Discussing how to DIY a Carrera Digital to Analog Conversion Box - Part 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2023
- Hey guys, I ordered a new analog controller, the Difalco DD302! I recviewed it in last weeks video. Check it out here: • The Difalco DD302 Slot...
I wanted to be able to use my new controller on my layout, but I can't because I use the Tek-Slot Box which only allows digital controllers. So I put my brain to work and devised to plan to create a DIY Carrera Digital to Analog Convertor Box... and it works! This video takes you through the thought process and demo's the box.
Part 2 will come later this week when we walk through the wiring plan step by step and show you hoe to build your own.
I hope this becomes a resource for people for a long time. You can build this box! I can help you figure out, I have created simple plans that anyone can read.. You CAN do this! With parts from your local hardware store!
Stay tuned for Part 2!
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Marty " MacGyver" Ford. Excellent explanation and presentation sir!
Thanks John! 😂 I loved that show..
This has to be the most important video for the slot car community of the year and I watch all of them. This was a topic from left field. Nobody expected it. I am looking forward to part 2. Cheers
Kenneth, thanks. I have actually watched a few videos recently where other people have created the exact same thing for their layouts. It’s all there in the forums. Guys have been doing this for years and lane chipping. I just tried to put some organization to it. Hope it helps people. All I am trying to do… give people options.
Now I can by a digital set, what a fantastic idea, looking forward to the next video thanks marty
I’m glad you made this video. You are helping us DIYers and guys that don’t want to spend the money. You’re giving more people the best of both worlds. This is super helpful to everyone. No reason to have secrets when it comes to slot cars. Let’s all come together and just have a damn good time.
Thanks Danny. I appreciate the encouragement.
Great video Marty- look forward to the next!
More to come! Thanks Clint!
Great stuff, Marty. Really enjoyed the video and project!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks DNA!
Marty, it is very nice to see someone who keeps growing with the hobby and doing stuff that I find myself also doing. I am older than you so I spend lot on the hobby and make many more mistakes , but I enjoy it all.
Thanks Richard! I do enjoy this hobby!
Finally got around to watching this video. Excellent Video Marty!! I went through almost the exact same thought process when I built my box but I wanted to be able to use my wireless controllers. Excellent job explaining the design process, keep up the great videos.
Tom, electrical wiring was not my forte, but it was a fun project and in the process I learned a ton of things that I would do different the second time around.
LOL, they guy that makes the 'Axle box' will love this video
I almost exploded with excitement when I saw this video. I am SUPER curious on the basic functionality of these three-wire controllers and how I can fab-up a 3D printed box as small as possible with and without the ‘studs’ for the alligator clips. Something that will work with the tekslot or AxelBox. Marty you’re still running the omnibox correct? I have a basic idea of how that device works - but I haven’t dug into it too deeply, I’m interested in how your current setup is wired for sure
I actually built my own box. I was using a Tek-Slot box.. because I could not figure out how to use my analog controller with it. Also.. because the digital CU wants to control the braking.. analog controllers (SlotIt) options doesn’t seem to work. A complete walk through is editors and ready to post.. I can also send you my simple wiring diagram too. Let me know.
@@twolinesslotcars are most of those toggle switches single pole (two connection points)? Just thinking of ways to simplify your design with multi-pole switches, good on ya’ for coming up with your design on your own. It takes guts to ‘throw the switch’ on an electronic project👍🏻
@@Sunshine_Speedway yes, I used toggle switches I already had… but order a 6pDT and a 4PDT from Amazon and you can go to 2 switches.. also.. if you combine the commons you could do it with one..
Totally different philosophy of use. AxleBox and TEK-Slots use lane chipping, so one digital CU, one set of controllers, one power supply. Marty's (or OmniSlot as well) is completely different - it is providing a true analog experience, thus the need for 2 or possibly 3 power supplies, a set of analog controllers and a set of digital controllers. Make sure you take the cost of the added components into consideration.
Ight. I found a wiring diagram from 2017, it allows 2 lane digital/analog operation with a single switch, it is 4PDT switch so it is able to handle all 12 connections at once. It is by far the simplest wiring diagram I've seen so far.
Excellent!
Good stuff here Marty, I was just thinking about my options as I have a analog carrera system for many years . Just ordered my digital set and need to find a inexpensive solution,is a must for me. Again thank you for thinking outside the box and Happy New Year Marty🥳
Happy New Year to you! I just released a video on building your own lap counting hardware.. which is another project to tackle after you build a digital to analog box.
