Help!!!!

[trickyvic3]

Hello to all at OWH, Hope you all had a good christmas. Well let me start with my story. My son and I have been slot racing for over 25ys. In feb of 04 my son joe was in a bad car wreck and was left a total quad with no movement. His wife of over 15ys left him 2 weaks in to all this.He spent a year and 1/2 in Boston hospitals.We were told he would need to spend the rest of his life in a nursing home. NO WAY, NO HOW!! His mom and I decided to bring him back home to live with us. Because of his level of care, we had to give up our jobs to give him full time care. Joe is 35ys old and has a great out look on life for someone in his shape. He relies on us to be his arms and legs. All joe has now is his food and tv to keep him happy. I want to get him slot racing again. A while ago I spoke with paul k of owh. He is trying to set joe up with a sip + puff controller to use by mouth. I am trying to set up a track in our garage, in hopes of getting a small club started. Money is very tight for us, as you can guess, so cost is a big deal. Bob scott of cruzin tracks has offered to discount a 7 by 16 figure 8 track to us, He,s a very thoughtful and kind man by the way, but it,s still a lot of money for us. I have a line on an older 4 lane flat track for 600.00 but it,s to big as is. The foot print is 35ft by 7ft. Can this be easily cut down? or are we better off trying to raise some money and go with bobs? Our garage is 20 by 24. If anyone has any ideas please help. WE NEED TO GET RACING AGAIN . Thank you all - - - Vic

[oldweirdherald]

I spoke with Vic on the phone before Christmas, as his email to me definately struck a nerve and had me pretty choked up. With all that this family has been through, this family has remained thankful to still have their son in their life, and their positive attitudes and perseverance is truly an inspiration.

I have been researching "sip & puff" switches, and their possible application to interface with a slot car controller, as this is the first step in the solution. I have found web sites with similar applications having been done for video game controllers, and even with Scalextric 1/32 cars, but the sip & puff switches I have seen so far do not offer a variable output that would be desirable for speed control. The busy holiday season at work has postponed my research, but now that the holiday rush is about over, I am hoping that this can be tackled, with the help of the OWH slot car community.

This is not something that I can personally contribute much help on alone - but it is my hope that I can help by spreading the word through the OWH Slot Car Talk forum, to help brainstorm to find the method and the means to not only help this slot car family, but possibly many others who suffer similar dissabilities or injuries that make it difficult to enjoy a hobby like slot car racing.

Upon reading Vic's email, I discovered that a customer who was coincidently at my shop at the time, had a son with a very similar situation, using sip & puff switches to control his wheelchair - and he was also very interested in any solutions we may be able to come up with.

My first thought was for a 1/32 scale home track, but Vic explained that they had invested considerable time and $ in 1/24 scale commercial slot car racing cars and equipment, so this would be the first choice.

The initial challenge is the controller. I would like to invite the expertise and ideas of slot car controller builders to offer any ideas, input, and especially to develop solutions to integrate a "sip & puff" or similar switch to a slot car controller. This is the toughest part of the challenge. A simple "on-off" function has been done before, and even "right-left" on video game controllers, using existing and improvised devises. The part I have not seen solved so far is variable input to give variable output that can be then interfaced to an electronic controller.

If this can be accomplished - there is definitely a need for this technology - and not just for slot cars. A variable control for parapalegic patients could be applied to countless other applications!

Ruddock, Difalco, JayGee, Third Eye, Carston, Parma, Professor Motor, (who am I missing???) - any ideas???? Are you up for the challenge???
And I'm certainly not ruling out Scalextric, Ninco, Fly, SCX, Carrera, Slot-It,

Once that is accomplished - I believe that WE - the slot car community, can contribute towards helping this family get back to enjoying this hobby together. Through sponsors, manufacturers, and donations from fellow slot car enthusiasts - I think we can find a way to get a track built that Joe can once again race on with his dad, family, and friends.

I invite any ideas, input, and positive discussion to accomplish this goal.

Paul K
OWH

[oldweirdherald]

I have copied this thread from the main forum to the Tech Tips - Controller Talk forum, in hopes that controller builders will read it and can contribute ideas and work towards a solution.

The adaption of a "sip & puff" switch to a slot car controller would allow Joe and many other handicapped people to enjoy our hobby.

The innovation of a variable control that can be used by a parapalegic to control devices, could be utilized for much more than just slot car controllers.

If such a device was developed for slot cars, and resulted in applications to enhance the lives of those with limited or no use of their limbs, just think of the possibilities....

The publicity for such an accomplishment would be great exposure for our hobby - let alone the incredible achievement of what it would do for the lives of this individual and family, and others in similar situations...

Controller gurus - here's your chance - any and all ideas & input most welcome!!!!

Paul K
OWH


Some reference links:

http://switchgaming.blogspot.com/2007/11/one-switch-scalextric-and-slot-cars.html
http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/4/DIY/scalectrix.htm
http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/4/DIY/switches-suckpuff.htm
http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/
http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/1/AGS/AGS-head.htm
http://www.quadcontrol.com/joystick.htm
http://www.quadcontrol.com/about.htm
http://www.tecsol.com.au/SwitchSuckBlow.htm
http://store.integratedrehabsystems.com/sipandpusw.html

[Ryan from Ohio]

Just a very super quick morning breakfast brainstorm.

Piston in a tube, clear, o rings. Very light spring, wiper arm resistor, 4 Ohm. All mounted to say a modified Microphone stand so it can be placed on his chair. Volume of tube must be small as he needs to easily fill it.

