Timing transponders (merged)

[Al Weyman]

Anyone know?

[Chris Y]

Can't answer your question directly, Al - but I'm going to move this thread to the Racers' forum, as it doesn't have much to do with racing technology

[ss_collins]

Dunno but I bought a Flux Capacitor the other day for the Vee

[johnw]

I think it's just from MST Al. But you may be able to rent one on the day. Call the BARC and ask

[Al Weyman]

Originally Posted by ss_collins

Dunno but I bought a Flux Capacitor the other day for the Vee

Whats that got to do with the price of eggs?

[darcym]

think they are called transponders, not transducers hence the flux capacitor gag

[goforit500]

If its a one off then see if you can borrow one or speak to MST about hiring one - Speak to them before hand tho !!

[Eddy V]

Al, see your PM.

[Al Weyman]

Hey listen I know little about electronics, signs and cars yes but I never had to get involved with these fancy gizmos in the past, probably why I could not find the answer on the web!!

[ss_collins]

MST I think al

[greenamex2]

Beware buying cheap/secondhand ones. I believe some are being obsoleted at the end of this year.

Not sure which ones though, probably the one I have got!

[carrera]

Rent one or borrow one for the day. Dennis is correct in saying that some models become obsolete at the end of the year.

Wiring is simple so could be done at the track in 10 mins or so. Two wires, positive and negative. Positive should be to a fused circuit.

[Al Weyman]

Yes i believe it is the Orange Chronic (or something) ones that are no good from the end of the year, I checked that out with MST. Another ruddy expence i suppose, funny my son used to do model car racing and they used to hand them out free to use for the day, strange they can't do that for the full size version i mean they must save on timekeepers fees which i had been told in the past was their (the organising club) biggest expence.

[diz]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

i mean they must save on timekeepers fees which i had been told in the past was their (the organising club) biggest expence.

Al,
Without going into too much depth, as the subject has been done to death on other threads [do a search under transponders]. Using transponders does not save the organising clubs a brass farthing.

1. I bet you think transponders are used to time the cars don't you?
2. Yep, I thought so.
3. They don't, they are only used to identify the cars and don't save the clubs a penny. The only cost implication is yours. i.e. you have to fork out to buy one.

[Al Weyman]

Ok Diz thanks for that, funny how little toy cars have been doing it for years succesfully though isn't it and the big boys can't use it to more effect, most strange.

[diz]

Not a seven letter word like strange Al. Try a three letter one - MSA

[Al Weyman]

Jobs for the boys??

[Peter Mallett]

Its true. We were invited to the timekeepers "loft" at Donington in May. The gear is very sophisticated and does the job admirably. It does need some manual assistance (ooh er missus) but can stand alone. The problem comes with fail safe. Ergo you either fork out for full redundancy (which probably equates to 3 time the system) or you run the system parrallel with the manual timekeepers.

Its the orange transponders that will be redundant this year. Can anybody tell the difference betweeen a red and an orange one? Buggered if I can.

[Al Weyman]

I thought they were volunteers Peter if so where would redundancy peyments come in?

[Peter Mallett]

Mechanjcal redundancy. If a machine fails there's a back up.

[diz]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

I thought they were volunteers Peter if so where would redundancy peyments come in?

Wellexpensed volunteers - fee, mileage and hotels.

[Chris Y]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Its the orange transponders that will be redundant this year. Can anybody tell the difference betweeen a red and an orange one?

One's red, the other's orange

Ok, well the red ones are the proper AMB transponders - they're the company that have been making transponder systems, since, well, since the idea was thought of possibly.. Good company, good robust products, good support.

The orange ones are (or were) made by 'Chronit', and badged up to say MST - possibly the two companies were linked, I'm not sure. They're a cheap imitation on the AMB system (although the cheapness was never passed down to the competitor), and were made to be compatible with the (then) current AMB detector system. Unfortunately, AMB decided to do an upgrade of its systems, and compatibility for other company's transponders was not high on their list or priorities, so when the circuits/MST upgrade their systems at the end of the year, the orange ones will fail to be detected.

Orange ones have had some problems too, with some not being detected properly, and some, like mine, melting in spectacular fashion and dripping hot goo all over the inside of my car

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by Chris Y

One's red, the other's orange

Thanks for that.

Originally Posted by Chris Y

Ok, well the red ones are the proper AMB transponders - they're the company that have been making transponder systems, since, well, since the idea was thought of possibly.. Good company, good robust products, good support.

I think I've seen mine about twice since it was installed. I still don't know which type it is.

[R59]

More expense. Darnit.
I suppose I could spray it red!!

[ianselva]

You can hire one for the day at virtually every circuit . I haven't had one for the last couple of years and have always been able to hire.