The subject of setting up all of the elements of the NASTAR system takes time and patience. Try to use this forum to find the answers to questions in the 3 areas of concern. You can search for key words like S4 and NASTAR to narrow your search.
1) Setting up the timer and sensors including programing the timer to the appropriate program. ie: HP on the S3, Program 3 on the S4, Stopwatch on the COMET, 10 channel timer on the Tdc 8000. Make sure that the timer is connected to all of the sensors and that the printer is recording the proper channels before proceeding! Make sure that the red course start and blue course starts are in the proper banana plug inputs and that the photocells are connected to the matching
inputs. Use photocell input jumpers if needed.
2) Connecting the timer to the software. Make sure you have the proper serial cable between the timer and the PC. Make sure that you have checked to see if the software works with Windows 2000 or Xp. When in doubt use Windows 98. Select the proper serial port (usually Com1) and timer type in the setup and test screen. Make sure that the raw data that appears in the raw data screen matches your printer exactly!
3) Make sure that you have enough serial ports for your needs. You need a designated serial port for the timer input and for the display board output. Check device manager under "My Computer" to make sure you have legitimate serial ports. If needed, buy a serial card and make sure it is recognized. Make sure you have a display that is supported. There are very few that work right away. The ALGE GAZc or GAZ 4 work right away. Good luck if you have an old Electronumerics (Time Tech) or Reliable RAcing display. If they don't work off the bat you have two choices; send the unit to Split Second and hope they can interface to it for $125.00 and hour plus shipping, or buy an ALGE GAZ that works. We have several GAZs ranging in price from $1000.00 > $3000.00.
Phoenix Sports prioritizes our support based on the level of ALGE/PST products you own. We will go full bore for our customers who own a complete ALGE/PST system. If you have a TAG 605, a Time Tech display, etc. we can only do so much and hope that you will understand. We will gladly trade in your mismatched equipment and work with you to become a complete professional ALGE team member.
Originally posted 25 Oct 2001 by Fred Patton
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