Electrical track work at FRC

[gordon]

After last event's power-related problems with our fastest and most magnetised classes where cars were slowing under load, I was joined by O'Brie and Luke on Saturday afternoon to do some track power diagnostics and fixes. We spent from around 2:30PM to just about 7:00PM using some interesting but foolproof methods developed by O'Brie to check the actual track voltage, amperage draw and RPM with a stock 18K Scaley motor and F1 chip at full throttle and to solve the power issues found. This varied quite considerably from section to section and lane to lane, something that would account for different performance between the lanes even in the slower classes.

We broke the track into five sectors using the pieces with jumpers to end each sector. We then confirmed that these pieces were receiving the same power as the PowerBase section and worked back from there to the next break. Having noted several areas in each sector where the power dropped off, we removed whole sections of track and joined them electrically using the same method which I had used previously in certain sections by soldering braid below the track to create a continuous circuit, a very tedious and time-consuming process, but helped along by each other's company and a few light beers

After putting back together all the track pieces, we did some more tests and found virtually no drop in voltage, amperage and motor RPM anywhere around the track, unlike when we had first tested it. After Luke and O'Brie left I cleaned the rails on the whole track and tested it with a couple of cars and I have to say it felt great. It even blew a Slot.It SP15 chip in my Viper unfortunately, although this was really nothing to do with the track.

All-in-all it was a very productive afternoon and I'm sure we will all benefit from the work done. Following are a few pics of the session.

Track break on back straight just before first jumper section:


Section of track below Dunlop Bridge removed for work:


O'Brie and Luke working on the same section:

[steveaca]

Great going guys, and thanks for the effort. Sure seems like an afternoon well spent. Sorry to hear about the chip in the Viper Gordon. Did you take a few laps in the Run Baby Run Escort ?

[Luke]

Hello all,

A productive afternoon indeed but with this part of the topic (with such detail) is the reason ... I must explain in my own words what a wonderful piece of equipment I observed working for this particular purpose.

... to do some track power diagnostics and fixes ... using some interesting but foolproof methods developed by O'Brie to check the actual track voltage, amperage draw and RPM with a stock 18K Scaley motor and F1 chip at full throttle and to solve the power issues found.

Now even though there isn't a view or an actual pic of this (sure only one of its kind) diagnostic equipment - indicating digitally colored numbers (for electricals with a stock 18K rpm motor and F1 chip) all on this one device at full throttle.

I having the opportunity to see and because of the expression on my face - was asked what do I think of it ..?

All I could think about and say at the time - was how much did it cost?

I was nicely and softly informed - a bottle and a half of the finest scotch whisky

Luke

[RameshB]

Hi guys i just looked at the work done and having driven on it last night i must say well done old chaps with a pat on the shoulders as well thanks very much.