I am looking for opinions for the controllers that work best for kids. Most of what they will run are AFX non-mag, I have a few Tyco Hp-7 and 440's.

Also I haven't grasped the differences (haven't tried too hard cause I have been too busy building the track) of the different models of the Parma controllers. Can someone enlighten me the advantages of the different models?

Some Parma Econo's w/60 ohm resistors should be good. A good first controller.

mattel makes a cheap one for kids.. it has 3 settings that the trigger works within... sloe, med, and fast

I am looking for opinions for the controllers that work best for kids. Most of what they will run are AFX non-mag, I have a few Tyco Hp-7 and 440's.

Also I haven't grasped the differences (haven't tried too hard cause I have been too busy building the track) of the different models of the Parma controllers. Can someone enlighten me the advantages of the different models?

I am totally new to this stuff and received 2 AFX giant tracks about a month ago and an International Speedway today.

With the new adjustable power supply that comes with AFX Giants I have discovered that the Tracks Running voltage can have a big determining factor in the selection of controller ohm's.

We have upgraded our controllers with the Parma Econo's.

We purchased some 35 ohm's and also some of the 45 ohm PLUS .

The kids love the Econo 35 ohm.

But the 35 ohm is great at the 8 and 12 volt settings of the tri- volt power supply. They are not good for the 22Volt PS setting.

I think if you are on the 18 to 22volt range the Econo 60ohm (as stated above) would be great.

The Econo's seem to pretty much all have the same handle feel and are pretty comfortable for the kids. The PLUS version Econo has bigger wires, heat sink and is really heavy compared to the Econo (regular).

So what is your Track Running Voltage?

The kids love the Econo 35 ohm.

But the 35 ohm is great at the 8 and 12 volt settings of the tri- volt power supply. They are not good for the 22Volt PS setting.

I think if you are on the 18 to 22volt range the Econo 60ohm (as stated above) would be great.

The Econo's seem to pretty much all have the same handle feel and are pretty comfortable for the kids. The PLUS version Econo has bigger wires, heat sink and is really heavy compared to the Econo (regular).

So what is your Track Running Voltage?

Thanks for the tip on the weight. It wasn't something I had thought of. I have purchased a 0-20 Volt 10 Amp Power Supply.

Can anyone tell me if heat will be a problem with the 60 ohm Parma econo using 'mean green' armatures in a non-mag chassis?

They will be fine with one car per lane (you did mention kids) :). The AFX non-mag is among the most difficult chassis to drive so you can turn down the voltage and hopefully reduce the torque some. I've got one that takes off so hard that you better be sure you're going straight when you nail it out of a turn.

you are going to let your kids destroy mean green arms??? :eek: haha

So what is your Track Running Voltage?

That's the key point in this dialog. If you get a variable power supply the controller question becomes far less important. You don't really need a 10 amp capable unit "for the kids" per se, though you may want it "for the big kids" at some point.

Having the ability to change the track voltage will allow you to dial-in the track to the different types of cars and different capabilities of the racers. No matter what value of fixed resistor controller you pick, it will never be a "one size fits all" solution for all possible types of cars. Sure, you can limit the selection of car types to fit a specific controller (or you can spend $200 for each controller), but at some point the youngsters are going to discover the really fun stuff, like SRTs, Super Gs, Mega Gs, and Life-Likes, and realize dear old dad has been holding out on them. Having the ability to vary the track voltage for any car type will allow you to bring in those other types of cars, and you'll be a hero. :)