Seeking Lap Timer advice
#1
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Seeking Lap Timer advice
I'd like to buy an in-car lap timing system for the track (Eric, I bet you're glad to hear that, aye?!), and don't know if there are different systems available.
I've seen the "Hot Lap complete standard system" advertised in the SCCA Sports Car publication for $269. Is that a decent price? Is it available from any of our board sponsors?
Longacre also offers lap timer software for the Palm. Sound pretty cool. Anyone used it?
Thanks!!!
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/LapTimer.jpg" alt=" - " />
I've seen the "Hot Lap complete standard system" advertised in the SCCA Sports Car publication for $269. Is that a decent price? Is it available from any of our board sponsors?
Longacre also offers lap timer software for the Palm. Sound pretty cool. Anyone used it?
Thanks!!!
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/LapTimer.jpg" alt=" - " />
#3
I agree with Jack.
The Longacre Hot Lap is the defacto standard (although there are others, Intercomp, for one). If you normally only go out during DEs, your are probably ok to just by the in-car portion of the Hot Lap because there are usually several folks who have a transmitter available to use. If you go out on open test&tune days, you might want to consider getting your own transmitter.
The Palm software really is only good to use as a spectator. Definitely don't try to rig up something in car where you are looking to press a button on the Palm during a session....waaayyy to dangerous. If you do go that route, don't run any tracks in Colorado...I don't want to be on the same track as you!!
The Longacre Hot Lap is the defacto standard (although there are others, Intercomp, for one). If you normally only go out during DEs, your are probably ok to just by the in-car portion of the Hot Lap because there are usually several folks who have a transmitter available to use. If you go out on open test&tune days, you might want to consider getting your own transmitter.
The Palm software really is only good to use as a spectator. Definitely don't try to rig up something in car where you are looking to press a button on the Palm during a session....waaayyy to dangerous. If you do go that route, don't run any tracks in Colorado...I don't want to be on the same track as you!!
#4
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I'm a bit confused. I was under the impression that the Palm (or the HotLap FTM) is always used to review the lap time data after a session. Were you under the impression that I wanted to play with my Palm while tracking the car?
Any advantages of an Intercomp over the HotLap? When using the HotLap in the past, I did seem to get some pretty weird reads which I attributed to the device confusing various cars.
Any advantages of an Intercomp over the HotLap? When using the HotLap in the past, I did seem to get some pretty weird reads which I attributed to the device confusing various cars.
#5
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I'll sometimes get weird readings, but if you're passing a car where the transmitter is then your receiver won't pick it up and it will have to wait until you come around again. I've used one for years with no real problems other than that. Mine stores 60 laps, but I think they store 100 or so now. Also at DE meetings, we always mention that only one transmitter be set up, as multiple transmitters screw it up also.
Jim
Jim
#6
I purchased the Intercomp for exactly the reason you are looking at Anir. It has a serial port out on the unit so I can download my laptimes to a laptop or a palm. I think this feature alone makes the Intercomp a good choice. My wife bought me one last year and I used it for 25 track days last year without a hitch. Sometimes you have to increase the sesitivity on the unit but it's no big deal( sunny days etc.). it's all done on the unit in the car.
Cheers, James
Cheers, James
#7
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James and Jim,
Thank you for the help. It sounds like the Intercomp might be a good choice.
I've also come across an interesting product called the <a href="http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/gauges/mychron3.htm" target="_blank">MyChron 3</a> , which seems to be marketed to the kart crowd. It is capable of doing quite a bit more than just lap times. In its "Gold" version, it can also record lateral g's and do track mapping.
Anybody have experience with the MC3?
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/mychron3.jpeg" alt=" - " />
Thank you for the help. It sounds like the Intercomp might be a good choice.
I've also come across an interesting product called the <a href="http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/gauges/mychron3.htm" target="_blank">MyChron 3</a> , which seems to be marketed to the kart crowd. It is capable of doing quite a bit more than just lap times. In its "Gold" version, it can also record lateral g's and do track mapping.
Anybody have experience with the MC3?
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/mychron3.jpeg" alt=" - " />
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#9
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Danny
Only that you want one that has a readout you can see from the driver's seat, like HotLap and Intercomp. That way you get to say a four letter word each lap.
Only that you want one that has a readout you can see from the driver's seat, like HotLap and Intercomp. That way you get to say a four letter word each lap.
#11
Anir,
I'd go with Intercomp, which I have. Northstar heartily recommended it given the issues some HotLap owners have with their devices. It has printing and download accessories too. You are welcome to use mine if we are at the same track event - different run groups. Hope to see you soon.
I'd go with Intercomp, which I have. Northstar heartily recommended it given the issues some HotLap owners have with their devices. It has printing and download accessories too. You are welcome to use mine if we are at the same track event - different run groups. Hope to see you soon.
#12
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I'm drooling....
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/t4.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/st700-angle-shiftlight2.jpg" alt=" - " />
I NEEEED one... <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" />
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/t4.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/st700-angle-shiftlight2.jpg" alt=" - " />
I NEEEED one... <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" />
#13
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Hi Mark,
Thank you for the advice. I actually bought an Intercomp based on Eric's rec. It worked very well at both Mid Ohio in April and RA in May.
Thank you for the advice. I actually bought an Intercomp based on Eric's rec. It worked very well at both Mid Ohio in April and RA in May.
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on that topic...I am looking for a wire extension
Any ideas for a 20 foot wire for the hot lap timers. The 10 foot is to short to wire without anyone tripping or getting inthe way. Suggestions?