all throttle ports operating correctly.

At present, while brand new APBs are still available the best solution for an APB with a a failed microcontroller is replacement of the entire APB. However, with time, and as the stock of new APBs is exhausted the option of replacing the microcontroller may become more attractive.

At least we now know that the microcontroller swap-out is possible using simple lab-bench soldering techniques.

c]]> <![CDATA[What just happened?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4739 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 18:23:07 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4739

20250130_115342.jpg Size: 1.05 MB Downloads: 142

I recently purchased two C7005 in car chips. I have never used this chip before, preferring the larger Slotit chip, but the cars I'm working on now are smaller and don't have the room.
The first one went into a Scalextric C3 L88 vette. Install went well and car functions were perfect.
The next chip I stuck into a Scalextric Ferrari 330. Again the install went well and testing showed it worked flawlessly. That is until I put the top half of the body on. Then the car was dead. No lights, no movement, nothing.
Now when I test the chip, no electricity seems to pass from the guide leads through the chip and the only way to make the car run is if I connect power to the chip where the motor wires connect to the chip.
Is the chip shot? What could have happened? The bottom of the chip was resting against the the motor case when I put the car back together. Could this have shorted something on the chip?
I see Dr. C has a thread about replacing mofets and diodes. Is this a solution to revive the chip?
I've attached some photos for reference.

20250130_115232.jpg Size: 1.08 MB Downloads: 136

]]>

20250130_115342.jpg Size: 1.05 MB Downloads: 142

20250130_115232.jpg Size: 1.08 MB Downloads: 136

]]> <![CDATA[Technical Bulletin: Upgrading the C7005 F1 decoder]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4728 Sat, 25 Jan 2025 17:27:30 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4728
https://slotracer.online/community/showt...2#pid35192

Meanwhile, the C7005 remains an import SSD decoder which is specially useful for retrofit into both saloon and F1 cars when space is tight.

Also, if used with cars with higher torque motors than found in Scalextric cars then upgrading some of the components may be necessary - for example when fitting into NSR models.

In this case there are two parts to the upgrade:

1/ MOSFETs

For the n-channel MOSFET I recommend replacing with the AO3434. Here you are replacing the part labelled NO2.

For the p-channel MOSFET I recommend replacing with the AO3407. Here you are replacing the part labelled PO3.

2/ DIODES

Here I recommend replacing the 1Amp silicon diodes with 3Amp Schottky diodes. These carry higher currents and run cooler.

I recommend replacing with Schottky diodes type PMEG4030ER - and of course you need 4.

Procedure:

I typically upgrade in two stages. First I replace the two MOSFETs and test for correct function of the decoder. I test motor control, braking and motor coasting.

I then replace the diodes and again test as above. Note the diodes conduct current in one direction only, so are polarity sensitive. The polarity is marked by a series of lines at one end of the diode. Make sure you fit the new diodes with precisely the same polarity as the diodes you are removing - and here some diagrams/sketches will help!

All being well, the job is now done! You now have a power upgraded SSD decoder.

Next post will show a couple of images of the C7005 after this upgrade.

Good luck!

c]]>
https://slotracer.online/community/showt...2#pid35192

Meanwhile, the C7005 remains an import SSD decoder which is specially useful for retrofit into both saloon and F1 cars when space is tight.

Also, if used with cars with higher torque motors than found in Scalextric cars then upgrading some of the components may be necessary - for example when fitting into NSR models.

In this case there are two parts to the upgrade:

1/ MOSFETs

For the n-channel MOSFET I recommend replacing with the AO3434. Here you are replacing the part labelled NO2.

For the p-channel MOSFET I recommend replacing with the AO3407. Here you are replacing the part labelled PO3.

2/ DIODES

Here I recommend replacing the 1Amp silicon diodes with 3Amp Schottky diodes. These carry higher currents and run cooler.

I recommend replacing with Schottky diodes type PMEG4030ER - and of course you need 4.

Procedure:

I typically upgrade in two stages. First I replace the two MOSFETs and test for correct function of the decoder. I test motor control, braking and motor coasting.

