How the RaceTracker Works
The RaceTracker Uses RF Timing
Unlike traditional timing systems, the RaceTracker detects when a drone passes through the timing gate by monitoring the video frequencies of the racers. Since every FPV drone already has a video transmitter on it, the system works for any drone without requiring you to add a special transponder to each of your rigs.
It's is Extremely Accurate
RF timing with the RaceTracker is accurate within ~0.01s. Check out this independent test by Rek Rek comparing various RF timing systems to a 120FPS GoPro recording reference. A summary of the findings is here. The Timing Zone
The Timing Zone
The timing zone is a "bubble" around the RaceTracker, the size of which is set when you calibrate the racetracker to a drone before each race.
The RaceTracker scans one or more video frequencies to catch drones that fly through the timing zone. Proper placement and calibration of the RaceTracker is the key to a trouble-free race.
Timing Multiple Racers with one RaceTracker
Unlike it's big brother, the Event Tracker, the RaceTracker only has one receiver in it. So, in order to time a race it will continuously scan a range of channels. Switching frequencies is fast, but not instantaneous. So the more frequencies that are monitored, the more time the RaceTracker needs to complete a scan.
So if we are tracking 4 racers at a time instead of 1, we need to increase the size of the timing zone so there is more time to catch a quad passing through during a channel scan.
Timing Zone Calibration Guidelines from TBS
- 1 frequency: hold quad 1.5 gates width away from the RaceTracker
- 2 frequencies 2 gates
- 3 frequencies 2.5 gates
- 4 frequencies 3 gates
- And so on...
These may not be perfect, so please provide us feedback on your own experience so we can help other pilots. Just email support@dronesquad.com.
Race Accuracy
As you add more racers, there is less time to catch a quad when it goes through the timing zone. So you can imagine that you will have much better results racing a bunch of Tiny Whoops than 250 sized quads. Both in terms of missed counts and accuracy.
Another factor is VTx power output. Make sure all the racers are outputting the same power or you may get unexpected results (see below).
We don't have hard test data on this, but we would love to hear your experience so we can help other pilots. Just email support@dronesquad.com.