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hey guys
with the upcoming proxy I need suggestions for a timing system. specifically the software. i dont want to do a gantry if i dont have to. my track is landscaped with a paddock and NO buildings so a gantry would stick out like a mustang at a firebird show.
a couple of tracks ago i had one that used contact switches installed in the slot through the underside of the track and dont remember the name of it. i liked that one because you couldnt see any of it. so if you have any pros and cons on software i would really appreciate it.

Trackmate has a solution for you Mickey.

http://www.trackmateracing.com/shop/

I wanted a timing solution that had no gantry and used a slide through sensor that was embedded into the track lane slot. The guide triggers the sensor. They have one. I have not placed it on my track yet but the hardware looks very good and the price was not bad. The kit's sitting on my work bench.
They have a toll free phone number so you can call them.
I think you can download the software for free so you can try it out. My experience with them is very good so far.
Hope this helps.
Cheers Ted

I will second what has been said.

I have a 4 lane Carrera GO layout and added a Trackmate system to it. It's been up and running going on 2 years and the timing system has never given me an issues.

I tried reed switches, but found out they are not equal for each car.

My Trackmate setup uses a gantry and it never misses any car, not even a Formula 1 car which has very little body area to block the IR data.

You will be very happy with the results.

Just my 2¢ on the subject.

Harry has been using a timing system that doesn't need a gantry. He's written about it (it's around here somewhere), and all it needs is a computer with a webcam. You assign 'hotspots' to your lanes, and establish the sensitivity you want. then stand back and watch the laps get counted! No installation of hardware, and the timing system is portable if you're using a laptop.

It also has an element of car recognition, as it's used for RC racing as well. This means it will probably work for digital, with multiple cars per lane. I'll be adding this to the new track -- no more gantries or embedded photosensors for me.

Harry, how long does it take to actually set up?

Mickey,
there is a post in the "cool tools" thread for a timing system with an infrared light bridge. only small $, but your computer should have a parallel port ...

It took about 15 minutes.

I though he wanted a system without a gantry/bridge?

"It would stick out like a Mustang at a Firebird Show "

oops, my bad!
than you can get a chance to improve your soldering skills if you want to solution i got.
IR switch in the track, nothing about track level, but some hours for soldering the circuit to lengthen the signal from the IR for the PC. No rocket science, but still some work. Works flawless for small bucks ...

I'm going to go with try the system that Harry use's it's simple and cost efficient.

thanks guys
looks like i have some homework to do.