Hacking DMX slot racing system

[viejoronnie]

While it appears that the semi-innovative DMX system is an abject marketing failure, I am buying a few sets just to play with.

DMX never brought out the promised 2.4 GHz system that would allow up to 15 DMX 1/32 cars to race at one time, I have therefore embarked on yet another slot project; this time involving this system.

The plan is adapt the DMX IR-remote controlled retracting pin guide, which is rather ingenuous, to my inexpensive proportional speed control 2.4 GHz chassis. The track, with its 11 slots, leaves plenty of room for 1/32 cars passing at will, but with 2.4 Ghz RC will allow the ability to race a lot more cars at the same time.

Each straight track section looks to be about 9 in long and 9 in wide w/the built in drifting aprons, with an inside to outside slot distance of about 6 in. That correlates to PERHAPS a tightish 3 lane wide 1/32 track or an ample 2 lane wide 1/24 track. Of course, until I get the set(s) and measure in person, thats just an estimate.

Even if that doesnt work as anticipated, the track itself can still be used for running 5-6 lanes or more of 1/64 2.4 GHz RC Pocket Racers.

[slothead]

While I don't fully understand the details of what you're doing, I like it and am interested. I've always thought a combination of slot cars and RC would create great racing by having the cars stay on course and also be independent of each other power and control wise so more can be on the track at the same time.

Best of luck with your project.

[viejoronnie]

Well, the first couple of online stores were out of stock for complete sets. I did find a 4 pack of straight track locally to get some measurements.

The track is 7.8” wide with a low tire “retaining “ curb/wall. If necessary this curb could be cut off and replaced with a border cut from foam board. The built in border is 1.58” on the outside slots. There are 11 slots. The distance between the inside/outside slots is 4.62”, plenty of room for up to 1/24 cars to pass side by. As expected I don’t think there is room to run 3 1/32 cars side by side but since there is a kind of near third lane available for passing clearance in RC race mode I don’t see that as a limitation.

The slots are rather shallow, like Eldon “shallow”, but I presume that was done to allow the rotating guide pin to more easily disengage/reengage a slot during lane changes.

[viejoronnie]

The track surface is textured but not as much as the Polistil track.

To Be Continued.

[viejoronnie]

As luck would have it, I found someone on Craigslist that had some DMX cars and parts for sale for little or nothing.

As anticipated there is a “steering” servo motor which rotates the multi-slot pin carrier and lifts and drops adjacent slot pins for lane changes. There looks to be no real front end steering as on most RC cars: no spindles, axle brackets, tie rods, steering rack that is typically driven by a steering servo pinion. The front wheels are simple 1 piece polypropylene push ons. They rotate independently from each other. The rears are push on plastic with rubber tires. Typical inline drive with pinion and crown gear using small footprint motors as in 1/64 and 1/43 cars.




I wanted to pull the IR receiver PCB out to access the chassis/parts below, but could not locate any mounting screws and I did want to risk destroying it using undue force. I think I have located the steering servo motor leads to tap into using my 2.4 GHz receiver. I just need to find the drive motor leads.

[viejoronnie]

As luck would have it, I found someone on Craigslist that had some DMX cars and parts for sale for little or nothing.

As anticipated there is a “steering” servo motor which rotates the multi-slot pin carrier and lifts and drops adjacent slot pins for lane changes. There looks to be no real front end steering as on most RC cars: no spindles, axle brackets, tie rods, steering rack that is typically driven by a steering servo pinion. The front wheels are simple 1 piece polypropylene push ons. They rotate independently from each other. The rears are push on plastic with rubber tires. Typical inline drive with pinion and crown gear using small footprint motors as in 1/64 and 1/43 cars.




I wanted to pull the IR receiver PCB out to access the chassis/parts below, but could not locate any mounting screws and I did want to risk destroying it using undue force. I think I have located the steering servo motor leads to tap into using my 2.4 GHz receiver. I just need to find the drive motor leads.

