Derby PRO Race Management Software

Transcription

Derby PRO Race
Management Software
Software Manual
June 2, 2009
Packard Software
www.packardsoftware.com
Page Number 1
Table of Contents
Derby PRO Race Management Software..................................................................................................................1
Software Manual .......................................................................................................................................................1
Overview ..........................................................................................................................................................4
USB Licensing.................................................................................................................................................7
Belt Sander Racing Interface ........................................................................................................................7
New Bracket Configuration Options.............................................................................................................7
New Software Security Options....................................................................................................................7
Installing Derby PRO ....................................................................................................................................................8
Overview ..........................................................................................................................................................8
System requirements .....................................................................................................................................8
Installing Derby PRO......................................................................................................................................9
Starting and exiting Derby PRO .................................................................................................................18
Maggic Two Timer IIIa .................................................................................................................................20
Using Derby PRO .......................................................................................................................................................27
Overview ........................................................................................................................................................27
Start Screen...................................................................................................................................................28
Drop down menus ........................................................................................................................................30
Derby PRO options ......................................................................................................................................31
Quick Setup Buttons.....................................................................................................................................31
Custom Race type Specific items ..............................................................................................................31
General Options............................................................................................................................................32
Timer Interface Options ...............................................................................................................................33
Voice Options ................................................................................................................................................34
Custom Logo Options ..................................................................................................................................35
Racing Divisions Options.............................................................................................................................36
Bracket Display Options ..............................................................................................................................37
Creating a New Race...................................................................................................................................................38
Overview of creating a New Race..............................................................................................................38
Race Details Page........................................................................................................................................39
Racer Registration Page .............................................................................................................................40
Racer Registration Popup ...........................................................................................................................41
After closing Registration it is time for Race Setup .................................................................................43
Running your race .......................................................................................................................................................44
The Brackets .................................................................................................................................................44
Population of brackets .................................................................................................................................45
The Race View Page ...................................................................................................................................45
Upcoming Heats Page .................................................................................................................................46
Race Statistics Page ....................................................................................................................................48
Security and Control ...................................................................................................................................................52