I then replace the diodes and again test as above. Note the diodes conduct current in one direction only, so are polarity sensitive. The polarity is marked by a series of lines at one end of the diode. Make sure you fit the new diodes with precisely the same polarity as the diodes you are removing - and here some diagrams/sketches will help!

All being well, the job is now done! You now have a power upgraded SSD decoder.

Next post will show a couple of images of the C7005 after this upgrade.

Good luck!

c]]> <![CDATA[Latest Scalextric App Question]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4716 Sat, 18 Jan 2025 23:12:11 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4716 Is the black one the most current one? What happened to the blue one?]]> Is the black one the most current one? What happened to the blue one?]]> <![CDATA[Car not recording laps.]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4688 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 18:23:09 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4688 I also changed the guide to a Slotting Plus SP101002 with the same results. And swapped out the chip with one from another car that worked fine, but the problem persists.
Any suggestions?]]> I also changed the guide to a Slotting Plus SP101002 with the same results. And swapped out the chip with one from another car that worked fine, but the problem persists.
Any suggestions?]]> <![CDATA[Problem adding third controller to ArcPro system]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4684 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:21:28 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4684
I'm new to Slotracer and have a question:-

I have an Arcpro system and have just recently purchased a third controller.
My problem is that when I try to connect it to yellow it flashes green twice but
doesn't actually connect to the Arcpro power controller. No green light permanently on under yellow, Similar problem with the other colours.

As far as I can see the system is set to digital. I.e. The switch on the side is AWAY from the track. If I use the red and green controllers they work fine and I can change lanes, use the brakes, etc. I can also connect the Scalextric app to the power controller ok.

My old controllers I purchased about three years ago. I guess they still work the same.

Also, is there a way to change the colour of an existing controller? Eg. Red to White

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Keith]]>
I'm new to Slotracer and have a question:-

I have an Arcpro system and have just recently purchased a third controller.
My problem is that when I try to connect it to yellow it flashes green twice but
doesn't actually connect to the Arcpro power controller. No green light permanently on under yellow, Similar problem with the other colours.

As far as I can see the system is set to digital. I.e. The switch on the side is AWAY from the track. If I use the red and green controllers they work fine and I can change lanes, use the brakes, etc. I can also connect the Scalextric app to the power controller ok.

My old controllers I purchased about three years ago. I guess they still work the same.

Also, is there a way to change the colour of an existing controller? Eg. Red to White

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Keith]]> <![CDATA[Converting controllers to digital.]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4558 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:39:15 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4558 I am longing for a better controller that is not as costly as a Slot.It SCP3.]]> I am longing for a better controller that is not as costly as a Slot.It SCP3.]]> <![CDATA[Old system needs slot cars]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4557 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:00:57 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4557
Unboxed some childhood toys. Got a Scalextric C1253 track set, but no cars.

Any guidance for a newbie here on what cars I can buy that will work on this?

https://www.newmodellersshop.co.uk/scale...ce_set.htm]]>
Unboxed some childhood toys. Got a Scalextric C1253 track set, but no cars.

Any guidance for a newbie here on what cars I can buy that will work on this?

https://www.newmodellersshop.co.uk/scale...ce_set.htm]]> <![CDATA[NSR cars traversing Scalextric lane changers]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4542 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:09:57 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4542
1/ I am using NSR AMG cars with their standard fit NSR white guides.
2/ I am using standard scalextric two-lane cross-over lane changers with their standard electronics.

Now the issue:

Sometimes when I command a ‘lane-change’, the car crosses towards the centre-line but instead of proceeding to the opposite lane, it ‘zigs’ back to the original lane. This is worse for some cars and particular lane changers. So my question… is there a known issue with using NSR standard guides (which are quite narrow) with Scalextric lane changers?

When I replace with Slot.it standard guides, that have been modified to sharpen the leading edge, the issues appear to go away.

These guides are significantly wider in the slot.

