AMB decoder mystery
 

Used AMB RC2 decoder. When everything is hooked up the decoder will register a beep when a transponder hits the loop. When scoring software is fired up it will see the decoder, but I can't get it to see the transponder number and register the hit in the software.

I have tried this with RC Scoring pro on a laptop with no serial port using a Sabrent USB to Serial converter, and on a PC with a serial port using PractiX Rack Timing. The same results both ways. I am really stumped. Is there something missing? Do I need to go back and find some AMB driver or something like that?

There is a device driver required for using the USB port on the unit, but the serial port shouldn't need one. I can't seem to find a link to the driver on the MyLaps website, but you can find it here:
http://www.bnbautoscore.com/

Its here MyLaps, under the software tab. It works only under 32 bit systems, there is no 64 bit driver available. They have discontinued support for USB.

Is there a setting in the software telling it what system your using? In JLap you have to set it for the right decoder (AMB20, AMBRC, Tranx, etc.) Different protocols!

Don't need the AMB USB driver for that serial/usb adapter but you need the driver (64bit) for the adapter.

Is it the same usb/serial adapter they have on RC Scoring Pro's website? If it is then you will need to use the drivers from 2008. I have found the newest drivers from 2012 simply don't work correctly. The 2008 drivers have no issues at all. Try that is you haven't already. I do believe the disk has the drivers from 2008. There is also a separate driver for Win7 vs WinXP. Its listed in the manual on the disk. It is setup as a link in the manual. Since it is PDF format, you can click on the link and it will take you to the website.

Hope this helps.

I have heard that you shouldnt use the USB port on the actual decoder. I was using the Sabrent serial USB adapter. I will look to see if it needs to be set on a particular decoder setting. (Edit: The scoring software, not the serial USB adapter.) RC Scoring Pro and PractiX both seem to recognize the decoder on startup, but after that it will not respond to any data from the decoder. Thanks for the responses guys.

To be honest..... the USB was the best way to go with the RC2. Probably 50 times faster than RS232 and supplies power as well. The use of that adapter is an added risk IMO!

BUT

Your scoring software has to support the usb protocol! RCSP does not.:eek:

You can still power it through the usb of a laptop and have a fail safe in case of a power failure!:nod:

RCSP recognizes when the decoder is hooked up. It can see it, but it still does not register the hits. I have a friend that has tested the decoder and says that it works. So we have plans to mock up my scoring system next to his and see what is the weak link. Maybe its my homemade loop and coupling, but if that were the case I wouldnt think that the decoder would beep when a transponder hits the loop. Hopefully its the serial cable and I can replace it and go on with life.

Thanks for at least attempting to help guys. I really appreciate it.

OK an update on my situation here. The decoder will recognize only the house transponders that have come with it and not any personal transponders. The house transponders are the red seven digit transponders and how it can discriminate between them and the personals I have no idea. Even the personals will make the decoder beep, but with them it will not put the data through to the software. Only house transponders are fully recognized and utilized.

I know that these decoders are supposed to start up in an AMB20 compatability mode, but its my understanding that the LED on the front of the machine will be red if this is the case. RCSP turns the LED to green indicating that it should be in AMBRC mode, but it is still acting like its in AMB20 mode. So Im still stuck but at least I have a better idea what it is doing.

Not sure where you got the info that the AMBrc2 starts in AMB20 mode.:confused: AMB20 decoders use the single digit transponders (1-20) of yesteryear! AMBrc2 does not in any way suport AMB20 protocol and visa versa!

The led will turn green after the decoder and software does their handshake and introduce themselves. It should blink red every 5 seconds after that or every time a transponder passes.

The AMBrc2 will support AMBrc/MyLaps transponders up to and including the MyLaps Hybrid. Will not support the RC4 Pure transponders.

Take some pictures of what you have and post them. May help!:)

There is one thing I thought of that may be your problem.

When first AMBrc decoders came out there were no PT's, they relied on the house transponders. It was about a year after when the PT's came out. I remember we had to send in our decoder for a update pryor to this. I know for sure one thing that was updated was to enable the USB port on the decoder. It was there on the decoder but non-funtioning. I assume it was a firmware update.

Perhaps they updated to use PT's as well. Worth finding out when your was manufactured. MyLaps could probably tell you by the serial number.

By AMB20 mode I mean that it emulates the signal that an AMB20 produces so that you can use software that was developed for the AMB20. I was in no way implying that any of the gear was compatible with the actual 20. I think what it actually does is only emit the last two numbers of the seven digits. So transponder # 7213208 would be number 8. I think it was on page 13 of the AMBit book that came with the decoder.

It does that just like you described.

Thanks Bob I will have to do that.

Your right! I had forgotten about that!:blush: (page 21 of my manual)

Well anyway , hope you get it working! If not trade it in if MyLaps is still offering!

I am a little worried about the number of clone transponders in the racing crowd between Nashville and Atlanta, and them not being able to read if I go with the RC4. Nonetheless I am not reading personals at all like I am and I am tired of fighting it. At least I will be up to date in equipment and ready to save the money to go with RCSP and better yet- Live RC! :) I hope my trade in goes through without a hitch. Fingers crossed and caught up on prayers for the moment. I think it will be better in the long run. Right now its a sacrifice to do this.

Thanks for your help everyone especially Bob.

Sorry to intrude, but looks like Bob has a lot of answers here....LOL

I just thought of something that I need an answer quickly, since I have my RC4 decoder coming this week and we have a race on Sunday....

I had the original AMBrc and was able to use a single strand of 18ga wire for a loop....Our loop is embedded in our asphalt....

Does anyone know if we can use the same loop with the RC4 decoder, or will I have to use an AMB loop????