Opening Page

Timing Equipment Development Charter

The System - Pictures

Operation of the Equipment

Bushnell Laser Range Finder

The Wind Logger

Robert Downhill surrounded by components of the timing system during development prior to Weymouth Speed Week October 1998. Now we have twice as many computers!

Each year Robert, Bob and Nick spend many hundreds of pounds and many hundreds of hours perfecting the equipment. Each year the equipment gets more capable, more reliable and easier to use.

For 2000 the following improvements were made.

• Two completely independent courses were run simultaneously
• There are four 'Yellow Boxes' which house the equipment and laptop computer.
• A power supply was designed and made for the data radios so that they operated from one 12 volt supply. A 12 volt battery has sufficient capacity for approximately 16 hours operation of the computer, electronics and radio.
• The 12 volt batteries are located externally. Battery carry boxes have been made, at the end of the day it is only necessary to carry the batteries back to so that they may be recharged.
• All connections are made externally to the boxes. The connections are housed behind waterproof covers that are only removed when the system has been safely carried to its operating position.
• External aerials have been made. These improve reliability of transmission as well eradicate spurious input signals into the electronics.
• A complete set of licence exempt Motorola radios have been purchased for use on the inshore course.
• In 2001 there will be several wind speed and wind direction data loggers mounted on purpose made masts.

Amended 08/04/06