I don't even have a Carrera Digital yet. Yet I am anxiously awaiting the next vid. I have loads of HO track and over 400 cars. But, I really want to get into 1/32. As far as your track box, wouldn't it be relatively easy to put a plastic guide/cover over the switches. Activating them all at once. All up digital..all down analogue. That way you won't have to worry about possibly activating a section before all the switches are thrown.
Great idea!! I may order a bigger switch to move them all to one.. it is an experiment. Thanks!
Great content. This is definitely pushing the envelope forward. Keep it going .
Thanks Wildman! I appreciate it. That Scaley Camaro is pretty sweet. Nice video yesterday.
Thank you. 😊
I wish I could hit the thumbs up button 2x for this one
Thanks Gene!
Great idea Marty. This will be a really big help to those looking for other options with carrera track. I hard wired my scalex track to use a variable power supply and aftermarket controllers but keep the arc air timing system and app compatability. The more people try tinkering with things the more options come to the hobby.
Thanks Mark!
I’m looking forward to the next video. , thankyou
Thanks for watching!
Bravo! Marty Most Excellent...
Thanks Dan!
I’ve never bee bothered re digital but what you have put together is wonderful mate.
Smashing job Marty.
Thanks Tony!
Appreciate your channel Marty 👏 keep it up 😊
Thanks Bryce!
Great video Marty! 🙌🏻
Thanks MP!
Hey Marty. I did it on the sameway for about a year ago. It works very well. My analog clubcars can i drive my Carrera track. Just switch out the CU of the track.
I have lots of lane changers…
10/10 for passion
Thanks man!
Thank you for this Marty. Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks Gregg!
Nice Marty, looking forward to the technical part 2.
Coming soon!
G'day Marty fantastic work, I race anglog my track is anglog, however good one 👍 😀 keep up the good work 👏 🙌 👍 awesome
Thanks Rhys! I was going to convert to analog.. but I knew we would miss racing digital sometimes.
Well Marty looks like you accomplished the setup for your controller. I'd say you did a good job.
Thanks Gary!
Very impressive, Marty. Right on. 🙂
I see you have them Straight`s hooked up before the Rails. ;-)
I give you a I on that. That problem was the problem, right? ;-)
The idea of putting a triple-way Toggle-Switch to prevent mixing up the Systems and turning the device off, is smart.
Get a On-Off-On Toggle-Switch and you are good to go. Label the Switches on the Box, as well.
Put a flexible Tube over the Cables, that run in and out of the Box and the Cable-Tree towards the Track-Piece, when you are finished.
That will prevent the Cables from mechanical damages.
The Controller Cable-Conectors would be better of with plugs, that way the electrical Poles
are not blank open at the Track and won`t be an electrical hazard.
Those Crocodile-Clamps are not the best solution to connect the Controller to the Track-Piece. Thay can ripp off.
Actually these are the electric Regulations, running electrical Systems and Items, to prevent from electrical shocks.
One can do privately do what ever he wants in his place, but if any damages are done by it,
your Insurance won`t pay and in Germany for instance, you would be sued by the Accident Prevention and Insurance Assosiation.
Your Box is electrically covered, because it is a non Metal-Box made out of Plastic,
that cannot transmitt, or lead electrical Current. Wood, is also non-transmitting electrical Conductor and would be ok , too.
Go on Marty, you are on a good way. 🙂
Thanks Bo.. in the States.. most every commercial track uses the alligator clips connection for controllers. Thanks for all of the advice. I am planning to make some upgrades. 👍
Great content, Marty! Keep it coming!
Thanks! Will do!
Hello, I am very interested in doing the same thing for my track. Please continue with part 2.
th-cam.com/video/F_nS6fz4-dc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9-ekRzCmMmeLhUNN
Love the creativity here Marty "Edison" Ford! :D
Ironically, I'm in the process of designing a Gen3 TEK-Slot that would allow the option to run chipped lanes for analog or a true analog experience with analog controllers. The latter has been a major allure to me of the OmniSlot, but the cost is prohibitive to the casual racer, such as myself. But instead of a multitude of switches, I think it may be time to construct a logical control using an Arduino and relay boards. Still just a glimmer in the eye, but the concepts are coming into focus.
Thank you Joseph. This comment means more to me than you realize. 👊
Very interesting 🤜great video thanks for all you do for our hobby 🙏
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Jim!
Great content Marty
Thanks Johan!
Nice Marty I was wondering why no one was building their own digital to analog switch box.
I think people are.. just not sharing the details like I plan to share the details. I want to make it easy for the average slot car person can if they want to… or they can choose to buy the fantastic products that are out there that make it even easier..
