Timing Automation

[Charles]

Where are we at on ordering the software to automate the time recording via a laptop?

I remember Jamie offering a laptop to donate to the club's cause, what about the software interface side of it?

[Alizarin]

Nothing yet, at least on my end. Work is eating me alive this week and next, and robotics kickoff is this weekend, so I think we'll just have to settle for longer cables for January, unless I can scrounge up some more time.

If anybody else wants to snoop around, they're more than welcome

[Charles]

I think the first step is someone just needs to order the appropriate software that bundles with our model timer if this hasn't already been done?

Steve? anyone else?

If not, if you can post the full model number of our timer I can look it up and post a direct link for someone with access to the club $ to order it.

Call me crazy, but I have a vision of "unofficial results" being uploaded to the web before the last car is even off-site at the end of the day :shock:

[Anonymous]

AXWare is what the SCCA uses. $239
http://axwaresystems.com/store/home.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and I believe we have the same JA Circuits timer.

[Charles]

thanks



Jamie, what are the specs on that donor laptop of yours? and does it have a serial port and usb?

[Subsonic]

Vitek did a great job with axware.

[Native]

Money-wise, we're on a tight budget this year - the $240 Jeremy quoted is gonna be about it. Less would be better, if possible.

Anyone can order it - gimme a receipt and you'll get reimbursed. Just bear in mind that the checking account is in "electronic setup hold" limbo right now, but should be going before the 13th, if the bank does what they should.

[blacksheep-1]

Sell reserved numbers Luke......sell reserved numbers......

[Jamie]

Jamie, what are the specs on that donor laptop of yours? and does it have a serial port and usb?

It's an old Gateway Solo -- haven't looked at it for awhile, so don't remember what chip's in it. IIRC, it's running Windows 2000. I'm certain it has a USB port...will have to look at it when I get back to confirm/deny a serial port. I'll bring it with me on the 13th.

Rob's idea for fundraising is a good one, especially since it's a free club and we're trying to keep entry fees down -- no other opportunity to build a capital maintenance fund in case the timer melts down, the trailer needs repair, or some other money-sucking catastrophe. I think $20 for a permanent number each year is not unreasonable. Fearsome Native Leader -- any thoughts?

[Native]

I'm all for it, $20. for a calendar year sounds fair, and I'll be first in line.

If someone will step up to coordinate and track it, we'll be in business!

[kickslop]

Made a separate thread in this forum for fundraising ideas/talk.

[Alizarin]

AXWare also has a "basic" version for $169, described as follows:

AXWare for Windows software interface that provides basic timing capabilities. This includes timer support, full staging functionality but limited registration support, reduced set of reports (basic sets for overall standings), etc.

Supports: AXWRATS Timer, RACEAMERICA Timing Systems - AC4, JA Circuits, Tag Heuer (CP502, CP505, CP520, CP605, CP705), Chronomix CC737.

I still say can't beat cheap as free. Hell, I may do my own just for fun.

[kickslop]

Just a bump for updates if any?

BTW, the generator (or some other replenishing power source) will be a necessity at every event when we start using the laptop.

[Loren]

IMO, generators are a PITA. Great if you truly need them, but just something to lug around, setup, do maintenance on, keep gasoline for, and listen to the noise of otherwise.

Given that the timer works on 12v and any notebook can operate on 12v (or a cheap AC invertor plugged into 12v), I'd seriously consider setting things up such that we can just plug into a car. Most cars run quietly and should be able to idle all day without issue... and there are always plenty of them around at an autocross.

[Native]

Charles and Kenny are on top of it, and among other things are examining a non-generator power source.

[Charles]

Given that the timer works on 12v and any notebook can operate on 12v (or a cheap AC invertor plugged into 12v), I'd seriously consider setting things up such that we can just plug into a car. Most cars run quietly and should be able to idle all day without issue... and there are always plenty of them around at an autocross.

So far I have a cheap DC to DC power converter, takes 11-14 V DC in, adjustable from 15-24 VDC out. Our donor laptop should run off of this with less power loss than running thru an ac/dc inverter. A small drycell battery should arrive today. It can be deep cycled hundreds of times without issue.

It is rated at 20hr rate = 18 Ah
10hr rate = 17 Ah

This is the idea for easy remote site power right now. I will have to test and see if this battery will last long enough for us. The calculations I ran online tell me it'll be close.