I received a complaint from a Skunkware customer who said the one-second impulse lockout in NASTARware wasn't sufficient to handle multiple impulses from his start gate. I was stunned, because a one second lockout is about ten times longer than anyone should need under any circumstances.
Start gates with auto-return often give multiple impulses if a racer whacks them hard, but if the impulses last more than one tenth of a second, then your start gate needs to be repaired. Also, if you're using a start gate NOT made by ALGE, Heuer, or Omega/Longines, then it is junk - so throw it in the trash can and get a good one.
I consulted timing hardware wizard Fred Patton on the matter, and he expounded thusly:
"A poorly adjusted old alge gate can flop around and give that kind of impulse. ALGE has a one second lock out on all of the native S3,S4 and Tdc4000 programs and the default is 1 sec on the 8000 but adjustable. He can try screwing the hex screw inside the gate down harder, but then the gate may not snap back."
The next time you're setting up your course, turn on your timer and then go out to your start gate and kick it as hard as you can. Then check your timer tape. If you're getting multiple impulses for more than a tenth or two, then call Fred because your gate needs to be adjusted or repaired.
Originally posted 15 Mar 2000 by James Broder
james@skunkware.tv
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