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Smart ways of measuring lap times, when you aint got a lap counter?

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Old 07-30-2003, 03:56 AM
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Default Smart ways of measuring lap times, when you aint got a lap counter?

Our club is saving up for a lap counter system. And I aint got access to a personal lap counter. For races, we borrow a lap counter.

During practise sessions, we use a stop watch and a helper for counting.

Now, is there any smart ways of doing it, if I practise alone?
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Old 07-30-2003, 04:21 AM
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Cole,

If you can get away without a lap counter, that would be a SMART way to count laps.

Believe me, if you want to improve your driving and setup choices based on how fast you are getting (or slow) a lap counter is a top item on any list.

Looks can be deceiving and the only way to be sure is to have some sort of a system to count your laps.

At my track, 5 or 6 guys use the Orion Lap Counter. It does the job wonderfully. Now it's price is even lower and that might be a good reason for the purchase.

You wont regret it.
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Old 07-30-2003, 04:26 AM
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heres an idea, you'll need a dictaphone(voice recorder) and you might feel a little silly.
before you start practicing press record, yell 1 as you start your first lap, yell 2 as you start you second lap and so forth.
after practice you can play it back timing each lap with your stop watch, or even record it on to your computer and use a wave editor(sound editor) to get more accurate times.
what do you think?
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Old 07-30-2003, 04:51 AM
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there is a jr xs3 radio that has a lap counter built in and it counts up to 50 laps. i think the reciver acts as a transponder.and it is also a crystaless radio system.
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Old 07-30-2003, 05:03 AM
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Well, I think AntionioP got the point. Gotta check some prices....
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Old 07-30-2003, 05:30 AM
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The Graupner XS6 Synthesizer (you can use all frequencies, without crystals) radio has a build-in stopwatch.
each time your car passes, you press a button with your thumb.
later you can see your laptimes , from each lap separately.
I suppose some other radio's have this option also.
But the best way indeed is to buy the Orion lap counter.
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Old 07-30-2003, 10:28 AM
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Have just checked the price of the Orion Lap Counter... Ouch ! Gonna see if I can find a used one.
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Old 07-30-2003, 01:13 PM
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Originally posted by Cole Trickle
Well, I think AntionioP got the point. Gotta check some prices....
you asked for a smart way to time yourself WITHOUT a laptimer.
your welcome btw
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Old 07-30-2003, 01:14 PM
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Cole, we just bought the AMB r/c system so I never use my LCS anymore. It has a new battery and looks like new. PM or email of you're interested.
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Old 07-30-2003, 01:32 PM
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Use a watch and time yourself to complete 5, 10 or however many laps. Then divide the total time by the number of laps to get your average lap time. While it won't tell you your fastest lap, it will give you a better indication of how fast you are over a period of time...which is basically what racing is all about. Doing 1 12 sec lap means nothing if every other lap is 15...just an example.
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Old 07-30-2003, 02:17 PM
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Rod_B, this sounds usefull. Maybe I'll give it a try.

BigDogRacing: Sounds interesting, but there's a very long way from Memphis to Denmark. I like to see and try things before I buy..... But thanks for the suggestion anyway.
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Old 07-30-2003, 02:59 PM
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Originally posted by GTMilenko
you asked for a smart way to time yourself WITHOUT a laptimer.
your welcome btw
Your're definately right, but reason for asking is to get input I can use for some kind of decision. And actually, I didnt expected all those creative input, which I'm glad to see.

In other words, I'm just considering different solutions.
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Old 07-30-2003, 03:05 PM
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thats cool, i was just trying to come up with an idea for u to use with out a laptimer and without an assitant. i know it was a pretty cheesy idea but hey! i think it would work.
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Old 07-31-2003, 07:43 AM
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i've also got a personal lap timer if anyone is interested. i like it tons, be like big dog, we use jlap every time at the track, and i've got a personal transponder, so i can't imagine when i'll use this orion unit again. actually, it's the hakarunjer version that orion just buys.

email or post if you don't work something out with bid dog.
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Old 07-31-2003, 08:05 AM
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one onethousand, two onethousand, three onethousand
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