Detailed Info
Derby Timers
36 Matuk Dr., Hyde Park, NY 12538
(845) 229-5189
Frequently Asked Questions
Operational Questions
Q: I would like to know the elapsed times of each car. What do I need in terms of electronic finish lines/timers to make this happen. Do the electronic finish lines/timers display the elapsed times or must I connect it to a laptop and purchase software?
A: Our timer will send the elapsed times for each car to a serial or USB port on a computer. The "place" is shown on the displays above each lane. It is a good idea to purchase a race management package, but not necessary. We provide all the commands for you to write your own package. You may also use the free Microsoft terminal program, HyperTerminal, to read the results and record them manually.
Q: What software does your timer work with?
A: We have verified our timer with the following major race management software packages:
GrandPrix, RaceView, DerbyMaster and RaceTender Race Management Software.
The race management software overview describes and provides links to these packages so that you may choose the package that you like the best. Each one has it's own strengths and they provide free demos.
The RaceTender and GrandPrix V5 Race Management software packages take full advantage of our extensive commands. They implement the masking of lanes and allow you to change the photo finish delay settings during the race. You may also select reverse lanes.
Q: Is your sensor affected by sunlight or camera flashes?
A: Our timer is not affected by camera flashes since they do not contain infrared light. The sensors are affected by direct sunlight. We did not see any problems when it was cloudy or hazy. The sunlight on a clear day did interfere with the sensors. The lower angle of the sunlight is a problem because it can shine under the car. This is more evident if the car is higher up off the track. It is also more of a problem if the sensors are flush with the track rather than recessed down into the track.
We suggest that you shade the timer by building a little carport with some scraps of wood or use a tent.
The strength and angle of the sunlight along with the depth of the sensor in the track determine when the sensor will trigger. The height of the car was also a factor in when the sensor triggered. When the sun is shining under the nose of the car it will trigger later. When we tested this on our metal track where the sensors are flush with the track, the crayon car did not trigger until just in front of the wheels. The sensors are recessed into our test track by 5/16". This helped but the car still triggered a fraction of an inch later than when the timer was shaded.
If you put a covering over your timer or have a nice cloudy day, your timer will work just fine.
An additional feature is that it will work with your portable drill battery. We have pictures that will aide you in building a connection portal for your battery on the Battery Operated page.
Q: Can you please explain the solution used to lube the rubber bands?
A: You need a mixture of two parts "GREEN SOAP", one part "GLYCERIN" and one part water for lubricating the rubber bands.
I was told that tincture green soap and glycerin can be found at your nearest Wal-Mart, if not on the shelf ask for it. They can usually get it within 24 hrs if ordered early in the day.
I have found tincture of green soap at this online pharmacy: http://www.americarx.com/index.asp?PageAction=PRODSEARCH&txtSearch=green%20soap
I searched for "green soap tincture" and found this specific product.
http://www.americarx.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=40867
I was told that "green soap" is any liquid soap made with organic material.
You may try a few different liquid soaps.
You can find glycerin at CVS (Pure Glycerin 4 OZ) for $2.99.
Here is the link to CVS:
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RUBBER BAND PLANES:
Here is a link to a web site that explains more about rubber lube and stretch winding rubber band motors: http://www.mindspring.com/~thayer5/ffpages/tools/winder/lube.html
Ordering Questions
Q: Can I add lanes later?
A: If you intend to purchase an additional lane in the near future, it would be a good idea to get the timer that fits with the additional lane. You can always set the timer to the number of lanes you have and not use the extra lane until you have it. You would need only a piece of track about a foot long to use as a dummy lane for mounting purposes. Inquire with the track manufacturer about this..
Q: Can I add options later?
A: Yes - You may add any of the options including lanes at a later date very easily.
For example:
You may add the SmartLine Photo Finish Device and software at any time.
