Scorpius Development History

How it came about and a brief description.

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.

February 2007 the Lane Brain project came about. Here the lack of functionality of existing lane changers was turned around by offering livened flippers, anti collision function, programmable best line, and 2 way communications with PC.

November 2007 saw the introduction of a whole new standard in digital slot cars. Firstly all components are were made wireless and to 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.

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 parallel directly to track. Simple, cheap, powerful, reliable and efficient.

November 2008. The friction plate on the controller is replaced by a hall sensor, minimizing maintenance and introducing 256 step throttle and brake control.

June 2008 PC communications are made via a simple wireless Dongle that plugs easily into your USB port. The dongle can now talk to any car, throttle or lane changer.

February 2009. The system is displayed at Nurnberg toy fair to the amazement of the slot car world.

March 2009. The trigger mechanism is completely upgraded and now attached to the printed circuit board allowing much more throttle accuracy and consistency.

October 2010. The Parma controller casing is replaced by the Professor Motor casing, allowing more room to fit and extra knob and button for a much improved menu operation.

December 2010. The production process begins, parts sourced, program and test jigs custom made for production.

May 2010. Parts arrive in Australia for first assembly of controllers and testing of all components prior to release to market.

July 2011. System released worldwide.

July 2011. Upgrade programs for car decoder, controller and Lane Brain lane changer electronics are free and downloadable from the website.

July 2011. Diagnostic programs to test controller functions and Lane Brain functions are made available free online.

July 2011. Development starts on a new Race Management System and is planned for release in September 2011.