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Why should we purchase a timer from NewBold Products?
We're so glad you asked!! In fact, here's what sets us apart from other pinewood derby manufacturers.
What measurements do I need to take before ordering the TURBO Timer?
You need to measure the lane spacing at the finish line of your track. Measure from the center of each lane to the center of the next lane. Also check the length of your track to know whether it is longer than the 40 ft switch cable we sell. If it is longer, you may get your cable extended for $2.00 in the Options Catalog after you click Order Now.
Where do I get the drivers for either the USB builtin port or the USB adapter by IO Gear?
For the USB Built in port, use this link to download the driver:
For the IO Gear USB adapter, use this link to go to their website. Select the driver based on the version of Windows you have.
I am having problems getting my USB interface to work.
The problem is probably not with the timer or with the software, but with the installation of the USB to RS232 adapter. You could verify the timer is working using a desktop PC that does have a standard RS232 serial port. The USB to RS232 adapters can be tricky to get the driver installed properly. Follow the installation instructions precisely, including when to plug in the USB cable.
If you have installed the driver and it is loaded correctly you should be able to go into the Windows Device Manager and find under Ports a new Serial port shown with a name corresponding to your adapter. There will be a new COM port assigned to the adapter, i.e. Com 5 etc. You must be able to select this Com port within your race management software in order to get the connection to work.
Another thing to try is to connect to the timer through the USB adapter using Hyperterminal. Do this after you are sure that the USB adapter's driver is installed correctly and you are seeing the adapter in the Device Manager. If you can talk to the timer through the USB adapter using Hyperterminal, then your race software should work, as long as it allows you to specify the correct COM port number.
Note that if your computer is assigning a high COM port number, your race software may not allow it to be selected. In the past the RS232 serial ports were always below COM4, so back then the SW companies only allowed selections between COM1 and COM4, nothing higher. The race software may or may not be updated to support the high COM port numbers. If you find this is the case, please contact your race software support number to see if there is an update available.
What is the max. length for USB or serial port cables?
USB=15 ft max
serial port = 50 ft max
Does the case for the Turbo allow you to store the 3-lane TURBO assembled or do you have to take it apart?
Using the case will require the timer to be disassembled somewhat. The Bridge sections can be left connected, but removed from the Timer Module and the Lane Modules would be removed from the Bridge.
Does the timer module provide the individual times of each car per race as well as ranking their finish order? Is the timer part optional?
The timer module comes standard to provide the elapsed times on the timer module. It is configurable by the user to provide either the winning lanes' time, or all lane times. It can rotate through them automatically or allow you to sequence through each one.
How does the start switch work?
The start switch mounts to the start line so that the switch opens when the start lever is moved. For best results, the start lever should move quickly so that the cars do not rest on the support pins as they begin to move.
How do I know my computer is talking to Hyperterminal?
One thing to try is to run Hyperterminal without connecting the timer. You should be able to jumper pins 2 and 3 on the end of the Serial cable and when you type you should see the characters displayed on your Hyperterminal window. If you do not, then Hyperterminal itself is not opening correctly and/or connecting to your serial port.
What if I physically connected my timer to the computer but have not been able to get the USB driver to work?
You may have problems getting the USB driver to install. Disconnect the timer. Uninstall the driver (if it was installed at one point) using Add/Remove programs and start over with the installation of the USB driver BEFORE you connect the timer cable to the computer.
Is there an option for an electronic start gate? Or must the cars be started manually?
We do not provide any solenoid type start gates. They can be used with our products, many have used them successfully. A lot of groups use a spring forced gate to give a consistent and quick release. Our start switch is independent of how the gate is released.
Our current track has a 4" center lane spacing. What would I have to do to the Turbo if I change tracks later?
What you would need to do is to order new Bridge sections that fit your new track. For example if your track is 4 Lanes you would order two Bridge sections for $23 each and use those in place of the 4 inch ones.
How do the timer and sensors connect to the tract?
The starting switch is mounted to your start lever at the top of the track. The timer and bridge is placed at the finish line. IR Emitters are installed in the center of each lane. These shine up into the bridge that is over the track. You will need to drill holes in the track to do this. If you are purchasing a new track, you can request that they predrill your track for the TURBO Timer. The operating manual clearly describes how to install the timer and how to drill the holes.
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