8
9.
Computer Connection Mode
- This mode becomes active once a back-and-forth
communication has been established between GPRM (Grand Prix Race Manager)
software and the timer. To connect to GPRM software, go to the software Hardware
Settings page and make sure “The Champ” radio button is selected. Click on the
software “Start Testing” button to connect the timer to the software. Run a test race on
the Hardware Settings page.
Note:
Once communication with GPRM has been established, all lanes will be turned
back on if previously masked (see #8 above). You will now use the GPRM software to
mask (turn off) the lanes. The timer will also be in No Timeout Mode (see #7 above)
and will not reset on its own. You can reset the timer from within the software or by
using the reset button.
10.
When using a Serial to USB Adapter -
If you are using a Serial to USB Adapter to connect your Champ Timer to a laptop or
other computer, be sure to install the drivers for your USB Adapter. Your timer will not
communicate with the computer if you do not have the drivers installed for the Serial to
USB Adapter. If a driver disc was not included with your Serial to USB Adapter, you
can download a new version from the manufacturer’s web site.
Note:
The adapter driver might download and install automatically if you are already
connected to the internet when you plug the adapter into a USB port on your
computer.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
If you have a “n” in one or more lanes
, this means that the lower sensor cannot see
the infrared LED light shining down on the track from the upper part of the timer.
Check to see if the lower sensors on the sensor bar are aligned with the sensor holes
in the track. Check to make sure that no debris is blocking the sensor. Look
at the infrared LED light that shines down on to the track and make sure it is pointing
straight down and did not get tipped to one side. The LED can be gently repositioned if
needed. The infrared light from the upper LEDs is invisible.
If the first car is showing a “0.0000” elapsed time on a race
, the timer is not
receiving the start signal from the start gate switch. Check to make sure the start gate
switch/reset cable is plugged in all the way. Also, check to make sure the start gate
switch lever is fully depressed and that you can hear the start gate switch “click” when
the start gate is put up into the “ready to race” position. You may need to slightly bend
the metal lever of the start gate switch down towards the floor so that it contacts the
start gate sooner.
If you are getting 9.9999 for all the times for your cars,
you may have the start
gate switch hooked up incorrectly. See the diagram shown on page 6.
The middle connection of the start gate switch should not be connected, see the
diagram shown on page 6.