Initial idea is to blow/hold pressure. Release of pressure to slow/brake. Realizing he needs to breathe while doing this.

[3rdEye]

3rd Eye will participate in the development of an end user Troller.

Due to the electronic control of the throttle/braking and low current signal controls that can be sent over long cabling of the 3rd Eye trollers basic design, I would think it would lend itself to this application?

I have 0 knowledge of pressure switches but some understanding of "Pressure Transducers" that I believe have variable resistance, voltage or current output? If someone is knowledgeable in pressure sensing devices and can contribute the interface requirements, assist in where to find information and even possibly supply the device itself, then 3rd Eye will adapt it and design a fully functioning Troller.


Brake and Sensitivity controls will still be manually adjusted for a given track condition? The power capacity would be in the Renegade 2 (G12 Max) range?

[JayGee]

Freescale Semiconductor produces a line of pressure sensor integrated circuits that produce a continuously variable output signal.

I've got some fairly good contacts there. At the very least we could get some guidance as to which ICs and eval/demo boards would be best suited for the project. At the best...some design expertise from one of their applications engineers.

Also, if anyone has any info on commercially available mouth activated input devices with a continuously variable voltage output, please point me in that direction. Since the Linear 200 power module already contains a microcontroller that converts an analog voltage to a throttle/brake control output and uses a commercially available USB cable, their may be a solution that can be developed in short order.

Jeff

[3rdEye]

Jeff,

Sounds like you have a handle on it so I will turn it over to you? let me know if I can assist you and we can work together in achieving the goal?

[JayGee]

Let me scope things out a little. I sent a PM to Vic with my contact info.

In the meantime, if anyone knows of an EXISTING assisted living input device generating a variable voltage output that can be controlled by mouth pressure, tongue movement, etc...please post an answer. Due to safety and liability concerns, as well as keeping costs down, we're much better off using an input device that has already been designed and proven to be safe.

Jeff

[bobo]

Is ther not a system already in use for wheel chairs??

Might want to contact them for imput.
Bob Oaks

[oldweirdherald]

Is ther not a system already in use for wheel chairs??

Might want to contact them for imput.
Bob Oaks

Hi Bob,

The answer is yes - but I covered that in my post & links above. All the references to assisted devices I have found so far utilize a "sip & puff" type of device. Some have been adapted for video game controllers, and even Scalextric slot cars. However, all I have seen so far allow for only a simple "on" or "off" input, which has been adapted for "right" and "left" controls as well - but so far I have not seen anything that allows for variable input to give variable output.\

The modern electronic controllers in use today, such as those made by JayGee & Third Eye, have the potential capability to allow electronic control of the speed - but what we need is a device that will give the user the ability to give variable INPUT.

I think Ryan's idea was definitely on the right track, but just in case we may be "reinventing the wheel" - we need to know if there might already be such an input device already available.

If a variable input device IS available, then it could be possible for many of the electronic controllers to be adapted for the use of people with limited abilities.

This is why I am hoping that through collaboration between controller builders and slot car experts, we can come up with a solution that could not only benefit Joe and many others like him, but could also help share this great hobby of slot cars with people who's disabilities make many hobbies and activities difficult or impossible for them to participate in.

By collaborating towards a solution, it could result in several brands of controllers being available for this type of usage.

I also think that a solution to this application could also be applied to many other applications of assisted living devices, game controllers, wheel chairs, etc.

It sounds like between Howard's & Jeff's knowledge and experience with electronics and switching devices, we are off to a good start! If any others can provide any other input or knowledge of any variable input devices, it would really help towards a solution!

Great start - Let's keep the ball rolling!

PK @ OWH

[Slapshot]

Jeff:
Not sure how much this will help.
Do a general search on the word "Phidget Board". There are a number of USB sensors that are availble for these boards. I believe when I looked awile back there were some resistive or pressure senative and some the are drivers for servo. Phidget boards are relativly new but are a boon to robotics and are USB driven so that they may be interfaced with computers. I got a kick out of the joystick sensor. That might be an option as I was working on a device many many years ago for a lad that was in a wheelchair that used a long handled joystick that he activated with his chin.


http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=2
http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=10
http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/c/3104-Phidget-I-O-Boards.aspx
http://www.active-robots.co.uk/phidgets-interfaces-c-79.html
http://www.phidgetsusa.com/faq.asp

Phidget are all ready being used in Slotcars as computer race controll race director systems such as Slotrak 8 and PC Laptimer. They use a USB Phidget board to inteface with a computer from vairous sensors and also use the phidget board to controll the realays. Heres some more info on thes programs.

http://slottrak.fsmra.com/index.html
http://users.skynet.be/bk274532/index.html

Raymond

[JayGee]

I'm currently in contact with an engineer in Montana that designs and sells assisted living input devices for game consoles. We're talking "tech" right now and I've sent him the interface details for my controller. Let's see what happens.

