Cheapest transponder?
 

I still have 2 of the old red AMB transponders and both are working great, but I need one, maybe two more (multiple drivers/multiple vehicles). I have no interest in moving them between cars. For practice or racing, I do not want to move them. Want to install and forget except for freshening servo tape every 6 months.

Plug and play into receiver.

Don't need any data or any extras, just something that'll work for race days. What is the cheapest route currently buying NEW?

Any links are helpful too.

Thanks all!

This is a kind of loaded question, you basically have three options and what you choose depends on what software your track has and the fact that if the decoder fails they may get one that will not support what you currently have and possibly kill the MRT option.
1. Mylaps RC4 (3 wire) $90
2. Mylaps RC4 hybrid (2 wire) $120
3. MRT $85
Your track has an older firmware version and may or may not support the RC4 3 wire. I know a track near me had a decoder fail and it came with the newest firmware and all the old AMB transponders were rendered useless. Many unhappy racers. I only get the hybrids, not the cheapest option, as I know they will work everywhere. Check out this thread and the compatibility chart if you haven't already MyLaps update killing MRT, AMBrc DP and house transponders! - Page 15 - R/C Tech Forums

You can get a new MRT for as low as $60 shipped:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MRT-mPTX-Pr...MAAOSw7hRWQRUe

I have been running MRT ever since I first got into club racing 10 years ago. Never had a missed lap at any of the dozens of clubs I've raced over the years. Very important to ask what version decoder the track is using, so far there have only been 2 clubs that I don't race because they are running RC4.5 and I've made sure they understood that they lost me as a entry in their race program because of it. I do not support a monopoly which is exactly what MyLaps has been attempting to do with their timing system:
https://www.rctech.net/forum/showpos...&postcount=196

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rct...c1eec4aab5.png

Is the software patented? Or is it a legacy/we've always run it thing?

Seems awfully pricey for what they do. What might the profit margin be on these?

There are many IR based timing systems out there with similar size designs which charge only $30 for their transponders, there is a serious problem with the pricing model from MyLaps, they are taking advantage of their patent which hurts the consumer. I believe MRT is able to continue cloning the older signals before MyLaps filed their patent in 2012 for the new decoder firmware that is now protected.

Personally I'd like to see more clubs shift over to the IR based systems with the $30 transponders and kill the MyLaps monopoly.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...s-worst-enemy/

IR is no option for outside tracks...
Also the MRT would not be my 1st choice. 1st of all they are produced w/o any licence of Mylaps and seccond from what we have seen in the past is that Mylaps try to block MTY transponders, when that happens it will costyou more than an original Mylaps.

Always remarkable how people can spend thousends of dollars on a year base of racing while an original mylaps transponder wil only cost a small part of it and can be used for many years.

this is a prime example of the difference between capitalism versus socialism

I totally agree. It blows me away that these tracks keep going with MyLaps while knowing how much these transponders cost. $100 for a part that literally cost them less than $3 to make. Heck, Kyosho has their mini system where there transponders cost $15. It's just a chip like the ones they put on dogs.

Going back to OP's question...all the transponders I've purchased are hybrids because I know they will work at any track. And considering you don't have to worry about it, is worth the extra money.

Completely agree what Mylaps is doing with their firmware is not good for the hobby, only for their own protectionism. Do I really need the ability to look up on their website what the temperature of the transponder was or the voltage it was seeing???

So what if every track has its own counting system, how do you run a national or any other large open race? Are you willing to get a transponder for every track?
To be honest, why whining about a 90 dollar investment you can use for many upcoming years while with many drivers the new 2021 car and/or other equipment is ordered?

OK, true that a transponder is a well payed electronic device for what its worth but if you calculate it down to what it does cost per race I think a cheese sandwitch is more expensive. And I can use it on every track, how wonderfull is that.

And why not searching on the used market for a transponder. Last I have got 3 hybrid transponderd for just 60 euro in total, 20 euro a piece.

Yes, slightly. However they hold their value as long as they are in decent shape and is not missing any epoxy.

I also understand the complexity of the bureaucracy behind it, it does no one in the hobby any good when a company is only out for its bottom line 10-20 years from now when they are no are legitimate anymore or lose protection. Literally, right on the nose that this is not much different than a RFID chip for a pet or the smart chip on your debit card.. it does all depend on who is holding the cookie pieces after it crumbles and wether or not to play nice.. well not this time apparently.. and they make those smart chips on the debit card dirt cheap same as the rfid chips on satellite cards.

With all that.. I choose mylaps hybrid 2-wire transponders.

Even used are going for almost retail price over here.

I tried sharing transponders between vehicles on a raceday. It’s possible but not convenient.

Yes it’s technically a one time expense. But those additional things add up.

Costs far less to purchase a $100 My Laps that'll last for years if not abused where as guys will spend $150-200 on the motor of the month and not even bat an eye!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable.

That’s a small percentage that do that. Or at least from what I’ve encountered. I do only race local. But between on and off road. I’ve not met anyone constantly changing motors.