Overview ........................................................................................................................................................52
View Options ..............................................................................................................................................................53
Overview ........................................................................................................................................................53
W->5-1 literally means “Winner of this heat goes to lane 1 of heat 5”. A “heat” is considered a
decisive event. When using lane/wheel swapping a “heat” is actually the conclusion of 2 separate
“runs”. .............................................................................................................................................................54
Page Number 2
By Selecting “show top 10 finishers” you will see the top fastest finishers. This is useful for giving
out additional awards as well as just general competition info. This feature is only available when
using the Grit Timer drag racing timing system. ......................................................................................55
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................................................56
Overview ........................................................................................................................................................56
Installation Problems....................................................................................................................................57
USB License Key Problems ........................................................................................................................57
Timer Interface Problems ............................................................................................................................58
Computer Networking Problems ................................................................................................................59
Software Notes ............................................................................................................................................................60
Software Notes ............................................................................................................................................................61
Page Number 3
Preface
The information in this manual is based on current industry sources and
believed by the author to be correct and as complete as possible at the
time of printing. It is possible that later changes have been made by the
manufacturers of Packard Software equipment and are not included in this
publication. Although every effort has been made to insure total accuracy,
Packard Software cannot assume any liabilities for omission, errors or
changes that have occurred in the production of this manual.
It is not possible to anticipate all possible conditions in which this software
may be utilized or maintained or serviced. It is not possible to provide
cautions for all possible hazards. Operators and maintenance personnel
should use standard and accepted operating procedures and precautions.
Packard Software accepts no responsibility for the damages resulting from
the utilization of the information in this manual.
Copyright
The material in this publication was compiled for the use at Packard
Software. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored, transmitted
or distributed without the prior written consent of Packard Software.
© 2004
Revised March 18, 2008
Overview
Derby PRO is a race management software package that can be used to
manage every aspect of your race. Racer registration, race configuration,
automatic bracket generation for up to 128 racers per division, manages up
to 4 divisions within the same event, automatically collects timing
information from a variety of timers and then advances racers appropriately
according to standard tournament brackets, and voice output functionality
are just a few of the features.
Page Number 4
Who should use this manual
Use this manual if you are responsible for managing a race event or will be
assisting with the race manager.
You should have a basic understanding of your racing event to help you
follow what is happening within Derby PRO. Derby PRO allows you to run
a complicated race without any knowledge of the racing event or brackets.
However, having a basic understanding can greatly improve your
proficiency. IT personnel or outside networking consultants should be
involved in the installation of this software package. Especially when
integrating it to a timer.
Purpose of this manual
This manual provides information on the installation, operation, and trouble
shooting of the Derby PRO Race Management Software.
Technical support
If you have questions or problems using the Derby PRO software or need
help with installation questions please refer to this manual first. If you can’t
find the answer your looking for, contact Packard Software Technical
Support and we will get back with you quickly:
Packard Software Technical Support
[email protected]
Please include your purchase date, software version, timer information,
and cable information, and a number where we can call you back.
Page Number 5
Frequently Asked Questions
• What timers will Derby PRO communicate with?
Maggic Two Timer IIIa
Race America T-Link Wireless Timer (time differential only)
Grit Timer Belt Sander Timer by SuperTimer
• What are the system requirements for the PC?
PII 750MHZ minimum processor speed (P4 recommended)
Windows XP operating system (service pack 2 installed) or Vista
Internet Explorer 6.0 minimum
30GB minimum hard drive space (60GB recommended)
512 MB DDR Ram recommended)
Video card capable of 1024x768x16bit color (32bit color
recommended) 10Mbps Ethernet (100Mbps recommended)
1 USB slot
1 DB9 Serial Port (or USB Serial Port) for automatic timer
interface
Standard Ink Jet Printer (if you are going to print the
reports)
• Does Packard Software provide communications cables for the
timers? No. You will need to either purchase an appropriate
cable from a retailer or from the timer manufacturer. We will
provide the common cable details within this manual, but it is up