[trickyvic3]

:) Just wanted to let everyone know how pleased joe is to have good people like you ALL in his corner. We can,t believe how fast you all responded. We needed a little good news. As bad as things have been, and on top of everything else, we had to put our little pekinkese dog down this past monday. He was a great buddy to us all for over 12ys. The house seems so empty. He will be sadly missed. So it was nice to jump on OWH and see the response we have been getting from all of you [ our slot famly ] We are keeping our fingers crossed that good things will happen. We will keep you all updated on how things are going. - - Thank you all and god bless - Joe + family

[GaryG]

:) Just wanted to let everyone know how pleased joe is to have good people like you ALL in his corner. We can,t believe how fast you all responded. We needed a little good news. As bad as things have been, and on top of everything else, we had to put our little pekinkese dog down this past monday. He was a great buddy to us all for over 12ys. The house seems so empty. He will be sadly missed. So it was nice to jump on OWH and see the response we have been getting from all of you [ our slot famly ] We are keeping our fingers crossed that good things will happen. We will keep you all updated on how things are going. - - Thank you all and god bless - Joe + famly

Vic and Joe,

An anonymous donor has agreed to pay for your new track.
I'll begin building it as soon as we can agree on a suitable
track layout. I will be delivering the track to your home in
late February. A lap counter and power supply will be included.
Everything is taken care of except the special controller....so
get busy guys and get that done! Vic, give me a call at 402-
658-5468 and we'll get moving on this project.

Gary

[JayGee]

I wish things were moving along faster but the consultant/manufacturer I've been in contact with has been traveling and is now catching up on his own production orders. I'd sent him the interface details to the controller and was expecting him to get back to me last week.

I've since posted requests for help on websites frequented by engineers.

The good news is that he got back to me this morning and evidently has been researching slot cars and controllers to understand our funky little hobby.

Even better, based on an email exchange this afternoon...He's HOOKED!!! I'm sending him a controller and test fixture for him to do development with.

Jeff

[trickyvic3]

:D :D First let me say a big thank you to all who are helping us in this quest. I got an E-mail this afternoon from Jeff of Jaygee. He has gotten a hold of a guy that makes controls for the handycap to be able to play playstation 2s. Joe already has one of his set ups, and this guy is good at what he does. To make a long story short, He is interested in working with Jeff on this. He also thinks he can come up with something that will work. GREAT NEWS HUH?? Jeff is sending one of his trollers to him this weekend and we,ll see what he can come up with. A BIG THANK YOU TO JEFF for getting the ball rolling on this. You all are saints for helping us with this. PS. WE SURE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO MADE THE DONATION TO GARY GERDING FOR JOE,S TRACK. We think you deserve some recognition for what you are doing for this family. Joe has had very little sleep. He is just gleaming from ear to ear. I have to say that dad is pretty happy too! It,s been a long time since any of us have had anything to be happy about. We,ll keep u posted - - - Vic,Joe+Jennie

[Phil I.]

:eek:

Where ya located so maybe we can come & race....And maybe beat ya...

hehehehe....
PHIL I.:D

[trickyvic3]

PHILL,, We are located in Raymond NH. About 15min from hampton beach. Or about 20min from Need for speed in Manchester NH. Very easy to find! We,d love to have ya!!! any time.:D :D

[Lambert]

Just an observation, but has anyone given any thought of contacting the News Media about this.
I would think that this type of activity is worthy of local if not national attention. Not only showing the type of people involved in this hobby and the care that they have for someone less fortunate, plus it could give a boost in the arm for the Slot Car industry as a whole.
Any thoughts?

[trickyvic3]

Just an observation, but has anyone given any thought of contacting the News Media about this.
I would think that this type of activity is worthy of local if not national attention. Not only showing the type of people involved in this hobby and the care that they have for someone less fortunate, plus it could give a boost in the arm for the Slot Car industry as a whole.
Any thoughts?
Yes this is a great idea, We were just talking about the same thing. The big problem is that we dont know how to go about it. I just got off the phone with ralph from, need for speed raceway in Manchester NH. He seems to know anybody whos anybody. He,s going to make a few calls to see what we can do to get the attention this so deserves. I,m going to stay in close contact with him to see if he can help, and how. He agrees that this should get some media attention, and not only help the slot industry, but help us as a family show our appreciation to the slot famly/industry. If anyone has any ideas please post. We welcome all input.-Vic/Joe+Jennie:D :D :D

[RollinI]

Speed TV is showing the 24-Hours of Daytona, someone should contact one of their producers. They have hours and hours and hours to cover and fill. They might just be looking for a human interest story.

[trickyvic3]

:confused: :confused: That is a real good idea, but do you think it should be done by someone other than the family? Sometimes it seems to carry more weight?

[oldweirdherald]

This will definitely make a great story, and one that will be great publicity for the slot car hobby. There are many aspects of this project that make it a story, just one of which is the help and support that has been offered from the online slot car community as a group who share the same interest.

It has been a couple days now since Gary posted and emailed me about the anonymous donor, and I still can't find words that come close to how it makes me feel.

Whoever this person is, they have demonstrated that their heart is much bigger then their wallet. It must be someone who truly GETS what this can mean to this family and this former fellow racer beyond simply being able to play with toy cars. But to actually have the heart to step forward and contribute by sharing the results of their hard work and good fortune to enhance the lives of others - is truly a blessing. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is struggling through the emotions to find words...

This just shows that there is so much more to our lives then just this hobby - and there is so much more to this hobby then just toy cars.

There are also aspects of this project that could contribute HUGE progress towards assisted controls, that could result in being utilized for other game devices as well as for more practical and life enhancing applications.

I do think it is a bit early to contact the media, however. I will continue to gather info for putting together a media / press release - but I don't think the story will have as much impact until we can see footage of Joe taking a lap with his own controller on his new track. With all the background information about how it came to be - seeing Joe's face when he actually operates the specially fitted controller will be simply priceless and beyond words.