Is this known practice? (I ask innocently…)

c]]>
1/ I am using NSR AMG cars with their standard fit NSR white guides.
2/ I am using standard scalextric two-lane cross-over lane changers with their standard electronics.

Now the issue:

Sometimes when I command a ‘lane-change’, the car crosses towards the centre-line but instead of proceeding to the opposite lane, it ‘zigs’ back to the original lane. This is worse for some cars and particular lane changers. So my question… is there a known issue with using NSR standard guides (which are quite narrow) with Scalextric lane changers?

When I replace with Slot.it standard guides, that have been modified to sharpen the leading edge, the issues appear to go away.

These guides are significantly wider in the slot.

Is this known practice? (I ask innocently…)

c]]> <![CDATA[GRANT WILLIAMS JAGS]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4452 Mon, 12 Aug 2024 15:48:55 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4452

Screenshot 2024-08-12 at 15.39.24.png Size: 1.81 MB Downloads: 127

Well this has been a lot of fun.
Creating replicas of Grant Williams other Jaguars....

Preparing for a recreation of Goodwood thrills and spills with the likes of Nick Swift, Fred Shepherd and the irrepressible Grant Williams.

They will all be racing their Scalextric representative cars in a recreation of the St Marys Trophy at Bicester Heritage tomorrow evening.

Tickets are still available Tickets

Opens at 6pm and runs till 9pm

Screenshot 2024-08-12 at 15.45.12.png Size: 702.84 KB Downloads: 132

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Screenshot 2024-08-12 at 15.45.12.png Size: 702.84 KB Downloads: 132

You can not only have a go for the fastest lap, you might also win the chance to race in our pro-am feature race at the end of the evening and partner with a Revival Legend. Prizes for Podium placings :-)

Come and join us for some fun.
]]> <![CDATA[Chipping BUY 1 Jag]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4445 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 10:00:31 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4445
Unfortunately due to the capacitor on the old style chip it fouls the internal cockpit.

Solution is to either trim the cockpit or fit the newer C8515-39-042 that has no capacitor.

Which begs the question does the newer chip run in analogue mode? As I thought the capacitor was fitted for analogue racing?

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]]>
Unfortunately due to the capacitor on the old style chip it fouls the internal cockpit.

Solution is to either trim the cockpit or fit the newer C8515-39-042 that has no capacitor.

Which begs the question does the newer chip run in analogue mode? As I thought the capacitor was fitted for analogue racing?

20240807_094003.jpg Size: 2.25 MB Downloads: 126

20240807_094043.jpg Size: 2.06 MB Downloads: 121

20240807_094107.jpg Size: 1.95 MB Downloads: 114

]]> <![CDATA[Is Scalextric Digital gone?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4310 Sat, 27 Apr 2024 11:45:45 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4310
Fast forward to 2006 when I bought our kids a set, analogue. Scalextric, of course. I soon converted it to digital and I learned to modify it so it was more reliable, a more powerful power base, 3rd party controllers and a nice race management system.
From there some of you would know Scorpius was born…..mainly out of frustration of the standard system.

Fast forward again to 2024. And the MPD is born. It stands for Multi Purpose Decoder. It could easily stand for Multi Protocol Decoder, ie a chip that can run on multiple brands, ie Scorpius, Scalextric Sport Digital, Carrera primarily.

Back to 2017. Hornby dump their Advanced Powerbase and brings out their Arc Pro offering. Hobby shops started to reduce stock due to reduced profit margins and an online store was started, which upset hobby shops. Lots of leftover stick dumped at too cheap a price also upset retailers who in retaliation simply stopped selling it. Marketing outside the UK ceased. Distribution networks reduced. Third party developers locked out except the app. Were all these factors combined the beginning of the end? I think so.
Forum activity for SSD is not even 10% of what it was a decade ago.
Stock here in Oz becomes hard to get. Currently the biggest and most famous slot shop in Oz only has old stock on its site. They don’t even have a box set. They sell individual cars, the Arc Pro powerbase and track pieces, although not all. Other hobby shops have stopped stocking it. Sales are a fraction of a decade ago. Not one upgrade has been offered for 6 years now. Nothing. Not a penny spent.

