Digital start clocks...

[Raymond]

If there is more than one club looking to upgrade, we all might be able to collaborate and buy more than one and drive the price down. Even if one club is not ready now...there may be contract consideration assertions we could use to secure the volume price anyway.

Think about it. I will pass this along to MHRA if they are not already monitoring.

[Boomtap15F]

i know when i need to be there...

[daveracerdsh]

Digital Clock

the clock I helped build in the early 90s for Seattle Outboard Association uses 40 watt bulbs for each segment...and there are 6 segments total. If you do the math, that means a pretty hefty generator to run the thing...and it uses old school relays to run each segment. It is essentialy like comparing a Univac computer to a windows based system...but it does work pretty well. The downside to it is as mentioned it takes a lot of power to run, but when a segment goes out (or a lightbulb) it is pretty easy to diagnose and fix. We have experimented over the years with different wattage lightbulbs, as well as spot, flood, etc.....and came up with a pretty good system...the cheap 40 watt bulbs you screw into your lamp over your desk seem to work the best. The thing is one solid unit, 4' by 8'.....and we may be looking to sell it at some point, as I think we are going to upgrade to a new system, or we may use CORA's clock....If we decide to sell it I will let clubs know in case they want to get a digital clock somewhat cheap. As far as more rules go...it is just my opinion that we should have a digital clock at stock nationals...I do understand that it is not always practical....but like Matt says...it is going on 2012....and we need to look forward. Just my thoughts. David

[mdaspit]

You know, I like digital clocks, once I locate it on the beach, but there is a down side in my opinion.

If you are at the outer limits of readability on a digital clock, or if your eyesite isnt really good, and you have a lot of vibration, there isn't a relative position on a digital. If a 6 looks like an 8 on a digital, that can be a big mistake. You are either right or wrong.

But, on a sweep hand, while not as precise, all you have to see is the position of the sweep hand and you have a close idea of the time.

[hydroid]

Spec required

To be clear, TORC is looking to spec out DIGITAL clock using LED lights, NOT incandescent old technology, requiring a nuclear sub-station, and fragile bulbs to mis-handling/breaking.

Lots of nice stories, but please provide specifics.
Great suggestion to have a flashing light on top...this is helpful!
Please provide experience with LED digit heights, view angle & distance, # of digits...who is using LED, and how is it working?
Mark, view angle is a valid concern, thx.

If I were soliciting SO racing politics/rules, the feedback would be endless ad nauseum.
MHRA/Ray, I emailed TJ indicative specs/quote we rec'd to date; however spec is not complete to SO racing requirement, needs dialing-in(eg: light for tv/judges, etc..)

Meaningful input appreciated.

[doc 35-0]

One problem with digitals has been the weather, if it is rainy, they often do not work. Oklahoma Boat racing assoc. has an all weather digital clock. I know because Rick and I set the clock on a large trailer with out securing it, the wind picked up and blew the 4x6ft. clock into the water. We pulled it out, pluged it in and the clock worked perfectly..If you are makeing or buying a clock, besure it has outside capabilities..Doc miller

[rbtv7]

digital clocks

If I could choose, my choice would be the sweep second hand (black) on a 6 foot white face. the movement of the hand on the face is a quick snapshot of time left. On the digital, you need to see it counting down. That may take more than one second or a repeated look at the blinking digital clock. That last 20 seconds on the clock is used for watching your competition as well as the moving hand on the clock! Now try reading those red digital lights when the sun is shining on it!

[Silas_53A]

I'd love to try out a nice digital clock. Seems to make sense to me, When you cross the line you can clearly see if there was time left... with the ol' sweeping second hand, you're never quite sure how close you really were.

[Andrew 4CE]

Just happened upon this place... anyone buy from these guys in Oregon? If the picture is actually theirs, they've obviously made one for boat racing.



http://www.alzatex.com/productItems....grp_spe3600ssw

They have pricing on their site too.

[mercguy]

Just happened upon this place... anyone buy from these guys in Oregon? If the picture is actually theirs, they've obviously made one for boat racing.



http://www.alzatex.com/productItems....grp_spe3600ssw

They have pricing on their site too.

that is actually the "good" clock we use in Reg10.......owned by the CORA club...........picture is from Newberg, Ore.......................clock is very easy to see and read from pretty much everywhere on the race course...........

