This is somewhat related to a general question I put up on upgrades here: power.... (http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?p=2326152#post2326152)

Current layout is 39 feet per lane (4 lanes), running on stock Tomy controllers and wall pack. Solely a recreational endeavor, no serious racing on my track. I run T-jets, Life Likes, Xtraction, Magna-Traction, SRT and SG+ cars. Contemplating an upgrade to a variable power source, pending some advice here.

Stock controllers act like (on some cars) on/off switches rather than a gas pedal. Certainly more so on the T-jets. Without having the experience of most of the folks here, or the background in electronics, I'm going to guess this is due to both the power source and controllers.

I've read up here on the Parma controllers, and figure for the price I couldn't go wrong, and work from there. I'm thinking I may pick up a 45 ohm ctrllr for most of my cars, and perhaps a 90 ohm ctrller for the T-jets.

Two questions:

1) If I started off with the controllers first (before picking up a power supply), can / will these have the capability to hook up to the stock Tomy track jacks? If not, what am I looking at in setting these up?

2) Will opting for the Parmas (at least at this point) be sufficient using the standard wall packs?

You can use the parmas but not the brakes just cut the stock controller wires and use the white and black on the parma.I have done it before.

Starting off first by upgrading your controllers is a very good idea, and as brownie said, you can cut off your tomy controller plugs, and attach them to your parmas.

When you do decide to get the regulated PS, you will need to embark on some custom wiring for your track - not difficult to do, but more work then just getting your parmas attached to the track. Plus, I don't think you will see as much benefit from the regulated PS when used with the stock controllers. They will still act like on/off switches.

I'm not knocking the regulated PS. They really increase the amount of fun, by allowing you to run at a lower voltage.

By adding an adjustable p/s & upgrading your controllers to the Parma units will greatly enhance your slotcar fun.As Scaf mentioned the wiring task is not that difficult at all.Although some basic soldering knowledge is required with the proper soldering equipment.Heres a few few pics of my simple setup.:)

That doesn't look difficult at all. I've seen wiring diagrams online, looks like a worthwhile endeavor.

I am currently running a fairly large two lane layout with stock power supply and AFX russkit controllers. Would the Parma controllers make much of a difference over the russkit controllers? I really do not plan on buying a regulated power supply.

Again, I am just running these with my kids so there will be no real racing in my future.

Thanks,
Old Blue