Gate Mod

[Owens Racing]

I had some issues with my gate latch while hooking up a solenoid, so I made some changes that made it smooth as silk...

I ended up using this bearing and shoulder bolt.

 

[Owens Racing]

Here's a clip of how it works. Click picture to play video.

 

[DNA RACING]

very cool !!

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

What is the easiest way to drill the threaded hole?

 

[Quicktimederby]

The easiest is to drill a hole than use a tap to thread it. Wait that is not the easiest, the easiest is to send it to Owens and have him do it!!

What is the easiest way to drill the threaded hole?

 

[Kinser Racing]

Dang you're good. Awesome job!

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

The easiest is to drill a hole than use a tap to thread it. Wait that is not the easiest, the easiest is to send it to Owens and have him do it!!

What is the easiest way to drill the threaded hole?

I will just put you in charge of it Mister Smarty Pants.

 

[Kinser Racing]

The easiest is to drill a hole than use a tap to thread it. Wait that is not the easiest, the easiest is to send it to Owens and have him do it!!

What is the easiest way to drill the threaded hole?

I will just put you in charge of it Mister Smarty Pants.

This made me laugh hard!

 

[mgh Racing]

Great job! Would you mind sharing some details about the solenoid you are using? Or is it a secret? I picked up the one based on 5J's design and it was insufficient to pull the gate handle, even with a modified handle to shorten the depth of the notch.

 

[Owens Racing]

What is the easiest way to drill the threaded hole?

The aluminum is thin enough I drilled and tapped it with the tool on the left, but you can drill a #43 hole on your drill press and tap it by hand with a 4-40 tap and tap handle. Just try to start it as square as possible.

Great job! Would you mind sharing some details about the solenoid you are using? Or is it a secret? I picked up the one based on 5J's design and it was insufficient to pull the gate handle, even with a modified handle to shorten the depth of the notch.

It's the Judge GLB.

 

[Quicktimederby]

Huge thanks Mr. Owens. Just got done getting my single lane all together and put this bearing on. Super smooth and consistant!!! Great find!

 

[Owens Racing]

Great to hear QT. Glad I could help /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

I meant to tell you the same thing! The mod was used for the Spring Fever race and it was perfect!

 

[MackayDesign]

Good stuff Owens!I like,I like alot.

 

[Owens Racing]

It's definitely smoooooth

What's the best way to ease the drop of the pin? I notice this weekend that my cars do a slight hop to the right when the gate slams open

Jimmy

 

[CDB Racing]

I just purchased a single lane best track and the foam that is under the hinge is a lot thicker and softer than what is on our cub scout pack track. The foam is like that foam in DD4H's shipping boxes, but less dense. I also only set the spring tension so Ii just does manage to keep the gate from bouncing back up.

It's definitely smoooooth

What's the best way to ease the drop of the pin? I notice this weekend that my cars do a slight hop to the right when the gate slams open

Jimmy

 

[Quicktimederby]

Have you shortened the length of the pins? Shorting them made a huge difference in mine.

It's definitely smoooooth

What's the best way to ease the drop of the pin? I notice this weekend that my cars do a slight hop to the right when the gate slams open

Jimmy

 

[Owens Racing]

Shortened the pin. The foam looks sufficient, so I'll have to work on the spring tension next time I set it up.

Thanks guys,

Jimmy

 

[Skippy Kicky]

Hi guys,
I'm still working on setting up my track. All of the track posts have been very helpful. I was just curious how much y'all recommend shortening the pins?

 

[Quicktimederby]

It depends on what you are doing with the track. If it is just you, you don't need to be much more than a inch above the base of the track.