CUSTOM FIT FOR ALL MAJOR TRACK MANUFACTURERS

We design the gate to fit perfectly with BestTrack, Piantedosi, SuperTrack, MakeTracks, MagicTrack, and others. The gate shown here, for example, is mounted on a four lane aluminum BestTrack with no modifications. You just remove the existing start gate, and substitute the New Directions Remote Control gate. This design provides the full range motion of our custom-made peg bar.

Currently available only for 2, 3, and 4 lane tracks.

CAN YOU FIT MY HOME-BUILT TRACK?

Sure. Just provide the number of lanes, lane spacing, and construction type. Photographs are often helpful. We will make it work on your track.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR BESTTRACK OWNERS:

You will need to contact BestTrack to obtain an extra Joiner Angle to mount at the very top of the track as shown in the photo above. Reason: The lane-to-lane strength in the upper track is normally provided by the steel piano hinge of the BestTrack start gate, which will be lost when making the change to the solenoid gate. BestTrack provides this item at a modest cost.

CONSTRUCTION

The start gate is fully constructed and tested. The base material is 1/2" MDF. A gate peg bar is carefully constructed from aluminum to exactly match your track centerlines, and mounted using techniques that eliminate hinge binding. The gate is driven open by a solenoid, and returns to the closed position with a cobalt steel expansion spring. Construction details for various tracks will vary. The electronic circuitry features complete optical isolation of the control circuitry from the 120 VAC power conditioning elements. If any power component fails, there is still no conductive path to a metal track. The Remote Control Start Gate comes with a 16 foot cable that plugs into the Light Tree. Other cable lengths are available on request.

USE WITH OTHER FINISH LINES

The solenoid start gate is specifically designed to operate with our Judge, and Light Tree. However, you may use the solenoid start gate with other finish lines. The only consideration is that the finish line must be able to tolerate the gate returning to the closed position in 3 seconds, prior to the cars crossing the finish line. At this time, the only finish line we know of where this is an issue is the MicroWizard finish lines supplied with a microswitch start sensor. The MicroWizard finish lines supplied with their Laser Gate work just fine. For MicroWizard models equipped with microswitch start sensor, this interface solves the problem:

Microwizard Interface: $34

Replaces the Microwizard microswitch bracket assembly. We will mount this Interface on our Start Gate substrate for you.

Makes the Microwizard Finish Line behave electrically as if it is equipped with its Laser Start Gate, and allows the use of the New Directions Solenoid Start Gate

Comes with superior Magnetic Switch, rather than microswitch.

Switch has in-line connector, allowing removal of our solenoid start gate while leaving the magnetic switch in place if you desire.

Reset button readies Microwizard for next race, and turns on the red LED.

SOLENOID POWER CONSIDERATIONS

While the solenoid is powerful for its size, it does have limitations

WANT THE START GATE, BUT NOT THE LIGHT TREE?

The Start Gate and Light Tree are designed to work together as a team. The power that lights the green lights is sent by cable to the solid state power switching circuits of the Start Gate. If you don't want to buy the light tree, you may generate the required current yourself. Contact us for specifications and schematic. Please note that more is involved than simply putting a switch on the end of a cable. If you don't want to do it yourself, we offer this hand-held push button starting device for $34. If you decide in the future to upgrade to the Light Tree, just send the device back for full $34 credit.

Hand-Held Starting Device: $34

About the size of a pack of cigarettes

Operates on two AA cells, included

No high voltage present in device

Comes with 20 foot cable

Green LED indicates batteries are good

100% refundable upon upgrade

ORDERING  Note: The Start Gate does not appear on the Order Form page. Email or telephone your order. We accept COD, money order, or credit or debit cards through Paypal.

The base price for the Full Motion Remote Controlled Start Gate is $69 plus $20 per lane (Example: 4 Lanes = $149). There may be variation in prices due to unusual construction techniques in your track.

Add S&H: $12 plus $1.50 per lane (Example: 4 Lanes = $18.00)