G-Force FASTLAPS: smartphone-driven RC lap timing

Photo: G-Force (source)

G-Force FASTLAPS: RC lap timing in your pocket

RC lap timing remains an expensive item for clubs as well as for drivers running on their own. G-Force is tackling the issue from the entry level with FASTLAPS, a decoder + transponder package that needs no buried loop and hands the lap display over to a plain smartphone. The system is announced for 22 August 2026 on the Japanese market.

The principle is deliberately simple: the transponder fitted in the car emits an infrared signal, the decoder placed at trackside picks it up on every pass, then sends the information over 2.4 GHz to the dedicated app. No permanent installation, no wiring: set it down, pair it, drive.

A 45 g decoder that screws onto a camera tripod

The FASTLAPS Decoder Set (part number G0464) measures 55 x 26 x 65 mm for just 45 g, and runs on two AA alkaline batteries. Its base carries a 1/4 inch photo thread, so it can be mounted on any off-the-shelf tripod or clamp to fine-tune the aiming height according to the class and the width of the start line.

The complete pack supplied by G-Force includes the decoder, a Standard transponder, a sun shield designed to limit false triggers in bright sunlight, a mount and the manual.

Three transponders, from 1/8 buggy to Mini-Z

The range comes in three transponders to cover every class. The Standard model weighs 7 g with an infrared range of 3 to 10 m. The Pro goes up to 8.5 g with a boosted signal and a 4 to 10 m range, intended for wide tracks and high speeds. Finally the Mini is only 1.5 g for 5 m of range, a figure that makes it directly usable in Mini-Z and more widely in micro scales. All three accept a 3 to 15 V DC supply, which makes them compatible with virtually every receiver and BEC on the market.

Four running modes and voice lap announcements

On the software side, the app offers four running modes covering free practice and racing, with automatic real-time lap recording. Voice announcement of the lap times lets you keep your eyes on the car rather than on the screen, something that makes a difference during setup sessions where consistency matters more than an isolated fast lap.

Pricing and availability

The FASTLAPS Decoder Set is announced at ¥14,800 excluding tax. Transponders are sold separately: ¥3,800 for the Standard, ¥5,800 for the Pro and ¥3,200 for the Mini. Release is set for 22 August 2026 at G-Force.