TRANSPONDER MOUNT & MOUNTING, 1st Race rules

[kcasper]

Is the transponder used by SDKA, the AMB Scoring Transponder?

If not, what kind, model, type recommended or required etc. Do most people buy or rent a transponder if they only race a couple of times a year? Does the model change often or become outdated if purchased, or are most transponders universal?

Do I need to install a permanent transponder mount for a rental unit or is the rental portable, i.e. kept in pocket, taped on, or special rental mount etc.? Is there a particular mount available or recommended for your rental transponder and where can one buy a mount?

Regarding the mounting, is there a diagram available as to where the mount should be mounted? Where do most people mount the transponder and how is it mounted (example vibration free, on the seat, side pods, front number plate etc.)? Does it have to be upright? Does the transponder have to have a clear path to a light beam etc.?

Is a rental transponder the same as one would see on-line at kart shops.


Last question:

Can I (56 years old) come down to the Qualcom, pay the fees required, and enter my CRG Rotax 125 in the races and practice sessions for learning purposes only, rather than for gaining points; I read you place an X on the rookie helmets and do not score points, is that correct?

During this learning phase, can one use (I want to use up 10 gallons of free VP110) any octane fuel and oil mix in the Rotax Senior class as well as some tires other than spec. My kart has passed your initial on-line tech. sheet. I also have all the safety apparel needed and would bring along a safe attitude. Also, do I even need a transponder for the first three races and practice sessions?

Any help would be great as I would like to slowly work into a racing format after a little more experience, learning by doing, and confidence building, so I don't screw up somebody's race or cause any problems or safety issues on the track.

Ken Casper

[guest]

A ton of questions-more detailed answers can be found in the club by-laws, but short answers are below.

1. Yes, it's the AMB model.

2. Rent or buy-your choice-you can buy a new one from the club for $210 right now IIRC.

3. Yes, you need a permanent bracket if you are racing for points, but if not a member and points don't matter, you might not need a transponder.

4. The approved locations for mounting are detailed in the club bylaws, and there is a link to that document at the bottom the club info web page @ www.sdka.com/SDKAinfo.html

5. The transponder is the same as sold in shops or online at AMB

6. Points are scored on races regardless of your "X-head" status. At the end of the year the point totals only count for club members. No membership, no points, no trophy.

7. If you pass the tech inspection, you can race. If your fuel or your tires are not to club specs, you get dq'd at the end (loss of points), but for the purpose of "practice only", as long as you pass the pre-race tech, you can run.

8. Don't know if you need a transponder for a psuedo-practice session during race day or not, but the data gained from it might be helpful to you. At a fee of ten bucks, it would be worth it to me to get that info after the race.

HTH

[Geary Launder]

All of what HTH said is on the money other than you are required to run a working transponder whenever you take the to the track at a SDKA event.

One other thing to note is on the fuel.....beware of using fuel that has additives in it. For the
health and safety of those racing and working the races we would prefer that you use approved fuel. VP110 is approved with the club, just possibly not for the class you want to run, so you would still be looking at a DQ for the day.

G.

[Thankyou]

Thank you so much for the kind replies. My apologies for so many silly questions as a rookie, but I didn't want to waste the time of officials during race day while they are under pressure to run the race.

Your organization and excellent response to my inquires makes me want to become part of the kart racing program in San Diego.

I will try to make the July 20th race under your guild lines and learn the ropes for future points racing and possible membership.

Again, thank you for your professional reply, you have encouraged me to attend the race and learn more about kart racing! Sounds like a lot of fun...

[Ken Casper]

Sorry to continue this thread.

But I looked under rules and regs. and I didn't see anything regarding transponder mounting? Of course I just made an appointment with the optometrist, maybe thats the problem...

Any help?

Also, is there are particular place where "most" people mount the transponder bracket? Is there any special requirements for mounting such as vibration pads etc. or line of sight requirements for breaking a beam etc.?

Thank you again for your time in responding to my questions.

[guest]

Find the transponder info on pages 2 and 3 of Section 100.4. I admit sometimes the index isn't much help finding specific info.


Most racers mount the transponder on the inboard side of the left pod. A lot easier to mount the bracket there vice on the back of the seat. Plus, it puts it a bit closer to the finish line than on the back of the seat which might come into play in a very close race finish.

Please join us-the more the merrier when it comes to racing! You will find a lot of friendly help in the pits-more than we can offer here.


HTH (Hope That Helps)

[Christian Ledyard]

If you are running a ROTAX motor than you DO NOT want to run the VP 110 fuel. This motor is made for low compression fuel and 93 ocatane unleaded is recommended. It will run better if you use VP MS93 Unleaded.

[Jeff Shadoan]

Regarding fuel for Rotax. Christian is correct. Not only is MS93 recommended, it is the spec fuel for the Rotax class.

MS93 is available at SOCO in El Cajon (call first - if they don't have in stock it then it only takes a couple days for them to get it - they are the VP distributor for San Diego).

[Hal Haley]

Jeff,

> MS93 is available at SOCO in El Cajon (call first - if they don't have in
> stock it then it only takes a couple days for them to get it - they are
> the VP distributor for San Diego).

Definitely call first. SOCO told me on Friday that they might not have any for two weeks. The girl said that since VP moved to Texas, it takes them longer to get their orders. BTW, thanks very much to you and Milt once again - we had a good practice at Perris on Sunday!

Hal

[Ken Casper]

Thank you all for the help, mucho appreciated!