Introduction to Digital Racing

Last Updated: March 22, 2007

Digital for Slot racing is a relatively new concept with track systems. The basic principal is that you can race up to 6 Slot cars on a 2-lane Slot track system. Each slot car can be controlled to change lanes at various cross over points within the circuit enabling you to switch lanes to either change the racing line, overtake, undertake or avoid crashed cars at the push of a button on the hand controller. Most slot racing systems incorporate a lap counting system, as the racing is usually fast & furious and sometimes difficult to keep score. for a full introduction to Digital racing.

Each system will have positive and negative points. We hope the following feature will help you to decide which system is best for you.

Scalextric Sport Digital System. (SSD)

Advantages
- As the title suggests Scalextric Sport Digital uses Scalextric Sport track sections so you can either convert your existing Sport system by adding a conversion set or using one of the starter sets. Adding additional Sport track allows you to vary the track design to suit your requirements.

- The change over mechanism is incorporated in the cross over track sections unlike some other systems that rely upon the car to cross over. This has the advantage that the cars are cheaper than some of its competitors; you are also able to convert either Scalextric & other manufacturers cars to race on the digital track with the addition of a simple ‘chip’ that requires fitting inside the car.

Disadvantages
- the starter sets are only supplied with equipment for 2 drivers. The power base can be a little crowded, especially if there are 6 drivers using the track at the same time. The lap counting function is quite small and can be a little difficult to read.

Pendle Slot Racing - Rating 8/10. Excellent all round package.

SCX Digital Sytem

Advantages
- Starter sets are supplied equipped for 3 drivers. If you want to expand to 6 drivers an additional power base can be incorporated anywhere around the circuit allowing drivers to be evenly spread around the circuit.

- The lap counting tower is easily accessible and visible from all sections of the circuit.

- The system has been available in Spain for 6 months before release in the UK, this has helped improve the product and iron out problems with power loss. Another useful function is the ability to select the speed mode for each individual racer from novice to advanced settings.

Disadvantages
- the track system is not compatible with standard SCX track. Therefore the designs of the track circuits can be limited until new sections of straight & curved track are released.

- Only SCX Digital cars can be used, as they incorporate the lane changing mechanism, which makes them more expensive and potentially more unreliable.

Pendle Slot Racing - Rating 6/10. Great fun but the lack of choice of cars & track is frustrating.

Carrera Digital Pro X

Advantages
-

-

Disadvantages
-

-

Pendle Slot Racing - Rating ##/##.

Ninco Digital

Advantages
-

-

Disadvantages
-

-

Pendle Slot Racing - Rating ##/##.