Below is a short video about the good and bad bits about digital slot cars.
Digital Slot Cars - Disadvantages And Advantages
The first difference between digital slot car sets and analog digital slot car sets you notice is the number of slot cars racing on a two lane track. With an analog set you can only race 1 slot car per lane or slot i.e. two cars in total for a two lane track.
With a digital set it is possible to race up to six cars at the same time all racing independently on a two lane track. This is possible because the cars have a micro chip and lane changing sections of track. This gives the ability to do lane changing maneuvers to overtake and block opponents. Plus you can change lanes to get a better racing line round the corners. The digital set up means that laps and lap times are recorded by individual car. With analog it is only possible for the laps of 2 cars to be accurately recorded.
The other differences can make digital slot cars racing more like the real thing. It is possible to program in needed pit stops for refueling and repairs to mimic the real life size motor sport.
The other difference is the ability to race other competitors in different locations over the internet. By setting up the same track layout in each location it is possible to compete in real time.
Setting Up A Digital Slot Cars Track
A digital slot cars track does take a bit of time to set up the cars so that they are ready to race, which is not something you normally need to do with an analog slot car set. With an analog set once you have assembled the track, switched on the power etc you are ready to go. With a digital slot car set you do need to program the cars but this is fairly straightforward after you have been through it once.
The cost of digital slot cars tracks is higher than the standard analog tracks because of all the additional functionality and benefits you get with it.
Digital slot cars are not just for the diehard fan. There are number of sets brought out by the major manufacturers of slot cars like – Scalextric, Carrera and SCX. Currently, you cannot race other manufacturer’s slot cars on another manufacturer’s track.
For more information on the digital slot cars sets please see my post on digital slot car sets – why buy digital slot cars.
