SPEED TIMING SYSTEM

February 2016

By Göran Olsson

The Transitrace system has been around for 15 years, and the type II design is now offered. Transitrace is the established standard for timing Control Line Speed model aircraft electronically, at least 20 times more accurately than manual timing.

The FAI F2A rules state that for World and Continental Championships electronic timing must be used!

Transitrace uses an optical sensor which detects a passing aircraft by its dark appearance against the sky. It automatically adapts to the weather conditions. The sensor connects to a computer, which presents and logs flight data in real time, interacts with the flight judges and gives the result. The software can handle not just F2A, but also other categories. The computer must be a PC with parallel port, running MS-DOS. Old used laptops are normally available. A Windows solution is under work, with preliminary tests done, but not yet ready.

The Transitrace II Sensor is a completely new design inside, but looks similar to type I. It is completely assembled with battery installed, ready to use. There is no on/off switch, instead the sensor will turn on automatically when connected to the PC.

The Handle Judge Switch is not delivered in a complete state. It is just a microswitch with LED connected to a cable. You have to make a wood or plastic grip with trigger yourself.

The present equipment will be fully useable with the future Windows Software and Timer Box.

The system is composed of:

· Sensor Unit, in metal box with tripod stand

· Sensor to PC Cable, length 7 metres

· Handle Judge Switch with cable, length 2 metres. (Delivered without grip)

· Parallel Port Adaptor

· PC Software Kit, for MS-DOS, downloadable according to instructions sent after purchase

· User Manual, downloadable here:

http://www.go-cl.se/tt/tt2016/ttman403.pdf

Optional:

· Extension Cable, length 76 metres, wound on a plastic bobbin

Necessary for contest use, as the sensor could be positioned far from the officials’ stand.

You must also provide:

· AN OLD PC Computer, with a parallel port, running MS-DOS alone. A battery operated laptop type is practical for field use. Its screen must be bright enough to be visible in outdoor lighting.

· A sensor Dolly Fender, also serving as rain cover. IMPORTANT!

· Computer Cover for light shielding and rain protection

· A Grip for the handle switch (See picture above)

Recommended is also:

· External battery for the PC to allow enough operational time for the planned use. A voltage converter and regulator may have to be inserted between the battery and the computer power inlet. Note that a laptop PC running MS-DOS will use more power, as the power saving is not functional.

All is further described in the User Manual.

NOTE: There is a very important limitation of the present software:

THE TIMING PROGRAM CAN’T BE RUN UNDER WINDOWS.

It needs to be run in MS-DOS only mode!

TRANSITRACE PRICES   2016
Valid in SEK (Swedish Kronor). EUR and USD indicated according to present exchange rates, including commissions and fees. Cost of shipping must be added. Payment method: Bank Transfer or PayPal (after agreement)
Currency	SEK	EUR	USD
Sensor including 7 meter cable and Handle Judge Switch with cable (without grip) and Adapter Connector for connecting to Parallel Port on MSDOS PC	2900	~325	~355
Extension Cable, 76 meters, to allow sensor position anywhere around the circle. (Necessary for contests)	810	~90	~100

E-mail: goran.olsson@ee.kth.se, goran@go-cl.se

Telephone: +46-8158320 Mobile: +46-734218086