Autostart - Manual Override

[RLR]

Jeff Foster ... please correct me if I'm wrong.

The starter can arm the autostart anytime before all 4 bulbs are lit. It can even be armed before either car prestages. If kept in the autostart mode, the tree will countdown when all 4 bulbs are lit, or when the system "times out."

Once it is armed, the starter can override the autostart by clicking the switch into the "off" position. The next time the switch is clicked into the "on" position the tree will start the countdown INSTANTLY with no delay.

This gives the starter the flexibility to start the race on his terms, rather than the system's.

So, for example: Right car prestages - Starter clicks switch to "on" & arms autostart - Left car shuts off before prestaging and won't refire - Starter gives Right car the signal that he'll now get a single run - Right car stages - if autostart is not overridden, the system will never start the countdown since only 2 bulbs are lit - starter clicks switch to "off" - when starter clicks the switch back to "on," the tree countdown begins instantly.

While I obviously don't know for sure, I believe Rick Stewart starts most of the Professional cars manually. I think this is true because the Pro tree seems to flash yellow the same instant he flings his arm in the air. Again, this is just my belief based on my observations. I have not seen the Anderson-Enders race yet, so I don't know for sure what went on in that circumstance ... and I don't anticipate Mr. Stewart telling any of us what happened.

Autostart is a great system, but the starter can manually override it for any reason whatsoever, but the example given above is the classic reason for overriding.

[iceman]

Hope this helps.

Typically we as starters "arm" the system once both cars are pre-staged. Once one car stages (three bulbs on) there is no stopping the system because auto-start has begun. I don't know about what NH does but our system is auto-start for pro's and sportsmen alike. We can and do override the system if one car breaks because there are two cars in the system. Also, if a car gets up on the "chip" and rolls the beams the starter can override then also.

[RLR]

Originally Posted by iceman

Hope this helps.

Typically we as starters "arm" the system once both cars are pre-staged. Once one car stages (three bulbs on) there is no stopping the system because auto-start has begun. I don't know about what NH does but our system is auto-start for pro's and sportsmen alike. We can and do override the system if one car breaks because there are two cars in the system. Also, if a car gets up on the "chip" and rolls the beams the starter can override then also.

Autostart is not like firing a bullet that cannot be recalled once the trigger is pulled. You CAN stop the autostart system at any moment before the countdown actually starts, even in that short time period between the 4th bulb lighting and the countdown beginning.

The point is that the starter has total control over when the race begins. He can allow autostart to run the show, or he can override it. Autostart protects the starter from being accused of manipulating the race results by being overly slow ("he burned my down") or quick ("he quick-tree'd me") on the tree. It makes the starters job easier and the races more fair.

[Bruce Fulper]

RJR
What are your credentials in order to make these statements?

[RLR]

Originally Posted by BowtieBomber

RJR
What are your credentials in order to make these statements?

Same as yours. Just been hangin' around a long time, paying attention and, after a while, I've learned stuff.

I hope that Jeff Foster from CompuLink will comment on this because if I'm wrong I want to know about it.

[Marc Kinton]

how do you disarm the system you run once autostart is activated? there ain't no kill switch on that system