Let's give Jeff some time to brainstorm with the other electronics guys, while Gary gets to work on the track, before going "mainstream" on this.

I'll be setting up a special photo gallery on OWH, so that Gary & Jeff can post photos to share the progress of the controller & track as they develop.

Paul K
OWH - an extremely proud "mom"

[trickyvic3]

Good point! I think we need to slow down and take our time with this,in order to do this so we get the max exposure. We want to make a big impact. I know,I want to make sure everyone gets the recognition they deserve. And I know this will be a big shot in the arm for all of slot racing. We want to do all we can to promote the industry, and keep slot racing alive and well for many years to come. Thank you for all your help on this paul . --- Vic/Joe+ Jennie Poulin :D :D :D

[trickyvic3]

I ment to ask, If there is anything we can do to help ? pm me. besides I,ll bet you misplaced my phone# didnt you?? haha thanx--Vic:D :D :D

[JayGee]

The consultant and I spoke at length yesterday and he suggested that we take a mechanical approach to solving the problem instead of an electrical/electronic one. I noodled on that for a while, then this morning a possible solution dawned on me. I need to explore this more with him, but wanted to get everyone thinking of this as well.

We could possibly use the mechanical apparatus from one of his lip operated switches and connect a servo cable to it (kinda like the brake cables on a bike but for model airplanes). The other end of the cable would be connected to the plastic trigger on the controller. That would allow us to make adjustments for the amount of lip movement required to go from full throttle to brake by simply changing attachment points on the trigger...and adjustments for lip pressure required to move the trigger could be made by changing trigger springs.

Since the cable is flexible, the controller handle can be mounted on a fixture that clips to Joe's wheelchair...out of the way so it doesn't disturb his vision. We'd then use the USB cable to connect to the power module which would be resting on the track's driver's panel.

I did try one of his suggestions...operating the controller with my mouth. I took the guts out of a handle and bit down on the trigger and frame. We're in the ballpark. The required travel from brake to full throttle is a bit too long, but that can be resolved with the cable attachment point on the trigger. The spring tension also seemed to be managable...didn't have to bite down too hard to work the trigger.

If any custom machine work or metal fabrication is needed to fabricate any of the bit and pieces, we'll need help with that.

[trickyvic3]

The consultant and I spoke at length yesterday and he suggested that we take a mechanical approach to solving the problem instead of an electrical/electronic one. I noodled on that for a while, then this morning a possible solution dawned on me. I need to explore this more with him, but wanted to get everyone thinking of this as well.

We could possibly use the mechanical apparatus from one of his lip operated switches and connect a servo cable to it (kinda like the brake cables on a bike but for model airplanes). The other end of the cable would be connected to the plastic trigger on the controller. That would allow us to make adjustments for the amount of lip movement required to go from full throttle to brake by simply changing attachment points on the trigger...and adjustments for lip pressure required to move the trigger could be made by changing trigger springs.

Since the cable is flexible, the controller handle can be mounted on a fixture that clips to Joe's wheelchair...out of the way so it doesn't disturb his vision. We'd then use the USB cable to connect to the power module which would be resting on the track's driver's panel.

I did try one of his suggestions...operating the controller with my mouth. I took the guts out of a handle and bit down on the trigger and frame. We're in the ballpark. The required travel from brake to full throttle is a bit too long, but that can be resolved with the cable attachment point on the trigger. The spring tension also seemed to be managable...didn't have to bite down too hard to work the trigger.

If any custom machine work or metal fabrication is needed to fabricate any of the bit and pieces, we'll need help with that. Sounds like the way to go to me Jeff. That way Joe doesnt have to many things to do at once,and can keep an eye on his car. Once again, Joe and I would like to thank you and Ken for all your hard work on this. ps. Joe has one hell of a smile on his face right now. Thank you - - Vic/Joe/Jennie poulin :D :D :D :D

[RomanK]

In order that Joe be able to follow his car on the track, would it not make sense to create some sort of a body mount for the controller so that it would follow his head thus eye movements? Possibly something that mounts around the neck? just brain storming here. Thought is that if the device is hard mounted or clipped to his chair, at some point he may have to lose sight of the car in order to maintain contact with the controller. thoughts?

[trickyvic3]

In order that Joe be able to follow his car on the track, would it not make sense to create some sort of a body mount for the controller so that it would follow his head thus eye movements? Possibly something that mounts around the neck? just brain storming here. Thought is that if the device is hard mounted or clipped to his chair, at some point he may have to lose sight of the car in order to maintain contact with the controller. thoughts? Hi Roman, Just got e-mail from Jeff. He said that they are going to try a type of chest plate. The controller would then be mounted to the chest plate and controlled by mouth and or chin movements. Jeff is giong to try one out at the track to see if it could work under racing conditions. The plan sounds good, lets see if it works. You have to remember that joe can not move his head at all. This could be a good plan. when racing, Joe will have to sit so he can see the whole track if possible. We will adapt by hook or by crook. thanks for your input. Vic/Joe/Jennie Poulin ;) ;) ;) :) :)

[bobo]

Jeff;
The extra trigger travel can be reduced by using a sinple bell crank with the piviot point off center I E a reducing type bell crank.

Bob Oaks

[JayGee]

Ken sent Vic and I pics of the chest plate and fixture he built to hold the controller. I've given him some feedback and will wait for the changes.

