Dead Strip Installation

Dead Strips is another method used for detecting cars in lap counters.
A Dead strip is a section of track 2 to 3" long (4" to 6" for 1/24 scale),  which  has no power (dead) and both rails are isolated from the track power.  Many HO racers use a short piece of track and break the electrical contacts at each end to make the dead strip.  Then wires from the lap counter are soldered to both rails in each lane.  When the car crosses the dead strip it is detected by the lap counter.   Only TrakMate cables sold as Dead Strip (DS marked on connector) compatible should be used on a Dead Strip.  Using cables not designed for Dead Strips  will not work properly.   The advantages of using the Dead Strip is that no overhead light is required and it is not possible of trigger the lap counter with your hand.  It also works with all types of slotcars. 

Test Before Connecting Cable To Dead Strip

 Run TrakMate and enter Installation settings.    To make sure that you have the correct sensor type selected as shown below.   

2 - Sensor type : Dead Strip/ Reed Switches

If you installed an I/O card in the computer verify that you have

1- Sensors Connected to (usually lpt1) : 0x278

If you have a 6 to 8 lane cable verify that you have

3 - Interface Type : Type B

From the main menu select 'Diagnostic - Sensor Test '  
Test each lane by touching the wires together the Triggered counters should count while the wires are touching. When they are not touching only the Not Triggered counters should count.  If all lanes work proceed with connecting the cable to the dead strip. 

TrakMate Dead Strip Installation

 The dead strip works properly in one direction only.  If you run your cars in both directions you will need to switch the wires around on the dead strip when you switch directions. 

 For proper operation the WHITE wire will be connected to the dead strips positive side.

If you have a voltmeter determine which rail is positive.  Hold controller to full throttle and measure voltage across the rails.

Color Code for 4 to 8 Lane Models      
White wire or wire with white stripe is connected to the positive side via Resistor       

2 Lane Models

Testing                              

Use Diagnostic from main menu for testing. This system works only with cars running in one direction.  Run cars passed dead strip as fast as you can.  'Triggered Counters'  should count  about 10 times or more when car crosses dead strip.  If counter counts only a few times or not at all then wires to Dead Strip are probably reversed.    The proper way should give you the most counts when testing at same speed.