Knowledge base
Straight answers to the questions that come up when you are specifying a system, installing it, or trying to get a night finished. Written from the equipment, not from a script.
Cannot find what you need? Our support team answers the phone during business hours and has usually seen your problem before.
Choosing a system
What to work out before you ask for a quote.
What size scoreboard do I need?
Digit height decides how far away the numbers stay readable. Match it to the distance from the board to the back of the grandstand, not to the length of the track.
Read answer ↗Wireless or hardwired?
Wireless is quicker to install and can be torn down; hardwired is immune to interference and needs no batteries. Most tracks want wireless, and the exceptions are predictable.
Read answer ↗Which splits should I buy?
60ft tells a racer about the launch, 330ft about the short game, 1000ft about the top end. Buy the ones your racers will actually use.
Read answer ↗How many safety lights does a track need?
Enough that a driver sees one from anywhere on track. Corners first, then blind spots, then the straights.
Read answer ↗Installation
Getting the hardware onto the track and working.
Setting up infrared beams so they stay aligned
Get the height right, protect the electronics from the surface, and check alignment before the first car, not after the first bad time.
Read answer ↗Wireless range, antennas and where the tower sits
Most wireless problems are line of sight, not distance. Get the antenna outside and pointed the right way before assuming the link is at fault.
Read answer ↗Powering track electronics
Beam emitters run on USB rechargeable packs, lights and displays want 12VDC or mains. Plan charging into the race day, not around it.
Read answer ↗Where to put the timeslip printer
In the tower on a cable, or trackside on a wireless link. The second option saves somebody walking.
Read answer ↗Software
What runs the event, and what each package is for.
Which software do I need?
RA Command Drag runs a drag program from the tower. RA Command AutoCross runs an autocross event. RA Monitor only watches and logs.
Read answer ↗Do I need a PC to run an event?
No. Every console times and prints on its own. A PC adds registration, ladders, standings and published results.
Read answer ↗Connecting a PC to the timing system
Serial to the console, or a wireless link if the PC is not beside it. Settings are fixed - the only choice is which port.
Read answer ↗Cone penalties, PAX and run limits in autocross
Set the club's rules once in event setup and the standings follow them for the rest of the day.
Read answer ↗Race day
Problems that show up with cars on track.
A beam is not triggering
Nearly always alignment, power, or something in front of the sensor. Work through it in that order.
Read answer ↗The wireless link keeps dropping
Check what changed. New structures, parked vehicles and crowds all attenuate a link that worked last season.
Read answer ↗A time was recorded against the wrong car
On a single-beam autocross course this is expected occasionally, and it is a one-click correction rather than a rebuild.
Read answer ↗The timing system will not start a run
Guard beams and staging logic stop a run on purpose. Check what the system is protecting against before assuming a fault.
Read answer ↗Ownership
Keeping a system running season after season.
Looking after batteries between events
Charge on the way home, not on the way out. Cold weather cuts runtime noticeably.
Read answer ↗Transporting and storing equipment
Cases exist for a reason. Most damage happens in a trailer, not on a track.
Read answer ↗Can I add to a system I already own?
Yes. The electronics, displays and software share hooks across the range, so growing rarely means replacing.
Read answer ↗Getting equipment serviced
Extended warranty is available on timing systems and scoreboards. For anything else, call before shipping.
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