Valid concern of course. Is it expected to be any worse with lights vs flags?
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In my experience the red is hands down better with the lights. It’s really a nice thing to have for all the lights. There is no delay when it comes to red getting displayed, all it takes is the call to be made and button pushed. No extra communication to the corner marshals (which in our case are less and less knowledgeable as time passes) to delay getting flags out.
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I can only vouch for the system we use, but it’s quite incredible how bright the LEDs are, even in July - 12PM - Middle of the day - full sunshine situation. It’s almost impossible to stare at the panel directly from up close, while it’s flashing, as it hurts.
I would expect that the effectiveness of the light panels would depend in large part on placement. They should be in the drivers line of sight as much as is practical to minimize the need to look for the panels each time by. Like corner flags, eventually drivers would learn where to look for them.
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They have small lights setup at North Texas Karters. They add complexity to the flagger’s job when used and are not easily visible on a sunny day. My son said he doesn’t even look for them anymore, just too hard to spot.
So if one were to look at them, I would say 2 things:
If you have a true flag stand, don’t put the load of operating the lights on the flagman unless he is a octopus! I am not!!! For the life of me I cannot do the flag stand lights, flags, radio comms, and track the lap count. So when we run the track lights, they are the absolute last thing to get my attention from the stand.
Make sure the lights are large enough, bright enough, and close enough to be seen by drivers. Ours are placed out of the normal sight lines a bit too much and are too dim to draw attention when the sun is out.
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Chuck. Do you know what system you’re utilizing!
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Simone-
What system does your track use?
Unfortunately I do not recall off the top of my head. I know it has been at the track a VERY long time. No computer stuff, old school circuit board inside with analog switches.
Hey John, i do not have a track myself, i work for the FIA Karting.
We use this system, which we bring with us to all the events we organize and run
I believe the Pixelcom system that Simone mentions is the same one that Jackson represents with Track Systems NA.
I’ve mentioned it before, but having raced in a series (Stars Championship Series) that utilizes this system, it’s hands down better than old school flags in every way.
Visibility is not a concern.
I suppose the only thing to consider is whether the price fits within your budget based on your needs. If I were selling OR buying then I would put on emphasis on the safety/liability piece, and ask what is that worth?
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Definitely was one of the coolest things when I did stars that system is top notch
Can confirm this is correct.
I would agree with Chucks points. Our track has a newer LED system operated by the timing and scoring person. Even on our relatively small 4/10 mile track he has a hard time keeping up. We have a head flagger and several corner workers but they are tougher to come by so the lights do help. If you can have a dedicated person run the light or ideally two people that would be best.
They’ll work great and the drivers will adapt quickly. The biggest issue when Stars used them at Pitt was placement - IMO the boards need to be placed looking in to a turn and that can be a little tricky depending on the track. A practice day with some fairly heads up drivers and you’ll have it sorted.
Yes my club is still using race america lights.
Very easy to see from a driving perspective.
They can come with the option of flashing which can make them stand out as well, we use solid colours as thats the requirement for our rules.
My comments still stand on reflection after 2 years. Along with my other comments about probably being able to build a hard wired light system cheaper.
We have had them for nearly 10 years, battery life and build quality are pretty good considering the abuse they get.
Encountered this system from a US company called FlagTronics today. Our ice racing club up here have bought a system, so I guess that means it works well in cold conditions…
The system has an onboard option too. Would need a power source on a kart of course, but I can’t see the requirements being super high. I always dig price transparency too.
4x panels $1599, Includes:
Four (4) Sign Board Light Panels (32cm X 16cm / 12.6in x 6.3in each)
Aluminum Extrusion Frame Kit
Two (2) Two-Way Harnesses
Sign Board Receiver
Power Distribution Block (2 Harness Version)
Receiver to Power Block Harness
Battery to Power Block Harness
6 Panels $2199.99
Obviously there’s some supporting equipment needed in terms of controllers, but off the cuff, that seems very affordable. One thing I would like for rental karts would be the addition of text to the flag colors… ie CAUTION in the middle of a yellow flag because many folks just won’t recall the flag meanings when they are gripping the steering wheel I guess we could do something with decals…
As a follow up to this discussion. Our Board of Directors voted last night to move forward with the purchase of a lighting system from Track Systems North America. We found their pricing to be reasonable, they were very responsive with questions, and the technology seems current.
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