Olitho

The used pricing is off-the-hook. I hate the subscription, but I think I am going to buy one with a two year subscription.

The used ones are going for more than the five year new with subscription price.

I don't know that Pegasus is the best place, but I use them as a reference only.

AMB with four years subscription $283
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...sp?RecID=25820 ​


AMB with two years subscription $283
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...sp?RecID=25819

Any supplies on the original AMB TranX260?

If not, who is the good source for the new ones?

What are the track-day and race organizers doing when they need to buy new ones for their rental supply? SCCA Cal Club just had their whole supply burn in a fire while in storage.

RX7 KLR

The used market is crazy. We have been lucky over the last year or so and found two hardwired for around $400-450 shipped. Anything under $500 seems to sell within an hour.

If you need to rent one we have a spare battery powered unit, I can send it up to BWRP for the Feb event.

There are a few 260s for sale on ebay.

I think most track day groups are using the Westhold unit.

This one looks like you already used it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/AMB-My-Laps...xadzDE&vxp=mtr

Olitho

I have only seen one trackday group in SoCal use Westhold. Speed Ventures definitely uses AMB, as does POC, NASA and others.

I need to check and see if the Westhold units are compatible for SCCA race use. We have a bunch of new Spec Corvette racers showing up in two weeks for the Cal Club SCCA race and most have not yet bought transponders. It looks like they need to buy something fast.

RX7 KLR

Westhold uses a different decoder box, not interchangeable.

Olitho

That is what I thought and I bet AMB has some sort of Intellectual Property lock to block out AMB clone-like units.

emf

Oli, it looks like most of the AMB stuff is fixed price, or very close in cost across resellers.

I haven't seen a 260 DP go for less than $500 for a while, and short of the occasional beat-up wireless transponder like the above ...


Truthfully I probably wouldn't mind the subscription as much if there were benefits beyond the Timing as a Service model that they've moved to. That the DisplayIT equivalent (the X2 Link) is only supported on a handful of US tracks with limited display integration options ... isn't enough of a motivator for the long term cost.

Kubs

Wait, I have been out of the loop for a few years now. So instead of buying a transponder 1 time for $400-500 you now have to pay $150+ per YEAR? Just to use it? Wow, I should have gotten a 260 years ago instead of waiting for the car to be done...

Whis9

in for updates

Olitho

Yes, your assessment is sadly correct.

You have to buy the new transponder AND pay an annual subscription fee, although it can be had for less than $150 year if you buy multiple years. It also appears you can't even charge a battery operated unit without the subscription from the quick reading I did.

Kubs

Im in the wrong business I think...

fatbillybob

https://speedhiveblog.mylaps.com/the...sponder-guide/

The Car/Bike version is used for auto and motorcycle racing. They replace the red TranX 260 transponders and can be recognized by the red details on the transponder and the Car & Bike icons. These transponders can be used for speeds of up to 260 km/h or 160mph.

I hate it when AMB gouges the marketplace. Note also the top speed! This is not fast enough. Even my C5 with 3525lbs and 55mm restrictor in SCCA T2 trim is at 160mph at Daytona. T1, GT2, and GT3 speeds are much higher. What is up with that???

cep39

Shame on me for thinking a transponder would be cheap.

Any recommendation on where to mount this? AMB says it needs to be less than two feet off the ground with a clear view of the track.

Olitho

Mine is on the frame rail on the right front, just behind the metal bumper bar that sits covered by the front fascia.

RX7 KLR

Previous unit was also only rated to 160mph, no change there. GT1 trap speed at Daytona was 195mph, and it still recorded. Installation and level of charge (for battery units) can greatly impact transponder performance - we started getting misses with a battery powered unit in a T4 car at Daytona, and it was only going 141mph.

According to Bill Skibbe (when he was at AMB) 18"-24" inches above the ground is ideal for cars. AMB also says working temp should not exceed 122 for those installing in engine bays.

fatbillybob

That was the guy I travel race with. I did not know the old AMB's were limited. I think if my car got stolen the only thing I would really cry about is my AMB.

RX7 KLR

Even makes you think twice about where you install one now - will it get crushed/burned/torn off/etc.