Page updated
February 2004

Race Procedure

Here is a brief outline of what to do during a race meeting.
'Click' on the underlined words in the text for more detail.

1. Check the heat listings.
Note the heat number, 'start' number, and crystal. 4. Return Transponder.
Return the transponder to its correct position immediately after the race is finished.

2. Ensure the correct crystal is in your car.
The crystal recorded on the heat listing must be used to avoid interference. 5. Marshal.
Go to your marshal point before the next race is due to start.

3. Collect transponder.
Fix the transponder into your car securely before the race is due to start. 6. Prepare car for next race.
Charge batteries, and make any other changes that may be required in good time!

Southend - the world's longest pleasure pier

The Heat Listing
The computer race programme puts drivers into different race groups (heats) according to their previous race performance.
New drivers have a performance allocated for them according to their previous experience elsewhere.

Each car is allocated an identification number within the heat.
A number sticker is required on the car for major competitions, but not club events.

The car numbers are 'called out' by the computer to start each race. The numbers are sequential for the first race (1..2..3..4..etc.) but in subsequent races, the fastest car starts first - so the race order may be "3..2..4..1.." etc.

The computer announces each race 2 minutes and then 30 seconds before the race begins.
Drivers should keep a close watch on the heats - otherwise they may miss a race.
Try to identify a driver from the previous race - or just ask.

Each race lasts for either 4 minutes (indoors) or 5 minutes (outdoors) and is separated from the next race by 2 minutes. Therefore, if 6 races appear on the heat listing, the period between each driver's race will be 30 minutes (indoors) or 35 minutes (outdoors).

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Crystals
The term 'crystal' (XTAL) refers to the unique frequency used to send radio wave signals to the receiver in the car (go, stop, turn).
A limited number of frequencies have been allocated (licenced) for the use of radio controlled car racing in the UK - either 27MHz or 40MHz. More about waveband ranges.

The crystal reference shown on the heat listing next to each driver's name is the frequency that must be used to control the car during that race.

The crystal is taken from the list recorded in the computer as part of the driver's records, so any additions or losses must be advised to the club organisers.

The crystal allocated to a driver may change for each race meeting, so it is important to check that the correct one is in the car. If two cars attempt to use the same crystal, neither will be driveable!

Interference
Several drivers experience 'interference' while driving or preparing their cars.
Sometimes it is caused by another driver switching on a transmitter with the same crystal.
More often it is caused by exposed or badly positioned wires within the car - or by a damaged crystal. The 'screening' on the wires is thin, because the current is low. But if the screening is damaged, other, more powerful radio waves - from almost anything - can conflict with and over-ride the transmitter signal.
So be careful!

Don't bundle all the wires into a neat 'pack'
Don't allow the aerial lead to pass close to the battery pack or its wires.
Don't leave damaged or exposed wires un-repaired
Don't keep crystals in a loose box where they can be tossed about and damaged.

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The Transponder
A transponder is a small transmitter which sends a signal to the lap-counting computer each time it passes a coil of wire called a 'timing loop'. The transponder has its own rechargeable battery, so does not need to be connected to the car.
It is normally fixed to the car through a 7mm hole in the windscreen - though some cars have an independent fixing position on the chassis.
A bodyclip is required to complete the attachment.

Two sets of transponders are kept in a 'rack', each set is numbered 1 - 10 (0) and are colour-coded black and yellow.
It is traditional in Southend Club to use the black set for heat one, the yellow set for heat 2 - and so on.

Drivers should collect their transponder during the race before theirs. The number should be the same as their car number on the heat sheet.

The transponder MUST be returned to the rack immediately after the race has finished before the driver goes to marshal, so that the next user can collect it.

It is possible to buy a 'personal transponder' which can be kept in the car permanently, and is powered by the car electrics

Club members can buy a personal transponder at a discount price - linked to the period of membership.

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