By no means am I an expert, or even close to it, but I think I can hold a decent pace in my kart. But short of being out on track with other people running the same class, I really haven’t had a way to see if that’s actually true.
I’ve been holding off on a Mychron or Alfano as they cost about 25% of what I have into both my kart and my son’s, but I’m thinking I’m going to have to give in at some point here. So what’s the consensus of the forum, are onboard gauges/lap timers a must-have?
Am I missing a viable alternative? It seems like some of the “simpler” lap timers end up costing just as much due to subscriptions or other such nonsense.
What’s your goal?
If you’re just lapping for fun, it’s fine to get a gear ratio from someone else, carb settings from someone else, and just pound out laps.
If you’re trying to actually go fast or keep an eye on your stuff, knowing your RPMs, lap times, engine temps, and the whole host of data a MyChron or similar can provide is pretty invaluable. I would consider them a must-have.
Would you run your car without a gas gauge or tachometer?
Thanks TJ, and very fair question. Ultimately I’m out there to support my son, but I won’t lie and say I don’t want to race myself.
I recently found a used Mychron 5 and Mychron 4 a guy will sell for $450 (for both) though they don’t include the cables. I was going to pull the trigger but as it’s a big investment for us right now, I figured I’d validate my assumption that this is really a must-have for us.
I know they are expensive but $450 for two gauges is a good deal. Obviously a 4 or 5 is great and more usable than an older gauge but if money is a concern, buying an old 3 or something is fine for what you would need I’m sure. The issue is finding one.
Also if you take care of it, they’ll last years. I got my 5 when they first came out and it’s doing just fine years later. And AiM’s customer service is great so if you have an issue they can usually fix it pretty easily.
I agree with what TJ is saying but I think it becomes less of a concern with 206, as engine information either is’t allowed or is something that can’t be adjusted for. BUT lap information can really only be obtained from these units and that is very helpful information.
I think used is a good option, some things to be aware of …
Alfano and Mycrons are not interchangeable so leeds from one will not work with the other.
Newer Alfano units batteries run forever, but the batteries in Mychron 5 units last maybe a weekend, so you will also be recharging a lot.
The Mychron 5 and 5s have built in GPS and the MyChron4 does not, so the data from a 4 is fairly limited, plus if you are doing just track time you will need to have a beacon to activate lap time with the 4. Some places will have this available for track users but some may not. I am not as familiar with the Alfano, but I believe the 5 and 6 have a built in GPS as well.
The other concern with used is they are amongst the most common scams you hear about. These units are used in other forms of grassroots motorsports such as junior dragsters and mini sprints, so you may find them in other circles, not just kart listings which I think adds to the likelihood of a scam. If you can buy in person that would be prefered.