Enthusiasts around the world are wanting more than what the current manufacturers have to offer. Many of the existing systems are fine for the toy market but lack basic requirements by enthusiasts such as power, functionality and reliability.
In February 2007 the Lane Brain project came about. Here the lack of functionality was turned around by offering livened flippers, anti collision function, programmable best line, 2 way communications with PC, b- directional function and more was prototyped.
Stage II saw the introduction of a whole new standard in digital slot cars. Firstly all components are wireless and run on the ISM 2.4GHz band. A proven interference free 80 channel system, channels automatically hop to the next available free channel should one be taken.
Next we decided no powerbase was required, that is separate all power from data and have all components talk to each other via a LAN (Local area network) on the 2.4GHz band.
Power, no longer mixed with data, and delivered in DC or AC form direct to rails from the power supply. Any number of amps can be made available. The Scorpius system can run on anywhere from 8.5V to 18.0V. Additional power supplies can be wired in parrallel directly to track. Simple, cheap, powerful, reliable and efficient.
The in car decoder or circuit board gets its commands directly from throttle and PC all wirelessly. Power handling was upped to 3 amps, component quality improved, extra functions added and made upgradeable wirelessly from PC for future functions.
The throttle is wireless as standard and runs on 2 AAA batteries fitted into the handle. Battery life is minimum 100 hours of actual use. Adjustable brakes and LC button are included. A vibrator is fitted to alert of key events such as pitstop calls. Throttle response is unreal and the smoothness of throttle curve is unbeatable. The throttle curve can be adjusted quickly and easily on the PC.
PC communications are via a simple wireless Dongle that plugs easily into your USB port. The dongle can now talk to any car, throttle or lane changer.
Software programs will be broken into 2 categories. Dedicated Scorpius programs and aftermarket or existing programs made compatible to Scorpius. PC Lapcounter is one such program, an RMS (Race Management System).