Personally, based on what you've told us, I wouldn't worry about getting a transponder system. All you need is a laptop, a box full of car numbers and a copy of one of the free timing programs. There is a free 'eco' version of the bbk software. It does the job but does take some getting used to. Other free software is available but I don't know the links off hand.
The club I'm involved with ran manual lap counting for the best part of 15 years before we moved to a second hand AMB20 system and it wasn't until last year that we moved to AMBrc.
AMBrc is probably the holy grail for clubs these days but as already stated they cost a packet. The AMB20 system is fine but bare in mind that AMB20 transponders have not been produced for several years now and working reliable transponders are few and far between on the second hand market. You can replace the batteries yourself but again as stated they are not designed to be user replaced and it can be a time consuming job at first. I've probably replaced 50+ batteries now on both AMB20 and RC systems so it can be done but be warned though that dead batteries are not the only reason a handout transponder doesn't work...
Anyway, good luck with your new club (and with whatever system you decide to go with)
Regards,
Jon.
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Faversham Off-Road Cake Club
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