after the last couple of events where they had transponder rentals and lap times, i think it's really helpful to see timing info while at the track. you can tell if changing certain things like driving style or line or tire pressures, etc are actually making a difference.

so im looking for recommendations on a good lap timer. for now, i only need lap time information. I dont need anything super fancy (rpm, G's, split section times, etc), but obviously want something that will work well and accurately. id like to spend as little on it as possible, but im willing to spend as much as necessary (does that make sense? :))

I did some brief searching and know that AiM and XT make cheaper ones, but i dont know if they're any good.

im sure a lot of you guys here use lap timers and could give me some good recommendations.

Also, if someone could also explain to me exactly how it works, thatd be very helpful as well. It seems like the beacon transmitter is placed along the pit on the straight and then the receiver is placed next to a window in the car. is that it? does the transmitter need to be placed on a tripod? what kind of power do these things run off of, just batteries?

thanks in advance!
-Will

I have used the XT this season and am very pleased with the results. Very easy to use both on and off the track. Downloadable data to laptop is a definite plus vs other lap timers at this pricepoint.

You are correct, basically a lap timer works off of a light beacon. There is a transmitter placed trackside and a receiver in the car. When the car passes the transmitter on the straight, it triggers the timer. Mounting the transmitter trackside is easy. Most people use tripods, but many just prop them up on the tire wall. The XT transmitter can either run on AA's or a small external SLA battery (that most of us buy from an e-bay like source for less than $10). External battery is nice b/c it is rechargeable, lasts *a lot* longer before running dead and increases the transmission range of the transmitter vs using the AA's.

Hope that helps,

ben

Hot Lap timer is as basic as it gets, and almost every event I've ever been to
there is a beacon provided by someone.


..

i love my friends aim timer, i have there dash and love that too. the hotlap set up is a very reliable system as well. ive seen an xt and they look durbable as hell with the metal casings, i think you just gotta see which one you like the best, there all damn good imo

If you are racing, this is a good product.

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=4793

I have the XT and it's a great lap timer for checking laps times at DE or test and tune days, and I've had pretty good results with it on race weekends. It's has it's drawbacks, but a great product for the casual track junkie.

That being said, I'm going to sell my XT and get the AMB DisplayIT. It has all the features you need in a racing situation and works off the timing loop so it's much more reliable than a trackside beacon, but it does require the timing system to be set up for the unit, and not every track owner will have the latest software for it.

If anyone is interested in an XT, let me know. :)

mycron and XT are the cheapest, but great options. the mycron is the hot timer right now. both can use the same beacon, so if someone at your local already has the beacon, you don't need yours...

thanks guys, just wanted to make sure that there wasnt a bad one out there. seems like they all work pretty well.

where can i find the best prices on these?

www.traqmate.com

Not super cheap, but it does so much more than just a lap timing though. It will definitely make you a better driver. Pretty amazing set-up. Bimmerworld evidentally ordered a bunch recently.

Hot Lap timer is what I have, the very basic. Paid $150 for xmiter and receiver and display used.
Going to xponder or gps (traqmate) next year if I start TT.

Something to consider. If you buy the Hot Lap timer, you probably won't have to buy a transmitter. Every event I've been to at T-hill, that allows lap timing, has a transmitter set up. Sometimes 2. One on each side of the track.

The transmitter for Hot Lap is not compatible with XT or AIM. I believe AIM works off a strip under the track, used mostly for races. Probably not active for DEs. XT would probably require you to have your own transmitter to be sure you could get lap times.

I used to rent a Hot Lap timer. Now I own one. I depend on the transmitter being there.

Jay