In-Car Lap Timers at Autocross events

[martinreinhardt]

I tried to repair the Club's ancient HotLap timer beacons numerous times, but I think they are now getting close to beyond repair.
Per example: at the last autocross after the first practice session, I was only able to pick up the the start beacon and not the finish. I checked that both were still on, but the one just stopped working again or the signal got too weak.

Even after changing the batteries, it wasn't working properly . I really couldn't believe that these things are actually still powering on. The inside has been repaired multiple times with solder, cardboard, tape, wood and band-aids to hold the battery contacts and circuit board together.

Our current HotLap System is from the 1990's and has long been discontinued back in 2009 and replaced with the much better Longacre Lti system (also seems to work with the AIM In-Car Lap-timers)

I have looked into replacing the old transmitter beacons in the past but have not been able to locate one (eBay etc.). But, I think it's time to upgrade to the new Longacre Hotlap Lti Beacons instead.

The Club would need to purchase two new beacons (~$125 each http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=1561&catid=10).
Each driver who wants In-Car timing, would need to purchase the Longacre Lti system LESS transmitter beacon (~$195 per car http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=1559&catid=10).

I have been using the Lti In-Car Timer for 3 years and I love it, but it recently has become unreliable due to the old and defective beacons we use at the autocross.

Note: I started this poll to see if there is an interest in the modern Hotlap Lti In-Car Timer System. HotLap Timers are for personal in-car lap-timer and are NOT connected the the official club timing system, but will use the Clubs transmitter beacons.

[gulf911]

Is this whats needed for the old system?

http://www.amazon.com/Longacre-Hot-Stan ... B005Y5FZHO

[bw993]

Martin,

I have an older working hot lap beacon/transmitter that I no longer use. I would be happy to donate it to the club.

Bill

[martinreinhardt]

Dan:
That's the one. Thanks for the link, I didn't look at amazon

Bill:
I really appreciate your offer to donate your transponder to the Club, but you should ask at least $50.00 for it, these things are hard to find. If you can bring it to the next AX event, I will arrange a payment thru a timing crew member.

I didn't know if it was possible to locate a replacement unit, but It really is the best solution and will allow us to continue to use both the Original and the newer Lti In-Car Lap-timers.

Note: Since I posted this poll, we now found two original style replacement units. Thank you for your help.

[Cajundaddy]

For solo-qualified AX drivers,
I have been using GPS based laptimers for 4 years now in both AX and TT. With an external hi-resolution GPS reciever ($100) and smartphone they render a lot of detail and are typically accurate to 5/100ths. If you don't currently have the tried-and-true Hotlap receiver or would like in-car timing and performance data with video overlay, this is a great way to go. I have had good results with both of these:

http://www.gps-laptimer.de/Home.html (iphone)
http://www.racechrono.com/ (Android, WM)

[rshon]

If you need another "old style" transmitter, I've got one too. Just let me know if you guys need it...