Carrera, based in Austria, start to dominate the market with a strong worldwide distribution network and good quantities of stock. New products are added regularly. Lots of digital track pieces have been added, along with wireless controller upgrades, Bluetooth connection, driver stations etc. The product looks professional and SmartRace have an excellent app for it.

So, my dilemma. Should I can Scalextric compatibility on the MPD?
I’d there enough SSD users out there to justify the effort and cost to implement SSD protocols? As of today my feeling sadly is no.

Is it basically dead? Outside of the UK I fear yes. Inside the UK I see Carrera slowly getting a foothold also. I could be wrong.

So should I or shouldn’t I? That is the question. As a business decision, not an emotional one I fear it could be a dead loss of time (valuable) and money. Not a good thing.

There is no mention either of Hornby
upgrading anytime soon, if ever. And if they do will they leave a couple of doors open for 3rd party developers? I fear not.

So it looks like Scalextric will be removed from the MPD project. Even though we just redesigned the bridge rectifier to suit SSD and still be friendly with Carrera.

So that’s my dilemma.
Thanks for reading.

Rick
Scorpius Wireless]]>
Fast forward to 2006 when I bought our kids a set, analogue. Scalextric, of course. I soon converted it to digital and I learned to modify it so it was more reliable, a more powerful power base, 3rd party controllers and a nice race management system.
From there some of you would know Scorpius was born…..mainly out of frustration of the standard system.

Fast forward again to 2024. And the MPD is born. It stands for Multi Purpose Decoder. It could easily stand for Multi Protocol Decoder, ie a chip that can run on multiple brands, ie Scorpius, Scalextric Sport Digital, Carrera primarily.

Back to 2017. Hornby dump their Advanced Powerbase and brings out their Arc Pro offering. Hobby shops started to reduce stock due to reduced profit margins and an online store was started, which upset hobby shops. Lots of leftover stick dumped at too cheap a price also upset retailers who in retaliation simply stopped selling it. Marketing outside the UK ceased. Distribution networks reduced. Third party developers locked out except the app. Were all these factors combined the beginning of the end? I think so.
Forum activity for SSD is not even 10% of what it was a decade ago.
Stock here in Oz becomes hard to get. Currently the biggest and most famous slot shop in Oz only has old stock on its site. They don’t even have a box set. They sell individual cars, the Arc Pro powerbase and track pieces, although not all. Other hobby shops have stopped stocking it. Sales are a fraction of a decade ago. Not one upgrade has been offered for 6 years now. Nothing. Not a penny spent.

Carrera, based in Austria, start to dominate the market with a strong worldwide distribution network and good quantities of stock. New products are added regularly. Lots of digital track pieces have been added, along with wireless controller upgrades, Bluetooth connection, driver stations etc. The product looks professional and SmartRace have an excellent app for it.

So, my dilemma. Should I can Scalextric compatibility on the MPD?
I’d there enough SSD users out there to justify the effort and cost to implement SSD protocols? As of today my feeling sadly is no.

Is it basically dead? Outside of the UK I fear yes. Inside the UK I see Carrera slowly getting a foothold also. I could be wrong.

So should I or shouldn’t I? That is the question. As a business decision, not an emotional one I fear it could be a dead loss of time (valuable) and money. Not a good thing.

There is no mention either of Hornby
upgrading anytime soon, if ever. And if they do will they leave a couple of doors open for 3rd party developers? I fear not.

So it looks like Scalextric will be removed from the MPD project. Even though we just redesigned the bridge rectifier to suit SSD and still be friendly with Carrera.

So that’s my dilemma.
Thanks for reading.

Rick
Scorpius Wireless]]> <![CDATA[SmartRace for Scalextric ARC]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4254 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:04:43 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4254

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Posted by Marc on Facebook this afternoon - and undoubtedly the best Scalextric ARC news since the platform’s release. Kudos to Magic for his app, but SmartRace will be the real deal.

Follow SmartRace on Facebook for updates. And I’ll try and relay them here.]]>

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