to you to verify this with the manufacturer of the timer
• What should I do if during installation that the software keeps telling
me that some of the files on my PC need to be updated and asks me
to reboot, but when I run the software after the reboot I get the same
message? Make sure that your computer meets the minimum
requirements. This problem is being caused because your
operating system on the PC that you have purchased is not up
to date. This is common even on brand new PCs. See the
instructions in this manual for installing the software and install
“Win XP Service Pack 2” before proceeding. If you still are
having problems after upgrading to service pack 1 consult your
IT department (this is a problem with the PC you’ve purchased
and not the Derby PRO software).
Page Number 6
Software Upgrades
Derby PRO software can be upgraded by contacting
[email protected]. Upgrades are sold at a discounted rate. It is
required that you ship your USB License keys back to us before we can
perform the upgrade.
What’s new in version 6.0
USB Licensing
• Now Licensing is handled by the insertion of the Packard Software
USB License key. This can easily be moved from PC to PC without
having to call or email us for a new license. The allows you to use 1
license on multiple PCs and saves you money (you can only run 1 at a
time per license).
Belt Sander Racing Interface
Derby PRO now communicates with the GritTimer race timer that is used in
a drag racing style race that involves belt sanders and is managed by the
BSRA.
New Bracket Configuration Options
Brackets can now be configured to look like simple brackets with less
information or can be configured to show all bracket details.
New Software Security Options
Software server/client password management has been improved and now
offers the ability to change each password by an administrator.
Page Number 7
Chapter 1
Installing Derby PRO
This chapter explains how to install Derby PRO from your USB Drive to
your hard drive.
• System requirements
• Step-by-step installation instructions
• Starting and exiting Derby PRO software
Overview
Derby PRO software installs directly from the USB License Key to your
hard drive.
System requirements
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
PII 750MHZ minimum processor speed (P4 recommended)
Windows XP operating system (service pack 2 installed) or Vista
Internet Explorer 6.0 minimum
2 GB minimum hard drive space (10 GB recommended)
512 MB DDR Ram minimum (1 GB recommended)
Video card capable of 1024x768x16bit color (32bit color
recommended)
10Mbps Ethernet (100Mbps recommended) for client/server apps
1 USB slot
1 DB9 Serial Port (or USB Serial Port) for automatic timer interface
Standard Ink Jet Printer (if you are going to print the reports)
Page Number 8
Installing Derby PRO
Before you start the installation you will need to be logged in as the
administrator and you will need to close all programs that are running.
Also you will need to disable your screen saver and any sleep options to
prevent your pc from going into suspend or sleep.
Checking your PC:
You should first check that your PC meets the requirements. To check the
operating system requirement, processor, and RAM:
Step 1: Click start, then RIGHT CLICK on “My Computer”, and select
“Properties”
Page Number 9
Step 2: Examine the above and ensure that you see Microsoft Windows
XP, Service Pack 2, at least 750MHZ, and at least 512MB or RAM.
Next you will need to check the hard drive:
Step 1: Click start and left click on “My computer”
Page Number 10
Step 2: Click on “(C:) and examine “Free Space” in the lower left corner
under “Details”. It should be at least 2 GB.
Page Number 11
If the system meets all of the requirements except the “Service Pack 2”
requirement” then you will need to install the Windows XP Service Pack 2
from the Microsoft website. Follow the instructions:
Checking the Internet Explorer version:
Step 1: Open up Internet Explorer and click Help and then “About Internet
Explorer”
Page Number 12
Step 2: Verify that the version is at least 6.0
Page Number 13
Installing Derby PRO:
Insert the Derby PRO USB License Drive into a USB port on your
computer. Double click on “Files for Installation” and then “setup.exe”.
Step 1: Click “OK”
Page Number 14
Step 2: Click the picture of the computer
Step 3: Click Continue
Page Number 15
Step 4: Success, Click “OK” to complete.
Page Number 16
If at any time during installation your receive a screen similar to below
then click “Yes”
Page Number 17
Starting and exiting Derby PRO
To start Derby PRO:
1. From the Start menu, click Programs.
2. Select Packard Software Software and click Derby PRO Race
Management Software.
To exit Derby PRO:
Click Exit from the File Menu.
Page Number 18
Connecting your timer to the Derby PRO computer
Select your timer under “Tools”/”Options”/”Timer Interface”
Page Number 19
Maggic Two Timer IIIa
You will need a DB25 to DB9 Serial Null Modem Cable. You can purchase
this as a single custom order cable from www.blackbox.com (refer to serial
port and timer for sex of connectors) or you can make one from adding
together common components found at radioshack or bestbuy.
To test that you have selected the correct COM port you and that your
cable is working you will need to trip your sensors and generate a time on
the timer. At that moment you will receive a pop up with the same time
indicated on the Derby PRO screen. The timer should continue to beep
until you click either “cancel” or “accept” on the Derby PRO screen. If this
is not working then see the trouble shooting section of this manual. If a
lane is tripped by a piece of debris then you can reset the timer by clicking
“TOOLS/Send Manual Reset to Timer”. You will see the “win” lights go off
shortly after sending this.
Page Number 20
Race America T-link wireless timer (time differential only)
together common components found at radioshack or bestbuy.
To test that you have selected the correct COM port you and that your
cable is working you will need to trip your sensors and generate a time on
the timer. At that moment you will receive a pop up with the time indicated
on the Derby PRO screen. There is a delay on the Race America timer of
about 20 seconds between allowable trips, so you will need to wait before
