Co.S.A. Controller Hardware

The Co.S.A. (Contactless Slotcar Actuator) project was born to offer a contactless controller, combined with modern and flexible motor control.

Unlike traditional wiper controllers, Co.S.A. is designed to perfectly adapt to the user, allowing advanced and customized mechanical and electronic adjustments.

Mechanical Features

  • Contactless Solution: No mechanical wear thanks to an automotive-derived inductive sensor (no magnet on the trigger).
  • Fluid Movement: Mechanics based on ball bearings for maximum precision and trigger fluidity.
  • Fine Trigger Adjustment: Dual mechanical adjustment for the maximum and minimum (brake) position, to adapt to the driver's ergonomics and finger length.
  • Ergonomics and Weight: Maximum lightness of the handle to not tire the hand during endurance races.
  • Vertical Potentiometers: Optimized layout for ambidextrous use. A version with side potentiometers is in development (prototype).
  • External PowerBox: Separated from the handle to reduce weight and maximize power transfer to the car.
  • Wiring: 1.2m cable, also ideal for low driving stations.

To Insert: Photo of the front view of the controller highlighting the trigger and the main structure

Mechanical Adjustment (Step 1)

Based on biomechanical needs (hand size, strength, finger length), the trigger must be properly adjusted and positioned:

  1. Spring Replacement: The included spring has a "soft" hardness. It can be easily replaced by unhooking it from the ring and unscrewing the nut.
  2. Trigger Travel: Factory set between 55 and 90 degrees (total movement of 35 degrees). The two mechanical adjustment screws (maximum and minimum) allow the travel to be varied.

Internal mechanics and adjustments

Electrical and Electronic Features

  • Inductive Sensor: An innovative automotive-derived inductive position sensor (no magnet, it directly detects a moving metal triangle on the trigger). Guarantees extreme precision and high repeatability.
  • Power Supply: Operating voltage from 7V to 19V.
  • Power and Motor Control: The electronics use MOSFETs over 100A, ensuring minimum voltage drop and maximum braking power. Designed for racing: protections against short circuits and overvoltages are minimal so as not to compromise performance.
  • User Interface: Display and 5-position joystick on the PowerBox for programming and potentiometers with center "click".

PowerBox: connector, joystick and display