Hard wired Transponders (whats the crack)

[The Real Stig]

Are AMB TRANS X .... the only transponders allowed in national circuit racing?

Is it an msa reg? (yes I have the blue book)

Just had a quick look on ebay - I guess they either permanantly transmit a specific frequency (fm or not?) to identify the car, or it has something to do with sensors or something in the tarmac?

Seems strange they are so expensive when technology is so cheap these days.

I really hope I can find a cheaper solution.

It's not that I mind spending money (I have a Stack dash system) but I begrudge it if it's mandatory and involves price fixing, when I could possibley make one with components for 10 per cent of the rrp!

[Scuffers]

lol
stop being a pikey.

you have to have the right one, either hard wired or battery.

they don't cost that much and it's not like they are a consumable...

[The Real Stig]

I have not seen one for less than £200/250 - Thats a days testing fees or a whole other bunch of things more realistically priced.

It's not like it's got a dual core processor in it!

Look at the cost of long range walkie talkies, mobile phones, laptops etc... You can not justifiy the cost of a Transponder.

Frigin rip off - If it just transmits or has a trigger the components would be peanuts they should only be £60 even with the shock proof factor
(only allowing single make manufacturers is price fixing!Typical motorsport.)

I do not skimp on anything,(have spent to much already this winter)
As I need a new transponder - I was wondering if there is any one else allowed to make them that comply with the MSA reg's.
I have seen a few things that suggest that there are other manufacturers but are they approved?

[Scuffers]

The Real Stig said:

I have not seen one for less than £200/250 - Thats a days testing fees or a whole other bunch of things more realistically priced.

It's not like it's got a dual core processor in it!

Look at the cost of long range walkie talkies, mobile phones, laptops etc... You can not justifiy the cost of a Transponder.

Frigin rip off - If it just transmits or has a trigger the components would be peanuts they should only be £60 even with the shock proof factor
(only allowing single make manufacturers is price fixing!Typical motorsport.)

I do not skimp on anything,(have spent to much already this winter)
As I need a new transponder - I was wondering if there is any one else allowed to make them that comply with the MSA reg's.
I have seen a few things that suggest that there are other manufacturers but are they approved?

nothing to do with MSA per say, it's a timekeepers issue.

see http://www.tsl-timing.com/Transponders%20FAQ.pdf

they are about second hand...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMB-tranX-160-transponder_W0...

Oh, and they are not exactly made in the millions like cell phones, hence they are not supercheap.

Edited by Scuffers on Tuesday 26th January 20:57

[frodo_monkey]

I hear on the grapevine that another company may be producing a new type of transponder aimed at breaking the AMB monopoly - I think the brand may be Tag Heuer. Obviously this involves circuits installing a TAG receiver, but by all accounts the transponders will be around half the price, and the rechargeable units will last 8-10 days which is much better than the AMB260. It also offers section timing rather than simple lap timing...

But time will tell! Until then, suck it up (like I have to)...

[The Real Stig]

Thanks Scuffers,

I know enough about the location mounting etc..

I'm gonna be looking for a hard wired one from nxt week - That one on ebay £82 still bidding with x days left will still go for near to 300 notes.

I will have to ask around -

I've spent over £10,000 plus on the car gettin it prepped and still need a light weight set of wheels and got to finish the trailer before march - getting a bit silly now!

I refuse to pay stupid money for what is essentially a relatively simple transmitter!

Might see you at MAllORY on a Wednesday then? I will bring the side cutters - where's your transponder fitted Scuffer?

[The Real Stig]

Ok, I see

Amb provide the receiving equipment to the circuit, so essentially no one else can provide the transmitters (nothing to do with msa)

Hmmm, Sounds like it's that old chestnut!

Thanks again chaps!

[Scuffers]

The Real Stig said:

Ok, I see

Amb provide the receiving equipment to the circuit, so essentially no one else can provide the transmitters (nothing to do with msa)

Hmmm, Sounds like it's that old chestnut!

Thanks again chaps!

whist I agree it looks like a stick up, it's actually better than the alternative, where system X would not work with System Y's transponders etc etc etc.

AMB's are used all over the world now, so at least you only ever have to buy 1.

the question you might want to ask, how many do you think are sold every year? then work out if you would want to make them for £50 when you have a total market of so few?

[Mr Jenks]

Scuffers said:

lol
stop being a pikey.

...

Mustn`t call them Pikeys, against euro regulations.
Caravan Utilising Nomadic Travellers is the PC definition. Anyone got an abbreveation for that?

[AWRacing]

I remember when they first came out and cost about £120.