Lap Timer Recommendations

[Curt Yaws]

Bob Brand had a Hot Lap for sale at the PDS today for $100. I think he still has it.

[ttweed]

I'd rather buy the Ultra Lap vs. Hot Lap counter if they are compatible. Anyone know for sure?

They both use infra-red beams for the transmitter, so they should be compatible, but I'm not 100% sure about it.

TT

[Steve Grosekemper]

I'd rather buy the Ultra Lap vs. Hot Lap counter if they are compatible. Anyone know for sure?

They both use infra-red beams for the transmitter, so they should be compatible, but I'm not 100% sure about it.

TT

I have an email into their Tech support...
Stay tuned.

[Steve Grosekemper]

This is what Ultra Lap had to say:

Hello,

Thanks very much for your interest in our Ultra Lap timing system. Our timers are triggered either by an AIM transmitter or one of our own. As far as we know, Hot Lap transmitters will not trigger our timers at the start/finish line. All of our transmitters come equipped with 3 modes of IR frequency... only two of these modes are used in conjunction with our timers, the third is there merely for expansion purposes should we need to assign another signal to another function. So, if you arrive at the track and find that someone has already placed an Ultra Lap transmitter at the start/finish line, then you can set up your extra transmitter somewhere else along the race track, change the signal to M2 (Split) and record split times with your timers.

The two brands of transmitters/timers should be able to operate on the same track without interfering with one another, provided you keep in mind that no matter what the brand of transmitter, there should never be more than one placed within close proximity of another (2 seconds of ride time is adequate space). When transmitters are placed too close to one another (regardless of brand) then the IR signals can interfere with one another and cause all timers to miss laps. The transmitters trigger the timers by using a cone of IR light that pulses at a certain frequency. The timers recognize the signature of this pulse and it is what causes them to trigger a lap. When the transmitters are too close to one another, these pulses can be crossed and it alters the signature of them, thus causing the timers to miss the start/finish line.

So if you keep these general guidelines in mind, you should have no problem using whatever timer configuration you would like in conjunction with your cars. Thanks again for your interest and please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you. Have a great day!
XT Racing Support


So no Hot lap transmitters won't work but some of our time trialers use the AIM system an should have there transponders out at big tracks. But you are SOL for autocross.

[ttweed]

The transmitters trigger the timers by using a cone of IR light that pulses at a certain frequency.

Ah, so they both use IR light to trigger, but pulsing at different frequencies. Bummer!

TT

[Kim Crosser]

Um, what about using them on different sides of the track? The problem is if the overlapping beams interfere at the sensor, but if the Hot Lap is on the right, and the Ultra Lap is on the left, there shouldn't be any interference at the sensor.

[Jad]

We have the Aim system in the new car and the IR's work fine with the Hot Lap system. They do not trigger each other or have to be on opposite sides. I have a beacon and split beacon that we might be bringing to AX's or you can buy your own beacons for about $50 as I recall.

One minor thing to consider, everyone is just starting to go away from the beacons to GPS, so I don't know how long until the beacons are obsolete. Prices will probably start dropping soon as well I would guess.

[SDGT3]

Bob if your out there, you have a PM regarding the timer.

[SDGT3]

Anyone have a number for Bob Brand? I PM'ed him, but maybe he doesn't check the forum very often.

TIA