Car transponders

[dunc_sx]

What’s the deal with race (car) transponders these days? I’m a bit out of touch but it seems the old ones are in demand and the new versions aren’t as popular. What is the reason for this?

Cheers,

Dunc.

[andye30m3]

I'm still using the old style but it looks like the new transponders are only available on a subscription

Can't see a price at the moment but I think it's about £50 a year.

[Soul Reaver]

Im using a new Mylaps X2 direct wired on a subscription.

[88racing]

A new X2 with a year's subscription is a fraction of the price of a used one of the old design. I just found that the USB cable it came with was useless - had to get a different one before it would connect and charge.

[dunc_sx]

Hi thanks for the responses, is the function any different from the old ones? Also does anyone know the weight old vs new?

It would be direct wired I would go for.

Thanks,

Duncan.

Edited by dunc_sx on Tuesday 28th March 18:05

[MyVTECGoesBwaaah]

Make sure you plug it in via USB to register before using it, otherwise you may get told you don't have one!

[frodo_monkey]

dunc_sx said:

Hi thanks for the responses, is the function any different from the old ones? Also does anyone know the weight old vs new?

It would be direct wired I would go for.

Thanks,

Duncan.

Edited by dunc_sx on Tuesday 28th March 18:05

I haven't weighed it, but I have an X2 and had an AMB260DP previously. I suspect the new one weighs a touch more as the transponder itself is a bit fatter, plus you need to install the Racekey/holder into the car too. Negligible difference though, but as others have said plug your Racekey/transponder into your computer before each race to avoid disappointment! On the plus side, the direct powered model is essentially the same as the rechargeable, so easier to move between cars. Think of it as a rechargeable that is being charged up by a 12V feed from your car while fitted.

[dunc_sx]

Ok thanks for the response, very helpful


Dunc.

[XJR500bhp]

Bloody hate the new transponder - old one was so simple, just leave it on the car

[SmartVenom]

I was very sceptical about the new one as it is more of a pain to fit in direct powered mode and the subscription model seems a tad dodgy to me but the fact that they run perfectly in battery mode has made me happier with mine. I'm not actually convinced I'll bother wiring it now just because of needing to have the key in the car.

With regards to weight I'd guess they are very, very similar.

The x2 is supposed to offer more features but I think the tracks need to move to x2 before they are available. If they do eventually offer an in car feed from the transponder it will be a great upgrade. I suspect my subscription (2 years) will need renewing long before that happens.

[BertBert]

But if it's the wired one all connected up, do you have to do anything between races meetings?

It's certainly all very complicated and I'm not sure what it's for. Other than being a transponder of course!

XJR500bhp said:

Bloody hate the new transponder - old one was so simple, just leave it on the car

[BertBert]

Well I've created an account, logged in, connected up and updated the firmware (quite ironic to go in a historic single seater!).

I guess the technology is all very clever with the ability to communicate with a base station at the circuit and see the live timing on a dash/display in the car. Let's hope it works on Saturday to just generate lap times!!

Bert

Edited by BertBert on Sunday 2nd April 22:29

[SmartVenom]

BertBert said:

But if it's the wired one all connected up, do you have to do anything between races meetings?

I think you have to connect it to the pc every time before you go as it loses its "key" every 5 days. Which is why I won't even bother writing mine in.

I don't actually have a laptop that I want to take to the circuit just to turn my transponder on! Might work for the guys in fancy formula cars who need them to start the engine, but nothing I've driven has ever been so complicated!

[BertBert]

Well that's a pain as it's more than 5 days from yesterday to Saturday!

[BertBert]

Just had a browse of the mylaps faq stuff and there is no reference as far as i can see to connecting back to the PC. Hey ho, it'll either work or it won't!!
Bert

[frodo_monkey]

I guarantee you'll need to re-activate it - you can tell without removing it from the car. Login to MyLaps (without reattaching the Racekey/transponder to the PC) and it'll show you whether your transponder is active or nor. Lasts 5 days from activating if I remember correctly...

[Thurbs]

+1

[BertBert]

What a pain in the backside! Does that need internet access then to talk back to the website to reactivate? I guess that's a stupid question!!

[Shaun_E]

It does!
Twice last year I had to go to the timekeepers and beg to use their laptop and cable to reactivate mine. 1st time through ignorance and 2nd time because even though I went through the activation the day before the race, it didn't work properly :-(
I now carry a cheap laptop and use the data on my phone to connect in case of emergency.

[BertBert]

Well I do have a race laptop that goes with me and data on the phone, but I don't really want to faff with it. Why on earth does it need to phone home to carry on working?