We all by now know about Greg Myers' modified chips where hardware (electronic) components are replaced with more robust versions. I actually will have my first batch early next week thanks to Ray.
Well there's another approach to chip modification - changing the firmware (software burned into the chip) instead of the hardware. Its called InCar Pro and as is often the case, I stumbled across this while browsing SlotForum. Here are the possible capabilities as described by the creator:
FRC seems to have become a place to try lots of slot car innovations, so this is another for us to consider.Chip Improvements
The InCar-Pro chip enhancements will change the way you perceive your car. No more will you complain about the lack of reliability, and when you couple it with enhanced powerbases, you'll appreciate the extra level of control that InCar-Pro can provide.
The most important facilities to be provided in the InCar-PRO firmware are:Secondary Functions added are:
- reliable operation, being no loss of control and proper maintaining of the car ID
- addition of proportional braking, to enhance the basic on/off control in the standard chip
- full compatibiliity with existing in-car chips and powerbases
Of course, to make full use of all the facilities, you will need to have your Powerbase firmware upgraded to supply the extra data used by the system. However, even if you don't have all the other changes, you'll still have a more reliable car which won't lose its ID when you are racing.
- ability to control the headlights on the cars during racing
- making use of the 'SP' output available from the saloon chips, and control it during racing
- adding high-resolution throttle curves to better control high-torque motors
- anti-wheel spin functions so that a heavy trigger finger doesn't make your car lose traction
- adding the unused RC1 pin on the CPU to be controllable during racing
Check it out:
http://www.electricimages.co.nz/SSD_ChipUpgrade.ashx
Gordon