retesting. If there is a wireless communications error happening with the Tlink wireless system you will know because the red winning lights will begin
flashing when a race has not tripped the sensors. If this happens during a
run you can quickly select “TOOLS/Send Manual Reset To Timer” to reset
the timer. Don’t try this if the racers are close. If you are experience
several of these alarm conditions on the Race America system then
contact them for assistance.
Page Number 21
GritTimer by SuperTimer
together common components found at radioshack or bestbuy. The
GritTimer also has a special serial-to-RJ11 connector that must be
purchased from SuperTimer.
To test the GritTimer you should always turn on the timer first and allow it
about 30 seconds to boot up fully. The lights on the drag tree will begin to
rotate. Once you connect and configure the Derby PRO computer than
you will see that the lights stop rotating. When you hold down the red
button on the front of the GritTimer you will hear Derby PRO say “Get
Ready”, followed by 3 beeps and a “go” tone. These sounds will correlate
with the virtual tree on Derby PRO and the actual light tree for the racers.
After you get the “go” light then keep holding the red button (cannot let go
until all racers have finished) and pass your hand in front of each sensor on
each lane. You should then get a pop-up with the time differential, time ET,
and speed of each lane on the Derby PRO computer. The time will stay up
there until you hit “cancel” or “accept”. If this is not working correctly see
the troubleshooting section of this manual.
Page Number 22
Configuring the PC
If the PC is a stand-alone system then you will need to configure the
network properties:
Step 1: Click Start then right-click on “My Network Places” and click on
“Properties”
Page Number 23
Step 2: Right click on your Local Area Connection and select “Properties”
Step 3: Double Click on “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”
Page Number 24
Step 4: Set your screen to look like this, then click OK, and OK again.
Remember that you need to have a unique IP for all of your PCs. For
example you could use the following scheme:
DERBY PRO MASTER PC IP
-> 192.168.0.1
DERBY PRO REMOTE PC #1 IP -> 192.168.0.2
(UP TO 9 REMOTES)
Page Number 25
Running the Cables and Hardware to interconnect they system
Depending on your expertise and preference you can either purchase
CAT5 cables to length with the connectors already attached to both ends.
This makes it somewhat difficult to get the connector into the blender panel
because of the head on the cable, but not impossible. Either way you will
need to have some sort of Hub, Switch, or Router to interconnect all of the
blenders with the PC. If you already have a plant LAN then you should just
run drops to each blender and one to the PC from your main network. If
this will be a stand-alone system then you can purchase a hub or switch to
accomplish the same thing. A 5-port hub cost around $40 and is shown
below:
5-port Hub
Sample network. Be sure not to connect the PCs to the uplink port on the
hub or switch and to also use straight through cables
Page Number 26
Chapter 2
Using Derby PRO
Derby PRO software uses menus, windows, and status bars as do most
Windows applications. This chapter covers:
• The application window
• Status bar info
• Drop down menus
• Setting up the Derby PRO options
• Customizing Derby PRO
Overview
When Derby PRO the software searches all USB drives for the Derby PRO
USB License Key. If this is not found than the Demo begins:
Page Number 27
Start Screen
From this page you can either open a new race by using the menu bar and
selecting “File” then “New Race” or open an existing race by selecting “File”
then “Open Race”.
If this computer does not have the timer attached and is connecting
through a network to a computer who does then click “Automatically
Synchronize to a DerbyPRO Master Computer” in the center of the screen
and Derby PRO will automatically begin it’s search for the Master
computer. If you have accidentally started this synchronization process
and wanted instead to open or create a race then you will need to restart
the program. Once in “Slave mode” the program will continue to search for
the Master.
At this point you may also use “Tools”/”Options” to configure your Derby
PRO software or “Security and Control” to configure the ADMIN or USER
passwords.
Page Number 28
Page Number 29
Drop down menus
Derby PRO has many drop down menus that can be selected:
Page Number 30
Derby PRO options
The Derby PRO software also has many preference options that can be
changed by the user. To access the options menu select “Tools/Options”:
Quick Setup Buttons
These buttons will quickly configure the setup options for the most common
race for each of these two racing organizations.
Custom Race type Specific items
Derby PRO has the ability to configure registration items as well as race
setup options to match different types of racing events. Using this drop
down menu you can select “Soap Box Derby Local Race”, “Soap Box
Derby Rally Race”, or “Drag Racing”. These options also effect the timer
pop-up interface and dictates whether we are looking at only time
differential or time differential with overall time and speed.
Page Number 31
General Options
• Show race pop-up even if remote checkbox specifies whether you
want the remote to show a pop-up at the finish of a run. Many times
you don’t because the other remotes may be being used to help
answer race questions from racers and this popup is distracting.
Other times you don’t want the popup if you are using that remote to
drive an overhead display and you want to announce race finish
times using a professional.
• Average Time for Heat is used by Derby PRO to determine how
long it will be until a selected heat is ran. This is only used to display
a reference time on the Racer History Page and Upcoming Heats
page.
Page Number 32
Timer Interface Options
• Enable Communications to Timer checkbox specifies whether
Derby PRO will be communicating with one of the selected timers.
This box should remain checked at all times if you use a timer that is
connected to Derby PRO.
• Select Timer Model is used to select the timer you are using.
• Distance in feet settings are only shown when you have a timer that
