Trouble Shooting
Are you having difficulties using SmartRace or SmartRace Connect? Then you will find a collection of helpful articles on the most frequently searched topics here.
User Manual
The comprehensive user manual helps you get started with SmartRace and SmartRace Connect and gives you a few useful tips and tricks along the way.
Did you know?
You can send a support request directly from SmartRace. A few pieces of data are automatically sent along to help narrow down the source of the error.
Common Questions
Which device do I need?
Which Carrera hardware to I need?
To use SmartRace, you’ll need the Control Unit (20030352) and the AppConnect dongle from Carrera. SmartRace does not work with the Carrera Black Box.
When will you release the next version?
I will release new version as often as possible. If bugs where fixed, I usually release immediately. Besides that, I’m continuously working on new things which I will release step by step.
Something is not working as expected.
Don’t worry! Please take a look at the manual or drop me a line at support.smartrace.de if you think you found an issue. Thanks!
Does SmartRace work with the Carrera black box?
No. To be able to use SmartRace, you need the Carrera Control Unit (article number 20030352) and an AppConnect adapter connected to it.
Does SmartRace work with other bluetooth dongles?
Unfortunately not. SmartRace does only work with the AppConnect dongle from Carrera and not with other dongles such as the CockpitXP Bluebox.
Do I have to buy SmartRace several times for several devices?
No. Once purchased, SmartRace can be used on any number of devices. The prerequisite is that the same Apple or Google account is used. Mixed operation on iOS and Android is not possible without purchasing the app for both platforms.
Can I test SmartRace before buying?
SmartRace does not have its own test version, but you can “return” apps within a certain period of time both in the Google Play Store and when purchasing them via iTunes. You can read how to do this here for iOS and here for Android (only within 48 hours of purchase).
Can I buy add-ons individually?
Yes, this is possible. Simply open the “Add Ons” dialog in SmartRace and open the “Included Features” tab. There you can purchase the respective add-on individually via the green shopping cart icon for a one-time payment. It will then be yours forever.
Analogue Mode Questions
Which smartphone or tablet can I use as a sensor?
The sensor mode works on Android and iOS (from iOS 14.5). It is strongly recommended to use an up-to-date device. Sensor mode runs a lot of CPU and memory intensive processes that can be better served by newer devices. On a Samsung Galaxy S8 from 2017, the recognition of 4 lanes runs optimally. But older devices can also be used as long as there is enough RAM and a CPU that is not too weak. Just try it out.
Which apps do I need to use the analog mode?
You need the paid app “SmartRace” (available in the AppStore under “SmartRace for Carrera Digital”). In SmartRace you need the extension “SmartRace Connect Server”, which is available as an in-app purchase. The sensor itself is the free additional app “SmartRace Connect”.
Something is not working the way I thought it would.
Please report any errors or problems at support.smartrace.de or by e-mail to info [at] smartrace.de. And if you are not satisfied at all, please contact us anyway! We will find a solution together.
Isn’t motion detection in analogue mode prone to false readings?
Of course, faulty measurements can occur if things other than a vehicle are moving through the camera image or if the lighting conditions in the room change considerably. Therefore, you should make sure that the lighting conditions are as constant as possible and that no animals walk across the track.
I already own SmartRace. Do I have to buy it again for analogue mode?
No! If you already own SmartRace, you do not need to buy the app again to use the analogue mode. You only need the SmartRace Connect Server extension.
How much does the analog mode cost?
Analog mode is a feature of SmartRace. SmartRace costs a one-time fee of 10.99€. To connect SmartRace Connect to SmartRace, you also need the SmartRace Connect Server add-on for SmartRace, which costs €3.99. The total cost is therefore a one-time fee of 14.98€. A subscription is not required.
Do cars have to have different colours so that SmartRace can distinguish them?
No. SmartRace works with motion detection – it doesn’t matter what colour the vehicle is. You can even use completely identical vehicles.
Can I use all the functions in analogue mode that are also available in digital mode?
No. In analogue mode, all functions that require a pit lane or a connection to the control unit are not available. At the moment, this concerns these functions: Weather, Penalties, Damage, Virtual Safety Car – as well as the Vehicle Tuning section.
SmartRace Connect Questions
Which devices and versions are supported?
SmartRace Connect runs on tablets as well as smartphones. However, to keep an eye on the race at all times and to use the vibration alarm, you should use a smartphone that you can hold comfortably in your hand. You can use the app both upright and sideways. SmartRace Connect is available for Android and iOS.
What requirements must be met?
In order for SmartRace Connect to connect to SmartRace, both devices must be on the same wifi and the devices must be able to see each other. The devices on which SmartRace Connect is running do not need to have Bluetooth, as the connection runs purely via wifi. Therefore, you should make sure that you have a stable and fast wifi connection where your track is located.
What does SmartRace Connect cost?
SmartRace Connect itself is free of charge. In order to use the SmartRace Connect server in SmartRace, you must purchase the corresponding add-on once. You can see the price for this in SmartRace.
I need help, have questions or have found an error.
In this case, you are welcome to send a support request at support.smartrace.de at any time. Simply register there and enter your request – you will be helped as quickly as possible. By the way, you can also suggest new functions in the support area.