What we're realizing is that the chin motion probably won't be enough to swing the wiper arm all the way from brake to full throttle, but that's not a problem. If it swings even half way, I can modify the board with a single jumper wire, turning it into a 12 to 15 band unit...then modify the brake contact accordingly.

It's looking good folks!

Jeff

[trickyvic3]

Hello all,, Well today I have a new tail to tell. This is rather long, but please bare with me, Its worth it. Yesterday morning my day started as usual. Got Joes morning care done, did a little house work, had to shovel, man does that suck!! Then jumped on to OWH as I always do. I noticed I had a pm. The pm was from Ed + Sherri Miller [aka ] theboss. Ed told me that he had been following Joes story, and that it touched him and Sherri. He told me that he had been talking with Mark of keystone raceway as well as popparat. Well it turns out,, His question to me was, Do you have a way to get joe into or out of his car or van ? It turns out that Ed works for a mobilty co that makes lifts for wheel chairs of different types. To make a long story short, They told joe to pick one out, and thay were going to donate it,, FREE OF CHARGE Now you have to remember,, these are people who have never even met us. I just cant get over it !! When I showed the letter to joe, he just lost it, and so did jennie and I . The good will of the OWH family is just overwhelming to us. I wanted to make this known because people like this are what make life a little better for people like us. It brings tears to my eyes just to think about it. We as a family,, Want to thank each and every one of you our slot car brothers + sisters. God will smile apon you all . Vic/Joe+Jennie Poulin ;) ;) ;)

[trickyvic3]

bumpin it up,,

[RomanK]

This idea comes from Gary Gerding as he is driving across Missouri....

Photographers often use a bulb/plunger type device as a semi remote trigger for their cameras. The device consists of a Rubber bulb (bladder), a flexible airtube and a plunger at the end. The plunger is activated by squeezing the bulb. This device could possibly be adapted to the controller then the bulb could be activated with mouth motion.

thoughts?

[JayGee]

Ken is sending me the chest plate with controller mount to complete the development. I've a plan in place to deal with the shortened throw. Should be more positive actuation vs the bulb...a direct mechanical contact with Joe's chin vs having to deal with the air compression in the bulb/tube.


Jeff

[TheBoss]

Sherri and I always try to help out people in need. This is also what THE PACK is about helping out slot car people.
Vic & Jennie and Joe the story about your son did touch our hearts.The company that I work for builds great units,an when I talked to my work about your needs that is when he offered a Tracker unit.
www.freedom-lift.com
The slot car group needs more people like Papparat & Jenn ,Mark & Jason Greene, Booby Davis JR & SR and Mike and Rob and The Stahl family and all of our regular racers. I'am so happy to have this new family to help watch over each other.
Take care and good luck, we will keep in touch.
See you at the track!

Sherri & Ed

THE PACK

Keep it in the slot!

[mark g]

Ed & Sherri are great people, No Doubt. I say Kudo's to them for what they have done. I'd like to let you know you haven't see the last of Pa hospitality either;)

We all get caught up in some of the racing B/S from time to time, some of us more then others, but it has been my expierence that as a whole the slot racing community is second to none when it comes to helping others.

I'm gonna be taking a break for awhile, so you won't be seeing much of me on the board, but keep in touch with Popparat,Ed and Sherri and they will keep you up on what's going on.

Be well!

[Lambert]

I have been trying follow this thread, and every body has been contributed some great ideas. But have you considered a little overlook problem.
Allot of tracks have limited space at the drivers station that my not accommodate a wheelchair. I used to race RC cars (and not very well I mite add) and I know that much of the cars controls use servos from a radio receiver.
I see two possible solutions here. Using a servo to operate the throttle linkage to a hand controller attached to an RC car receiver, and using the mouth control attached to a RC car transmitter. Now you can be at any position around the track that a wheelchair can be safely placed. At the same time the slot car controller would be attached the appropriate driver station.
Thus a radio controlled slot car.

Paul

[PoppaRat]

Plenty of room here at Keystone, no problem with access

[Phil I.]

:D
Paul..thats a good idea but the servos may not travel as fast as needed across the wiper. Going brake to full throttle to brake to half for a turn.;)
I have been racing slots off & on since 64 starting in Menlopark CA. In 92 I got nailed on my full dress harley.....FL.law lights always on. Said she couldn't see me..... I am now in a wheelchair, left leg amputee..:eek:

When I got back in. The first day reveiled problems. Your right that a chair at the drivers stand is a big obstical (sp). I also learned that my eye level, in the chair, is 46 in. high...:( A swoopie king I drive blind on one corner or my sight is so low I can't tell what the car is doing at the other end of the track.

First thing I did was add a 25 ft. section using a 3 wire extention cord to my controller so I could drive from one end or the other of the panel and being able to pull up to the track. I could see better.:) That worked well...BUT the 25 ft. cord slowed me down on the straights. I built an ONMI with a power clicker using a 4 wire trailor light kit. Got lucky it was 18 guage setup.:D The clicker gave me the full power but the last band to the clicker there is still a large difference. It showes up on the faster 12's and up.
BUT I'M STILL OUT THERE RACIN YOU GUYS AND AM HAVIN A BALL DOIN IT........:D
Before X-Mas I got in contact with Jim Defalco and we talked for quiet a while about how to overcom this problem...But I'm still racen...Sealed S16, and won last week(pat..pat) and deathstares. First race, after a 5 year layoff, I got a 2nd. in trucks with deathstars:D And me!....I'm happy as hell being able to mix it up again:D

NECESSITY--THE MOTHER OF INVENTION how right it is
PHIL I. I admit to 39.......for 21 years--so far:D

[JayGee]

I received the chest plate yesterday...a nice sturdy unit that can be built with simple supplies from Home Depot and craft stores. Ken was kind enough to let me know exactly what he used and gave me permission to photograph the details so that others can replicate it as a do-it-yourself project.