Hi Marty preciate
Would have been nice if you had made a video of the wiring how you put it together.
Gary, did you watch the entire video? LOL I said that is what is coming in Part 2! 😂
Great content🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you 😁
Marty, this is awesome content. I too know just enough about electricty to be dangerous. You mention that you were thinking about using a 3 way power switch but since you are only using a 2 way is there an order that you need to isolate power with the other toggle switches?
Great Job
Gene
I usually flip the isolation switches first.. then the power. Seems to be fine.
Thanks
No problem!
Bravo!!
Thanks Frankie!
Two. Thumbs up.
Thanks Blind Dog!
Arty this is great content! Wow! How could a guy get the schematic? You have outdone yourself here!
I will get it posted.. it is a “non-schematic” schematic for people who can’t read a real electrical diagram 😂. Happy to send it to you. It will be a part of the next video.
@@twolinesslotcars as a retired commercial/industrial electrician who did a LOT of motor control work schematics are not an issue😂😂😂😂! Thanks Marty, this really is a great video here
@@consco3667 I know it is for some people which is why this project can be intimidating. You will give no problem. I am sure you could wire it even more efficiently.
Use relays ... then you can eliminate some of the switches to ensure isolation
Thanks.. exploring that avenue.. but the box works 😂 So I may leave it to the next guy.
And you're scared to scratch build? The box build is awesome! To me, it's 10 times more antimidating than sratch building......
😂😂 I am getting there!
Great job Marty. All the digital track pieces stay in?
Yes… completely digital… flip switch.. complete analog, using analog controllers.
I had to resubscribe after watching this video! I am guessing no digital chips needed for the box? Anyway anxious to watch the follow up!
Thanks Lew! I hope I didn’t offend you in some way for you to unsubscribe in the first place.. my apologies if I did. Thanks for the sub👍
@@twolinesslotcars Nope I had tons of subscribed channels and most were not Carrera track and i thought you were heading that direction also. But when I saw the diy i was curious. I like the idea and the only question I had and still do is are digital chips in your box? Thanks
@@lewbrooks8935 No digital chips in th4 box.. I built this because I wanted to use my new analog controller.. can't use it with digital chips or the CU that I have figured out. The box basically goes from full digital... to full analog. Thanks! Happy to answer any other questions.. just let me know. Glad to have you back!
@@twolinesslotcars This sounds great to isolate the CU like this. Glad to be back !
Please show exactly what to do in the box please I have been wanting something like this for my digital track
Phil! I will have it all laid out in my next video.. promise!
Thanks,great video! I like your layout, I would like to do the same! Did you create it yourself or did you use a track planner?
Thanks for the great content!
Keith, it was the culmination of lots of ideas.. the basics came from my friend Jamie.. and then I made changes to fit my table and then took some notes from my friend Dave.. I will post a link to the layout..
@@twolinesslotcars thanks Marty
@@keithfilkins2043
www.softyroyal.de/?t=fe64c0e2
Marty, in doing what you have done, did you remove your Tek Slot box? Or is it still hooked up?
I removed it for now.
Hi Marty like what you are doing, but I don’t understand Carrera that they not have build a simple switch in like Scalextric that change between digital and analog it is so simple, but maybe they don’t want other car to run on there tracks and then run opposite polarity , just my comments
All the best
Arne Toft Danish but live in UK
Thanks Arne. I appreciate the kind words. You make a great point.. would be easy circuitry for them to add. Carrera sells analog and digital cars. Would make perfect sense.
Did you modify your pit stop lane?
I didn’t have to… only have to modify curve lane changers.. which is just removing the cable that connects the lanes together.
Da facts people. Just Da facts😅😂
Hey Dafingers how you doing buddy?👍👍👍
@@robertsale6528 hiya, Robert,
Good to see you back at it Dafingers1! Thanks buddy!
@@twolinesslotcars checked this out between being scanned, xrayed, poked...🤪
Hope you're getting better buddy 👍👍
how many analog cars can u run at the same time?
One per lane.
In analog mode, can you control the voltage to the track?
Yes, from the adjustable power supply. 👍
@@twolinesslotcars ok so then the CU is responsible for delivering power in digital format, and you are using a variable power supply for the analog side of the solution
@@BajanBert the variable power supply is powering both the CU and the analog side..
@@BajanBert the center switch is controlling the power for both.. up it powers the Carrera CU.. down.. it powers the analog track
Could you please DM the box wiring schematic.
drive.google.com/file/d/1-jnvUMrH6DsCgNBzNz5STvI6d3VOn7wC/view?usp=drivesdk