EditFAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Pro upgrades for PB-Pro, Pit-Pro, Simple-H, cables and other stuff. |
EditAbbreviations
Q: What is this 'PB6' thing that slotters talk about?
A: Its the abbreviation for the 6 Car Powerbase. There are 3 main versions in the wild, with a new one just arrived.
Q: What is this 'PB4' thing that slotters talk about?
A: Its the abbreviation for the 4 Car Powerbase. There are 2 main versions available - one with vent slots, and the older one without.
Q: What do slotters mean when they talk about 'LC' or 'LCs'?
A: LC is the term thrown about for Lane Changers. There are 2 types for Scalextric, Curved Lane Changer and Cross-over Lane Changer.
Q: Then what is a 'CLC'?
A: A CLC is a Curved Lane Changer. There are 4 types, which are a combination of left and right turns, with in-to-out and out-to-in lane changing. All are 90° R2 bends.
Q: So that means that an 'XLC' is a Cross-over Lane Changer?
A: Indeed. Its the straight one, where both lanes change.
Q: Ok, so I've heard of the 'PLG', is that the Pit Lane Game then?
A: Yes, spot on.
Q: Is there an abbreviation for the Pit Lane itself then?
A: Not so much - plus there are 2 types, left and right, depending on which side it turns out on.
Q: And 'SH', whats that?
A: Thats the term used for the Simple-H upgrade. You'll also see 'S-H', which is the same thing.
Q; The terms APB and APB6 have just started appearing - what do they mean?{BP}
A: These are both the same, and refer to the new 6 car
Advanced Power Base (C7042) recently released from Scalextric.
Q: I've seen talk of a 'PSU'. Whats that?
A: Its a well-used electronics term for a Power Supply Unit.
EditWhy PB-Pro?
Q: I'm happy with my PB6, why should I upgrade to PB-Pro?
A: You don't have to, but if you want some thoughts from others who have done it, take a look at
this thread.
Q: What about the brand new 6-car advanced powerbase (C7042) coming out of Scalextric? Won't it do?
A: No-one knows what the new powerbase (APB) can do. You'll need to wait until January 2009 March 2009 May 2009 14 June 2009 October 2009 Christmas 2009 April 2010 August 2010 for its release to find out.
A: The new 6-car powerbase is an impressive piece of kit. It has many of the functions that PB-Pro provides and then some. (In fact, the PB-Pro team were the main protagonists in getting Scalextric to create a replacement powerbase, and 'gave away' the ideas for the overall benefit of the community). Out of the box it can run both Digital and Analogue (for those still with old technology.)
Q: But I thought PB-Pro could run Analogue too?
A: It can, just differently. For details, see below.
Q: Won't the new powerbase solve all my power problems too?
A: See above...
A: For most people, yes, the new powerbase has enough grunt. But for serious slotters and clubs, the jury is still out.
Q: If I only have a 4 car powerbase, should I choose PB-Pro OR the new 6 Car Powerbase C7042?
A: If you just want to replace your PB4 to run 6 cars on your existing track, then the new C7042 PB6 will be perfect - and you'll love all the new facilities.
EditPB6 upgrade to PB-Pro
 PB-Pro |
Q: Can I upgrade my PB6 and install PB-Pro myself?
A: No, the PB-Pro software is a licensed product, and must be purchased. The upgrade price includes the royalty fee. All subsequent software revisions are provided free of charge.
Q: Do I need to return my PB-Pro to get the lateest version of PB-Pro software loaded?
A: No, the PB-Pro can upgrade (or downgrade) the firmware itself. Details are with the firmware upgrade.
Q: How do I connect my PB-Pro to my PC?
A: To connect your PB-Pro to your PC, use a Pro to USB adaptor cable.
Q: Does my PB6 need to be operational for the upgrade?
A: It depends - a faulty PB6 can be brought back to life...
A1: If you've just blown the outputs (ie the display is still working properly) then yes, and also take the opportunity to upgrade to Simple-H. You'll not have the problems any more.
A2: If the whole thing is not working, then the CPU may need to be replaced also, which is more complex and expensive.
Q: Does this upgrade void my PB6 warranty with Scalextric?
A: Absolutely it does. But the PB6 is outside warranty now anyway.
