Transponder Question

[Monkey Wrench]

Fellas, looking to invest in a couple transponders for my rigs so I can stop having to use the track's when I race. I know that the majority of tracks use the AMB system, but looking at eBay, I see a couple that mention they work with the newer systems.

Bit confused. Is there are certain type of AMB transponder I need to buy? Will the number already come on it or do I need to program it?

Kind of new to the whole transponder thing, so any help appreciated!

 

[jetmechG550]

Monkey, AMB is like the only game in town. The system they are referring to is the scoring system and software itself like the loop and decoder, etc. When you get one it will come with the number already on it. There's an outfit in the UK that will clone them for you for like $50. Gump did it, I can ask him more details. What sux since AMB is the only game in town, we're paying about a 1000% mark up on what they actually cost! You can usually find used ones around, just make sure they have all the tabs and the wiring is intact

 

[TalonOne]

I smell a marketing opportunity...the technology is fairly simple as far as I can tell...hmmm wonder what the true build cost is.

I have some buddy in the manufacturing game....they like to reverse engineer stuff because they are lazy......and would jump on something like that if the numbers penciled.

What is the track side lash up?? A strip under the track or halo over???


Did not mean to hijack your question
Monkey....I am always interested when some one is gouging the market ...means there is lots of money on the table for the taking..

 

[jetmechG550]

Usually a coaxial loop under the track if it's dirt, some indoor carpet tracks have the loop over. The decoder is a big nut, as is the software, there's several available on the software side.

 

[scoobydoo2u]

sorry not to derail the thread MW but did you quit with the back yard bashing and move to racing only?

 

[jetmechG550]

Well, he more or less bashes on the track!:marshall:

 

[Monkey Wrench]

sorry not to derail the thread MW but did you quit with the back yard bashing and move to racing only?

No, I still have a Savage to mess around with when I'm not racing.

 

[hamz9561]

I think that Monkey is probably better on the track than I am. I'm tickled pink just to complete a lap on my wheels! I'm going to be following this link because I'm looking for one for my buggy.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Yeah, looking on eBay, they seem to be going for around $70-$80 each for used ones. New ones seem to be in the mid $90.00 range. Kind of a crock a little electronic gadget that basically counts laps goes for that much, but such is life, I guess.

Going to take my time on this one and just wait for a good couple of deals or if some accidentally fall of a truck!

 

[HeartBreak]

All the transponders are, is a little "beacon". It emits a certain frequency at a certain power range (has to be within 6 inches or so of the timing loop).

About 6 years ago, I helped a local track get their AMB system up and going, so I know the systems fairly well. However, I never got the chance to 'open' a transponder up. I suspect it's a really basic/low powered RF emitter on or around the 900mhz range.

 

[jetmechG550]

Monkey, you need to be quick on eBay as well as for sale boards. I know they pop up on the grid all the time but they go fast. Watch some of the boards for different clubs, you may find one doing a group buy. One thing to remember is unless it's a group buy or used you will rarely ever find one cheaper than buying direct from AMB which I think is currently $89 or $93. There was a hobby shop in CA I happened to be in and I over heard the owner talking about "selling transponders NIB on eBay for $5-$10 more than the 'idiots' buying them from him could get them direct from AMB" I told him he must have been pretty proud of himself and have never been back in there.