OPERATION OF THE TIMESTOPPER MODEL T-IV

1. Assure that the photo sensors (i.e. the finish sensors) are installed in the track correctly and that the incandescent illumination positioned over the finish line has been adjusted using the ALIGNMENT MODE described in the documentation section on INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION OF T-IV FINISH SENSORS.



2. At the finish line, assure that the incandescent illumination set up over the finish line is turned on, undisturbed, and remains in the same location from race to race.   Make sure that all cars are removed from the finish line, and make sure that no one inadvertently will move their hand or other obstacle over the light sensing holes at the finish line before the finish of a race.   Check beforehand that the sensor holes in the track are free of light-obstructing debris.



3. Place your racecars with wheels staddling the track's guide rails and with gravity pulling them against the posts of the track's starting gate, ready for the start of a race.



4. Put the Timestopper T-IV into RACE MODE by sliding the Power Switch to the ON position (slide to upper position) without holding down the Reset Switch as you would otherwise do to enter ALIGNMENT MODE.   When the Power is turned On, the front panel LEDs will flash in unison and the number of flashes indicates the number of lanes that can be monitored :i.e. a 2-lane unit flashes twice, a 3-lane three times, etc..   Following the lane indication, the LEDs will flash alternating between the odd numbered lanes and the even numbered lanes, this indicates the unit is ready to Judge the finish of a race.



5. The race is started in the normal fashion, by dropping the start gate of the track.



6. The Timestopper Model IV is constantly monitoring the finish sensors (photo sensors) and when the first race car crosses the finish line, the lane LED of that car comes on.   Then, as the next cars finish, the other lane LEDs also come on until all cars have finished.   When all racers have finished, all LEDs go off and the unit enters into its Display Finish Mode to show the results of the race.



7. In the Display Finish Mode, the first place finish is indicated by one of the LEDs being on for a fairly long period of time.   The second place is indicated by two more rapid LED flashes, third place by three still more rapid flashes, fourth place is indicated by four even more rapid flashes, and finally fifth place is indicated by five of the most rapid flashes.



8. NOTE:   The number of finishes indicated depends upon the number of lanes being monitored:

Two Lane unit:     First, Second

Three Lane unit:   First, Second, Third

Four Lane unit:   First, Second, Third, Fourth

Five Lane unit:   First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth



9. After the Timestopper Model IV has cycled through all of the lanes, the LEDs will be off for a period of time and then the LED cycle will repeat.   The Display Finish Mode will continue and cycle through all of the lanes until the Race Reset button is depressed.   To get ready for the next race, depress the Race Reset button.   The front panel LEDs will then again flash in the alternating pattern and then go off, indicating the unit is ready for the next race to commence.



10. To start a new race, first record the result of the previous race.   Then position the racecars at the start gate position.   Finally, release the start gate to begin the next race.