Since I use the Kyosho IC Tag Lap Counter System, I encounter time to time missing lap. I took it a static electricity issue. However, with the high temperature we have encountered since a couple of months, the temperature in my basement also increases. So, the last few weeks I have many missing laps. What I think it happen with the temperature increase, the track expands. Expand too much for the lap counter system, the distance between with ribbon antenna and the tag is too big.
I’ve decided to tackle the problem and try to bring the ribbon closer to the surface.
I’ve seen on YouTube that Kyosho seems to tape the ribbon antenna on the surface of the track. While I’ll take it as backup solution, I’ll try something else.
I took two new pieces of track and traced where I wanted to remove some urethane.
The ribbon is 80mm width, I went to 90mm. Then I’ve used hobby knife with small blade to remove about 3 to 5mm of material.
With a little patience I was able to remove everything I wanted. The surface is not very nice, but it doesn’t matter.
To support the ribbon antenna, I’ve printed 3mm thick supporting plates. I’ve applied reinforced tape to fix everything together.
At the touch it feels good, with a minimum of bump. Once done, I’ve put everything together. The results are very satisfying.
I’ve tested with several cars, even with the one I had some with static electricity: no more missing laps!
Misson done!
