I tried a traqmate but always forgot to turn it on and off every time. Maybe I'm too stupid to use it, but turning a timer on at the beginning of every session and off at the end of each session is just one more thing to do. I have enough other things to do every time I get in and out of the car. Regular laptimers like the XT or MyChron work automatically. Just check your times when you have time.
So it's your choice. Cheap easy laptimes or more info and more work for more money. It depends on what you're looking for.
Do you still have your TraqMate? If so - do you want to sell it?
I just think that a lap time only tells 1% of the story. Being able to review your speed, braking and turning inputs at points along the track/lap really go a long way towards helping improve ones driving.
And being able to see the effect of different lines and over lay 4 sesisns worht of laps are where the gains are at.
But a pointed out, if the OP only wants to time the laps then there are a miriad of cheap and very effective tools out there.
I just bought an AMB transponder that has a recharagable battery. Mounted it next to the radiator core support.
It actually works fine in your pocket or in the glove box as I have had other people use it at the same event. It just looks like I ran a whole lot of groups with timing and scoring!
I have a bit of experience here. I have owned the G2x, the traqmate and the ultralap timer. If you are just getting into HDPE, get the UltraLap Timer from XT racing. (http://www.cc-2000.com/xtracing/en/ultra-lap/index.html). Its a VERY well designed unit and turns itself on and off, its small, and it never fails, assuming you've aimed the transponder well. Often times you dont have to set up the transponder as its common enough that others have it in the club.
The G2x was a total POS, and distracting to work with. Analyzing the data afterwards was an exercise that should only be accomplished by an engineer. ITs confusing and hard to remember all the steps. For me, the only value derived from this unit was a display that my camera could see and afterwards reviewing track footage, you'd be able to see the rpms and speed.
The traqmate was much better in this regard, but still its clumsy and often would not lock onto satellites, which is a TOTAL pain to wait 5 minutes for it to lock as your track time dissappears - good luck getting lock when moving. They must use a really crappy GPS module inside. I even tried multiple positions and gps modules, and confirmed its just not well designed. Maybe when they are on their next version, its something to look into. The bonus with tramate is that you can output the info to another program where you can compile a race video. Again, a pita for the average user.
Many others use the hotlap, but it large and looks stupid.
Anyway, after using all these units, I still just rely on my UltraLap. Its great, buy with confidence.
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He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless dead.
The traqmate was much better in this regard, but still its clumsy and often would not lock onto satellites, which is a TOTAL pain to wait 5 minutes for it to lock as your track time dissappears - good luck getting lock when moving. They must use a really crappy GPS module inside. I even tried multiple positions and gps modules, and confirmed its just not well designed. Maybe when they are on their next version, its something to look into. The bonus with tramate is that you can output the info to another program where you can compile a race video. Again, a pita for the average user.
Hmm.. I know a couple of folks who have never had GPS lock issues. Of course, its a GPS system, and so may be impacted by very dense cloud cover - and getting a lock while under way has never been an issue.
Not saying you may not have had a bad unit, but I got this unit in November 2005, and nad its been pretty much bullet roof ever since.
a numebr of firmware and software updates have added and improved features along the way as well.
BTW - do you still have your TraqMate? If so - wanna sell it?
One is the AMB unit which is mainly supported by tracks and race organizations only. It does not show the time on an in-car display.
I have two Ultralap XTs. They work great as mentioned previously.
Then I have a Hot Lap unit from Longacre I don't care for, but it is the only unit currently supported for integration with my in-car telemetry system.
I go the cheap route, use a camcorder. Accurate enough for HDPE use plus you get to see what you screwed up or did right to get a particular time. The camcorder clock is quite accurate - I have never needed to reset the clock in over two years.
I have a Racepak G2X and I find it to be very good. I will admit it can be confusing to examine downloaded data but this simply requires a little patience. It's all about the learning curve ....
The display is simply the best and you can add sensors to record many types of data.
I also used a Longacre "Hot Lap" timer and this to was pretty much a no brainer except like many before me I left the beacon at the track.
I think I saw the Hot Lap Timer for $170.00 complete. That's a good value.
The internet is your friend and the search engine your brother.
YMMV
Good Luck.
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