Do you ship to Europe?
Yes and shipping cost is the same. You can send an international Money Order from your post office.

What is Lane Rotation?
You have probably noticed that racing on a certain lane will give you an unfair advantage. Lane rotation solves the problem by having every racer race an equal amount of time or laps in each lane. TrakMate will keep track of total laps accumulated from each lane

What is the relay option?
The relay is an electrically operated switch that is used to turn track power off at end of race or heat when doing lane rotation. This option can be added later.

What are infrared sensors?
Infrared sensors are small electronic devices that detect light. If we install it in the track and provide a light source above it, a passing car will block the light to the sensor the program will check how long the sensor was blocked and calculate its speed. (It does need to know the length of the car, which you provide in the program)
View picture of Sensors mounted in track

• Works with all cars. (reed switches may not work with some cars)
• No dead spot in your track
• Easy installation

Are there any disadvantages?

• Requires a light source above the track.

• Cable with  sensors attached to it.
• TrakMate Software via E-mail or 3.5" disk
• Free software updates via E-mail (There will be updates to make it even better!)
• Free support by E-mail or Phone

How do you mount the sensors?
Drill 1/8-inch holes in each lane close to the power rails so car will cover it when it goes by and Insert sensors from underneath until flush to surface of track. The sensors are small so they will fit underneath track with out having to raise track off table. No wires to connect or solder just plug small unit into cable, and other end of cable plugs into the PCs parallel port.

What kind of light source is required?
You will have to provide a light source above the sensors. There are many ways you could do this. The easiest way is to use an ordinary lamp. Sometimes the ceiling light provides enough light. Small low voltage bulbs such as flashlight bulbs mounted above the track will also work. You want to set it up so your arm or hand doesn't block the light to the sensor during a race. The picture on my web page uses infrared LED's as a light source, there mounted about 3" above the track a more difficult solution but it can be neatly mounted overhead. The infrared LED's are available as a kit.

What is a Dead Strip?
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 compatible should be used on a Dead Strip.  Using cables not designed for Dead Strips may 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. 

What Are Reed Switches
Reed switches is another method used for detecting cars in lap counters.
Reed switches are small switches installed under the track.  The traction magnets in the slotcar it what causes the switch to close.  Only recommended for HO cars.  HO t-jets can be problematic though because of their week magnets.

Can I use Reed switches instead?
Yes. You can use Reed switches instead of infrared sensors.
I recommend reed switches for 2 lane HO tracks. 
Specify when ordering if you prefer Reed switches

Can I buy a 2-lane version and upgrade to 4 lane later?
No. The 2-lane unit only has the electronics for two sensors.

Can I use the 4 lane TrakMate on a 2-lane track?
Yes. No problem

Are the infrared sensors included?
Yes

Will it work on my Scalextric / HO / Strombecker track?
Yes it will work on any type of track.