Fairways Racing Complex Forum

Finally got to spend some time today to try sorting out the button problems with the FRC PowerBase. I lowered the track without using the horses and started by disconnecting the PowerBase track piece from the track. I opened it up and had my first look at what a PowerBase Pro Simple-H looks like inside. I first blew out all the cobwebs and dust, then sprayed out the inside with electrical cleaner. I then put a fan on it to let everything dry out properly. Here's what it looked like at that point (those five silver "triangles" are the actual button activators):



I put it back together, connected the power and gave the buttons a test. No difference. I realized that I'd have to replace it with Jaf's just-in-time loaner, identically-modified PowerBase which I had recently removed the rust from. Because mine has two jumper wires soldered to the rails which go back to the main jumper block, I first had to unsolder them to completely remove my PowerBase. You can see them in this pic:



Here's what my work area looked like at that point:



I then soldered the jumper wires to Jaf's PowerBase and attached it to the track to test. Although all the buttons worked, they still need a little extra "press" to function like a new PowerBase would with a simple press, but they're definitely better than my two worst-working buttons. Here it is in action (note the clearly displayed symbols on the buttons):



Of course all this resulted in a bit of a mess on the front straight and "destruction" of the pit wall:



I put the pit wall back together and glued it back as it was. I also found that the PowerBase wasn't sitting flat on the extended controller platform so I cut a piece of thin cardboard and placed it under the PowerBase where it corrected this problem.

It took a bit of effort and time, but we now have a PB Pro SH PowerBase with better functioning buttons, ready for our upcoming 2016 closing special event in about two weeks.

Well done G! I would like to look at the old PB if you don't mind.. I am not electronically Savvy by any means but would like to have a look. Curiosity!

O'Brie, you're very welcome to take it and look at it. If you can figure out how to fix the buttons we'd all owe you

Great work Gordon. Next time you're doing any sort of work like that, give me a shout if you need help. I may not be able to assist with stuff like power base repairs but at least could assist with lowering /raising the track.
Steve

Thank you very much Gordon for such overall impressive work and all done by yourself too ..

At a glance the first pic looks like a very "oversized" complicated digital chip plus noticed the recently numbered (No.3) position. It's a location mostly used for all of FRC digital racing applications and options. Just to name a few: setting cars ID and type of racing mode, best lap times, race results and most importantly - lots of eyes looking for the car getting that red-light for the lead during any race

The first PowerBase surely got the job done for lots of slotcar racing entertainment and remember how in (2010) with Race Report No.53 - you had a total of 44 cars qualifying at a single event ...

It's 6+ years later and this second (new) PowerBase looks like it's going to do the same job all over again ..!

My early morning thoughts

Luke

Hey Gordon !!!

I forgot to mention how all your effeorts are very inspiring ~ getting all my digital chipped cars ready for FRC's upcoming event.

Luke

We very much appreciate your efforts Gordon, thanks so much for your continued efforts in this sport of slot car racing making it fun and entertaining .