If you have a 3 lane SmartLine Pinewood DerbyŽ timer and you want a Space DerbyŽ timer, you may purchase a Space DerbyŽ sensor kit, a display and a connector. You would only need to return the displays for installation of the connector. You would use the computer and displays from the Pinewood timer and mount them on the Space DerbyŽ frame that you have built with the plans provided on the Space DerbyŽ Track page. If you have a 4 lane Pinewood timer then all you need is the Space DerbyŽ Sensor kit. Please note that you do need the Complete Space DerbyŽ Timer if you do not already have a SmartLine Timer. We can not support the use of any other timers with our Space DerbyŽ Sensors.
If you have a 3 lane timer and want to add another lane at a later date, you would only need to purchase a Pinewood DerbyŽ sensor kit that includes a new sensor bar, detectors and the Plexiglas panel. You would also need to purchase 1 display and connector. Please contact us or call us at (845) 229-5189 for details.
Q: How easy is it to purchase a SmartLine Finish Line Timer?
A: You may pay with a credit card or check.
We recommend using the PayPal Order Form. You do not need a PayPal account to use it. You just need a valid email account. This is the only way that we can accept credit card orders.
You may pay with a check or money order. Use the standard Order Form, print it out, SUBMIT it and send your check. Read about CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PURCHASES below for details.
You may browse through the Price List page to get an idea of what the price will be and then go to the appropriate order form to purchase your timer.
CREDIT CARD PURCHASES:
If you are paying with a credit card you will use the PayPal Order Form. Take a moment to browse this form. Nothing will be added to your shopping cart unless you select it. It can also be removed or changed at any time.
Even if you don't have a PayPal account, you will be prompted through 4 simple steps.
For new buyers, signing up for a PayPal account is now optional. This means you can complete payments first, and then decide whether to save your information for future purchases. The purchase process is more convenient.
When you decide to make a purchase, you are walked through four easy steps:
Shipping information -- Enter your name and shipping address.
Billing information -- Enter your credit card information, email address and phone number. You also have the option to send a message to us.
Review of payment information -- Review what you've entered to make sure it's correct. You can either edit the information or complete the checkout process.
Save customer information with PayPal (optional) -- To shop more quickly and easily in the future, you can save the personal information that you've already entered with PayPal. To create a PayPal account, all you need to do is choose a password and answer a few security questions.
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PURCHASES:
If you are paying with check or money order, you will use the standard Order Form. The totals will automatically be updated for you as you select items to purchase. It would be helpful but not mandatory to print the form out before selecting the Submit button. A confirmation page will be shown when the order is sent correctly and we will send you a notice via email that your order was received. We will process your order when the check or money order are received through the mail.
Please make sure that you make the check out to Nancy or Richard Fritz and send it to 36 Matuk Drive, Hyde Park, NY 12538
If you have any questions please enter them in the feedback form.
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Payment and Shipping
We accept checks or money orders through the mail. If you are sending a payment through the mail, we have a printable order form that calculates the price for you as you select items. We ask that you print out the order form before you submit it and send it with your check. When you submit the order form we immediately get a copy of the order so we can begin processing it right away, however we need to wait for the check to clear before we can ship the item.
We can accept all major credit cards through PayPal. If you wish to pay with a credit card you need to use the PayPal order form.
iPowerWeb is our hosting provider and your information is secure on an SSL certificate for Secure Socket Layer transmitting.
We will email a detailed confirmation when we receive your order. If you do not receive a confirmation within 48 hours, please contact us at (845) 229-5189.We ship via UPS Ground unless you specify otherwise. Refer to the shipping and handling chart for details.
If you have any questions please enter them in the feedback form.
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Warranties and Returns
If you are not satisfied with this product you may return it within 30 days of receipt in the original packaging for the purchase price of the equipment. Shipping and handling is not refundable.
This product is guaranteed for 3 years for parts and service. The service does not include misuse.
Please contact us before returning the unit for service by email or call us at (845) 229-5189.
If you have any questions please enter them in the feedback form.
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Security and Privacy
The security and privacy of our customers is very important to us.
Please review our privacy policy.Back to Top