[viejoronnie]

Just to lighten up the mood for us shut-ins, here’s a pic of the Covid Corners 1/8 mile 1/32 banked oval, located here on the back 40 of my SHTF/EOTWAWKI compound here in Manchaca, courtesy of some folks on Craigslist that didnt need it anymore and my kiddos who braved curfew and went to pick it up for me (No way am I going out, being 71, until the all clear siren.) Only one IR car/ remote works currently. I quite like it. Not terribly fast, but a motor and/or battery swap should fix er right up.I

The lane change/rotating guide pin system works like a dream. There are indeed 3 tight 1/32 racing lanes and only a single radius turn of a about 16 inches radius. It has 5 speeds, the 5th being a booster that can only be activated for maybe 20-30 secs then slows the car down afterward. The front lights flash like when blipping someone to overtake. There is a switch on the controller to turn on the headlights for night racing.

You can take a best driving line from the outside lane to the inside lane and back to the outside lane, but, watch yer speed or its over the rail ya go.

I have enquired about the company plans for 2.4Ghz RF RC. They will keep me posted. In the meantime I am looking for additional bits and pieces on ebay and elsewhere.

[viejoronnie]

Well I can only say the Devil made me do it.

After having so much fun during the Coronapocalypse with my family with this toy and two extra channel cars (which even a 5 year old can drive), I called all the Hobby Lobby’s within 125 miles after the Guv said that retail stores could open back up to see if they had any of these still in stock. None on line or in stock on the shelves, but I was able to convince one store to look in the storeroom for any that they were going to send to the Island of Misfit Slot Toys for “disposal”.

This is what I found: enough sets and track packs at deeply discounted prices comprising 60 straights and 48 curves and 8 more A/B IR channel cars.

I mocked up a 65’ roadcourse using all the straights I had. As mentioned this can be used as a 3 lane 1/32 track or 2 lane 1/24 RC slot track with full lane change capability anywhere on the track with the 4 available 1/32 OEM DMX IR RC cars or many other scratchbuilt 1/32and 1/24 2.4 GHz RF RC cars using the DMC guide pin lane changing technology.

I will be converting many of my Artin stockers and 1/32and 1/25 to to take advantage of this lane changing technology.

If any of you fellers feel like checking HLs in your area for DMX sets or straight track packs, I’ll make it worth your while.


“...And we’ll have fun, fun, fun...til your Daddy takes our slot cars away...”

[32lbking]

This is a cool project. Please be sure to post a video when you get it up and running
Randy

[Stumpotto]

I have a slot car system named DMXSLOTS. It is battery operated not slot guided per say. It allows lane changing using four pins that are rotated CW/CCW. If you hold the left/right button fully engaged, it will rotate at a pretty fast RPM. If you engage the same rotating button momentarily and release the switch, it will go approximately 90 degrees and allow the pin to go into the adjacent slot. The horizontal N20 3-volt DC motor. It transfers the horizontal direction 90 degrees. On the top of the gear box, there is a rotating disc with holes in it. There is a "C" shaped sensor that allows the disc to be controlled during the momentary switch engaged or I think it does. I now have a geared box N20 motor but does not work correctly. It is too slow. I have ordered a N20 right angle DC motor. This may take care of the problem. Everything else works great. I changed the gear ratio on the rear axle and that part works great. I am not sure of the speed, but I will have to make some adjustments in the track design to keep the cars on the track. Can anyone help me determine what the sensor does? Can someone let me know if I can use this sensor? I have converted the remote from 27mhz to 2.4ghz receiver/transceiver. I see you haven't been on in a while. I hope life is being good for you. By the way, I am doing this so I can play with my 8 year old grandson.

Thanks

Stumpotto

[Stumpotto]

I meant to ask in the last reply. Have you had any luck in making any modifications to you DMXSLOTS? I looked for remote controls and receivers online. I had no luck, at least at the price I was/am willing to pay. I did find a 1:32 scale 2.4ghz off road truck. I am able to use the remote and swap out the receivers. the entire car including the remote and receiver cost me $15.99 and free shipping.

[spidra13]

I am in Rockford NC. Have one 4 car set and one 2 car set. What about tires?