Q: Can I go back to the standard Scalextric after the PB-Pro upgrade?
A: No. This is a one way conversion only.
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EditSimple-H upgrade on PB-Pro
 Simple-H |
Q: What is Simple-H?
A: Simple-H is a high powered output board, originally created to drive robots, which can be installed into the PB6 to provide huge amounts of current to the track.
Q: Do I have to have the Simple-H upgrade when I go to PB-Pro?
A: No. But if you have an older PB6 (before v1.5) the board electronics were not up to the task, and should be replaced.
Q: When should I investigate installing a Simple-H? My PB6 is running just fine.
A: If your track is small with few LCs and you only run a 2-3 cars at once, then its hard to justify the SH upgrade. However, if you suffer from surges when a car deslots, or you see your cars 'taking off' uncontrollably, then upgrading to SH is going to bring you huge benefits.
Q: Can I do the Simple-H upgrade myself?
A: Yes. Details are on-line. See this post
Q: Do I need PB-Pro firmware on my PB6 to install the Simple-H?
A: No. But PB-Pro will give you better control and safety with handling the higher power.
Q: I have PB-Pro on my powerbase, but when I upgraded it myself to add the Simple-H board, I didn't get the extra facilities?
A: You need to upgrade the PB-Pro firmware to the version appropriate for SH.
Q: I see there is a cooling fan option for the Simple-H. Do I need this?
A: Most people do not - especially those who live in cooler climates. If you live in a place with high ambient temperatures, then you may need a fan to keep the system cooler. Equally, simple vent holes may be all thats needed.
Q: The Simple-H specs say it can run up to 24 volts - I have Slot-it car chips, so can I use 24v on the input and run my whole track at 24v now?
A: Hmmm. maybe for a while. There are a couple of PB6 components which burn out after a while if you do. Also you may want to think about your lanechangers, etc, which have components only rated to about 16v.
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EditPit Lane Game to Pit-Pro
 Pit-Pro |
Q: Can I connect my original Pit Line Game to my PB or PC?
A: No. You need to get your PLG upgraded to Pit-Pro to connect it to anything. The upgrade adds a communications port to the track piece.
Q: How do I connect my Pit-Pro to my PB6 ot PB-Pro?
A: You don't. You connect your Pit-Pro to your PC, using a Pro to USB adaptor cable.
Q: If I connect my Pit-Pro to my PC, then how does it talk with the Track?
A: You'll need a race management program to hook it all together. See below.
Q: If the firmware on the Pit-Pro upgradable like the PB-Pro?
A: No.
Q: Does this upgrade void my Pit-Lane Game warranty with Scalextric?
A: Yes it does.
Q: Can I go back to the standard Scalextric Pit-Lane Game after the Pit-Pro upgrade?
A: No. Like PB-Pro, this is a one way conversion.
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EditAnalog Simple-H
Q: I hear that the Simple-H can give me Analogue for my old-fashioned cars. Is that right?
A: Yes, but you need to make some modifications to your PB-Pro powerbase and track.
Q: How do I get Analog running out of my PB-Pro with Simple-H?
A: Follow the instructions on SlotForum:
http://www.slotforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=37212Q: What do I need to change on my digital track?
A1: For 1-car analogue, nothing further needs to be done to the track.
A2: For 2-car analogue, then all Curved Lane-Changers (if you use them) need to have the interconnecting link under the track cut to stop it shorting the lanes out.
EditPB4
Q: I have a 4 car powerbase. Can I upgrade it to PB-Pro?
A: No. The CPU in the PB4 has insufficient capacity, and the powerbase has no external port.
Q: Can I do a Simple-H upgrade to my 4 car powerbase?
A: Yes, it could be done - but why bother. Find yourself a PB6 and go the whole hog.
EditPower Supplies
Q: Do I need newer power supplies for PB-Pro?
A: The PB-Pro upgrade, alone, only adds functionality. Its the S-H upgrade which drives the need for more power.
Q: So I need a better power supply for the Simple-H then?
A: Yes, to make use of the extra capacity, you'll need to supply more power than the Scalextric supplies can handle.
Q: Does the Simple-H upgrade come with new power supplies?
A: No.
Q: What kind of power supply do I need?
