IC Chip Problem

lnfjn · #1 07-18-2009, 06:00 PM

I went to the Hobbytown shop in Corona to buy some mod parts. I was also interested in driving on the track. I wanted to see if I would be any better driving with my 3PK. Problem was we couldn't get the lap counter to recognize the car even though it could last week. The guy at the store tried every thing he could think of and no go. It had no problem with other cars. If fact I registered the Lamborghini Murcielago. I ran a few laps but as I wrote on another thread the diff is so loose it was useless.
Any ideas what could have happened? The only thing the shop guy said I could do was notify Kyosho.

arch2b · #2 07-18-2009, 07:05 PM

i think that may be your only option as they are attached to the chassis. they may end up sending you a new chassis kit which would have a new trasponder

MrNanoTrax · #3 07-18-2009, 08:45 PM

did he try restarting the computer with the lap counter software? often the problem isn't with the tag, its with the application. did you notice the led light on the lap counter flickering while your car was attempting registration? i've seen a lot of issues with the lap counter/lap counter software, i have yet to see one that's unresolvable.

lnfjn · #4 07-18-2009, 10:43 PM

No he did not restart the computer. But all the other cars had no problem. Just the Ferrari.

lornecherry · #5 07-19-2009, 12:12 PM

...Nano is correct ...the first rule of computers is reboot if you suspect a hardware problem...95% of the time it is software, and the problem just goes away after a reboot.

The only other issue with the IC tags is if they get scratched or damaged (I think it was John at RCP that mentioned Kyosho rejected carpet tracks for this reason). Carpet isn't the only thing that can damage the IC tag -- a car flipping over and then getting hit (happens in racing) or a car flying off the track completely could potentially damage the tag.

You can completely prevent that problem (scratched IC) by covering the IC tag with one of the invisible skin plastics http://www.brighthub.com/computing/m...les/34556.aspxused to cover ipods.

That said, I highly suspect a reboot of the timing software is the correct solution to your problem. If not ...time to use your Kyosho warranty.

MrNanoTrax · #6 07-19-2009, 07:52 PM

the reason i say its not the car is i had the same problem once. after racking my brain over several possibilities, i touched the black "box" module where the USB cord is connected and BAM! it picked up the signal. turns out the problem was in the USB cord and touching it with my hand increased its reception. often, just intereference can reduce the timing strip's ability to pick up the signal. i had to remove an extension i used on the USB cord while in other instances, it was just interference from other electrical items in the area. u can download a IC Tag Lap Counter Support Document that has tips for increasing the sensor's ability to pick up the IC Tag.

note the IC Tag has no "signal" since its not connected to the power source in any way. its the same premise as a barcode scanner. most of your problems with IC Tag reception are going to come from your lap counter/lap counting software, not the IC Tag. i hope that helps

lnfjn · #7 07-20-2009, 10:26 PM

I called Kyosho today and talked to technical support concerning this IC tag problem. He took down my name and noted that Hobbytown Corona was where I had this problem. He appeared to agree with you Nanotrax that the problem must be with the reader at Hobbytown. He did say in either case they will have someone get back with me. I guess we shall see. The only problem I can see is I will probably have to drive over there (40 minutes) to see if the problem has been resolved.