There is a new remote starting gate on the market! It works seemlessly with the Best Track. Click the image below to go view the site as well as more information.

Does anybody have one of these? I need a solenoid start and I should just build one but I feel lazy and I have too many cars to build.... $170 ESS or $120 Judge?

this one is only $99 + $10 shipping.

+$39 for the hardware to be able to start a race with your computer mouse.

let them know you are coming from this forum, there might be a discount. i can not say for certain but it couldnt hurt to let them know they are being advertized here and maybe get a kickback of some kind

Operating by mouse would be cool. But seems the ESS is easier to set up.

$170 vs $109 to spend a couple minutes extra on set up.

i've seen both get set up and both install quick and easy, even if a complete novice

I would get the solenoid start unit for $99 and then activate it with the hand held switch for an additional $19...

So that's why I said $120 (plus shipping) for the Judge and that compares to $170 (plus shipping) for the ESS... at least that was my take on the comparison.

I just have no idea if one is way better than the other... does the ESS just have a nicer package, an "ON" light and "start" button on the unit?

I wouldn't use the start button on the unit and I don't care what it looks like because I can't even see it. My start lever is against the wall... I would always use the remote hand held switch....

Apr 27, 2011 7:22:48 GMT -6 5KidsRacing said:

Does anybody have one of these? I need a solenoid start and I should just build one but I feel lazy and I have too many cars to build.... $170 ESS or $120 Judge?

5kids - If you ever decide to build one I have schematics and parts list. Instead of the solenoid I recommend a door lock actuator which you can buy for $5.50. I have made two solenoid start gates; one with a solenoid and one with the actuator. The actuator has more power and a longer travel making it much simpler to align - and the price is much better.

Apr 27, 2011 8:07:47 GMT -6 5KidsRacing said:

I wouldn't use the start button on the unit and I don't care what it looks like because I can't even see it. My start lever is against the wall... I would always use the remote hand held switch....

I trigger mine through the GPRM software via RS-232, but also have a remote start button built in that I could use as well.

Apr 27, 2011 8:20:43 GMT -6 *5 J's* said:

Apr 27, 2011 7:22:48 GMT -6 5KidsRacing said:

Does anybody have one of these? I need a solenoid start and I should just build one but I feel lazy and I have too many cars to build.... $170 ESS or $120 Judge?

5kids - If you ever decide to build one I have schematics and parts list. Instead of the solenoid I recommend a door lock actuator which you can buy for $5.50. I have made two solenoid start gates; one with a solenoid and one with the actuator. The actuator has more power and a longer travel making it much simpler to align - and the price is much better.

I saw all of your posts and schematics on the solenoid start 5 J's... you have amazing skills:) It looks very electrical.. not my strong point. I am willing to pay for something quick and easy and focus on building cars. I must be a pinewood nerd because I can remember like 90% of the posts on every board but I forget to take out the trash every Friday.

Apr 27, 2011 8:28:31 GMT -6 5KidsRacing said:

It looks very electrical.. not my strong point. I am willing to pay for something quick and easy and focus on building cars. I must be a pinewood nerd because I can remember like 90% of the posts on every board but I forget to take out the trash every Friday.

lol - I know what you mean about taking out the trash. My wife has to send me my to-do list nearly daily or I'll forget. The electronics for the solenoid start gate aren't too bad. I'm pretty sure you could handle it - but I also understand that it would take time and focus away from building a car.

Which reminds me - I need to rebuild my Limiteds - I have tried a bunch of things but cannot seem to get better then 2.939 or so....

5J's, can you send me your schematics or link to them please? I hope to order my track this week and was going to make my own release gate. I had in mind the solenoid but i'm familer with door lock actuators also (I worked in car audio & security for 10 years:).

I have seen one set up with an solenoid but never a actuator. The part that worried me was modifying the gate piece, judge has info on what you need to do, but you only get one chance so that scared me a little.

I plan on running mine with a cord and handheld switch as my release will be against the wall or completely removed.

Apr 27, 2011 9:14:39 GMT -6 X→Ring Racing said:

5J's, can you send me your schematics or link to them please? I hope to order my track this week and was going to make my own release gate. I had in mind the solenoid but i'm familer with door lock actuators also (I worked in car audio & security for 10 years:).

I have seen one set up with an solenoid but never a actuator. The part that worried me was modifying the gate piece, judge has info on what you need to do, but you only get one chance so that scared me a little.

I plan on running mine with a cord and handheld switch as my release will be against the wall or completely removed.

I'm not sure you would have to mod if you use a door actuator as it has a good strong pull.

Here is a link to the schematics. Note that this is the unit I built for my test track. The one for the Pack uses the door actuator. The electronics are the same just substitute the door actuator for the solenoid. The door actuator is much longer so I needed a larger bracket (aluminum angle). I also integrated the start switch that triggers the timer onto this bracket.

Read the entire post including this post which has some info on mounting the transistor. You will not need all the parts listed such as the elbow latches and strike paltes if installing on a besttrack. If you have any questions feel free to PM.

I purchased "The Judge" solenoid start system today.

A few things to note... the BTG-1 is the old model and has a smaller solenoid than the the new GLB model. The new system will have a price of $119 plus shipping.

Since the website still is advertising the BTG-1, I received the GLB model at the $99 price... yeah! I also received a fully modified BestTrack Hand lever for free!

I don't know what, if any, discounts they will offer league racers in the future, but John Shreffler was very helpful and knowledgeable about his products.

John was one of the first members here on the board!!

5kids wrote

...but John Shreffler was very helpful and knowledgeable about his products

I have one of his early 1-lane timers and have had several conversations with John in the past 6 years. He will back his products and provide support as needed.

Ed