What, if any, would be the best solution for eliminating static (sounds) over the headset. We now use the headset jack on the back of the S-4, so communication travel on the start signal wires. I suspect chairlift motors, snowmaking pump motors, race worker's radio transmissions etc. It has been so bad that we have used 'family band' to communicate with the start, and not used headsets.
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.
Posts: 914 | Location: Trexlertown, PA, USA | Registered: September 10, 2002
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.
Posts: 291 | Location: Telluride, CO, USA | Registered: October 25, 2002
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.
Posts: 28 | Location: Andover, MA | Registered: November 04, 2002
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