The biggest (and only) problem I had was that he had solidly epoxied the controller handle to the PVC pipe joints, making it impossible for me to take the handle apart to adjust the trigger throw or for anyone to maintain the controller later. After some careful cutting and grinding with my dremel tool, I managed to get it apart (geez, I hope expoxy dust isn't toxic!).

I added some brass to the trigger so that it doesn't have to swing as far back to hit the brake contact. The sweep is now 2/3 of normal...spanning from brake to full throttle. I'll solder a jumper wire between the first and eighth bands, turning it into a 16 band controller so that the low end will be as soft as a standard Linear 200 controller.

It's now quite easy to operate with chin movement...and I'll be able to easily make any adjustments on-site when I deliver the controller to Joe. I'm going to ask my employer (Newark) if they'll pick up my airfare for this project...we'll see what happens.

Here's the part I may need some help with. I'm constructing a fixture to bolt the controller frame and wiper board to...and I'd like to use two standoffs to mount the frame to the fixture. These can be turned from 1/2" aluminum round stock. Can I get a someone to fab them for me?

-Jeff

[JayGee]

I received the chest plate yesterday...a nice sturdy unit that can be built with simple supplies from Home Depot and craft stores. Ken was kind enough to let me know exactly what he used and gave me permission to photograph the details so that others can replicate it as a do-it-yourself project.

The biggest (and only) problem I had was that he had solidly epoxied the controller handle to the PVC pipe joints, making it impossible for me to take the handle apart to adjust the trigger throw or for anyone to maintain the controller later. After some careful cutting and grinding with my dremel tool, I managed to get it apart (geez, I hope expoxy dust isn't toxic!).

I added some brass to the trigger so that it doesn't have to swing as far back to hit the brake contact. The sweep is now 2/3 of normal...spanning from brake to full throttle. I'll solder a jumper wire between the first and eighth bands, turning it into a 16 band controller so that the low end will be as soft as a standard Linear 200 controller.

It's now quite easy to operate with chin movement...and I'll be able to easily make any adjustments on-site when I deliver the controller to Joe. I'm going to ask my employer (Newark) if they'll pick up my airfare for this project...we'll see what happens.

Here's the part I may need some help with. I'm constructing a fixture to bolt the controller frame and wiper board to...and I'd like to use two standoffs to mount the frame to the fixture. These can be turned from 1/2" aluminum round stock. Can I get a someone to fab them for me?

-Jeff

[trickyvic3]

How long? Also do you need them drilled through or solid? I can do it. My employer has Aluminum stock.

M.
Thank you so much, I dont have much time to spare taking care of joe and all. This would be a big help to jeff as well as the family. Jeff was telling me yesterday that he,s going to try to post a few pics of what we have so far. This poor guy has worked his butt off on this project. But its paying off. Thanks for your help - - - Vic/Joe+Jennie :) :) :)

[JayGee]

Here are some shots of the chest plate that Ken sent me this week. He constructed it from a reinforced leather tool belt and some PVC pipe.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2263550219/" title="Picture 014 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2263550219_f52226bf26_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Picture 014" /></a>

You can see the wood used to reinforce the leather belt.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2263518939/" title="Picture 033 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2314/2263518939_23c445352c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Picture 033" /></a>

The foam padding on the inside of the chest plate is held in place with double-sided tape.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2263515765/" title="Picture 025 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2263515765_c9a9fbf5df_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Picture 025" /></a>

Removing the tape, you can see the holes that were drilled into the wood to mount the PVC pipe for the framework. It's epoxied in place.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2264304402/" title="Picture 026 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2264304402_0e1557eb1f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Picture 026" /></a>


You can see that the controller handle is securely epoxied in place...so well that it can't be taken apart for me to modify the trigger throw for Joe's limited chin movement.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2263517611/" title="Picture 030 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2263517611_f8c647d3c8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Picture 030" /></a>

I managed to cut the handle apart without damaging the circuit board. The first thing I did was modify the brake contact on the trigger using some brass strip. This change reduced the trigger throw from brake to full throttle by about 1/3rd...enough to make it easy to operate with smaller chin movments.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2263550291/" title="Picture 038 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/2263550291_5a885e090c_t.jpg" width="75" height="100" alt="Picture 038" /></a>


The next step is for me to modify the wiper board to accomodate the reduced throw...a single jumper wire will do the trick. Rather than put everything back inside the handle, I'm going to mount two parallel plates to the PVC pipe in place of the handle-halves. The controller guts will be mounted between the plates on standoffs, then the plates will be bolted together with spacers between them.

I'll work on that Friday...the rest of tonight will be spent cleaning the epoxy dust out of the apartment 'cause I'm cooking Valentine's dinner for my girlfriend here tomorrow night.

[trickyvic3]

Wow Jeff You cook too?? Will you marry me ?

[Phil I.]

Wasn't looking over you shoulder......:eek: JOU GOT SUM SLANNIN TO DO....... As Desi would say to Lucy..........

PHIL I.

[JayGee]

Hey Vic,

I make a mean eggplant parmagianna...and most anything else that goes with a nice red. But when you're done explaining your proposal to Jeannie, would you explain it to Mary Ann as well?

