Heavy Static over Headset on S-4 Timer

Static or data noise?

If the problem goes away when the PC is removed the culprit is data noise. The ALGE OPTODATA is designed to solve this. Data noise usually follows the speed of the data. Scoreboard noise at 2400 baud is annoying but barely tolerable. The 4800 baud PC data noise is much more painful.

Yup, three days on a headset with PC Data noise and I thought I was going to lose my mind....



I think that's why my hair is standing up.

Polarity problem? Was the S-4 needle bouncing?

danS

The S4s were not ours but belong to the Crested Butte Ski Club. They also have alge start gates with built in amps with com over the timing pairs. No bouncing needle or problems other than the noise. We isolated the problem to the pc data as when we disconect from the pc the noise drops considerably. I am not sure if this is a problem inherent with the S4 as we dont have the pc noise problem with our TIMYs or TAG clocks, even when we use timing channels for com.

Fred gave the right answer----data noise--drives me crazy.

The answer is a 3rd pair and voice amps!!

Chase

opto couplers would also help solve the problem if a third wire is not available

I agree 100%

in fact every race room should have 1 !!!!

Chase

We sent off some different optocouplers for these guys to try this weekend.

I need 2 more also!!

Chase

You hear the noise because you are listening to the timing lines with the headset. Going to a third pair does not eliminate the noise; it is still there on your timing lines, but you don't hear it. You do NOT want it there. It can cause false starts and/or finishes. It is caused, usually, by connecting the clock directly to a computer, or other hardware. You should always listen to your timing lines before using them to be sure they are free from noise. To get rid of noise, you can isolate between the lines and the clock, or you can isolate between the clock and the computer. Either works. But, you MUST have clean timing lines to avoid big trouble.