The RCA60 Lap Timer

The Farringdon Instruments RCA60 Lap Timer is a simple-to-use powerful lap timing  system in a compact, easily installed package.  The RCA60 lap timer is a new version of the very successful RCA10 - Farringdon's first product.  It has been designed to be more rugged and lower cost.  The RCA60 consists of two parts - the display head and the IR Detector. (The RCA61 includes a battery powered beacon.)  The system is powered from the vehicle 12 volt supply thereby removing the need for an on/off switch or battery.

The graphic display allows the position and size of the characters to be changed to suit the mode of operation.  Also better formed characters can be displayed, improving the legibility over the more usual 7-segment numbers.

The optical design and sensitive IR detector gives a long range - up to 100 metres - with very low power consumption - no need for separate batteries on the pit wall. The IR Detector receives signals both from the Farringdon beacon and the PI fixed beacons at most UK circuits.  (An internal processor picks out the specific code transmitted by these beacons - it is not just a detector that picks up any infra red signal.)

Check out the RCA400 Lap Timer if you want a Performance Monitor and professional Data Logging.

The System

The RCA60 Lap Timer System consists of the following components:

  • Display Head             97 x 39 x 25 mm (w x h x d)
  • Infra Red Detector      19 x 22 x 40 mm long
  • Beacon                     20 x 65 x 35 mm

The Display Head is fitted with a flying lead that ends with two Mini Sureseal waterproof connectors.  The four pin socket connects to the IR detector and the two pin plug connects to the supply cable. (The supply cable is supplied so that it can be extended or shortened and wired to an appropriate 12 volt supply controlled by the master switch.)

Display Head

The black anodized aluminium Display Head is mounted with Dual Lock (TM) tape.  The push buttons on the front are used to set up the system, clearing lap count before the start of a race, or the elapsed time before the start of a qualifying session and entering the Recall Mode.

Infra Red Detector

The IR Detector is small and light and mounted with Dual Lock(TM) tape so that it can "see" the Beacon on the pit wall.  The optical system is designed to give a plus or minus 15 degrees acceptance angle.

Beacon

The Beacon is housed in a small ABS box  sealed against the rain.  It is powered  from a 9 volt PP3 battery.  An alkaline PP3 battery will power the beacon for about 30 hours.  The control knob switches the beacon between OFF and one of its four normal channels or the "IN" channel.  Passing the beacon set to the IN position causes the in-car display to change to:

Functions

On switching on, the system enters Timing Mode.  It displays Lap Time, Number of Laps, Elapsed Time and Best Lap Time.  Pressing both left hand buttons together switches the system to  Set Up mode.  Pressing both right hand buttons switches the system to Recall Mode. 

Set Up Mode

Set up allows you to tailor the system to your needs.  Once adjusted the new settings are stored (without the need for  power) until changed.  The hold time, the main channel and IN channel numbers,  back light settings and other parameters can be changed.

Recall Mode

The lap timer can store 3500 laps.  Recall Mode is used to access the stored laps starting from the most recent.  The two right hand buttons are used to enter Recall Mode and the left hand buttons step backwards and forwards through the memory.

 

 

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