Hobbico: MicroSizers digital lap counter

Radio Control Car Action, Oct 2003

Hobbico

MicroSizers digital lap counter

HOBBICO HAS DEVELOPED A DIGITAL LAP COUNTER for micro and mini RC vehicles that has 1/100-second accuracy and selectable "time" or "lap" functions. The lap-counter display has 2 LEDs that light up to signal the beginning and end of a race and a digital LCD that tracks the race statistics and reveals final lap and time information. An audible alert indicates when a "best lap" is achieved and when the race is almost over.

For convenience, a detachable start button is tethered by a 12-inch wire. The button can also be used to see how long you have been racing: just hold it down to display the timer. An infrared optical sensor in the rear of the lap counter has a reliable range of 8 inches when the included sensor reflector is used. Two AAA batteries power the unit, and an "auto-off " feature extends battery life by switching off the timer after 5 minutes of inactivity.

In testing, the lap counter was easy to use and reliably counted laps for the MicroSizers and Kyosho Mini-Zs for as long as we could squirt the cars between the lap counter and the reflector. The buttons are well labeled and allow you to quickly navigate through the menu to select your race parameters. The lap counter can be set for 1 to 10 minutes and for 1 to 500 laps. It only allows one car to race at a time, so grab a pencil and paper to jot down your best times for bragging rights.

Digital lap counter-HCAP0002; $25.

Great Planes Models Distributors (217) 398-6300; (800) 682-8948; hobbico.com.