uses multiple sensors along the track, such as with the BSRA Grit
Timer drag racing timer. These values are used in the speed
calculation.
• Com Port for Timer is shown when using either a Maggic or Race
America timer. The GritTimer driver has a search function that will
automatically find and configure the GritTimer.
Page Number 33
Voice Options
• Enable Voice Output Feature checkbox enables the speech
function of Derby PRO. If this is turned on then Derby PRO will
announce the results for the run including the racer’s name. This
function also works on remotes and can be used to drive a sound
system anywhere you have a remote.
Page Number 34
Custom Logo Options
• Custom Logo Option gives you details on how to use your custom
logo within Derby PRO. You can use any logo you wish to have it
displayed on the “Race View” page and timer pop-up pages.
Page Number 35
Racing Divisions Options
• Number of Divisions allows you to specify how many divisions you
will be using to remove clutter caused by unused division tabs. You
can have up to 4 divisions in any single event.
• Division Display Name allows you to fully customize the division
names. This is useful when using Derby PRO to run races or
tournaments that are not necessarily Soap Box or Belt Sander
Racing specific.
• Racers start from 1st or 2nd sensors specify the starting location for
each division in a race using the Grit Timer multi-sensor timing
solution.
Page Number 36
Bracket Display Options
• Select what will be displayed in the brackets checkboxes allow
you to fully customize the “Race View” page. Making changes here
effect the way the brackets appear and can be used to simplify the
bracket information. This works well for driving overheads. These
selections do not effect how the heat sequence is shown on
“Upcoming Heats” and therefore still provides the race manager with
all data.
Page Number 37
Chapter 3
Creating a New Race
Derby PRO software has many screens that are used to configure your
race. Prior to this you should have already went through the previously
explained options pages and configured Derby PRO options appropriate for
your event type and timer time.
Overview of creating a New Race
• After selecting “File” then “New” you will be presented with a
“Race Details” page that you use to record the specifics of the
event
• After clicking “OK” you will the be taken to “Racer Registration”
where you will register all racers into each division
• After clicking “Close Registration” you will be taken to “Race
Setup” where you configure race options like lane/wheel
swapping, number of winning places, single/double elimination
etc.
• After clicking “Close Setup and Begin Racing” Derby PRO
generates the brackets, randomly fills them in with racers, and
generates the entire race sequence.
All of the above mentioned pages are shown in detail below.
Page Number 38
Race Details Page
• Items in blue are required. This data should be filled out ahead of
time before the day of your event.
Page Number 39
Racer Registration Page
• Items in blue are required. The items shown on this page vary
slightly for drag racing
• Add New Racer button causes a pop-up window to appear that
allows you to enter all of the data that is shown on the right (see next
page for details.
• Division List shows all configured racers in each division with totals
above the list. You can click on the racers name in the list and the
data on the right will be populated. This allows you to quickly scroll
through the names to see all data.
• Reload List saves you a great amount of time if you are using
multiple computers running Derby PRO for your registration. You can
have 3 people sitting at a registration desk that are quickly registering
all of your racers into separate computers. They would be handing
out race numbers from the same pile, so as not to duplicate numbers.
When they have registered all racers then you can go to your
windows start menu, then double click “my computer”, “c:”, “program
Page Number 40
files”, “derby pro”, “race storage”, find the folder for the race you are
running and double click it, then “program data”, and “racers”. Once
there you will see all racer names in the *.dpr files. By selecting all of
the files you can copy and paste them onto a USB drive that allows
you to move them into the Derby PRO master computer’s “racers”
location (same as just mentioned). Once all racers have been copied
to the master computer you can click “Reload List” to automatically
import them without having to re-enter their data. It is important if you
use this useful yet complicated feature that you take care not to
duplicate racer numbers.
Racer Registration Popup
Page Number 41
Closing Registration and beginning Race Setup
It is highly important that you use the print function while on the registration
page and print out the registration page (not for every racer, but just the
main list) and use this printout to verify that you have every racer
accounted for in the correct division. This is the number 1 problem that will
devistate your event. If you close registration you can always reopen it by
reseting the entire race (found under File menu), but this will re-randomize
all brackets. If you have added a racer or removed a racer your brackets
that will be generated will not be like they were before you added or
removed the racer.
IF YOU FIND YOU MADE A REGISTRATION ERROR AFTER THE RACE
HAS BEGAN AND YOU HAVE COMPLETED HEATS THEN YOU
CANNOT ADD, REMOVE, OR SWITCH DIVISIONS FOR A RACER
WITHOUT RESTARTING THE ENTIRE RACE!!!
When double checking yourself it is important to work from 2 printouts.
Start with the first one and read out the racer name/number/division and
have another person find the car and verify your info then mark out that
racer name on the printout. Once you have completed your entire list then
grab the other printout and have your helper read the racer
name/number/division of each car in order of the cars while you mark them
from your list. Using this method sounds over cautious, but if you follow it
you will never have a racer in the wrong division or missing. Making this
mistake means someone doesn’t get to race because of your mistake.
In the event that you have made a catastrophic error and have completed
heats then you only have 3 choices. If the other race families agree then
