FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Steps to having your transponder repaired

1. Have a look through the FAQ to find detailed info regarding repairs

2. Contact me via email or phone to advise me you are sending transponders

3. Download Repair form, print, fill it in and send with transponders

4. I advise you I have received them and within 1-3 days supply a report and invoice

5. You make payment and transponders are sent back

Kart racer

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You are welcome to email me if your question is not covered here

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battery AMB transponders AMB battery replacement AMB transponder repair AMBrc transponder repair AMB20 transponder repair AMB transponder battery change AMBrc transponder battery change AMB20 transponder battery change AMB transponder battery replacement AMBrc transponder battery replacement AMB20 transponder battery replacement AMBrc3 handout transponder tranx160 AMB tranx160 TranX 160 tranx260 tranx 260

How long do repairs take?

Battery replacement and testing turnaround is usually 5-7 days, excluding postage time.

AMBrc DP (PT personal) transponder wire replacement turnaround time is 2-24 hours, excluding postage time.
This is an express service because I know you usually need your PT back asap.

How long does mailing take?

Within Australia only a few days or next day if Express Post is used.

Worldwide postage usually takes about 10 working days.
Express services are around 3-6 working days depending on location.

How do I send my transponders?

Send transponders only
Do not send chargers or power packs

Download AMB transponder repair form click here

Australian clients

I recommend using Registered or Express Mail

See Australia Post for details

Enclose a completed Transponder Repair Form

Clients outside Australia

Enclose a completed Transponder Repair Form with your shipment

You can send via Air Mail, Express Mail or Courier such as UPS or Fedex.

Choose whatever suits your costs and speed requirements.

I DO NOT accept items via DHL

IMPORTANT - Customs info
On customs declaration state – "timing electronics for repair"
Value must be stated at less than $1,000AUD ($600USD) to avoid delays and extra charges through Australian Customs.
Used AMB20/AMBrc transponders are valued by insurance companies at $30AUD each ($20USD).
Used TranX 140, 160, 260 transponders are valued by insurance companies at $80AUD each ($60USD).

Preferably use a medium to large padded bag that has enough room on it for the customs declaration form.
Bundle transponders together to avoid movement within the bag and
enclose the completed Transponder Repair Form

What is the postal address?

Transponder Services

Jeff Chandler

2 Reedan Street

Everton Park 4053

Brisbane

AUSTRALIA

Please include a completed Transponder Repair Form with your shipment

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How do I contact you?

Send me an email and I will answer promptly (within 24hrs)
If I have not responded within 24 hours then I did not receive your email
or my response did not reach you.

PHONE

Try landline first as mobile is not always turned on.
Please check time before phoning.

My current time is displayed below. Best to phone between 9am and 5pm my time, thank you.

Landline 3355 7476 or Mobile 0418 783 201

Dialling from another state in Australia, please use the prefix 07

Dialling from outside Australia, please dial your international code then prefix 617
To look up your international code visit Country Calling Codes

Brisbane AUSTRALIA

How do I make payment?

Payment is not required until after I have received your transponders

Australian clients wishing to pay by non-electronic method such as cheque or money order
may wish to send payment with transponders to avoid delays

Quotes are available upon request

Australian clients
I prefer Bank Transfer but I do accept PayPal

Cheque's (pending bank clearance)

Australia Post Money Orders

Cash (at pick-up only)

Clients Outside Australia
can pay via PayPal

PayPal is safe and easy way to pay online using your PayPal account, Credit Card, Debit Card or Bank Account

I also accept Western Union by prior arrangement

What batteries are fitted?

AMB20

Ni-mH cell provides 20+ runtime from a 16 hour charge
Note: original AMB20 batteries are Ni-Cd and require a different charging method to Ni-mH batteries.
You will be provided with the new charging methods at time of battery replacement.

AMBrc

Ni-mH cell - same as original battery but rated with a longer life expectancy.
Charging method remains the same.

AMB400

Ni-mH cell
Note: original AMB400 batteries are Ni-Cd and require a different charging method to Ni-mH batteries.
You will be provided with the new methods at time of battery replacement.

AMB Tranx 160, 260, Pro, MX

Ni-mH similar to original but with higher capacity
Charge method remains the same
Note - some newly fitted battery may take a few charge cycles to reach full capacity

AMB Tranx 140

Exactly the same battery as the original

AMB warranty?

Most current model AMB transponders usually have a 1-3 year manufacturer warranty

If you are the original purchaser of the AMB transponders then you are covered by the AMBi.t. warranty.
In Australia contact info@amb-australia.com or phone 02 9546 2606 to confirm warranty status.
Worldwide contact your nearest AMB agent to confirm warranty status.
You will need to quote the serial numbers from the transponders.

