Cheap Timer

I've been looking around for a while for a cheap and wireless timing system for practice and taking to slalom days to just get some idea of the times i might be running with different boards etc. For a more informal sessions setting up the full timing system with the tape switches etc seems alot of work and so normally no-one wants to bother or volunteer to not skate and man the timer.

So.. I was thinking about the Equine timing system which is like a wired timing system with wireless connection and IR triggers (look at slalomskateboarder.com timing forum for links to this and other systems) but it is expensive ($300+) and still a hastle to set up and run.

So I got onto motor racing laptimers which some skaters have used successfully. They are basically a stopwatch which is triggered on and then off everytime it passes an IR beacon. For laptiming you only use one beacon but for straight line racing like slalom or downhill you just need 2 beacons one to start the timer and one to stop it. There are a few of these for semi pro motor racing priced again around $200-$300 but thanks to Chinese manufacturing genius (genius for copying anyway). I found one for about $65US- shipped with an extra beacon (extra beacon was $10!)

Firstly the whole system is tiny with the beacons being slightly bigger than match boxes while the timer is super light and very easy to velcro to a board. I think i'll velcro the beacons to the side of cones to stop them getting stepped on.

I have yet to use it in anger but testing it with my 4 year old running around the local bike track it seems to trigger over a least several metres. Given it's intended use outdoors at a motortrack I can't see it havig too many problems. The manufacturer also says that the timer and beams are compatable with the standard pro IR beacon frequencies (940Nm I think)**EDIT - word from slalomer in US is that it is not cross compatible with other systems***. So at a session different riders could have different brand timers all triggered off the same beacons.

Here is the link to the manufacturer site but I got mine through an US ebay listing http://www.sumomoto.com/ezlap_lap_timer.htm

I'll bring it to the next church session to give it a proper test.

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Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Fitz on March 1, 2012 at 16:52

Here's the link

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/260921157004?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&am...

Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Dave M on March 1, 2012 at 17:13

highly recomended Fitz, they work well.

got mine within 7 days.

Permalink Reply by martin pavey on May 28, 2012 at 19:55

JUST STARTED SLALOMING AGAIN ITS LONLEY ON YOUR OWN CANT GANGE THAT BUT THE TIMER IS SUCH A GREAT IDEA . JUST GOT ONE ON EBAY FOR 41 BUCKS WHITH 2 BEACONS THANKS MAREK

Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Fitz on May 28, 2012 at 23:25

Hey Martin,

You might also be interested in these tripods.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250782642716#ht_2686wt_952

The beacons unscrew apart easily so you can drill a hole through the plastic to mount onto the tripod.

They sit at the perfect height. I mount my receiver on top of the deck's nose so you can glance down after your run.

ASRA AdminPermalink Reply by bernie on December 16, 2012 at 17:10

Cheap wireless timer for new players....

http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/forum/topic/show?id=2144162%3ATo...

Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Dave M on April 4, 2013 at 17:26

Hey guys
how many of these do we have here now?
Just say for instance we were looking to use them at an event how many could we count on?
So far we have about 8 in CBR
Any others we could count on for a Slalom event?

Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Fitz on April 4, 2013 at 17:43

I have a receiver and 2x transmitters with tripods.

Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Dave M on April 4, 2013 at 17:52

Thanks Fitz.

you ready to jump,on the GS for Bathurst bandwagon?

Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Marek on April 4, 2013 at 18:23

One receiver and 2 transmitters here. Looks like you would have plenty to run a race. Pick up your timer from the timing table do a run, return after your run to have your time logged. Head to head would be a little more complicated.

Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Fitz on April 4, 2013 at 19:18

I'd frikken love to roll GS @ Bathurst. Just gotta get a pass out from the missus. :)

Premium MemberPermalink Reply by Dave M on April 4, 2013 at 20:40

Yeh Marak

Just timed runs. Head to head would take up too much time. Looking to fit in with existing schedules

Cheap Timer

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