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Kart Expo International
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CONCESSION CORNER

REMOTE KART CONTROLS

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Remote kart controls allows the concession track operator to slow down or stop a patron who is driving dangerously or violating rules. By pressing the individual Kart number button, and then, after a few seconds, pressing the reset button the operator could slow and reset the patron, creating space between the offender and the other Karts. This effectively controls the problem without confrontation. If the problem persists, the Kart can be slowed to idle at a safe point on the track. In the event of emergency all Karts can be reduced to idle, and once the situation has been cleared, the Karts can be reset by remote.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Kart receiver module is mounted to the Kart and wire is plugged into the existing ignition harness. Another wire is run to ground. The unit is now ready to work. When activated by an individually coded signal or by the pit entrance device, the unit will limit the engine speed to a predetermined RPM, generally near the clutch engagement speed. The unit counts the number of ignition pulses and compares it with the RPM that has been preset. If the RPM is over that amount, the module will remove ignitions pulses causing the motor to slow down. Once the motor slows to the preset speed, the module continues to monitor the RPM but does not remove ignition pulses; thus the motor will idle normally. However, if the gas pedal is depressed, the motor will not develop any higher RPM than the preset amount, which generally is not high enough for the Kart to move.

The unit uses virtually no power to operate, but what is required can be taken from excess ignition power with no loss to the motor. This means there are no batteries or charging system to contend with.

WHAT THE SYSTEM DOES NOT DO
The unit does not rapidly slow down a Kart because the engine is still running and the Kart will coast. Kart remote controls do not apply the brakes in any way. The operator must determine whether or not it is wise to shut down one Kart.

The unit will not adversely affect the engine or Kart operation if it fails. The engine may stop if a unit fails, but you can simply unplug the module and the engine will run normally. The engine can never rev higher than normal because of the unit, nor can carburetor linkage jam because of the system. It is not part of the carburetor system.

But please keep in mind; a kart control system cannot replace a safe track operating procedure. If the system fails, the normal operating procedure must be adequate to safely operate the track, especially in the loading area. This system is to be used as a supplement to an existing safe operating procedure.

One such kart control system is the Kartrol EX-56 by Formula K Raceways, Mattawan, Michigan. (See advertisement on this site.

WHAT IS IT?
The Kartrol EX-56 is a solid state electronic engine speed limiter used on Go-Kart motors to reduce the engine RPM by remote control. This gives the track operator more control over the track operation, enabling him to reduce the speed of an individual Kart, a group of Karts, or all the Karts at will. As part of the system, a device can be mounted near the pit entrance that, when activated, will reduce RPM of every Kart that passes by it, without affecting Karts elsewhere on the track. This greatly improves safety in the pit area.

The complete system consists of:
a) 1 receiver module per Kart including simple installation instructions.
b) 1 track mounted localized transmitter used for controlling specific track area, i.e. pit entrance.
c) The main control console with a 56 Kart capability, complete with antenna.

FEATURES & BENEFITS
1) No mechanical linkages or solenoids.
2) No modifications to existing engine or Go-Kart controls (unit plugs into existing ignition wiring harness).
3) No batteries or charging systems of any kind Cow power needs are supplied by existing engine wiring with no adverse effect on engine system).
4) Capable of addressing up to 56 individual Karts or one or all of four groups of 14 Karts each.
5) Capable of resetting to normal all groups of Karts by remote control.
6) Fully solid state transmitter and receivers employ phase modulation technique of encoding data in the radio signal, making the Kartrol system extremely reliable.
7) No special skills required for installation, setup or operation.

When the track mounted transmitting device is activated from the main control console, any Kart that passes by it will have its speed reduced to idle. This aids in creating an orderly unloading area.

The control console has numbered buttons corresponding to the Kart numbers from 1 to 56 in four groups of 14 Karts each.

Each group of 14 Karts also has an "all stop" button which will activate all receivers in the group. There is also a group reset" button which will reset to normal all of the Karts in that group.

By pressing the group buttons all Karts can be slowed in cases of emergency, or by pressing one or two group buttons a fleet could be brought in while another is dispatched.

Remote Kart Controls, whether Formula K’s or any other are not intended to change or alter any go-kart manufacturers’, track designers’, or any other related equipment manufacturers’ safe operating guidelines for their equipment.

If your concession track doesn’t use a remote kart control system, we suggest you take the off season to look into the technology. It may well be worth your while.

END

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Kart Marketing Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 101
Wheaton, IL 60189 USA
Telephone: 630-653-7368
Fax: 630-653-2637
Email: karting@msn.com

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