I will repair transponders in and out of AMB warranty
but I recommend you take advantage of the AMB warranty were possible

AMB 20 & AMB 400
These are well out of warranty and no longer supported by AMB

TranX 140, 160, 260, Pro, MX
Outside of AMB warranty - AMB does not repair or replace the batteries.
So do not waste your time sending them to AMBi.t..
Check if you like by phoning them first and ask if they replace the battery.
However, AMB does offer a percentage discount for trade-in of your old transponder depending on age.
Visit AMB web site and click "Contact Us" for their phone numbers and email addresses.

Transponder Services warranty

All new batteries have a 12 month warranty
Used AMB20 transponders have a 3 month warranty on signal

I don't have a PayPal account

If you do not have a PayPal account then you can pay with your credit card securely online via PayPal.

After I have received your transponder for repair I will send you the PayPal details.

PayPal is very popular on eBay and is one of the most trusted online payment methods around.

I will also accept payments via Western Union if the above method is not available to you.

Upgrading from AMB20 to AMBrc/3 system

This information may save you money and help you know what you need to do when considering upgrading to an AMBrc3 transponder system.

Most old AMB20 transponder charging racks are compatible with AMBrc/3 decoders. If you are unsure please contact me.

The old AMB20 detection loop assembly is fully compatible with AMBrc/3 decoders.

AMB20 transponders ARE NOT compatible with AMBrc/3 decoders.

AMBi.t. sell new AMBrc3 decoders and usually offer a good trade-in price for your old AMB20 decoder.

AMBi.t. do not take charging racks, detection loops and AMB20 transponders for trade-in.

So financially you can usually be better off if you trade-in only your old AMB20 decoder when buying a new AMBrc3 decoder.

Keep your charging rack and detection loop and reuse with AMBrc3 decoder.

Sell your 2nd hand AMB20 transponders. Contact Transponder Services and I will make you a fair offer.

Buy hand out transponders at the same time and also consider doing a bulk purchase of AMB personal transponders as AMBi.t. offer discounts for bulk buys.

If you do the upgrade in this manner then you will find it is cheaper overall for you this way, rather than buying a whole AMBrc3 system and selling your old AMB20 system as a whole via a private 2nd hand sale.

Difference between AMB TranX 160 and AMB TranX 260 transponders

AMB TranX 160 transponder is primarily designed for use in Kart racing and low speed motorcycles.
The top speed that a 160 will work is 160 Kph.

AMB TranX 260 transponders are designed for faster motor sports such as Touring Cars and motorcycles.
The top speed that a 260 will work at is 260Kph. Note that the signal strength is much stronger than a 160.

When considering whether to buy a 160 or 260 AMB TranX transponder you need to think about a few things.
One, does the race venues I intend to race at support 160 or 260 only or both.
Two, if you only need a 160 but can afford a 260 then a 260 is a better choice because the signal is stronger and re-sale value is much better because 260 transponders are more in demand.

Note that 160 and 260 new and old style transponders can have new batteries fitted by Transponder Services and a very reasonable cost.

How to replace AMB transponder battery

I sometimes have a technically able person contact me wanting information about AMB transponder battery replacement. The questions include, "what type of battery do I use", "what is the voltage", "how do I dissolve the resin that encases the battery", "how do I open a new style TranX", and so it goes.

The best answer I can give is not to attempt repairs yourself and ONLY engage a company that has years of experience and specialises in transponders.

It is a specialised job and I have seen too many good transponders wrecked by "so called professional battery re-packers" and backyard operators. Beware of the backyard operators advertising online. Most are only hobbyists that think they know what they are doing, but their methods have not stood up to the test of time.

So why risk an unknown when Transponder Services has a proven track record of 10 years service to the racing community. The price is much the same but with Transponder Services you get professional service backed by a 12 month warranty.
Plus if I cannot repair your transponder then there is no charge to you for the attempt.

Where to get racing software

I cannot recommend any particular race software program because not everyone has the same preferences and requirements. Most of these will suit Radio Controlled Car Racing, Kart Racing, BloKart Racing, and RC boat racing.

RC racing software links

AEBI RC Progress - Switzerland

Alycat - Australia

BBK Software - UK

B and B Autoscore - CA, USA

J-Lap Software - GA, USA

MatX Software - Italy

PC Lap Counter - Belgium

Race-Control - Germany

RC Scoring Pro - WI, USA

RC Timing - also known as Laps Free - UK

SlyFox - Australia

WinARC - France

Note: If you know of any race management programs that I have not listed then please let me know so I can add it.

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