you can restart the race (assuming you have only made a few runs) after
correcting your error, eliminate the racer from the event (very unfavorable),
or manually fit the racer into an extra heat that you run on paper. If the
missed racer wins the extra heat then you will need to manage the name
swap for the rest of your event. In a double elimination event this is highly
problematic because the loser is still in the race. You can’t just replace his
name with the missed racers name because they are still both running
The best solution is to double check yourself before you begin to keep this
from happening. Some races have added “blank” spots to each division to
allow for human error. It then becomes a simple name swap for “blank”.
Page Number 42
After closing Registration it is time for Race Setup
• Single/Double Elimination
• Lane/Wheel Swapping option per division
• Lane/Wheel Swapping option for Final Heats (if not swapping
already)
• Awards Options for specifying depth of placements
• Sequencing Options. Mixing the divisions throughout the race is
important in keeping the race moving fast as well as keeping the
crowd present throughout the entire event. You can select to run
division in sequential order and then pick the order, but this will slow
down your proficiency.
• Close Setup and Begin the Racing Event. Double check this page
before closing. It is very easy to accidentally forget to select an
option on this page causing you to restart your race.
Page Number 43
Chapter 4
Running your race
This chapter explains:
• Basic procedures for running the race
• Race screens
• Sequencing logic
• Override controls for changing sequencing
The Brackets
Derby PRO dynamically generates brackets the second you close race
setup. These brackets are generated using standard single and double
elimination methods that are common to all tournament events. The
primary difference in tournament brackets is not in the way they look, but is
in how the consolation bracket (loser’s bracket) is populated from the
winner’s bracket. Derby PRO uses a reverse fill method that helps to
reduce the likely hood that you will immediately race the same competitor
as you did in the winner’s bracket. For example if Racer A loses to Racer
B in the winner’s bracket in tier 1 then Racer A is moved to the loser’s
bracket. If Racer B then loses to Racer C in the winner’s bracket in tier 2
then in some bracket methods Racer A might be forced to race Racer B
again in the loser’s bracket. Derby PRO reverse fills this every other tier to
help reduce the likely hood. In small races you still run the chance, but
more than likely could only get paired up after a couple of tiers in the
loser’s bracket. Because some pre-made heat sheets that you may
download from the web use different logic we have provided a special
“view winners goto/loser goto” option that allows you to view our brackets
with “go to” info, so that you may note it down when using a manual paper
heat sheet to follow the race. This is nice to give to observers to make it
easier to follow the event.
Page Number 44
Population of brackets
Once brackets have been generated Derby PRO randomly seats all
competitors into random spots. This eliminates having to draw names from
a hat and is the absolute fairest method of populating heats.
The Race View Page
This page is a very nice page to drive an overhead to get an understanding
of how the event is playing out. If you don’t use an overhead a dry erase
board can be used that mimics these brackets and allows racers to quickly
see where they are at.
Running a multi-sequenced multi-division race from a bracket tree is not
the simplest method of running a race. It forces you to bounce back and
fourth between several sheets and is prone to human error. We have done
several test with Derby PRO vs. manual and the nearly every time we find
Page Number 45
a human error with the manual paper method. Derby PRO provides the
Race View of the brackets to help assist in the understanding of the race,
but provides a much easier method for both top and bottom side to manage
the race. This is the “Upcoming Heats” page.
Upcoming Heats Page
• View infinite heat pairings. You can select how many upcoming
pairs you want to see by changing “show this many upcoming heats”
• Run number along with Division, phase, racer number, and lane
information is readily viewable. This page is used topside by the
car handlers to sequence as many upcoming heats as they can backto-back and then allows the ramp to push them down the hill as quick
as possible to keep your race moving. This view is also used by the
bottom side to determine what cars need to come back up. You can
eliminate the bottom side manager by staging all of your cars at the
top. All cars would then come to the top and the car handler just
pulls them as needed.
• Delay Selected Heat. You can delay any heat by clicking on it and
clicking “delay selected heat”. This is convenient when you are
getting down to the end of the race and the racers are not ready.
• Move Heat to Top. This is probably the most useful sequencing tool.
You can let the car handlers use this screen to align the cars
Page Number 46
•
•
•
•
•
•
correctly into the correct lanes. When a race pair is unavailable the
car handlers can simply load up the next available pair without
evening notifying the race manager. When the ramp release calls out
what cars are in each lane the race manager can quickly locate the
pair and move them to the top, then confirming to the ramp release
person that he is ready for them to release and the track is clear.
Switching this using the old paper method causes confusion at the
bottom side unless you have a lot of radio communications
constantly.
Swap Lanes. If lane position is not critical as when you are not
swapping wheels/lanes then you may chose to use a random method
of lane position. By clicking “swap lanes” you can quickly to conform
to the lane positions. This is not recommended when using lane
wheel swapping as it is easy to forget to swap them again in phase B.
If the car handlers have loaded them incorrectly then swap the cars
not the software to eliminate human error from adversely effecting the
outcome of the race.
Manually Finish Top Heat. Use this if you are using Derby PRO