I started work on the controller mount this weekend, constructed from 1/2" thick oak, 8-32 bolts and some 1" long nylon spacers I found at the local ACE Hardware.

The oak was first cut into 3-1/2" x 4" rectangles and bolted together with the spacers.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2275870020/" title="Controller Pics 001 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2078/2275870020_95f5962caf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 001" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2275870214/" title="Controller Pics 003 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2275870214_be31e2f368.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Controller Pics 003" /></a>

I then realized that one of the pieces needed to be trimmed for the sensitivity adjustment knobs.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2275067363/" title="Controller Pics 006 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2285/2275067363_5776141652.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 006" /></a>

So far so good but it appeared that some wood could be trimmed back from the trigger area for Joe's comfort...so out came the saw again. No guys...I don't wear red fingernail polish. Mary Ann makes a damn fine Tool Time Girl!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2275067501/" title="Controller Pics 007 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/2275067501_ac03d59a96.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 007" /></a>

She also takes better photos!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2275067633/" title="Controller Pics 008 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2275067633_8a805f0df8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 008" /></a>

When we were done, it looked like this.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2275862960/" title="Controller Pics 009 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/2275862960_4cd462b9f9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 009" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2275863572/" title="Controller Pics 010 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/2275863572_ecb76a9372.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 010" /></a>

All that's left is to mount the controller board to the wood with standoffs and drill holes for the PVC pipe. Now that I've a better idea of the standoff dimensions, I'll see if Newark or ACE Hardware has any stock items. If not, I'll take Wing-Car Nut up on his offer to machine some custom ones for us.

[trickyvic3]

Sorry Mary Ann, Its just that guys like us are so hard to find !! Just ask Jennie, NOT !!! HEHEHE Wow Jeff, looking good. I was just showing joe the pics. Hes so happy !! Thank Mary Ann for her help too. Joint effort ?? If you guys need anything, give me a call.
Thanks Jeff, you to Mary Ann

Vic/Joe+Jennie

[JayGee]

Wing-Car Nut,

I emailed you the specs tonight, along with my office address at work.

Thanks,

Jeff

[JayGee]

Wing Car Nut was kind enough to make these 1/4" high standoffs for this project.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325843988/" title="Controller Pics 024 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2325843988_ee9b618766_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Controller Pics 024" /></a>

They were sized perfectly to fit inside the controller frame's mounting holes.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325844214/" title="Controller Pics 026 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/2325844214_dae7cb62e7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 026" /></a>

And threaded to accept 6-32 machine screws.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325024129/" title="Controller Pics 022 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2325024129_7287040ea1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Controller Pics 022" /></a>

The standoff's shank was made about 15 thou shorter than the thickness of the frame's PCB. When the screw is tightened, the board is clamped tight to the standoff by a #6 washer.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325843664/" title="Controller Pics 019 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2007/2325843664_55b7fdb340.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 019" /></a>

The mounting holes for the frame were drilled first...locating it in the frame so that as much of the trigger poked out of the bottom while still leaving enough room to give one access to the throttle and brake adjustment knobs.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325023763/" title="Controller Pics 018 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2022/2325023763_c0b1b2e5bc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 018" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325023655/" title="Controller Pics 017 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/2325023655_6c98af810b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 017" /></a>

A 1" hole saw was then used to make the mounting holes for 3/4" ID PVC pipe. The holes were opened up slightly with a dremel because the pipe's OD was just slightly larger than 1". The holes were located so that the pipe's elbow could point either upward in this pic or to the right without blocking access to the adjustment knobs. A matching hole was then drilled in the other side of the fixture.

The elbows were press-fit into the fixture and mounted to the PVC frame.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325843192/" title="Controller Pics 015 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2325843192_9cda32d7cc.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Controller Pics 015" /></a>

Here's a couple of pics of the controller mounted to the chest plate.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325842958/" title="Controller Pics 013 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2325842958_1f01d81968.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Controller Pics 013" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325022527/" title="Controller Pics 011 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2325022527_15bd2ee068.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Controller Pics 011" /></a>

And Joe's eye view of his JayGee Linear 200.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2325023119/" title="Controller Pics 012 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/2325023119_4502791455.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Controller Pics 012" /></a>

The first track testing will take place this Saturday at Mid-America Raceway.

[Phil I.]

:D

WOW... Its really coming together nicely........BEST YET...

PHIL I.

[JayGee]

About all that's left to do is convince my employer to pay for my airline tickets to Boston so I can fit the controller to Joe. I figure that no matter how well I plan they'll need to be some on-site adjustments to be made.

Jeff

[M G Brown]

Hm, or fly Joe to Chicago?

[JayGee]

Hey Vic,

Tell Joe I took laps with the worlds first chin operated controller on Mid-America Raceway's Midwest Monster tonight. Pics to follow later.

-Jeff

[Southslot]

Jeff, If I ever have the bucks to buy a real nice controller it'll be your's without question!!

All these people working together to help this boy out is something you all should be very proud of!! Maybe I can build him a car or something, it's not much but it's something.. Vic, what kind of cars do you guys like to run?

SS

[trickyvic3]

Jeff, If I ever have the bucks to buy a real nice controller it'll be your's without question!!

All these people working together to help this boy out is something you all should be very proud of!! Maybe I can build him a car or something, it's not much but it's something.. Vic, what kind of cars do you guys like to run?

