Crest Auto Timers Microprocessor controlled timing unit for autocross and for SCCA Solo1, Solo2 events.

General Information

System Options / Details and Pricing

Computer Software

What is the Auto Timer? In general, the Auto Timer is a microprocessor based system that uses a start and stop sensor to measure the length of time from when the start sensor is tripped to when the stop sensor is tripped. The Auto Timer is unique because of how it handles these times along with the drivers identification through bar code entry, automatic printing, displaying and database entry. What does the Auto Timer Consist of? The basic Auto Timer Consists of: a start and stop sensor, timing controller, micro controller, keypad, LCD screen , and a thermal printer. Additional add-on's include: a bar code wand, electronic display sign (4" characters), communications software, and Lotus Approach '97 How many cars can be Racing at Once? Up to four cars can be scanned/typed in at any one time, waiting or racing. How does the Auto Timer Work? The Auto Timer works on the principle of the first car to start is the first car to finish. The car number is entered by the keyboard; or the car number, persons name, class, and index number (if used) is entered by the bar code wand. The Timer monitors the start and stop sensors and keeps track of when the beams were broken. When the stop sensor is triggered, the Auto Timer will take the appropriate race results along with the respective drivers information and automatically prints out a timing slip. If the electronic sign is connected, the car number and race result is also displayed. Finally, if the computer is connected, the appropriate data is entered into a database, sorted, and saved. Is The Auto Timer Easy to Operate? All connectors and cables are color coded for easy hookup. After the unit is setup, all the operator(s) must do is enter the car number in either manually or with the bar code wand, add penalties and DNFs when needed, and tear off the timing slip. The database computer program has predefined, easy to use templates which automatically sort and save the race results. While it is not necessary to have Lotus Approach 97 experience, it is recommended to have basic Windows experience. What about Penalties and DNF's? During the race, penalties and DNFs can be added quickly with the keyboard and viewed on the LCD screen. The micro-controller does all the necessary calculations of the adjusted and final times from the penalties. If the car happens to finish before the penalty of DNF was applied, the value can be easily be edited in the database program. How are the Bar Codes produced? The Brother P-Touch label makers are recommended and can either be purchased from various local office supply centers or from us. The Brother label makers produce a 3/4" (or 1" ) by approximately 3 1/2" long plastic label that is weather resistant and can be left on for the season or is easily removed after each session. A bar code label placed on the windshield of each car provides a fast, simple method of scanning in this information to the micro-controller right before they race. What is the Power Requirement for this System? The Auto Timer can either be powered by 110 VAC or a 12V car battery