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 Transponders
will be used for the Nashville Superspeedway Time Trials. These Questions
and Answers should help crews not accustom to the system.
Question
and Answer
for AMB Transponders
- Q
- I crew for a Miata competing in Southeast Division SCCA Club Races. The
driver is allowing me to use the Miata to enter the Nashville Superspeedway
Track Trails as a reward for my efforts! Will I need to rent a transponder?
- A
- No. The car will already have a X260 transponder on it as they are
required at all SCCA Club Races in the Southeast Division, and almost all
other SCCA races.
- Q
- What transponder system will be used?
- A
- The AMB X260 transponder system will be used. This is the standard
system adopted several years ago for SCCA Club Racing. The 55 rental units
available for this event are those previously used by the Trans Am Series.
Note that this system isn’t compatible with AMB transponders used for Go
Carts, RC cars, Bicycles and runners.
- Q
- I note that other organizations are renting these same transponders for
$75. Why only $35 rental at this event?
- A
- A. The transponders are not a profit line item for the event. And several SCCA Time Trials around the country are sharing the transponders formerly used
by Trans Am.
- Q
- How complicated is the electrical hookup for the rental transponders?
- A
- No complicated hookup. These rental transponders are powered by an
internal battery, which will be charged up sufficient for 5 days of use when
it is issued to you. It will be turned on before leave registration with it.
- Q
- My racecar has a transponder. But my wife and I will both be driving it
at the Track Trials. Will I need to rent two transponders?
- A
- You will need to rent only one transponder, and use the one already on
the car for one driver. You will need to be sure you are able to turn off the
permanent onboard transponder when the second driver is using the rental unit.
-
 Q
- How will I mount the rental transponder to my car?
- A
- Each car that rents a transponder will be furnished a special mount, which
the car owner will be allowed to keep for use at future events using this
timing system. See the attached photos – note it is small.
The transponder must be mounted within 24 inches of the track surface and
in a position with a clear “look” at the track surface. It can’t have metal
between it and the track. It must be mounted so that the lettering on ght unit
is upright. A thin layer of fiberglass generally won’t block its operation.
The mount can be attached to the car with small screws, pop rivets or tie
raps. Each mount will also be furnished with tie raps and double sided tape to
steady the mount. A Transponder Tech will be on duty to assist you with the
mounting if needed.
- Q
- How will I know if my transponder is working?
- A
- The rental transponders have an indicator light that shows if they are
operating. As a double- check of transponder operation and accuracy of car
numbers matching transponder numbers the first two laps of the first practice
will be slower speed familiarization laps. During these laps Timing & Scoring
will check each car’s information. If the operation isn’t correct you will be
met in pit road by the Transponder Tech to correct the problem. Failure of the
transponder is very unlikely as they are reliable enough for use in
professional racing around the world. And our Chief of T & S is one of the
most skilled and knowledge in this system – Clyde Bales, winner of the B. F.
Goodrich Worker of the Year Award for T & S at the SCCA Runoffs.
- Q
- How does the transponder system work?
- A
- It transmits a signal to wire buried under the track surface, which
includes the code number for that unit. This identifies the car carrying that
unit as well as the time it crossed the timing line. This information goes to
the computers in T & S for use in scoring the event.
- Q
- Two drivers will be sharing my car. Can we share a transponder?
- A
- No, each driver must have his own transponder. One mount will be
installed on the car and you will switch the transponders as you are switching
the numbers at the driver change. The transponders clip into the mount with a
hairpin clip. It takes less time to do that than it does to say it!
- Be careful to keep up with which transponder is for which driver.
-
 Q
- I would like to just buy an AMB transponder so I will have it for
future events. Where can I get the correct unit?
- A
- You can buy them directly from AMB (www.amb-it.com). Also many race
equipment suppliers stock them and a few SCCA Regions still sell them. Also
they are frequently listed for sale on E Bay. Search “AMB transponder”. Be
sure you buy the X260 model, as that is the one suitable for auto racing.
- Q
- Will a deposit be required when I rent a transponder?
- A
- You must leave a signed check for $375 at Registration when you rent the
unit. When you return it after the event, Registration will return your check.
You may keep the mount for use at future events.
- Q
- What happens if the battery goes down in my rental transponder while I
am on the track?
- A
- The batteries in the units are designed to last for 5 days. But the
transponder sends a special signal to T & S when the battery gets down to
where it is good for use for only 24 more hours. When you come off the track
you will be met by the Transponder Tech to take care of the problem.
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