newbie questions
10-30-2010 | 11:58 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Tech Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
newbie questions
Hey All
Im new to high end RCs but have decided to get into the hobby so please dont be to harsh
When it comes to track racing I have read that some tracks have "transponders" to use are those the transmitters? and why not use your own? I bought an RC truck with the 2.4ghz transmitter do they allow that at the tracks? or do I have to get a vehical with a transmitter that you can change crystals? I am very confused in this area so please educate me now so I dont look like a dumba** later
all opinions and advice are welcome
Thanks
Russ
Im new to high end RCs but have decided to get into the hobby so please dont be to harsh
When it comes to track racing I have read that some tracks have "transponders" to use are those the transmitters? and why not use your own? I bought an RC truck with the 2.4ghz transmitter do they allow that at the tracks? or do I have to get a vehical with a transmitter that you can change crystals? I am very confused in this area so please educate me now so I dont look like a dumba** later
all opinions and advice are welcome
Thanks
Russ
10-31-2010 | 01:08 AM
#2
Tech Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,341
Transponders are for lap counting and timing. You put a transponder in your car, the track has an antenna loop at the start finish line, every time you cruise over it the track computer counts and times a lap.
Most tracks use an AMB system, there are 2 types of transponders, house and personal:
The house transponder attaches to your RC, typically through a hole in the body with a body clip. You do this for each race heat, then take it out and return to the track’s storage-charging rack after every race heat. House transponders have small batteries in them. They are provided by the track. But these are becoming less common due to the popularity of personal transponders, same tracks may not even offer them anymore.
More common these days is a personal transponder, commonly referred to a PT. These you buy and typically they stay in your vehicle. Has a unique serial number, once a track enters your number in their system they will always know it is your car. Makes the racing go a lot smoother, no messing around putting it in and taking it out every heat. PTs are powered by your radio system, they plug into the receiver, but other wise have no impact on your radio or transmitter. Some will switch a PT between RCs in order to avoid the cost of buying one for each RC.
There are systems other than AMB, but they are not nearly as common as the AMB deal.
A little trivia, in this regard RC leads the racing world. AMB started with RC transponders first, then they branched out to about every other kind of racing, Formula 1, Indy cars, NASCAR, local short tracks, motorcycles, triathlons even, just about everything that needs race timing uses AMB transponder systems. But it all started with RC.
Oh, and yes, your 2.4GHz transmitter is just fine for racing. Highly recommended even.
Most tracks use an AMB system, there are 2 types of transponders, house and personal:
The house transponder attaches to your RC, typically through a hole in the body with a body clip. You do this for each race heat, then take it out and return to the track’s storage-charging rack after every race heat. House transponders have small batteries in them. They are provided by the track. But these are becoming less common due to the popularity of personal transponders, same tracks may not even offer them anymore.
More common these days is a personal transponder, commonly referred to a PT. These you buy and typically they stay in your vehicle. Has a unique serial number, once a track enters your number in their system they will always know it is your car. Makes the racing go a lot smoother, no messing around putting it in and taking it out every heat. PTs are powered by your radio system, they plug into the receiver, but other wise have no impact on your radio or transmitter. Some will switch a PT between RCs in order to avoid the cost of buying one for each RC.
There are systems other than AMB, but they are not nearly as common as the AMB deal.
A little trivia, in this regard RC leads the racing world. AMB started with RC transponders first, then they branched out to about every other kind of racing, Formula 1, Indy cars, NASCAR, local short tracks, motorcycles, triathlons even, just about everything that needs race timing uses AMB transponder systems. But it all started with RC.
Oh, and yes, your 2.4GHz transmitter is just fine for racing. Highly recommended even.
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