SS
THANKS, Joe loves 41/2 stock cars, They are what him and I used to run a few years back. He also liked good old fashion flexi cars.:) :)

[Southslot]

Check your PM's. Looking forward to an update on Joe today.

SS

[THOBART]

About all that's left to do is convince my employer to pay for my airline tickets to Boston so I can fit the controller to Joe. I figure that no matter how well I plan they'll need to be some on-site adjustments to be made.

Jeff

I will give you the miles.

Later
Tony

[JayGee]

O'k, Mary Ann is much prettier to look at than I do and had volunteered to model the controller, but she does take better photos. So you get to see my ugly mug instead.

Vic, let me know if Joe is huskier than I am around his chest. If so, we'll have to be prepared to lengthen the belt that holds the chest plate on. Since the PVC pipes are just press fit together, it'll be easy to move the controller fixture up/down and backward/forward for Joe's comfort.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2340394098/" title="Controller Pics 027 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/2340394098_856cbf38ed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Controller Pics 027" /></a>

You can clearly see the USB cable in these photos. The power module is resting on the drivers panel.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2340394740/" title="Controller Pics 029 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/2340394740_66a1552e63_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Controller Pics 029" /></a>

For those of you that keep track of stats, I managed to get my ISRA B-Production car around the track in about 10 seconds...about twice as long as it normally takes me. Ummmmm, I wonder if I can claim a track record for chin operated controllers?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22872648@N02/2339562769/" title="Controller Pics 031 by jgoldberg1954, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2339562769_ff3ce716f0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Controller Pics 031" /></a>

[trickyvic3]

Jeff, Im going to take the lap top back into joe this morning. Hes got to see this !! All your hard work is paying off. I,ll post more info on joe tonight.

Vic

[ratfink]

Better get Joe to chewing gum to get his jaw muscles in shape,LOL!!!
Jeff, you rock!!!!!.......nice job!

[trickyvic3]

Jeff, it looks great !!! I think you got it. It may take a little getting used to, but I think it will work just fine. I showed joe the pics today and he thinks its great. He said the guy using it could use a little work however.:eek: :eek: hehehe!!! great job jeff. Thank you for all your hard work. You have realy steped up to the plate to help joe. You should feel very proud of yourself. And that goes for everyone that helped make this happen. I know it sure makes me damn proud to say you are our family.;) ;)

Vic/joe+jennie

[JayGee]

Hey Vic,

You tell Joe that the next time this controller gets photographed, he's the one that's going to be wearing it. He can primp all he wants before the photo shoot, but I have to warn you...I've little sympathy for folks claiming to have a bad hair day!

-Jeff

[trickyvic3]

Hey Vic,

You tell Joe that the next time this controller gets photographed, he's the one that's going to be wearing it. He can primp all he wants before the photo shoot, but I have to warn you...I've little sympathy for folks claiming to have a bad hair day!

-Jeff
Hey jeff, Joe wants to know what kind of bike you ride? Harley? hehehehe!!!!!
Just kidding

[Kawi rider 13]

If it's a way to use a controller you are looking for then I he has movement of his mouth go to your local sports shop and buy a mouth guard they are aroun 5-10 dollars cut the part where your teeth go in half an glue on half to the trigger and the other half to the handle of the controller and as long as he can keep it in his mouth while he is driving you are set hope this helped and sorry to hear about your situation

[oldweirdherald]

Hi Kawi,

Since you are new here at OWH Slot Car Talk - you were not around when all of this story unfolded right here on these forums. You may not have noticed the date on this thread - since it was a "sticky" thread it was still at the top of the controller forum - but this all started over 3 years ago.

I had recently "unstickied" several other threads about Joe's Track - but now I realize this thread was still sticky... but it doesn't tell the rest of the story (which was in a couple other threads).

So I found the other threads and moved them all to a new sub-forum "Joe's Track of Courage" in the "Tech Tips - Controllers" forum, so others like you can more easily find all the related threads (it wasn't easy for even ME to find them!)

Here's a link to the new sub-forum:
Joe's Track of Courage
http://www.slotcartalk.com/slotcartalk/forumdisplay.php?129-Joe-s-Track-of-Courage

Of course, the whole story was summed up very nicely by Jeff Goldberg of JayGee racing, who built the controller for Joe. You can download the story in PDF format from the JayGee Racing web site here:

Joe's Track of Courage - by Jeff Goldberg (PDF)
http://oldweirdherald.com/pdf/Joe_s_Track_of_Courage.pdf

Here's links to the OWH threads:

Help!!!
http://www.slotcartalk.com/slotcartalk/showthread.php?21938-Help!!!! (this thread)
Oh My God!! You All Need To Read This
http://www.slotcartalk.com/slotcartalk/showthread.php?22088-Oh-My-God!!-You-All-Need-To-Read-This
Joe's Track
http://www.slotcartalk.com/slotcartalk/showthread.php?22286-Joe-s-Track

It's a very touching story - I hope you enjoy reading about how it unfolded here on OWH, and about how fellow slot car racers & suppliers jumped in to help a racer and his family after a tragic accident left him immobilized.

Welcome to OWH Slot Car Talk! :)

[novice-slot]

I'm in awww!!! and i admitt i havent read all the pages of this thread so i don't know if something has already been modified. i also admitt i'm not to familiar with parapalegic's and their limited movements.
which raises my first question does he have any neck movement? up, down, left or right?

[novice-slot]

no need to reply sorry!