There are two inexpensive pieces of timing equipment available which may not be the sexiest things around, but they are extremely well designed, extremely useful, and I consider them both a "must" yet they're cheap. The two items are the ALGE start-beep and the Heuer HL553 optocoupler.
I find the ALGE start-beep a fantastically useful tool to have around when timing and setting up races. It is a very versatile and inexpensive piece of equipment, every time I go to a race I find a new use for it.
The start-beep is the timing equivalent of a Leatherman Super-Tool, it has 1001 uses (see my previous post about photocell placement).
The Heuer HL553 is another neat little tool. Not only does it completely eliminate static discharge problems (a potentially catastrophic occurrance in places like Utah and Colorado where the humidity is very low), but it makes setting up technically sound primary and backup systems a snap.
If you are serious about timing races flawlessly, do yourself a favor and put a little extra money in your equipment budget for an ALGE Start-Beep and at least one TAG Heuer HL553.
James Broder
james@skunkware.tv
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