Our first TruSpeed controller is here!

[gordon]

Hi Steve,

As Luke has already done, we welcome you to the FRC forum. Its great to have a manufacturer like yourself as a registered member.

As Luke mentioned, we gave the TruSpeed controller a try on Thursday night and everyone likes the smooth feel of it but we all noticed the late response to full throttle. Looking at the TruSpeed website, the controller apparently has the Curve 1 board in it and when viewing the graph it seems to me that we would probably get better, more progressive response from the Linear board. What we are finding is that the first 3/4 of the throttle range produces very little response then the final 1/4 gives the response we want. I hope I am explaining it properly. Based on this would you agree that the Linear board would be better?

The guys have already donated enough for two more controllers and we have "pledges" for at least two more, so we're almost there for the order of the additional five. I read your email regarding the reduced-step board and that's good news.

Gordon

[Steve Hills]

Hi Luke and Gordon.
Thanks for the welcome and for your feedback.

As Gordon says, the curve of the element can be tailored to needs.
The Curve I that it comes with was established some time ago by guys that raced with them during development , so I didn't change it. The link for that review on the Slot Forum is on the web site.
The standard controller is of course just a linear response and is adjusted by the software, depending on the version.

I do have plans to bring out an adjustable SSD, but that should be an upgrade issue that can be fitted into the existing one.
In the meantime I can supply any element curve really that you need.
From what Gordon is saying I guess the standard one is the preference at your club.
No problem to do this for you, and in fact if you want a little more life at the bottom we could establish a slight curve in the opposite direction.

kind regards,
Steve

[steveaca]

Hi all,
I agree with the other comments about throttle feel, weight and so on and also that we go with the linear map. I feel that the curve in the opposite direction (as mentioned by Steve H.) may be a bit too responsive at the bottom end for our low-downforce classes.
Steve (the other)

[Steve Hills]

Hi all.
I'll send Gordon one of the new boards I told him about and I'll set it up with a linear response to make sure it's right for you guys. Let's make sure that they're as perfect for you as we can get them.
Gordon .. I'll let you know when it's done and am ready to post to you.

all the best,
Steve

[gordon]

Thanks Steve. I'll look out for your notification.

Gordon

[arden100]

Gordon and Steve H,

I am glad you are testing this throttle. I left before you tried the throttle, however I respect your judgement. This testing will also help us at Trinidad Slot Car Club when we complete our digital track. At TSCC we are grateful for the experience given to us analog guys. We are really anxious to see how these throttles work especially as we are following suit.
Once they work to your liking we will also purchase for our track when it is completed.

Arden.

http://www.slotcarclub.com

[Steve Hills]

Hi all.
I've been working with the simpler board and have one ready now.

I did find during testing that it may be possible to add a sensitivity adjustment to the controller.
If it is successful then it will be better with the existing 36 step board, but I'll finalise the tests first.
The idea is that it could be added as an after market add-on, or be done at manufacture.
I'll update you as it progresses.

In the meantime I'll send Gordon the linear board you guys want to test.

regards,
Steve

[gordon]

Thanks for the update Steve. Wll let you know how it works out when we test it.

[Steve Hills]

Hi all.
Latest news:

I've been working with the SSD II controllers and have come up with a replacement Element to give adjustable sensitivity.
It is a replaceable Element board the same as before, but has a little pre-set pot to set the sensitivity.
I will be bringing out an SSD III with a normal adjustment pot outside the controller similar to the MT I.
I have developed this also for the Carrera, and intend to do it for Ninco and SCX as well in the near future.

I wish I'd sent this out with the other SSD Race board on the Element 6.0. that I have already posted to Gordon.
(I spent all last Saturday at the workshop on the research, and didn't know that it would be so successful so quickly.)

I think this may be the best way to supply the controllers from now on, and of course when you order they will come with the adjustable boards fitted already.

all the best,

[gordon]

Guys,

Last week I received the new board from Steve at TruSpeed. I just wanted to check with him before installing it and he's given me the info I wanted so I'll have it ready to test at our next event (next week).

Gordon