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Is there a 4 lane timing system for 1/32 that does not require a light gantry? scratch building one is an option if there are any ideas on how!
computer based system is ok as i have an in house IT person.(not me!)
anyone have a system that works for them? any and all ideas appreciated! big oval,plastic track if that matters.

Working on an article, but behind as usual.

I used Trakmate with infra-red overhead sensors. I built the bridge from plastic, fun and easy.

I have tested many systems in the past 3 years. I felt Trackmate was the way to go and very happy I invested in it.

I'll have pics of the bridge soon.

Hi Harry,

I've read in other posts that you were using a webcam with other timing software. Did you have problems with it? What are your reasons for switching to Trackmate?

I'm looking for the easiest timing solution for use on my Artin track, while still being able to transplant it to a planned wood track.

BTW: I've been reading for years. Your site and members are the best!

Cheers!
Matt

Welcome Matt and thanks for the nice words.

The problem was that you needed a computer that is basically the opposite of any other other option, meaning one with REAL horsepower to run the software. These newer timing software options are pretty, but a lot of the options on them I do not need. I also don't need a track planning package, massive database program, or other bells/whistles for fuel, pit stops...etc.

Webcam would work, but you needed a add on program and plenty of horsepower to run it. On a mid range system it would start missing or delays in laps were common. Only on my hot rod of a laptop would it work reliably. Processing video is not a task for a PC you picked up from Don Draper's office :)

The infra red system works and is easily moved to a new track, although you would likely need to make a new bridge to match up. But again I thought it was easy to build.

I'll hurry on this article and hope it helps. But bottom line is that no matter if you choose the Trackmate hardware, most better software will work with it. So even if you want more bells and whistles for your software, the Trackmate system handles it easily. I tested PC Lap Counter (the only other program worth looking at IMHO for all those bells) :) .

Thanks for the explanation. That makes perfect sense!

I'm looking forward to your article, but no pressure! To paraphrase Orson Welles, "No wine before it's time". :)

I too am very interested in the track mate system,I looked it up after your post,and it looks like what I need. I patiently await your article as well,take your time,tomorrow will be fine.......just kidding

Been formatting photos. Getting there.

One word of warning, if you are expecting a professional-grade appearing schematic and mounting system...ignore mine :) It's all solid and works safely and reliably, but my "Ozark Engineering" education will be showing in this one.

The infra-red sensors that TrackMate is using now are very sensitive. I have them on my dragstrip
and they work fine with ambient light that is anything bright enough for reading. A light bridge is not
necessary. A simple clamp-on flood light is more than enough. They also have a totally self contained
sensor which has it's own light source, that installs completely under the track in a pocket you make with
a router. The blade of the guide flag passes through it to break the beam. This is much more expensive
but the most fool proof system.

I use a track mate system .you can make it work by using a 3 in. Section of track and making it a dead strip and wiring the system to that. If you need to complete the circurt just add jumper wires to each power rail to get around the dead strip.hope this helps

Most of the Shoreline Model Raceways tracks use Trackmate with dead strips. Trackmate software is quite good but the Trackmate system can be used with other software, including Ultimate Racer 3, PC Lapcounter and Race Coordinator. The great thing about Trackmate is that you hook it up and it works. When people use DIY hardware they can have problems that are difficult to overcome.Unlike DIY systems Trackmate makes it easy to connect a track power relay and a pause control. One hitch is that Trackmate uses a serial connectionn, if your computer only has USB ports you would have to get a serial to USB adapter. By the end of April a new Trackmate unit that uses a USB connection should be available.

I am involved both with my club and my home track. Both of them use TrackMate - hardware and software.

The decision to buy TrackMate came down to just how well our unit at the club works - flawlessly. Well it still is at the mercy of the person entering the data. :D

Both systems use the overhead gantry with IR leds. They work good and last a long time.

On my home track, it is 1:43 and my favorite category is Formula 1. I do not think it has ever missed a beat when running these very small cars using the IR system.

Remember, you get what you pay for.

Good article. But as I said in my post, a light bridge is not necessary for the TrackMate LEDs to detect. I
have these sensors on my drag strip, and we have run the track outside well after dark with only a couple
floodlights illuminating the whole backyard. The system works perfectly. It was an expensive system, but
I am tickled pink with it and will go TrackMate on the road coarse.