5 replies to this topic

[Rfregg]

I am on my second Carrera 71590 2 lane lap counter. Both units worked for about 30 minutes and then started missing a lap occasionally. Then they miss almost every lap. Replacing batteries doesn't help.If I drive through VERY slowly it will count the lap. I am using it on a vintage Revell plastic track. Any advice other than just spending the money for a DS system lol?

[Ramcatlarry]

Call Dave Kennedy.

[GT40]

These are optical counters and what it comes down to is that you have to interrupt the light to the detectors (at the bottom) long enough and without extraneous light sources. The counter doesn't like strong ambient light, especially sunlight. Larger cars count more consistently than smaller cars. I've only had trouble with open wheel cars.

 

Things you can try:

- Don't run small cars

- Reduce the light in the room.

- Build a cardboard shroud around the counter.

- Put the lap counter at the slowest point on the track.

- If you have a specific car that is not counting, try cutting a piece of index card 3 inches long and 3/4 inch high and taping it to the car upright. If it works, see how much you can trim it and get consistent counting.

 

Hope this is helpful.

 

 

 

 

[MattD]

Dave Kennedy no longer works for Carrera.   Dave and C have parted ways, no details known.

[Ramcatlarry]

Toss the C system and invest in Trackmate.

[Rfregg]

A better system is probably in my future but I wanted to run the Carrera counter for awhile. I took the advice from GT40 and first tried running in a darkened room without extra lights. It caught every lap so I lit up the room to normal and fashioned a cover over the unit that allowed me to see the readout. It casts about a 1 square foot shadow over the track. It worked perfectly. No more missed laps.Thanks for the advice!