PowerBase work at FRC

[gordon]

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.

[obrie]

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!

[gordon]

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

[steveaca]

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

[Luke]

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

[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

[RameshB]

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 .