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Sharing Hill Wire for Start Gate and Communications?

J jacunskimMember
I recently received a new Alge start gate for the upcoming season (Alge STSnM2S). This gate has 2 contacts with manual close for running FIS level races. It also has an integrated headset amp, which seems convenient.

What really surprised me is that there is no separate output for communications. Those signals are sent down the same 2 wire pairs used for the primary and back-up start signals. In the timing shack, I just plug my headset amp directly into my start timing wires.

Is this OK? Do communications ever interfere with the start impulse? Does anyone have any experience with this?

I ask because I hear so much about keeping these wires electrically separated. One TD told me that ideally they wouldn't even share the same conduit on the hill. Alge's gone in the complete opposite direction by actually sharing the wire.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

-- Mark
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N nickfromnyMember
Our NASTAR set up has used this for over 25 years. Very handy. Don't shout. Don't have power supply with lift hooked into the timing power supply.
Don't have amplified loud speaker system on your timing wires. Keep coaches/officials 3+watt radios away from the unshielded wires at all times.(every banana plug is unshielded)
The other issues are bigger than the Alge headset/start gate & it is FIS legal.
Try carrying Cable spools with 3 pairs to top for deployment and one should quickly see the benifit of being able to race with only two pairs from start.
mhowardmhowardMember
Mark, the start gate you have is FIS homologated for the next 12 years and will serve you well. Nick is right on with his comments.

As a matter of personal preference, I talk on a 3rd pair whenever possible for a couple reasons. The biggest is if something goes wrong with the timing wire(s) you have lost communication and it makes it more difficult and public (via radio) to troubleshoot the issue.

Separation of timing wire from all other ski area functions is covered in the FIS Timing Booklet on page 5. Is simply says use a dedicated timing cable for that purpose only. A separate conduit/cable for communications is not necessary.

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