MANUAL AMBrc system
Contents Page 1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................. 2 2. INSTALLATION OF THE DETECTION LOOP............................................................................... 4 3. INSTALLATION OF THE AMBRC DECODER ............................................................................. 10 4. INSTALLATION OF THE DIRECT POWERED TRANSPONDER.............................................. 12 5.
AMB i.t. B.V. Installation Manual AMBrc - Rev. 1.
1. Introduction The AMBrc system is specially designed to time and score RC model car races. The signal sent by an AMBrc transponder mounted on each RC model car is picked up by the detection loop, which is installed in the track. This detection loop is connected to the AMBrc decoder, via a coax cable. The decoder timestamps the received transponder signals and sends this data via a RS232 cable to a connected computer. The decoder is powered by a 12V mains adapter.
2. Installation of the Detection loop The AMB detection loop is made of a special water-resistant wire to guarantee durability and has the resistor already installed. Keep the resistor opposite to the connection box (the box that connects the coax cable to the loop). Loops installed in re-enforced concrete may suffer from a noticeable loss of sensitivity (less reach of the transponders) especially at wider tracks, since the steel underneath the loop forms short-circuited loops.
7. All loop wires must be installed according to the drawing in order to avoid a serious degradation in performance (excess loop wire must be cut). 8. As the reach of AMBrc loop can be up to 90 cm / 3", especially when the noise (interference) level is low, transponders on other parts of the track should not be able to get closer to the loop than 90cm / 3". 9.
AMB i.t. B.V. Installation Manual AMBrc - Rev. 1.
Loop installation for temporary tracks. In some situations it may not be possible to have the detection loop installed permanently in the track. This can be the case with temporary tracks, like indoor race events and parking lot racing. In that case a detection loop installed on a bridge can be used. Do not make this bridge of any type of metal or carbon fiber, as these materials will highly reduce the sensitivity of the loop, resulting in far less reach of the transponder.
Speed measurement and split time For speed measurements two loops have to be installed at an exact distance of 10 m / 33ft of each other at the fastest point of the track. For split time, the second loop can be installed at any desired measure point of the track. Whenever using two loops the maximum width that can be used is 5 m / 16.5 ft per loop. Via an AMB coax splitter and extra coax cable (part numbers 6704 and 6001/6002/6003) the two loops are connected to the AMBrc decoder.
second decoder for the speed and/or split time loop. Special designed software is necessary. For speed measurements the AMBrc decoder has to be set into speed-trap mode with the help of specially designed (AMB) software. The speed-trap mode is indicated on the AMBrc decoder by rapid flashing of the green LED on the front panel. In speeds trap mode the decoder detects the same transponder again after 0.2 seconds instead of the standard 2 seconds. AMB i.t. B.V. Installation Manual AMBrc - Rev. 1.
3. Installation of the AMBrc decoder The decoder is a precision instrument. Please handle it with care and keep the decoder out of direct sunlight and humidity. 1. Connect the 75-Ohm double shielded coax cable to the AMBrc decoder. Keep the coax cable at least 30 cm / 1 ft away from other cables to avoid interference. 2. Connect the RS232 cable between the AMBrc decoder and the RS232 port of the computer (a straight pin to pin RS232 connection cable is needed, such as AMB part number 6201).
Auxiliary connector 8 15 to photocell 9 1 Power Supply Opto coupled inputs Sync input Opto output Pin 8+15 5 6 7 12 13 1+9 10 11 4 14 2 3 Signal 4.5 V 50 mA ground opto 1 - input opto 1 + input opto 2 - input opto 2 + input Ground Sync – input sync + input opto 1 - output opto 1 + output opto 2 - output opto 2 + output The opto outputs are under software control and may be used to drive electronics that may be used for start lights.
4. Installation of the Direct Powered Transponder The transponder must be mounted horizontally at all times, preferably inside the RC model car. The position of the transponder must be identical in all RC model cars competing in the race. Transponders may not be positioned more than 15 cm / 6” away from the detection loop, with no metal or carbon fiber in-between. It is preferable to mount the transponder as close as possible to the detection loop.
5. Installation of the rechargeable transponder Body clip Washer Max 15 cm (6”) The transponder must be mounted horizontally at all times, preferably inside the RC model car against the side, with the fixing pin pointing upwards or downwards. The position of the transponder must be identical in all RC model cars competing in the race. Put a washer around the fixing pin and fix the transponder with a fixing clip.
6. Charging the transponder When charged, the AMBrc transponder constantly emits its magnetic output signal. Battery capacity is sufficient for 18 hours. Charging must be done in the AMB charger rack, preferably at room temperature since Nimh cells do not charge well at temperatures below 14°C/57°F. When charging, the red LED in each transponder indicates it is charging. A green LED indicates that the transponder is fully charged. The charging cycle for an empty transponder is as follows: 1.
7. Operating the system / Trouble shooting Start-up To enable compatibility with the widely used AMB20 software from various sources, the AMBrc decoder starts-up in AMB20 mode and uses the data format of the AMB20 decoder. As the AMB20 system uses only the transponder numbers 1 to 20, the AMBrc decoder in AMB20 mode sends only the last digit of the 7-digit transponder number.
Problems Most problems concerning the functioning of the system are due to bad connections or improper installation. Mobile phones and other forms of personal radio communications do not affect AMB i.t. systems. If you still have questions or problems, please contact AMB i.t. by fax or e-mail supplying the following data: 1. 2. 3. 4. Description of the problem and the purpose the system was used for. Decoder and transponder type and their serial numbers.
8. Technical Specifications AMBrc Decoder Dimensions Weight Clock stability Timebase Resolution Timing Resolution Memory Temperature range Humidity range Operating voltage range Power consumption Output Number of loops Max. track width Aux. Inputs Aux. Outputs Compatible with the following AMB transponder types USB connection : 120x170x55mm / 4.7"x6.7”x2.2" : 0.8 kg / 1.9lb : 25 PPM : 0.
9. FCC and CE regulations The FCC regulations state that the following text must be put on a prominent position in the manual: This equipment complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This equipment may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Company Address, City Country Phone number Fax number AMB i.t. Holding B.V. Herenweg 29a, 2105 MB Heemstede The Netherlands +31 23 529 18 93 +31 23 529 51 82 certify and declare under our sole responsibility that the following equipment: Product description / Intended use EU /EFTA memberstates intended for use Restrictive use Manufacturer Brand Types 5.
Name and function Harry van Dooren, General Manager Declaration of Product Quality Assurance. In accordance with the Conformity Assessment procedure referred to in article 10(3) of Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 1999 on Radio equipment and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment and their mutual recognition of their conformity (R&TTE directive) the following manufacturer: Company Address, City Country Phone number Fax number AMB i.t. Holding B.V.
Name and function AMB i.t. B.V. Harry van Dooren, General Manager Installation Manual AMBrc - Rev. 1.
