I just wanted to let you all know where the JudgeMan and JudgeAuto systems is at.
Judgeman
With the invaluable help of Jim Allen and Tom Scott, the fully wireless classic scoring system continues to evolve and improve.
We have now use external antennas on the radio modems to improve the communications between modules, and are minimizing parts counts to reduce the number of connections necessary to just plugging in the batteries.
Some of the clubs ordering systems are ordering 3 of the mini-displays which works well for normal events. Clubs like Phoenix that hold major events opt for a large display so the spectators can see race progress and cuts.
We recommend running LIPOs for batteries as they are competitively priced, have a good shelf life, and can run all weekend for all stations except the displays.
At this time JudgeMan systems are located at: AMA for the Nationals and Major events, Calgary has the original, KCRC just bought one, CAPS is building one, and Phoenix's new one is having it's shakedown run at Winterfest today. A system is shipping to Europe this week, and one is being held aside for er...um...somebody who is waiting for approval. I invite you all to go to any of the race-events these clubs have to experience the benefit of the complete solution that the system provides.
As you might guess, there is a significant investment in LEDs and other parts. For instance, the LEDs have to be purchased in lots of 5000 per color, and it takes a month to get them to my doorstep. If your club is interested in buying a system in the next year or so, give me a heads up so I can do some sort of planning.
JudgeMan Wired
Stan Douglas first suggested it, and with strong promotional support by Bert Mitchell who has made 3 systems, I make a wired version of the Mini-Display for the 2-pole racing crowd.
The mini-digit number display is set-up ahead of the pilots and is connected to a laptop via a brain box. The brain box also accepts lap counting buttons and cut switches that are held by the judges.
The laptop runs the JudgeTimer program (originally made by Stan) which supplied control for the countdown, laps and tracking cuts. You can even connect the computer to the PA system to broadcast the countdown.
JudgeAuto
Fred Burgdorf has been invaluable in my endeavour building the automatic plane tracking system. After some early success ... life, work, and my ability to over-complicate matters, derailed progress.
Where are we now? We have some sample hardware that sits in planes and is sensed by units on the ground. The electronics appear to function adequately, just the ground units need programming to do something reasonable with the data. This is where I'm spending my time now.
We'll see if we can get some useful data out of the system this spring. I'll keep you posted.
Hank
The new CAPS system layout. Maybe if we ask Tom real nice he'll post some pictures.