For those of you that might need some instructions for this controller here ya go.

If you would like to download the instruction click on the link below.

Well guys, I recently had a question posed to me about controllers, volts... you know that kind of stuff. It was an excellent question and one that is often over looked and maybe even ignored. However, for your racing enjoyment it is as important as the car. Why? Because the car, controller, driving style and volts work hand in glove. And so the testing began...

I like the "Pancake motors", so for me that includes T-Jets, AFXs, Magna-Tractions, and AW X-Tractions... in particular the T-Jets and X-Tractions... I like that extra traction magnet on the Auto World X-Traction. I will discuss this magnet later.

Another factor to consider are the armatures in the cars all the armatures Ohmed in the double digits. If you are running hotter armatures that Ohm in the single digits the 90 Ohm controller is not your ticket you will need to drop to a lower Ohm controller... but that another subject. If you would like more information on the basics of controllers take a look here.

In the testing, I used the three of the four chassis mentioned above. I also tried to take into account that the individual racing the cars would more than likely be at the beginner or intermediate skill levels. I used a Parma Economy 90 Ohm controller. The video below demonstrates the the behavior of the cars using the 90 Ohm controller and the voltage on the track was between 13 volts and 18 volts.

When watching the video notice the smoothness of the first two cars, the T-Jet and the Magna-Traction. The cars started off smooth, accelerated smoothly, decelerated smoothly and stopped smoothly. The Auto World X-Traction accelerated and decelerated smoothly. The starting and stopping were a little jerky but that was due to the additional traction magnet once it got going it was smooth. Another important note was in all cases I had at least 80 percent trigger pull range to help me control the car. All these factors will help you spend more time actually racing and less time putting the cars back on the track... and as we all know this equates to a more enjoyable and fun time when racing.

For me given my driving style the size of my track and the type cars I like to race the Parma 90 Ohm controller is the best value. Your mileage may vary... 

The correct choice in controllers can make a real difference in the outcome of your slot car racing and your overall racing experience. If your controller is not matched with your car it is much like walking in a pair of shoes that do not fit your feet. You will get there, but it will not be enjoyable.

The controllers made now are of the trigger type. When the trigger is completely released or in the off position the car will not receive current to the motor. When the trigger is squeezed the car receives more and more current to the motor which in turn makes the car go faster on the track. Controllers use resistance to control the current flowing to the motor much like a dimmer switch that controls a light in your home.

When the controller is matched with the car you will have the full range of trigger travel to control the car's speed. If your controller has too much resistance for the car, you will have to pull the trigger part of the way back before the car even moves. On the other hand if your controller has too little resistance for the car, the car will be at full speed when the trigger is only pulled part of the way back. Either way trigger travel is reduced and so is the ability to control the cars speed.

Controllers are measured in resistance values or Ohms. The general guideline in determining your needs will be determined by the armature and motor magnets. The hotter the armature and the stronger the motor magnets will lower the ohms of the controller you will need.