I just received the router controller from Harbor. Its been on back order and been so long I didnt know what was in the box. Anyway, Im in Radio Control racing mode now. When I get it set up, Ill let you know how it works.

I just received the router controller from Harbor. Its been on back order and been so long I didnt know what was in the box. Anyway, Im in Radio Control racing mode now. When I get it set up, Ill let you know how it works.

Hot Tuna! Let us know if it can be used as an effective voltage regulator for power packs, Jerz.

If one old Aurora pack (or similar) per lane (cost = $0 -- already got 'em), plugged into a power strip (cost $5) which is regulated by a Router-Control doohickey from Harbor Freight ($12) will give repeatable variable-voltage capability, my guess is that a lot of us here won't have to buy a $three-figures$ high-tech lab-quality variable-power supply (unless we just want to).

I guess I ought to add in the cost of one big honking capacitor per lane ($1-$2 each) to give filtered power. Better buy an extra, because you're sure to hook at least one up backward, with exciting results. So total cost maybe $20 - $30, depending on number of lanes.

We're waiting to hear. :wave:

-- D

For those who are scratching their heads, this is a continuation of the Low-Cost Variable Voltage (http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=250798&) thread from last April.

...a Router-Control doohickey from Harbor Freight ($12) will give repeatable variable-voltage capability,

Yowch!
Just checked the Harbor Freight website, and the router-control (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43060) is up to $20. I should have bought one when Jerz did, and let it be backordered.

-- D

DSLOT- Im going to set up a small track to test it out. All I can say about the controller for now, its heavy duty. I see you mentioned the price increase. I did a little better if you remember? I got the Harbor Freight flier, not the usual catalogue, it was 10 bucks.

...I got the Harbor Freight flier, not the usual catalogue, it was 10 bucks.
Back in April, even the regular list price was lower. 12.99 or 14.99 I seem to remember.

I havent had a chance to set something up for a test. But I did have time to check it with a meter. Seems to be very smooth and consistent as I vari the voltage. Looks good so far. Ill give it a functional test eventually. Sooner than later.

DSLOT - I set up a small track and ran 4 cars with it. Basically taped the throttles full on, and played with the router control for the speed. Worked good. Didnt see any glitching or hesitation/spikes etc. Didnt heat up either. Im very happy with my inexpensive voltage regulator.

This is good to know. So by hooking up a variable control to the input side of the power source, you can cut down the voltage on the output side of the power source. I assume the amps are not effected? I'm also guessing that a voltage meter hooked to the output side of the power source will show you the voltage as it is being varied.

Just noticed the unit is on sale for $14.99.

I can see another use for this device in hooking it up to my non-variable speed drill. One of the projects I want to get to soon is removing the raised letter from Mattel track. Freehand, I removed the letter from some junk pieces using a Dremel and grinding stone. The end result was more than acceptable. But, if I put the drill into our small drill press with a grinding stone, I can set the depth and zip pieces in and out fairly quickly. I just wouldn't want to do this (I don't think), with the drill running at full speed. Might also be able to use this technique to grind rails down to a given height.

Joe

DSLOT - I set up a small track and ran 4 cars with it. Basically taped the throttles full on, and played with the router control for the speed. Worked good. Didnt see any glitching or hesitation/spikes etc. Didnt heat up either. Im very happy with my inexpensive voltage regulator.

Okay! Sounds good to me.

I've been testing layouts for a 24 x 80" table, and I found that lowering the voltage makes a huge difference on a small layout with tight curves. Greatly increases the driveability and fun with Tjets, JLs, and MagnaAFX. (I haven't tried any of the faster magnet cars). I just used a bottom of the line garage-sale HO trainset powerpack to supply the DC. It was rated at 17 volts, and even on full, it was a lot better than the 22 V wall wart. It got even better when I turned it down, but the cheesy little rheostat and speed knob would have been tough to get any repeatable settings on. I like the sound of the router control a lot, especially if I can use it with tools, too.

Now if I can just get up to Austin's Harbor Freight before the sale ends. Thanks for doing the legwork, Jerz. You can go back to the RC cars now.
:wave:

-- D

Well not entirely out of slots. I finally got around to straightening out my shop. Ive made room for the track table. But, yes its RC season. Having my best season so far. 3 wins in 2 different classes. Ill probably take the rest of the RC season to slowly build the slot track. Little here, little there so I can go right in to slot car racing after RC racing is over. Racing racin racing. LOL

Jerz,
Have you been reading the Vary Power Supply Voltage (http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=256573) thread over on the Track Building section? Joe (Grandcheapskate) got a couple of your Harbor Freight router controls to vary input voltage to his powerpacks, and seems very happy with them.

Carol was in Austin last week, and I asked her to stop by HF and pick me up one, but they were sold out. They'll have them back tomorrow, and the HF store manager tells me he'll still give me the sale price, since they were out when she stopped by.

Well not entirely out of slots ... But, yes its RC season. Having my best season so far. 3 wins in 2 different classes.

I can see you're one of those talented guys who can get the hang of reversing the steering direction when the car is coming at you. I'm too old and slow to pick up new tricks like that; I'll stay with slots, where you only have one variable to control (and I'm not too swift at that one).

Thanks for finding the router control, and testing it for us. I think a lot of slotters are going to benefit from your discovery.

Cheers,
-- D

Thats cool they will give you the sale price. No I havent been on that thread. Since you let me know about it, I sure will check it out. Im not as young as you think. Been doing RC since the 80's. LOL Glad I could help out in the testing dept. Heck if it didnt work, I could use it for what its intended purpose is. LOL Maybe HF is sold out because of the recent rash of slot car racers are hoarding them up. ha ha. When you get yours, let me know what you think? My opinion is its a great and cheap way to vary voltage.