Track Setup - RacePro 1.1
Track setup consists of two parts, setting up the lane names and information, and setting up an electronic timer. Both are optional, if you do not enter lane names or colors, generic names will be used. If you do not set up an electronic timer, times will have to be entered manually after each heat.
To set the number of lanes, use the dropdown menu labeled 'lanes'. If you are using an electronic timer, it is very important that you choose the correct number of lanes or else the results may be incorrect. Once you have set the correct number of lanes, select a lane from the list. Once a lane is highlighted on the list, name it by editing the name field below. The lane name can be anything you want, for example, 'Red lane', 'A lane', 'Left lane'. The color can also be anything you want, or leave it blank if you do not wish to assign it a color. This feature is to help differentiate between lanes quickly during a race.
To set up an electronic timer, choose the type of timer you have from the dropdown menu. After you have selected your timer, click the 'Refresh Ports' button. Select the COM port that your timer is plugged into on your computer. This is where it can get tricky because it is difficult to know which port is which. Once you select a port, test it by clicking the 'Test timer' button and running a heat on the track. If the timer is working correctly the raw data sent from the timer should show up below. If the nothing shows up, try using a different port until you find the correct one.
Some common things to check for if your timer is not working:
- Make sure your timer is plugged into an AC outlet
- Check to ensure the cables are connected firmly to both the timer and the back of your computer
- Timers use the start gate to know when to begin timing, so make sure your start gate is installed correctly and that it is set and released before testing the timer. Most often there is a wire running from the start gate to the timer at the end of the track. Ensure all connections are snug.
- There are two types of Serial port cables that are sold, one used for connecting computers to other devices and another less common type known as NULL modem. A NULL modem cable will not work with electronic timers. It is recommended you use the cable provided with your timer.
- When a program is using a port, no other programs can use it including RacePro. Make sure no other program is using the serial port your cable is connected to. Once you close the program using the port, refresh the ports list in RacePro. It may help to just close all other programs while running RacePro but this is not neccesary.
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