and don’t have a compatible timer. You can click this to bring up the
same “pop-up” that is generated by the timer and then manually enter
in the data. This is also a useful tool to force a “fake” completion
when a racer has to leave early or doesn’t show up.
Minutes until run. By clicking on any visible heat you will get a
readout showing you how many minutes until the run occurs based
on the average time you have set under “tools”/”options”/”general”.
Lane win %. This tells you the percentage of runs that lane 1 has
won by throughout the day. This is a useful calibration tool for
calibrating your ramps and observing how your track changes with
temperature throughout the day.
Announcer Info on Last Run. This should be read by your
announcer after the run has completed. This makes it possible for a
radio DJ who doesn’t understand brackets to precisely announce the
race.
Announcer Info for current Run. This should be read by your
announcer before the run along with the racer/lane info shown for
that run. This makes it possible for a radio DJ who doesn’t
understand brackets to precisely announce the race.
Page Number 47
Race Statistics Page
• Completed Heats. This tab shows every run from start to finish. By
double clicking you can get the timing information and race results as
you seen it in the original timer pop-up. You cannot change the data.
• Rerun Selected Heat. By clicking on a completed heat you can
rerun it by clicking “rerun selected heat”. If a subsequent race has
already been run that involved one of these 2 racers then it will notify
you of this and not let you rerun it before first rerunning the
subsequent run.
• Refresh. If you are constantly sitting on this page then you need to
click “refresh” to reload the list. This allows you to scroll through at
your leisure instead of having the list scroll as you are trying to
browse.
Page Number 48
• Racer History. This is the most useful page to use when answering
racer questions or to correct errors from a racer that misheard a time
and is complaining of unfairness. By entering in the racer’s number
and clicking “get history” you will see every run they made. By
double clicking on the run you will get the same pop-up that they
originally got from the timer. You cannot change this data. You will
also see when they are racing next. For example “Next Heat: 24
minutes”.
Page Number 49
• The Graveyard. This is a list of racers that have finished racing and
can be removed from the field. This is useful for the bottom side
management. It is also highly recommended that you instruct your
racers to check with the “answers” official and verify that they are
finished before leaving. It may seem straight forward in a double
elimination race after you have lost twice, but if you made it far
enough into the consolation brackets than it is likely you will run
again for a place run.
End of race notification
When all runs have been completed you will be notified by a popup
message stating so and then you may click on Race View “finals bracket”
to write down or print the winners that will be immediately used at your
awards ceremony.
Page Number 50
Printing
Nearly every form that we’ve discussed can be printed using “File”/”print
current view” or using a visible “print button” on the form itself. Printing is
very useful for car handlers and bottom side.
Page Number 51
Chapter 5
Security and Control
• How to take configure the security user password
• How to take control
Overview
Since Derby PRO can be used on multiple computers to manage a single
race event then some precautions had to be put in place to keep people
from making race manager control decisions who shouldn’t be. For
instance if you have a remote that is being used by the “answer” man then
you don’t want him accidentally re-running a completed heat. Only 1
computer at any time can be in control of these type of items. Only 1
person (the race manager) should have the USER password. The default
USER password is “user” and the default ADMIN password is “admin”.
You should change these on your system to prevent intervention by others.
Especially if your network is a wireless network. By default the Master (the
computer that has the timer connected to it) is in control. However, to have
a remote (say at topside) to gain control the remote first has to connect to
the race that was mentioned earlier in this manual and then must click
“Security and Control” and click “Full Control Enabled”. They must enter in
the USER password before it will let them take control. The ADMIN
password is only used to modify passwords of the USER and ADMIN and
should not be used in place of the USER password for security reasons.
Page Number 52
Chapter 6
View Options
• Using different views for under the “View” menu item
Overview
Selecting “show racer’s numbers” is the standard view that shows whatever
information you have configured under “Tools”/”Options”/”Bracket Display”.
Selecting “show winner’s go to… and “loser’s go to” temporarily hides the
racer name information and populates the brackets with the “go to” info
(shown on next page)
Page Number 53
W->5-1 literally means “Winner of this heat goes to lane 1 of heat 5”.
A “heat” is considered a decisive event. When using lane/wheel
swapping a “heat” is actually the conclusion of 2 separate “runs”.
Page Number 54
By Selecting “show top 10 finishers” you will see the top fastest
finishers. This is useful for giving out additional awards as well as
just general competition info. This feature is only available when
using the Grit Timer drag racing timing system.
Page Number 55
Chapter 7
Troubleshooting
• Installation problems
• USB license key problems
• Timer interface problems
• Computer networking problems
Overview
This chapter covers basic trouble shooting of common problems that may
arise and attempts to provide you an accurate trouble shooting path to
resolve your issues. Specific computer problems related to the timer, the
PC itself, the operating system, and or the Ethernet Network are the
responsibility of the user and not Packard Software and or the companies
that have provided you with these components. We have provided this
information as a helper tool only and in no way implies liability or
responsibility.
Like any software there is a possibility of an unknown issue that over the
