Hot Lap Timer

[Gerry]

Hi Group:
I'm looking into the Hot Lap Timer system. This uses an IR beacon on a tripod at trackside, and a receiver inside the car with a read-out which updates each lap. The beacon can be used by anyone on the same track with a Hot Lap receiver in their car.
My question is this:
Has anyone had any experience using this system with the receiver aimed through a rear or side window?
The manufacturer sort of implies in the literature that this is not recommended, the window glass can prevent the IR signal from being seen by the receiver.
I can't see a way of doing it without drilling a large hole in the bodywork (not an option).
Cheers, Gerry

[silverwolfracin]

How big is the receiver? If it has a wired antenna it could be duct taped anywhere. If its bigger: In place of a headlight? On top of the trunk?

[Dave]

Gerry, the Hot Laps timers are widely used and I've never heard of anyone having to drill any holes to use them (though I've never used one myself). If you're seriously thinking about buying a system, I'd give one of their distributors a call, like Kodiak Motorsports out in British Columbia (who have good pricing on Long Acre products), and ask them for some details on mounting the receiver.

[Chris91GT]

Rob McAuley uses one all the time. I think he has it mounted on the dash so that it has a clear line out the driver's window. But obviously he'll need to clarify...

[Rob McAuley]

I've got the display tie-strapped to the heater vent, and the receiver unit duct-taped to the rear passenger hang-on handle. The cable connecting the 2 tucks nicely into the door trim.

The receiver is designed to attach to a roll cage, which I would highly recommend. It comes with a camera mount sized screw hole. My receiver would work itself loose after a while, and was a pain to re-attach.

It works well while the batteries, but gets inconsistent when they wear down - missing some laps. It doesn't help when you forget the IR transmitter, and leave it turned on at the side of the track overnight in the rain either. Good thing they are durable.

[Rob McAuley]

Grisdale Racing also carries them.

[DECH_92]

Maybe we should see how much interest there is on Lap counters?
I would love one for lapping days
Hopfully get a discount on a group purchase.

[finboy]

or ask the solo I guys if you can rent theirs???

[Gerry]

I received this response from Longacre, the manufacturer of the Hot Lap Timer system:
The Hot Lap receivers cannot be behind any windows or body panels. When the receiver is behind a window, glare and reflection off of the window can confuse the beam, and you may not pick up every lap time. It may work, and it may not, but we recommend not to have anything blocking the eye to the receiver in order to ensure that every lap time is recorded.
So, back to the drawing board. I'm thinking a custom bracket off the rear licence plate?
Gerry

[budgetracer]

Go karters use a unit made by ALFANO, they have a website. The unit responds to either magnetic strips that are inbedded in the track or to a portable beacon. Good news is that these strips exist at the DDT & other tracks- tracks that are Alfano friendly are listed on their site. The track has been split into three sections so you can get interval times, RPM(current & max), & engine temperature.You can purchase them from Birel USA in Woodbridge & other kart shops. These units mount on the steering wheel ( for karters ) or anywhere else you want. There is a kart show / flea market @ the Markham Fair grounds this Saturday. It looks like it is being hosted by the Mosport Kart club who hide under the Mosport website.

[CobraStang]

Check out the price for us if you're there.

[DECH_92]

I am going there tomorrow to pick up some parts for my cart.
Corbrastang, if you ever plan on doing any regional racing you may want to get the mandatory lap counter they use. Can’t remember the make they use at the moment.
I have it in my notes somewhere.