New software problems

This software is new. It is being custom written for the NASTAR program. Although it is published by the USSA it has absolutely NO relationship with the French VOLA software being offered for sanctioned races.

We have been assisting in testing the software daily. Progress is being made.

It is important that you maintain an internet link with your timing computer. Updates will be coming frequently as more and more timers and displays are added. The software asks if you wish to update and you need to be able to do that.

Resorts with IT departments need to be informed so the NASTAR staff can get the required permissions. You don't want to have to call someone to come over time and time again.

The most popular devices (TIMY, S4, PTB 605) are currently listed. If yours is not listed Phoenix Sports will be able to arrange a loaner until it comes on line. Contact us as we are also sending timers out to the software developers for more testing. We have several other test sites in New England and the upper Mid West working on this as well. We would love to have more feedback if you have time.

Thanks for starting the discussion on the TG forums!


From NASTAR

New NASTAR web site
Our developers are working hard to get the NASTAR web site ready for the season. We understand that our host resorts and our participants have high expectations and our goal is to exceed those expectations.

We are aware that change can be difficult and transitions can be a bit clunky, but it is important for the future of our sport that we come together as a team to support the development of the new NASTAR timing and scoring system and the web site.

We are adding new functionality to the web site daily and the goal is to provide users with the tools to drill deeper into the data to find the information, rankings and sorts they would most like to view.

The former NASTAR software and web was developed over an eighteen year period and we have been forced to recreate, rebuild and update the system during the past two months. As you might imagine, the task at hand is monumental, but we are up for the challenge and the NASTAR program will be better in the end. There will be a few bumps in the road along the way and we appreciate your feedback to help produce the best product for you and your guests.


Thank you for your patience as we get everything buttoned up.

Bill Madsen
Director of NASTAR
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association

Tried to run our fist race with the NASTAR software. running a PTB 605 into the computer with a RS232-USB. The software closes as soon as I start sending impulses from the PTB. when I re-start the program I have to re enter the info for the timer. This software appears to be in its very early stages of development. and is not functional. I used an Alge S4 and toggled racers and entered manually into exel. Is there a number to contact for tech support?

quote:

It has been recommended to use split second, export then import into nastar to upload. This seems crazy. Unfortunately my hands are tied to NASTAR.

Please Note : Split Second Software MAY NOT be used to time NASTAR races.

This is against the license agreement agreed to when the software is installed.

We have a product that works flawlessly for handicap and medals racing and Split Second will not stand by and act as a crutch for NASTAR.

Please let me know who is telling you this.

Or, if you're not comfortable telling me, please let them know they should stop suggesting NASTAR customers circumvent Split Second's license agreement.

Race The Gates is a medals and handicap system that works. Please give me a call at 802 879 0061 if/when you want more information.
We'd love to have you on board...

SplitSecond.com
RaceTheGates.com
Live-Timing.com

Has anyone had any luck connecting an s4 to the new nastar software. I'm using windows 7 rs232-prolific and Alge s4.

Hello Nimetz,

We have our S4 communicating with the software. I set input channel SZ (start) and K01 (finish).

The key to better performance is the PC. A new PC with Windows 10 installed from the factory will give you MUCH better results.

Make sure you mind the drivers for the adapters. The ATEN brand mentioned elsewhere on the forums has proven to be the best choice.

I have been using a windows 10 machine but every time I go into hardware setting and set up the timer and port then run start test I am not able to close the hardware setting screen and have to go into task manager to close it. Than I am not sure if the setting are correct or not. I also have tried to set up a d-line score with no success. It is getting pretty frustrating to spend the amount of hours trying to get this to work and not having much luck. I have sent email to Nastar asking for help with no response. If were had snow we could not run a Nastar race with the current software.

Thanks FMWAZ and FKP,

I have tried using a Dell windows 7 64bit, 9600 4800 and 2400 baud over a prolific Serial to USB. I've tried 3 different prolific cables. I have used two different rs232 cables. I have downloaded the Visual Basic c++. I have also installed, deleted and reinstalled the Nastar software and Visual c++. I sometimes get a error that Visual c++ is not installed. I received an error that the timy usb = null. I have installed and deleted the timy usb. I have set the start to SZ and finish to K1.

I had 3 minutes of success on a old windows xp machine and then it stopped working.

-FMWAZ
What are you using?
computer brand and model, OS version, USB-Serial brand, Baud rate, display board... Are you able to upload to the Nastar Web site?

-FKP
Do you believe that the Nastar Software will work over the course of a day if I purchase a new computer and cables? Does the brand and model of the PC matter? Would it be better to wait it out until the software is out of Beta?

-MJN
I am contacting the software CRM, Motion Slice,tomorrow and will relay your post.

It appears that you have to use a modern PC with windows 10 factory installed.

The only way I can get the Nastar software to perform is by running it on a new PC. My Windows 10 upgrade machine is sluggish too.

I went out and bought a Dell Insprion 15 at Staples for $250.00 and installed 2 ATEN brand USB to serial adapters.

No issues with the NASTAR software. Many Many issues with trying to use VOLA and the USB to serial adapters though. Different forum though.