We want to upgrade from 1984 era TDC 4000s

All we do are USSA alpine races.

We use the S4 as primary and a comet as a backup. They are both interfaced with laptops running Split Second software. The racers come up automatically and outside of DNS’s, DNF’s, passed on the course, false starts and false finishes the software is pretty much hands free. When the run is over all we do is input the DSQs and print the results. After a race is over we are done with all the paperwork within one-half hour - if the software doesn’t melt down. That includes the
Transmittal, TD report, Results, minutes, and the timing report. We usually work with a crew of three but two can get the job done. If I need to train somebody I can train them on the software on the day of the race in about twenty minutes. As long as they understand how to use a laptop.

The S4 is a great workhorse even if it is stupid. It is simple to set up and runs in the corner all by itself. We do have a printer attached to it. We don’t do splits or speed traps. We do run multiple races in a day but only on the same course.

If I can be of help please give me a call. I don’t want to put my number out on here, but Fred has it -as well as my e-mail. Sam


Originally posted 20 Feb 2001 by Sam ganow
samgan@aol.com

Joe, Like Fred said, the S4 is a great "stupid" timer and if used with a laptop (or many) is very powerful. Our local high schools purchased a TDC8000 last year and are VERY pleased with that investment. They have been running multiple races on one timer with no computer. Simultaneous Girls and Boys courses and printing their individual results. They are just now thinking of trying to hook it to software for next year. It does take a little practice to do either methods due to the
complexity of timing with the 8000, but proves to be worth your time. We can't wait to try the timy for next year, and the cost comparisons seem to make it the next timer of choice for us. The fact that you don't have to buy a seperate printer is also a nice consideration and the fact it is a USB device really shines. Our workhorse
continues to be an S4 timer and will for many years. We never just use the timer alone, so it really does not matter how the timer acts when operated in a stand alone situtation. But this seems to be an important issue for you.

Our experience with TAG gear has not been good. I am sure some of it had to do with we had one of the first PTB605 timers, but it never function like it was designed at the time we owned our PTB. They say they have fixed the problems but it took them 2 years to admit that there was a problem. That convinced us to stay with ALGE equipment. Initially it seemed to be a more economical route, but what we found is everything from TAG is a la carte. The photocells need brackets and swivels, the timers need "special" printers and cases and cables, and headset communications packages are not integrated into their starts and timers. After this, the initial money spent on a well designed Alge System actually costs less or the same when all done. The Fred does an excellent job of packaging everything in durable "pelican" cases with all the necessary wiring and termination supplies, and his service for repairs is unmatched by any timing vendor! Lots of choices and on Precision Timings web site there is a really good, detailed report on buying new timing gear that should be a must read for anyone involved in making timing purchase decisions.

Jim


Originally posted 20 Feb 2001 by Jim Karnes

You have hit the nail on the head. The major difference in timing nowadays is how the "time of data" gets entered into the software.

The S4 timer is a really great but "stupid" timer that can only provide time of day splits to the PC. You run the race "live" on the pc and the S4 could be set on the floor. You still need a time logging printer to be legal. $1800.00 for the timer, $500.00 for the printer.

The TDC 8000 can run either way. Set it up in time of day mode (10 channel) timer and it acts just like an S4 sending splits to the PC. Set it up in Split mode and you can run the race live on both the timer and the PC. It sends out the same data from the RS232 port. I like to run it that way myself. That way I have a real time check on the software. Therefore the TDC 8000 is the best of both worlds. It can be set outside in the snow and work on its own or it can stay inside and be a
printing time base. $3750.00 for the timer, charger

The New TIMY is going to be very exciting. It promises to be as useful as the TDC8000 but for $1500.00 including the printer. Although made of resin it will still be very rugged. The TIMY will be introduced in April. I am sure it will have more than a few hiccups as we use them over the summer. By next fall it will have its FIS number and it will be quite the machine. The really cool feature will be that it will connect to the PC with USB so that it will not take up a serial port. I was in Austria last week and the prototype I played with was really nice. The connectors used for the photocell etc. are the same so you will not need any new cables. The only
item the TIMY does not have is a headset amp. $250.00 for the SV4 ptt easily takes care of that.

If you will be operating inside for most of the races, buy TIMYs. Spend the rest of the money budgeted on new start gates and photocells.

Pound for pound the ALGE equipment is built to last and we have a great record keeping it all going. I would certainly like your group to stay with ALGE. My experience with TAG equipment has never been that good. I really hate the fact that we cannot repair any of their equipment (neither can Reliable Racing). It all has to be shipped back to Europe. Every ALGE device can be field stripped and repaired. I like that. We have traded in a great deal of TAG gear this year. I am sure next season will be even greater.


Originally posted 19 Feb 2001 by Fred Patton