Transponders

Where the heck does one find AMB racing transponders on a budget? $400 new is a lot, and they usually sell for $350+ used on E-Bay. I'm not finding them on CL.

Any ideas on where to pick them up for a more reasonable price?

Give up. These things are like most things in racing (helmets are another good example), no matter where you shop they are all essentially the same price. Very occasionally someone will do a group buy and shave $25-$50 off the price but I wound up just sucking it up and paying the AMB extortion fee. You'll be even more depressed when you get the thing and see how small it is.

OTOH, finally having your lap times automatically uploaded to the 'net is pretty sweet.

I've seen them before and know how tiny they are. I borrowed one for my first race weekend. I was just really hoping to be able to track down a used one.

Problem with a used one is that the battery will be so run down, it only lasts a few hours. Then you have to send it back to AMB to get new batteries put in, probably costing you more than a new one would.

I know they make transponders for karts and R/C cars that are usually cheaper, but I don't know if they would be compatible with automotive pickup systems.

One advantage to new is that you can register it and (if the track uploads it) have a complete list of all of your track times and events online. www.mylaps.com

-Rob

If your track also runs go karts, most likely, the lower price go-kart transponders will work. They need to be within 12" or so of the track. A friend who time trials found this out and saved a decent amount.

Todd

I have also heard rumors that AMB won't change the registration name of the transponder for the online lap recording, so if you buy it from Billybob Buttnuts in Arkansas, thats whose lap times you have to watch.

I could be completly wrong about that too.

rob_lewis wrote: Problem with a used one is that the battery will be so run down, it only lasts a few hours. Then you have to send it back to AMB to get new batteries put in, probably costing you more than a new one would. I know they make transponders for karts and R/C cars that are usually cheaper, but I don't know if they would be compatible with automotive pickup systems. One advantage to new is that you can register it and (if the track uploads it) have a complete list of all of your track times and events online. www.mylaps.com

A bit of searching revealed that the Tran X160 (normally used for carts) functions similarly to the X260 (for cars) but has a notably weaker signal that can only be read up to about 160kph (~100mph) instead of 260kph and needs to be closer to the ground.

I'm normally running at Thunderhill and Infineon, so I don't think that's going to work.

Hmm... guess I probably aught to just bite the bullet and buy myself a direct-wire one.

Edit: Done. Stupid AMB transponder Monopoly. Grr...