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Post by Dave Chamberlain on Feb 23, 2017 8:43:07 GMT
Firstly, apologies to everyone last night for the lap counting issues we've been having!!! I will be inspecting the loop wires and connections this weekend to see if we have a loose or broken loop... However, the loop and decoder are only one half of the system. the PT (personal transponder) is the other part.. While doing a bit of googling on the issue of missed laps I found this interesting thread on Oople which is well worth a read.. LINKHopefully the problems are with the loop it's self and we can repair it and get the system back up and running properly, however please read the info on the link and make sure you have your transponder mounted in the best possible position on your car.. Thanks Dave |
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Post by kennedylanduk on Feb 23, 2017 11:19:17 GMT
I think there is still an issue. Both Sean and I have the MyLaps transponders, both mounted on the bumper at the front of the car, we both had missed laps in the last final. Only in the last final though, the rest of the evening was fine. I had a search last night as well and found this www.rctech.net/forum/radio-electronics/688671-lap-timing-decoder-18.html#post12322275Some people report that just some wire worked fine for them, others say they needed the little black box as there was too much noise without it. This makes sense if there is a long cable run as the box converts an unbalanced signal to balanced (I understand the balanced/unbalanced thing from my musician days). In that thread, someone said they had some luck using the old TV box with a balun in it in place of the AMB black box. I'll keep searching.... |
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Post by Dave Chamberlain on Feb 23, 2017 12:59:38 GMT
Agreed Tony, there is deffo an issue with the loop (hope not the decoder) which if lady luck is with us I'll find and fix before next week  Just thought the thread linked was a good reminder to all that transponders are not guaranteed to work no matter where they are placed and care should be taken if you want to ensure you have the best possible chance of your lap being counted... Also interesting the AMB transponders have a stronger signal than MRT.. We've certainly seen you Sean get a hit over the line when MRT kitted cars have not.. Hope to report back on loop condition in the next few days.. In the mean time gents, on top of the servo on a alloy chassis car is probably not the best place to stick your transponder LOL |
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Post by kennedylanduk on Feb 23, 2017 14:06:44 GMT
Are you going to cut the wires near the "black box" and replace with connectors? The coax cable is so long, there could be a break anywhere on that.
And if I can help, shout. I've got a few boxes with electrical bits here, might be able to cobble together something.
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ianlloyd
Lapping the Back Markers
Posts: 932
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Post by ianlloyd on Feb 23, 2017 22:07:31 GMT
Interestingly my old AMB transponder is mounted in the front bumper away from the alloy chassis and as far as I am aware it has never missed a lap. Not saying that is the answer but is a statement of fact.
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Post by Dave Chamberlain on Feb 24, 2017 20:50:48 GMT
Are you going to cut the wires near the "black box" and replace with connectors? The coax cable is so long, there could be a break anywhere on that. And if I can help, shout. I've got a few boxes with electrical bits here, might be able to cobble together something. Thanks for the offer Tony, I've managed to find the official info for electrically checking the loop and interface box so will post my findings over the weekend.. Also found a thread which mentions and club who had missing laps issues due to a PA system cables being to close to the AMB system.. I'm thinking we have recently replaced our PA amplifier?? |
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Post by Dave Chamberlain on Feb 26, 2017 19:34:23 GMT
OK so I pulled the loop apart today to check resistances the instructions I found on the web..
one of the joints where we extend the loop for the pedal car GPS was possibly NG as the joint broke as I pulled the wire away from the gaffer tape covering it..
Anyway, I have re made all joints and the loop checks out electrically and all in spec even when flexing the coax and loop wires where they enter the interface boxes..
So bottom line the loop is looking OK and ready for this weeks racing :-)
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Post by kennedylanduk on Mar 1, 2017 9:37:41 GMT
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Post by Dave Chamberlain on Mar 1, 2017 12:51:58 GMT
Saw that thread when I was googling for info Tony... I'm 100% sure the interface box is just a matching transformer to match the impedance of the loop to the 75Ohm coax.. We use them all the time in ham radio but we call them baluns..
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