How to run a full system test without a start switch
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 10:18 am
I'm running our Pack's PWD this year. This will be my first time running it.
We have a 42' 4 lane Best Track with a "Champ" timer.
Last year we used a different software package that had issues. This year I purchased GPRM to run the race. I've been playing with GPRM to make sure I know what I'm doing.
I've also hooked the entire system up to the timer and tested it out. I did this without setting up the track or running any cars. It was still a bit cumbersome as I had to grab the first section of track that had the start switch installed and use that to connect to the timer to start the races.
I want to run some more "mock" races to make sure I'm ready. However, I don't want to dig out that first section of track again to connect the start switch to the timer. I also don't want to dis-assemble the start switch from the first section of track.
I know that GPRM has a "test mode" where you can test without use of a timer. I've done that. What I want to do here is a full system test, including the timer and Race Replay. I want to run through a complete mock race to ensure I don't have any resource issues as I get to the end of the race.
I see that the Champ timer has a command set that I can use to control it. I'm wondering if I can use "Tera Term Pro" or some such terminal program and send a "rg" command to the timer to have it return results when I pass my hand under the sensors.
The question is, can I use this "rg" command to simulate a race start, or will it confuse GPRM or confuse the timer in some way?
I've got to believe there is a good way to do this. I'll try playing myself, but thought I'd check in with the experts first to see if anybody has done this.
thanks,
Birddog
We have a 42' 4 lane Best Track with a "Champ" timer.
Last year we used a different software package that had issues. This year I purchased GPRM to run the race. I've been playing with GPRM to make sure I know what I'm doing.
I've also hooked the entire system up to the timer and tested it out. I did this without setting up the track or running any cars. It was still a bit cumbersome as I had to grab the first section of track that had the start switch installed and use that to connect to the timer to start the races.
I want to run some more "mock" races to make sure I'm ready. However, I don't want to dig out that first section of track again to connect the start switch to the timer. I also don't want to dis-assemble the start switch from the first section of track.
I know that GPRM has a "test mode" where you can test without use of a timer. I've done that. What I want to do here is a full system test, including the timer and Race Replay. I want to run through a complete mock race to ensure I don't have any resource issues as I get to the end of the race.
I see that the Champ timer has a command set that I can use to control it. I'm wondering if I can use "Tera Term Pro" or some such terminal program and send a "rg" command to the timer to have it return results when I pass my hand under the sensors.
The question is, can I use this "rg" command to simulate a race start, or will it confuse GPRM or confuse the timer in some way?
I've got to believe there is a good way to do this. I'll try playing myself, but thought I'd check in with the experts first to see if anybody has done this.
thanks,
Birddog