What exactly is a Transponder?

A Transponder is an electronic finish line with two substitutions:

1. We omit the expensive display, and you substitute your superior big screen TV, which is used year around for other purposes.

2. We normally ship without the illuminators*, and you substitute your own light bulb.

Start Sensor		Timing Module		Car Sensors
When cars are released the Start Sensor sends time = zero signal to the Timing Module			When cars cross the finish line, the Timing Module reports finish order and elapsed time to your computer.

* If you really want the illuminators, we can provide them.

How could anything that small work?

Today's smartphones have 10,000 times the computing power of a Windows 95 computer which was often transported in a wheelbarrow. Remember when we listened to our 8 tracks with gigantic walnut speakers? Today's inexpensive desktop speakers sound better. That is the way of all things electronic. To answer the question, however, the Timing Module is the smallest part of any Pinewood Derby finish line. So it is not exactly a technical breakthrough.

The Transponder approach is simply a logical outcome of three factors:

1. Pinewood Derby software is really the only way to go in conducting a Pinewood Derby.
Nothing else comes close.

2. The Prices of big screen TVs or high performance LCD projectors are low and will continue to fall.

3. If you use big screen or projection, nobody will even look at your finish line. Observe your audience carefully. They all watch the cars come down the track, but just before the finish, every eye in unison goes to the big screen. Why? They want to know if it was Jimmy or Tommy, not what lane won. If nobody looks at your finish line, why sink a fortune in it?

Shirt pocket sized module fits on side of track.
Detachable sensors permanently mounted
within the BestTrack lanes.

Same module, but permanently attached to a wood strip
containing the sensors. A completely integrated unit that is
rugged and can safely bear the track's weight.