Hardware

The hardware needed for running the Live Timing System consists of two required items, the PC and the Compulink adapter, and an optional, but highly recommended item, the Davis Weather Station.

We can provide your track with one of several turkey packages. For more information on these packages and their pricing, please see our Prices and Purchase Options section of this website.

The Laptop or PC:

The Live Timing System needs a dedicated PC as its main component. It doesn't need to be a blistering fast box, but should be powerful enough to support Live Timing today and be able to handle the Systems future growth.

Recommended minimum configuration:

Operating System:	Windows XP Pro Windows Vista
CPU:	Dual core, 1.8 GHz or better Single core, 2.0 GHz or better
Memory:	Vista - 2GB XP - 1GB
Hard Drive:	80GB
Optical Drive:	Any will work - writable DVD preferred
Floppy Drive:	Good for Race Results upload but hard to find on a new laptop
USB Ports:	Minimum of 3
Network Connection:	100BaseT RJ45 - wired Wireless card or built in
Screen:	Laptop: 15.4", 1280 x 800 minimum Desktop: 17", 1280 x 1025

Laptops: Originally we were using Dell hardware. They work well and we didn't have any issues other than lead-time. Because of the lead-time delay, we started using Toshiba laptops. We personally have used Toshibas for more than 10 years with no problems and the newer ones seem to be every bit as good.

Desktops: We have used Hewlett-Packard desktops for many years. Our experience is somewhat limited with name brands because we build our own. The HPs have been very reliable; we still have some that are 6 to 8 years old. I am an AMD bigot, so I usually go for systems with AMD processors.

Usage: We do use fairly 'generic' types of hardware; we STRONGLY recommend that you dedicate the PC or Laptop to Live Timing. If something should go awry with the box and there is a lot of other 'stuff' on it, our ability to help is drastically reduced. Also, the Live Timing family of software is growing all the time, and future needs may conflict with other uses.

Laptops vs. Desktops: The real reason behind the usage of a laptop and not a regular PC is that they are isolated from external power events because of the battery power. During the 2008 season 5 or 6 Compulink boxes were 'blown up' due to lightening and/or power surges or hits while we were connected. None of the laptops had any problems.

Purchase of new hardware: If you are going to purchase your own new hardware, WATCH THE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS. There are some great deals out there and with some shopping you should be able to pick up a new laptop for $500 USD or so, or a desktop and monitor for somewhat less.

The Compulink Adapter:

In order for the Live Timing computer to receive data from the timing system, a connection with an adapter is required between the two.

Depending on your tracks configuration one of the following will be provided with your System:

An opto-isolated RS485 to USB adapter for non-fiber tracks.
An opto-isolated RS232 to USB adapter for fiber tracks.

Along with the adapter, a "pigtail" is provided to make the physical connection to the Compulink System.

The Davis Weather Station:

Although this is not required to run Live Timing it is Highly Recommended. Here's why:

The weather plays a very large roll in racers ETs and speed.
For your local racers we have always found that super accurate weather data is not as helpful as super consistent weather data.
The Davis system is very cost effective and has proven to be a very reliable.
The weather we get from NOAA, usually the nearest airport, is obviously very accurate for the airport, but probably to so accurate for the track.
The NOAA data is also only updated once an hour unless a significant change has taken place.
The Davis data is updated every 20 to 30 seconds.
The Davis system allows us to provide the track and racers with accurate tail and headwind information.
It is a wireless system with photocells to power the remote sensors. Very easy to install and maintain.
Lastly, it is extensible. We use it at Bandimere Speedway to monitor the track temperatures at the starting line for their cooling system for example.

On top of all that, it is an excellent feature on the Live Timing web page for the viewers to see the weather information is updating frequently. This adds a lot of credibility to the data and makes the track appear much more "professional".