Choosing the Right Slot Car Controllers – Which One is Best?
One of the fundamental parts for using our cars on the track is the slot car controller. Most of us usually have Scalextric controllers that come with the tracks, or Ninco controllers, or those corresponding to the brand of slot cars that our tracks are from, but there are also electronic and digital control controllers.
Although it may be unknown to many, there is a great variety, from homemade slot car controllers to competition slot car controllers for achieving the best times.
It is not the same to play at home with the kids as to use a slot car controller for rally or one for speed.
We also need to differentiate between analog controllers and controllers for digital systems. On this occasion, we are only going to talk about analog ones, as digital ones are not compatible between different brands.
Most Common Slot Car Controllers
The most well-known are those that come with the tracks, usually Scalextric and Ninco slot car controllers, as well as those from Carrera and Superslot.
Over the years, some models have changed, but most connect with a 3.5 mm jack plug.
In Ninco controllers, we can also find those marked with the number 35, indicating the resistance value.
The one in the photo is a Ninco 55 plus, which is a good controller for home use before moving on to better ones, as it includes a brake and the 55-ohm resistance gives it good performance on home tracks.
The more professional controllers can be found in the best specialized slot car stores or directly from their distributor.
The Parma Slot Controller
These controllers are manufactured by DS Slot. For home use, they are the best option considering their performance and affordability. At the club level, they can be used for beginners but are not suitable for competition.
They come with cables to connect either banana plugs or a jack, and you can choose the resistance that best suits your needs.
DS Parma Economy Slot Controller
The latest model is the DS Basic 3 controller, which allows you to choose the resistance when purchasing and is also available in various colors.
Slot Car Controllers for Rally
When choosing a controller, it’s important to consider whether it will be used for rally or speed racing. Although most controllers can serve both purposes, to get the best performance, you should choose the slot car controller that best fits your needs.
Professor Motor Controller
Arguably the best controller for rally is the Professor Motor Platinum PMTR-2111. It has two potentiometers:
- The red one is for adjusting the electronic brake
- The other wheel is for adjusting sensitivity
- Recommended operating voltage: 14 to 19 volts
- Positive polarity Includes 25 Ohm variable brakes
- Variable sensitivity
- Internal aluminum heat sink 13-gauge silicone cables and solid copper alligator clips
- New “Platinum Series” transistor technology
- Recommended applications: 1/32 and HO for home, club, and low-level commercial track racing
This is a very good slot car controller for getting started on rally tracks and one of the best options for home use at a price that is worth the investment for the performance and feel it provides.
The Slot.it SCP-2 Controller
This is another option for rally, but to get good performance out of it, there are too many adjustments and settings for someone who is not used to configuring it.
- Compatible with all polarities
- Gradual adjustment of brakes, sensitivity, and anti-spin
- Non-slip trigger with a short and precise travel
- Improved microprocessor
- Cartridge change
Slot Car Controllers for Speed
Possibly, speed tracks are the most widespread, which is why there is a greater variety of professional slot car controllers for speed compared to rally. Additionally, in this category, it depends more on individual preferences for each type of controller.
Sloting Plus Pro Evo 2
It is currently the most recommended speed controller, although testing is necessary to determine which one suits us best.
- 100% electronic
- Two basic adjustments (brake and sensitivity)
- Curve selector with 10 positions
- 20 curves available and adjustable with the selector
- Acceleration and brake control via PWM signals and Mosfet transistors
- Magnetic trigger that eliminates friction and requires no maintenance
- Possibility to adjust trigger travel
- 4mm banana connectors
- Brake adjustment via 0 to 100 potentiometer
- Sensitivity adjustable via 50 to 0 and 50 to 100 potentiometer
- 8% adjustable traction control, can be disconnected
- Electrical safety protections
Tic Tac V6 Slot Controller
The Tic Tac V6 controller has a short trigger travel, which makes it challenging to adapt to, but it can be one of the best speed controllers, although it also comes with a high price tag.
- Short travel trigger, 4mm with pressure touch
- Two potentiometers, for brake and power
- Available with and without telemetry
- ECP system (Dynamic Power Delivery)
- Adjustable inertia braking
Interslot Elite Evo 3 Controller
A widely used speed controller that is currently discontinued, so purchasing it would have to be second-hand.
- Managed by PWM system (Pulse Width Modulation)
- 41 output control positions
- Maps with 8+8 positions
- 9 brake control positions
DS Pro Speed 4 Controller
The latest model of slot controller from the manufacturer DS, previously discussed for their Parma DS Basic controller for home and rally.
This model controls through Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
- Operating voltage between 9 and 22 V
- Supports a maximum peak current of 15 A
- Three adjustment knobs: Star, Curve, Mode
- Potentiometer for brake (BRAKE)
- Complies with ROHS regulations
As much fun as hobby slot racing is, we at Miniracing produce our own equipment, specifically designed for the corporate parties or exhibitions.