I do like the idea of a light or something on top that indicates the 1 minute countdown, that way it could be seen even on the backside of the clock for racers and spectators....

[Nilsen Racing]

that is actually the "good" clock we use in Reg10.......owned by the CORA club...........picture is from Newberg, Ore.......................clock is very easy to see and read from pretty much everywhere on the race course...........

I do like the idea of a light or something on top that indicates the 1 minute countdown, that way it could be seen even on the backside of the clock for racers and spectators....

You are correct Daren. It is also the same clock that is pictured in the #1 post on this topic. The first one is from Rockaway Beach, Oregon and looks like is was taken from the pit area, located outside of turn two.

Jim

[hydroid]

CORA 36" clock

OK, so it's a 36", we're getting somewhere.
Do the 3 panels separate from each other for ease of transport, mounted/connected adjacent to each on site? How much each panel weigh if they come apart?...or total weight if not?

Technical considerations:
- viewing angle, reading angle, brightness, each is different, this explains: http://grandwell.com/viewing_angle_brightness.php
- pixel size, matrix, pitch, they determine resolution: http://grandwell.com/resolution_pitch.php

CORA observations:
- Would #'s stand out better if case frame were black rather than aluminum grey; could cover this with black tape to test.
- Do you use/require the minutes, would seconds suffice?
- You could place a dark valance 1'-2' forward of the top leading edge to create a shadow from ambient light, improve contrast if req'd.
- Could use green/amber flashing light on top at 3min mark, to draw the eye while milling

Q's: What about remote control to start clock, how do you feed signal into start/finish camera/tv at judges stand?..with a wired strobe that flashes at 0:00 into the camera frame for review?

R-10, thx for feedback, keep it coming. Who has spec build sheet?

[Nilsen Racing]

OK, so it's a 36", we're getting somewhere.
Do the 3 panels separate from each other for ease of transport, mounted/connected adjacent to each on site? How much each panel weigh if they come apart?...or total weight if not?

Technical considerations:
- viewing angle, reading angle, brightness, each is different, this explains: http://grandwell.com/viewing_angle_brightness.php
- pixel size, matrix, pitch, they determine resolution: http://grandwell.com/resolution_pitch.php

CORA observations:
- Would #'s stand out better if case frame were black rather than aluminum grey; could cover this with black tape to test.
- Do you use/require the minutes, would seconds suffice?
- You could place a dark valance 1'-2' forward of the top leading edge to create a shadow from ambient light, improve contrast if req'd.
- Could use green/amber flashing light on top at 3min mark, to draw the eye while milling

Q's: What about remote control to start clock, how do you feed signal into start/finish camera/tv at judges stand?..with a wired strobe that flashes at 0:00 into the camera frame for review?

R-10, thx for feedback, keep it coming. Who has spec build sheet?

Maybe, if they have a chance, Cameraboy (Mike Johnson) or ricochet112 (Mike Bartlett), both CORA members with knowledge of the clock could PM you?

Jim

[Bill Huson]

we've used digital in Region 4 for years - decades even. I think the digit panels are about 3' x 5'. Has a remote control, pick 2 min or 3 min gun. Maybe even 5 min - I forget. It is black background with 50 watt (I think) incandescent spots. Panels are separate, assembled on an aluminum base mount. We have 100' cables to run to the generator to save the scoring crew from the constant gen drone. 150' would be better :-) It's a Honda gen, do not a cheap gen set - they are wicked noisy.

I believe a move is afoot in Reg 4 to go new digital with LED lamps.

[hydroid]

Pulling together

Maybe, if they have a chance, Cameraboy (Mike Johnson) or ricochet112 (Mike Bartlett), both CORA members with knowledge of the clock could PM you?

Jim

10-4, this would be good, have them send spec sheet/invoice.
If we have a spec known to all clubs, racers can expect consistency going to any race/club to compete.
I am not suggesting this be mandated in rules/APBA, not at all. Each club can decide to acquire LED digital clock to this spec/standard on a volunteer basis according to their own finances, ability to pay. Over time, it will become the expected norm, just like indoor plumbing. Mind you, nothing beats a good outhouse experience at dawn.

erik.luksep@ge.com