A: The best option is an adjustable supply which can provide 12.5 volts and at least 10 Amps. There are a number of power supplies for CB Radios and the like, which can be quite appropriate. To help, I use an electronic 12 Volt PSU (which is trimmable) and can provide 19 Amps continuously.
Q: Can I use the you-beaut power supply I already have for my analog track?
A: If it conforms to the requirements above, then yes.
Q: Can I use some spare wall-wart supplies I have lying around?
A: No.
EditInterfaces
Q: What do I use to connect my PB6 or Pit-Pro to my PC?
A: You'll need the 'Pro to USB Adapter' cable to connect them together. See the
Ordering Page. Note that the C7042 must use a different cable, so be warned.
Q: Is this 'Pro to USB adaptor' cable known by any other name?
A: RichG supplies a similar cable, known as the RichG cable.
Q: Can this 'Pro to USB adaptor' be used on my PB6, or is it just for PB-Pro?
A: The cable is used for any on PB6, PB-Pro and Pit-Pro. What you get out of it depends entirely on the skill of the device firmware. So, PB-Pro and Pit-Pro give you better 'bangs for your buck' than the vanila PB6.
Q: My 'Pro to USB adaptor' cable is a bit short - can I use an extension?
A: Yes. You have two options...
A1: The USB end of the cable can be extended up to 5m - the limit for a USB cable. Use any good quality USB extension cable.
A2: The PB/Pit-Pro (RJ12) end can be extended (up to a maximum
total length of 10m), but may be more troublesome to obtain cables. Try your local electronic store and see if they RJ12-RJ12 cables, and a RJ12 cable joiner. Make sure your have an option to return, if they don't work.
Q: I can solder - why can't I just get some USB and RJ11 plugs and wire them together?
A: You can't because there is electronics involved in converting the PB serial output to USB.
Q: Ok, so if its serial, can I wire it up to the serial port on my PC?
A: Almost. But you'll need electronics to do this too.
Q: Can I just use a phone-type cable to connect my PB with my PC?
A: NO! Don't do it. Just trust me.
Q: Ooops. I've already plugged something else in and my powerbase has stopped. What now?
A: Ahh. Hopefully you've done nothing major, and it'll probably be a small repair to get it going again. But if you cooked something, then its a bit trickier...
EditRace Management Software
 | The following is a list of known software, in no particular order, which will allow you to manage your races, with or without PB-Pro and Pit-Pro. Thanks to Rich Girling for this summary. |
Q: Do you recommend any particular RMS software?
A: No. However SSDC is deing actively developed within the community and is Scalextric focussed.
Q: Does any of this software work with the new PB6 (C7042)?
A: No, not yet. But SSDC is being rewritten as we speak.
EditFree Software
There are five free programs.
- One from Bernd (berndl) sadly no longer being actively developed.
- This was the first package, that got us all started. It is slightly tricky to install, however Graham (gdavison) has written a nice manual. It is important to follow the installation instructions.
- One from Marcus (sinclairZX81), not as complete but still functional. This one is available for PC & MAC. Again not being actively developed.
- Slot-GP Pro from Ruben (rubenio). Written in VB, easy to install. Still under active development, with new features being added every week. Now with support for Aux IN to PB-Pro.
- Next is Race Manager from Dale (motorsportnut) Still early days and being actively developed, so may more features to come. Has a very nice clear and uncluttered interface. Available for Windows, Mac & Linux, which is very nice. Look out for a version with support for Aux IN to PB-Pro.
EditCommercial Software
There are three commercial programs.
- First Guy's program, PCLapCounter. Originally written for analogue tracks but recently converted for SSD, now with support for Pit-Pro. This is one of the most comprehensive packages, and the one of the few with race management. A trial version is available.
- Next Tom's program, SlotTrak V7, also a commercial package, recently converted to SSD. Many options available including support for 2 Powerbases. Trial version available.
- Finally SSD Console from Andy (awallace) Clear and easy to use, also now with support for Aux IN to PB-Pro and Pit-Pro.Trial version available. Under very active development.
EditTools
There is also a very useful Throttle test program, written by Ian (idarroch). This is also a good package to run up first to make sure the PB6 to PC comms are working.
Ian Harding, Christchurch, New Zealand