What Timing & Scoring system do you use with Carrera Digital

[edmagner]

What system do you use and why do you prefer it?

[BRS Hobbies]

I use SmartRace with an RCA tablet that I bought at Walmart for $79.99. The cool thing is that the RCA tablet has an HDMI output so I can connect it to a TV for a large display of the race information. SmartRace is easy to use and makes the racing much more enjoyable.

[perrotoro]

Same here BRS

[Slotspeed]

When I bought my digital set (nearly two years ago) I was a bit annoyed that when I went to use it (after paying for an aftermarket app) I found out that I would need to buy the bluetooth adaptor separately. (I did buy it on a whim so the responsibility falls on me) I did find someone that had it for a good price but they were not expecting stock for several months. The PC adaptor was very expensive for what it was. And there are clones about for a much better price. But I did find a USB to RS232 adaptor in an electronic recycling bin. So with a $5 adaptor from ebay I converted it to TTL level and that is what I use to run Bruce's HSSRMS and it works well. I will tidy it up a bit (its a bit messy currently using tape as insulation) and post some photos once its a bit tidier. It was really quite simple to do. But many of the USB serial adaptors on the market are a con using counterfeit FTDI chips so you need to do your research and in my case I got lucky with the find!

[Bluevista]

I use Smartrace. I don't do much actual head-to-head racing so
it's mostly for the grandkids who like the voice prompts and screen stats, pics of their cars and their faces on the screen, they're too young to really race yet. I have it on my phone and cast it to the TV/monitor above my track table. It wasn't a smart tv so I bought a Chromecast dongle so I could cast to it and it works great.

Allan

[dw5555]

I started out with X Lap and still use it when I need something quick and easy. I use Bruce's HSSRMS software when I want to do some serious testing or have friends over. I don't have Smart Race or the app. I don't know how you guys can look at tiny screens while racing.
Dave

Sorry, posted when I should have read more carefully. I guess I'm way behind the times after reading Blues comment above so that made my Smartrace/app comment moot.

[32lbking]

I use Carrera X-Lap also [PC Unit as they called it]. I got it dirt cheap years ago [$20-25 I think]. That was the original version with the Dvd. I later downloaded the free upgraded version from Carrera.
I had downloaded Bruce's HSSRMS a few years ago but my computer crashed before I got to try it out. I plan on trying again on the new/old track computer soon.
Like Dave said, X-Lap is simple, quick, and easy to use.
I race with Dave, and the random mechanical/tire/brake failures of HSSRMS are really cool. It even allows me to win sometimes
Randy

[Don Carter]

I use smart race, it is easy to use has many extras which make racing at home much more realistic. I have my I-phone hooked up to a 32 in tv for easy viewing for all

[32lbking]

What is Cockpit XP?

[dw5555]

What is Cockpit XP?

Probably not something that you or I would understand.
Dave

[Area 51 Raceway NC]

What is Cockpit XP?

Found this by chance, I guess this is Cockpit XP I presume.

[edmagner]

What is Cockpit XP?

Cockpit XP is the German language choice for a PC based timing and scoring system. It's a very mature product - the XP actually refers to Windows XP so that's been a while It has a lot of advanced features that are combined with some hardware mods that are detailed on their website. Here is the link ...it's in German but Google Translate in Chrome makes it pretty useful.

http://www.cockpit-xp.de/

SCI member carlosinseattle had made some inquiries to them about doing an English language version but they said "nein" . I bought a license a few years ago by emailing them directly (in German) - their website won't sell it outside of German speaking countries. I try to stay caught up but haven't done it in a while.

Cheers

Ed

[edmagner]

I added a couple choices to the survey for X-Lap and PC Lap Counter - if the "other" checkers are using either of those - not sure if you can unvote but it is set up for voting for more than 1

[Area 51 Raceway NC]

I actually have that PC lap counter and it has so many bells and whistle’s on it that I will never use and I also have Bruce’s program.You may want to talk to Julian Haas who I purchased a beautiful non magnet 1/24 car they race in Germany. I can ask him about the Cockpit XP see if there has been any changes.


Jorge

[Slotspeed]

I looked at Cockpit XP but it just looked too complicated and the translation didn't seem worth the trouble for now.

[MX5]

Besides great timing and scoring, SmartRace has features that let you keep data/images of your cars, drivers, and tracks. Many of these features are free. SmartRace helps me record technical notes about my cars like thoughts about tuning, notes about necessary repairs, current tires, and so on. I like racing slot cars modeled on actual cars, especially ones that I have seen in person over the past 50 years. So, my list of drivers includes Mario Andretti, Denny Hulme, Bruce Mclaren, Jim Hall, and others. There are other features (some cost extra) that i haven't explored yet, but they'll make the home racing experience even more fun. Since the app uses Bluetooth through the Carrera App Connect device, I can view SmartRace on my phone, iPad, and/or mirrored to a larger TV. I understand that guests and I will be able to connect and see our own driver displays on our own devices while racing, using ear buds for direct sound. It does not appear to have a feature for printing race results, but I imagine that will come in the future if users request it. The interface is graphically good and quite functional. What's not to like -- for free?