The BRCA have confirmed that they will be using the latest MyLaps RC4 timing firmware at the 2013 Nationals. Here is the official statement:
TRANSPONDERS:- 2013 – 1/10th. OFF-ROAD NATIONALS
The Section Officers directly involved in running the 1/10th Off-Road National Series have decided that the Section timing equipment will be upgraded to the RC4 Decoder for the 2013 Events. The effect of this is :-
The Section equipment will be able to record times from the new RC4 (Purcy) transponder.
We are informed that: Transponders that are not digital AMB/MyLaps versions will NOT record times consistently.
The RC4 Decoder will record times from ALL digital AMB/MyLaps transponders.
The decision has been made for the following reasons:
1. Our current Decoder is several years old and is due for upgrading/replacement.
2. If the current Decoder develops a fault during the season, any repair/replacement would be to the RC4 Spec., as the manufacturer no longer supplies Decoders of the older versions. It is easier to organise this transition before the National Series commences than take the chance of it happening during the Series of events.
3. We know that some RC4 (Purcy) transponders have already been purchased. As the Section supplies the timing equipment at these events, we consider that we are responsible for being able to record times from any competitor that has a genuine AMB/MyLaps transponder.
4. AMB/MyLaps have advised that the current ‘Harry’ transponder will record better signal values when used with the RC4 decoder. This is a ‘step forwards’ which may help to alleviate missed laps which can occur.
We recognise that upgrading to the RC4 Decoder may result in a problem for those competitors not using AMB/MyLaps transponders. However, it is important that the Section equipment is kept up to date and in a state that can be maintained.
The UK distributor for AMB/MyLaps currently offers a relatively low-cost option to ‘trade-in’ a non-genuine transponder for an AMB/MyLaps version.
Members that have already submitted an entry to the National Series and need to update any transponder numbers can simply email any changes to me. Entry forms will be accepted without transponder numbers nominated for those that need to replace the item.
Paul Worsley
Chairman, BRCA 1/10th. Off-Road Section
Source: BRCA
