Heat, the #1 enemy of electronics
FPV races are a lot more pleasant when the snow has melted, and the days are long enough for more
packs than your charger can keep up with.
These spring and summer months closer to the equator brings the sun, and the potential damage
that it can cause to electronics used for FPV racing.
The LapRF Event System uses a milled, anodized, waterproof housing, which keeps electronics
protected from dust, and moisture, which appears to be attracted to FPV events (especially those
held on the Spanish isle of Ibiza).
This housing also acts as a heatsink to keep the sensitive timing receivers cool, and ensuring that
they have a long working life.
When placed in direct sunshine, at elevated temperatures, the effectiveness of this heatsink is
reduced, so care does need to be taken.
Simply protect the LapRF from direct sunlight, using anything that is transparent to RF. A piece of
white fabric, a pizza-box lid (ideally with tomato sauce removed), even the cardboard box that the
product ships in.
Placement
The lapRF’s integrated patch antennas form a beam which emits from the top of the product.
Ideal placement is in the center of the gate, but that does expose it to strikes from low-flying (high
speed) racers.
A small hole in the ground works well to protect it for grass tracks, or where this is not possible,
either protect the timer from strikes placing a solid object in front of it, or place the timer at a 45
degree angle from one corner of the gate.
When laying out tracks for RF timing, avoid parts of the track which come close to the timing gate to
prevent false readings.
For start grid positioning, place it at least 5m from the gate to ensure that the first crossing is
registered.
