Feb 21, 2010- SPC

[Loren]

I tried to do what I could but since I wasn't there for the issue, I'm not sure what happened. I don't know what to say about the missing runs, so I hope nobody won their class on the last run.

What happened was that the power shut off (it's on a 6-hour timer) and when we noticed, we did a save and went to turn it back on. Apparently, that save was not complete when the power came back on and it hiccupped and locked up the program. Windows wasn't locked up, but the program was stuck in an hourglass state. So, we forced a shutdown of the program and restarted it.

The run that was lost should have been about the 8th run, as drivers had just started 8th or 9th runs when this happened. Data entry for the last 2 runs should have been after the glitch. But, it is what it is. If we only lost one run from that mess... I think we were lucky!

[shakedown067]

With that, the results are up. I didn't put a blurb on the front page about it, but I'm sure Steve can think of something. I don't know what to say about the missing runs, so I hope nobody won their class on the last run.

Kenny, you da man! Within hours of getting the equipment back...he has the results up. Very cool. Looks like that new master cylinder really paid off for me. Next up...wider tires. Watch out Jeremy, I'm gunning for ya! LMAO Might jump up to Class B or A at the end of this season or the beginning of next season. All depends on what tires I get for the track wheels and if I dive into the suspension.

[Alizarin]

What happened was that the power shut off (it's on a 6-hour timer) and when we noticed, we did a save and went to turn it back on. Apparently, that save was not complete when the power came back on and it hiccupped and locked up the program. Windows wasn't locked up, but the program was stuck in an hourglass state. So, we forced a shutdown of the program and restarted it.

The run that was lost should have been about the 8th run, as drivers had just started 8th or 9th runs when this happened. Data entry for the last 2 runs should have been after the glitch. But, it is what it is. If we only lost one run from that mess... I think we were lucky!

We've had that happen before, but it's usually very rare and quite random. Seems to only happen when we're running times and actively listening to the timer. We've had it happen at Brooksville when the generator has come back online after it dies, for example.

For future reference, the way to handle it is to shutdown the program, reboot the computer, then start back up. Go to the file menu, select "Recover" and "Staging data". It'll re-parse all the data and will ask if you want to "reaccept" everything (which you do) and it should get everything back. Haven't had a problem with that yet. I didn't think it would happen at SPC though. I sorta wish somebody had called. I feel bad that we lost runs.

[Loren]

By the time we thought to call, it was too late. I think Chuck had already attempted to reopen the data by then.

Seems like the solution would be to do the following when power is interrupted:
1. Unplug the computer to prevent surges.
2. Save data and CLOSE THE PROGRAM.
3. Restore power.
4. Plug in the computer and then reopen the program.

Try to prevent the problem rather than having to worry about recovering from it.

[shakedown067]

By the time we thought to call, it was too late. I think Chuck had already attempted to reopen the data by then.

Seems like the solution would be to do the following when power is interrupted:
1. Unplug the computer to prevent surges.
2. Save data and CLOSE THE PROGRAM.
3. Restore power.
4. Plug in the computer and then reopen the program.

Try to prevent the problem rather than having to worry about recovering from it.

Say, what about just bringing a battery backup to plug the computer and timing gear into? I think I could find an extra one around the office I could bring to events. It would need to stay charged so I wouldn't advice leaving one in the trailer. Kenny, do you think a 350 would be enough or would we need a 500? I know we have extra 350's that we can't use anymore.

[Loren]

Kenny, do you think a 350 would be enough or would we need a 500? I know we have extra 350's that we can't use anymore.

Good idea, and I'd have suggested it, but my experience with UPS and generators has not been good. Modern UPS devices incorporate sophisticated surge protection and they tend to detect "ground fault" in generator output.

Used to have a really old boat-anchor of a UPS that didn't care, but anything new I tried in the late 90's just plain wouldn't work with a UPS.

Would work at SPC as long as we're not getting too much voltage drop from the extension cords. I'd be surprised if it worked with the generator, though.

[shakedown067]

Would work at SPC as long as we're not getting too much voltage drop from the extension cords. I'd be surprised if it worked with the generator, though.

Didn't even think about that. If I get a new one for my entertainment center, I'll sacrifice my old one to the generator gods and see what happens.

[Miata GT]

WOW! Yellow_Colorz_PDT_02

Chris, that was the most fun I have had in a long time.

[Agent]

Had a great time. I'm surprised I got that much traction out of those old almost 3 year old Hankook RS-2s.

Here is a series of my videos, the last run is my 26.1

http://www.tbehobbies.com/img/movies/fa" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... 090221.mpg

[AScoda]

I think I spent as much time countersteering as I did steering. I am pretty sure there wasn't one spot that I wasn't in some state of slide. Weeeeee!

It takes 4 tenths of a second to blink your eyes. Looking at the results, every time you blink, 5 cars finish.

[PaboShon]

Looking my results, it appears I currently have two driving modes (too cautious, and too aggressive). I say this because through all ten runs, I either hit no cones at all or I completely lost control and put the car into a spin.

I can’t wait to find a happy medium.

[nc4me]

Mark- I'm glad to hear it.

Carl- You were definitely moving fast, even on those tires. Thanks for the vids.

PaboShon- Once you find that medium of pushing as hard as you can and still having control, nothing feels better.

Drew- I hear you on that. If you look at some classes there were places won by hundredths of a second.

Speaking of hundredths of a second wins. Congratulations Mr. Frank. It looks like my smack talk was just that, talk. I fear not though, fore I know that there are plenty more events left in the season to try and redeem myself.

[Native]

True "control" is the ability to relinquish control, and subsequently reclaim it, at will. It's elusive, and at least on an autocross course fun to chase.

Yeah, Chris, I got you this time, barely...I say we claim credit, along with Rydell who was doing his Stig impression, for being the highest finishing, lowest power cars. m'kay? Yellow_Colorz_PDT_06

And a collective thank you for all the kind words and positive feedback from everyone.

As for the courseworking, I was responsible for the worker assignments. I tried to be sure I did not send two novices to a corner together. I admit to not recognizing every name (oh, the shame), so it's possible the troubled corner was my doing...and I'm all for emphasizing courseworking at the driver's meeting in one way or another.

[Native]

Championship points have been updated. There's been a lead-change or two.

[garage west]

True "control" is the ability to relinquish control, and subsequently reclaim it, at will.

Wow. Well stated.

[freddiekelos]

The track was a blast to drive. It allowed me to use the things i learned at the novice school. Everyone was very helpful with the driving advise. Im learning how to push my car to its limits or at least what the 150,000 mile stock vehicle will allow me too .



Wilfredo Reyes
98 Acura integra ls

[b13ken]

This was by far the most fun I have had in any of my cars. I learned quite a bit from Steve and Ken riding along with me and had a blast. Can't wait for next months event.

Ken S.
91 Black Nissan Sentra Se-r

[Native]

Thanks guys. Glad y'all learned a lot and had a good time. We got lots more...

[nc4me]

Novice Winners

1st- Joe Raiti Joe actually won his class as a novice.

2nd- John Evans

3rd- Shon Sparks


Congratulations to all of the novice winners!