ImmersionRC LapRF 8-Way Race Timing System

The LapRF is a personal race timing system for FPV quads using 5.8GHz video feeds. 

The passing of a quad through the start/finish gate is precisely measured using the energy emitted by the 5.8GHz transmitter on the quad. 

Custom fully-programmable timing receivers, coupled with ImmersionRC's timing antennas ensure that the performance of this system is on a different level than competing products. Video power levels from 10mW through 600mW supported. 

Super-precise for up to 8 pilots, but also supporting up to 16 pilots with less resolution.

Bluetooth connection to Android and iOS devices, with free applications downloadable from their respective app. stores. 

Fully integrated with the industry standard LiveTime event management software. 

Specifications

• Dimensions: L=220mm x W=160mm x H=30mm
• Weight: 1100g
• Channels: All common (+ some rare) Analog + Digital 5.8GHz
• Antenna: Custom RHCP/LHCP/Linear
• Pilots: 1 to 8 with maximum precision, up to 16 with 1/2 precision.
• Power: DC, 10-20V (3s-4s LiPo, or equivalent DC power supply)
• Ethernet: RJ-45 Male, on flying lead
• User Interface: Integrated OLED with button UI. Set IP address easily!
• Ports: Ethernet, Wired USB (Internal)
• PC Software: Livetime FPV

No More Transponders!

The lapRF uses the Radio Frequency energy emitted by the Video Transmitter on the model to detect its presence within the race gate. The current generation of racing drones have two things in common, they all use 5.8GHz video downlinks, and they all need to be on different channels to race together. This is all that the lapRF system needs to precisely time events. No RFID transponders, no Infra-Red transponders, no complex installations. Just place the lapRF system in the start/finish gate, and start racing.

Custom Timing Receivers

Instead of using a standard receiver module in the timing system, ImmersionRC’s hardware engineering team designed a custom module, which can be calibrated on-the-fly to adapt to the different power levels found in races.
Sensitive enough to detect passing quads, but selective enough to ignore adjacent channel interference. Heavily filtered to ignore off-band interference common at race events.
To top it all off, we designed custom antennas with gate-shaped beams which let you precisely define the detection area of the timing system (something that competitive units sorely lack). These antennas are designed for RHCP/LHCP, and Linear polarization, covering everything that will be seen at a race event.

Bluetooth Link to Phones and Tablets

 The LapRF Personal Timing System includes a Bluetooth module which can quickly link an iOS or Android device to the gate. Enter pilot names, start the race, and the lap times will be spoken along with the pilot’s name. All lap times will be shown in a table, along with average, and best lap times.

Any loss of Bluetooth connection will not result in loss of lap times. When Bluetooth is reconnected, all missed lap times will be transferred to the app. 

Race Proven, Expert-approved

Race Proven at the 2017 MultiGP International Open, with 5 of the 8 tracks running the LapRF 8-Way. Race Proven at the 2017 MultiGP USA Championships, with two LapRF 8-Ways running split times. Used by Race Director and expert-commentator Joe Scully from FPV Racing Events to run races worldwide. The 8-way stands in a class of its own when it comes to Drone Race Timing.

Custom Timing Receivers

Instead of using a standard receiver module in the timing system, ImmersionRC’s hardware engineering team designed a custom module, which can be calibrated on-the-fly to adapt to the different power levels found in races. Sensitive enough to detect passing quads, but selective enough to ignore adjacent channel interference. Heavily filtered to ignore off-band interference common at race events. To top it all off, we designed custom antennas with gate-shaped beams which let you precisely define the detection area of the timing system (something that competitive units sorely lack). These antennas are designed for RHCP/LHCP, and Linear polarization, covering everything that will be seen at a race event.

Ethernet Interface (8-Way Event Version)

The 8-Way Event timing system includes an Ethernet port to allow direct cabling of the timing system into race management systems. Evaluated for > 6 months by none other than Joe Scully, the best race commentator in the business, and used for the vast majority of his events. Joe’s feedback was instrumental in ensuring that this timing system meets the needs of FPV race organizers. (And of course, IP67 waterproof, passively cooled, with no fans to suck in stray vegetation, commonly found at FPV race courses)

LiveTime Integration

The ImmersionRC LapRF Race Timing Systems are both supported by the industry-leading LiveTime Scoring Engine. Full integration of the personal system via USB, or the event system via Ethernet, including full auto-calibration of the timing system, and even a built-in Spectrum Analyzer to analyze event background noise. LiveTime is the exclusive North American distributor for the LapRF 8-way and provides expert support for the product, and its integration with LiveTime.

Hands-Free Control from Apple Watch

This is a little feature that sounds like a gimmick, but in practice works quite well. Your race is configured, your fellow pilots are ready to race, goggles down, and now you need to take your phone/tablet from your pocket to hit the start button. Nope, just reach to your wrist, hit the start button, and wait for the adrenaline buildup that accompanies most race starts. Of course, as an added bonus, this doubles your Bluetooth range!. Just leave your phone/tablet within range of the timing system, and use your watch to remotely control it from up to 100m away.

Fully Waterproof

As anyone in the Drone Racing business can attest, the weather at outdoor racing events can be a little unpredictable. To allow races to run after a shower, and to protect expensive electronics from being fully immersed in water, the LapRF 8-Way is fully waterproof.
No fans, no moving parts, 1 kg of beautiful anodized aluminum which doubles as a heat-sink.

Connex ProSight Compatible

The LapRF is just as comfortable in the digital world as analog. Many successful mixed Analog and Digital races have been run by race director Joe Scully with a great deal of success. NOTE: Prosight units must be placed in fixed-frequency mode in order to connect pilots and channels.