years has not been reported to us. In the unlikely event you find a
problem, notify us at [email protected] and we will resolve it
very quickly. We provide the latest software for download on our website
24/7 and can be downloaded at no cost assuming the license you
purchased covers the generation of software that is currently available. As
new features are added and new software is released you will need to
purchase an upgrade using the “upgrade” purchase option at
www.packardsoftware.com.
Page Number 56
Installation Problems
The software has been tested and verified on Windows XP with service
pack 2 as well as Vista. The only known issue that we have found is if you
are running XP (home or professional) and you have not installed service
pack 2 then during the install process Windows instructs you that it needs
to reboot because some of the files need to be updated. Upon rebooting
you try the installation again with the same results. If this happens
download Service Pack 2 from www.microsoft.com/support
USB License Key Problems
The USB license must be inserted into a USB port at all times while you
are running Derby PRO. Not doing so can cause your race to
unexpectedly stop. You will be presented with a notification of the missing
drive and the Demo mode will be activated until the drive is re-inserted and
the program is restarted.
If you attempt to copy or tamper with the drive in any way the software will
prevent you from running. You can copy the files on the drive to any
computer as many times as you wish without any risk of damage.
However, do not run any raw image copy utilities on the drive or the drive
will shut down and you will be left without a valid license.
The USB drive is a very industrial and reliable drive that can withstand
being dropped and abused (not recommended though). If you do damage
your drive then you will have to purchase a replacement drive that runs
about half the price of the original. We will issue you a replacement after
we receive your original drive and you have purchased the replacement on
our website. If you lose the USB drive or if is lost in shipping then we are
not responsible. For this reason you should purchase appropriate tracking
and insurance when shipping the drive back to us. It’s value is the value of
a new license and not the value of the replacement. If they lose it you will
be purchasing a full priced license from us. If your drive is lost by our
shipping method from us to you then we will replace it with another drive.
Page Number 57
Timer Interface Problems
If you have connected the timer to your PC as mentioned earlier in this
manual and still do not receive a “pop-up” on Derby PRO when you trip
both lanes then you will need to determine the cause.
Verify that the problem is external to the Derby PRO computer:
• Verify that the timer is getting the trip from both lanes. The
problem may just be alignment or a sensor/voltage issue. Cover
the easy stuff first.
• Verify the cable. Refer to the timer manufacture’s documentation
on connecting their timer to a RS-232 computer terminal.
• This is easy to determine by shutting down Derby PRO, opening
the same COM port with Hyper Terminal (refer to Hyper Terminal
for assistance with Hyper Terminal if you are not familiar), trip the
timer and see if you get a data stream shown on your screen. If
you don’t see data then switch your COM port settings in
HyperTerminal and restart HyperTerminal. Then trip both lanes
again. Do this for all COM ports on your PC. To find out what
COM ports exist hold the windows key on your keyboard and hit
“pause”, then select “hardware”, “device manager”, and “ports”.
This will show all of them. If you went through all of the ports
using HyperTerminal and you are still not getting data then the
problem is external to the Derby PRO computer.
If you find the data on a different COM port than you have selected the
incorrect COM port setting in Derby PRO.
If you find the data on the same COM port than confirm that the timer you
have is compatible with Derby PRO. It is possible that your timer
manufacture has modified their firmware and caused an incompatibility
issue. If this is the case contact [email protected] for
assistance.
It should also be noted that the Race America timer has finish line lights. If
they are flashing before the trip then a wireless communication error may
have occurred.
Page Number 58
Computer Networking Problems
You need to understand networking before attempting to use Derby PRO in
a client server situation with multiple computers. Derby PRO makes it very
easy to communicate between computers, but it is up to you to read the
section earlier on setting this up. If you don’t feel comfortable then get
help. Don’t attempt to modify the settings on your computer if you don’t
know what you are doing. You can take your computers to Best Buy or any
other retailer and pay for them to set this up if necessary.
There are many ways to network your computers. Hard wired, wireless,
and fiber optic are a few of the options. Regardless of your method the
final test is the “ping” test. If you have tried to connect the computers
automatically using the easy one click method of Derby PRO mentioned
earlier and the remote cannot see the master then your should open up a
DOS shell by clicking “start” then “run” and entering in “cmd” and hitting
enter. Once the shell is up then you type “ping 192.168.0.1” (192.168.0.1
is only shown for example, replace this with the address of the computer
you are trying to ping). If you see timeouts then your network is not
working or the firewalls are stopping it. Turn off all firewalls and try again.
Other service problems or questions can be answered by
support at Packard Software Support Department at
[email protected] .
Page Number 59
Software Notes
Page Number 60
Software Notes
Page Number 61

Derby PRO Race Management Software

Transcription

Similar documents

PDF version - Petaluma Post

WHY THE YAKTRAX PRO WORKS

Derby Fitness Training Creates More Skaters 2012

SCAG 12.cdr

Fundamentals Class Outline

Lit tle Gold Wagon

InStyle September, 2008 - New York Dermatology Group

Untitled - Steel City Roller Derby

Outlaw Drag Racing Association (ODRA) at U.S. 19 Dragway

Sponsor Us - LMBSS.net