Transponders and upcoming Time trials...

[kary]

Each year at the beginning of the season I get a run on transponder orders. This year is not different except that I only have two hardwired units in stock and zero battery units.

Just a reminder, if you need one for the upcoming time trial and plan on driving this years series you might want to place your order now as there will not be much time to get new shipments in and fill your orders before the willow time trial.

See ya out there at WSIR in a few weeks!

[gulf911]

Hi Kary,
How long would you expect a battery one to last? Say using it 6-8 times per year?

Thanks,
Dan

P.S. A big thanks for the database!!

[kary]

Hi Kary,
How long would you expect a battery one to last? Say using it 6-8 times per year?

Thanks,
Dan

P.S. A big thanks for the database!!

My battery unit is now starting 4 years last November and works fine. I use it about 6 to 8 times per year. They recommend that the units be charged once a month if they are going to sit though I have not done this myself. Thinking about a direct unit? I have one with your name on it!

[Robert]

I'd highly recommend anyone who is thinking of purchasing a transponder go with a hard wired unit. We've never had trouble timing a car that's hard wired, but have had several issues with battery operated ones for sure, be it the Club's or someone's own. As I recall, the battery operated ones are more expensive than the hard wired units. Yet at some point the battery won't work anymore? Do yourself a favor, buy a hard wired unit, hook it up, and forget about it for as long as you own the car.

[gulf911]

Not to be a stick in the mud, but I was mainly asking because we were told the rental rates for them went up because they wouldn't last much over a year. If Karys experience is indicative of actual longevity then shouldn't the rates be where they were initially? I have also spoken with a couple POC users and they are still using the one (battery) from 6 years ago.

Happy New Year...

[RickK]

Where are people mounting them in the car of you have the hard wired unit? I've seen the battery units attached to the license plates but that would not be convenient for a hard wired unit. I would want to install it and forget it.

[Robert]

Rental rates were set based upon a 3 year average useful life.

My hard wired unit is mounted in a front wheel well, underneath the liner.

[kary]

Rental rates were set based upon a 3 year average useful life.

My hard wired unit is mounted in a front wheel well, underneath the liner.

Depending upon the club the normal place to install a hardwired unit is in the fender well on the drivers side. I believe this is outlined in the PCA club racing rules.

[David Ray]

Don't forget you can buy these units direct from PCA for 285.

[kary]

David, I believe it is possible but I have a number of customers around the country that buy them from me because I turn around their order quickly. Some of the PCA orders have taken months according to these customers and they gave up. I guess it depends upon how important $35 is to you (the general you, not you) and supporting your local chapter and businesses......

[gulf911]

Rental rates were set based upon a 3 year average useful life.

My hard wired unit is mounted in a front wheel well, underneath the liner.

Then shouldn't it be $20 to rent? Not gone up to $30? My math isn't that strong but $30 would be $450 after 3 years given 5 events/year. If you can buy it for 285.00...perhaps I am missing something?? I am just saying why not make it a little more reasonable for the club members? Since the cost of the TT events isn't coming down any.

Thanks,

[Steve Grosekemper]

Rental rates were set based upon a 3 year average useful life.

My hard wired unit is mounted in a front wheel well, underneath the liner.

Then shouldn't it be $20 to rent? Not gone up to $30? My math isn't that strong but $30 would be $450 after 3 years given 5 events/year. If you can buy it for 285.00...perhaps I am missing something?? I am just saying why not make it a little more reasonable for the club members? Since the cost of the TT events isn't coming down any.

Thanks,

I think you have made an excellent point Dan. If the transponder rental is the same as buying, then no one would buy. It is a service provided and I think well worth it, especially for the guy running only 2-3 events per year. My transponder was over the 3-year mark when I bought it used. It also sat for over a year when I bought it and I have been using it for over a year. The charge usually last for at least 5 days.

As far as the cost goes, remember the club had a huge lump sum check to write for these things and the seller wasn't giving a 60-month 0% interest deal.

So, buy one less pitcher of beer on Saturday night and you'll be even up.

As far as Kary and Group-9 goes, I have found his pricing and service to be excellent and I personally feel better giving my money to club supporters.

Just my $.02

[gulf911]

Thats fine Steve, but, we were told it was raised because of longevity, which from what I am seeing really isn't the case. It was also my understanding the whole system was funded or nearly funded by profit from 1 year of TT series. I would also like to see the club pay for the rediculous $10 per car additional fee charged at the gate from time to time. At 275.00 , track time or not, it's more expensive than most all other clubs at the same venue from what I have seen. If the numbers are there lets reduce the price. I won't go into how unfair it is to have a new TTer pay $150.00....

Rant over

[martinreinhardt]

I also wish I could have had my first TT at $150. My first TT with the PCA was California Festival of Speed and I was told it doesn't apply fot that event. So, I never got that first timer deal either.

But I have a few more bones to pick with the club about spending money on club members. In my opinion the year end awards were poor for all the time, effort and money we invested driving the events. Compared to other clubs our awards need improvement - Thank God for the memorabilia like the autocross medals, photos, the Windblown Witness and the Polo's.

In addition, I never understood the transponder rental raise so I purchased my own. But I don't want to hijack this thread. (I guess it's too late for that)

Sauerkraut has spoken

[Curt]

Gulfie,
If I pay for your transponder rental, do you promise to take the money you are saving and use it to paint your door jambs the same color as the rest of your car? Will you promise to stop using profanity in front of Cardinal Duncan Sr.?

BTW, ......... haven't you been borrowing a transponder for free from our buddy for the last year? And if I remember correctly, that transponder is at least 7 years old. There is a glitch though when the transponders reach 6-7 years old, and that is they always read 1 full second faster than the actual lap time. This explains alot.

And for crying out loud Dan, quit complaining about the prices of everything. In a few months, your AARP discount kicks in and you are all set.