DLRA

 

Volunteer Register

Task Descriptions

 

Timing

1. Description

The Chief Timer the Timers Assistant and his Assistant Timers are responsible for setting up and operating the timing system.

The Timer coordinates with the Chief Starter and Fire and Rescue teams to time each vehicle and calculate the speed for each run.

There are two tracks and in the timers van there are two rooms, one for each track.

The timer for each track will be sitting in front of a computer running the timing software with head phones on for the UHF radio.

There is a high level of concentration required to ensure what the current sequence of events are.

Each run can take from 6 to 9 minutes to complete depending if its Track 2 (one timed mile) or Track 1 (up to 4 timed miles).

To volunteer for this job use the Volunteer Register.

 

2. Responsability

To determine and record the speed of vehicles on the tracks.

To announce these speeds over the DLRA private UHF channels.

At the end of each session the Timers Assistant will provide to the Clerk of Course and the Impound Marshall the results of that session.

At the end of the week the Chief Timer will provide a compiled results report to the Clerk of Course.

 

3. Assistants Duties

  1. Assistants will help the Chief Timer to set up the timing equipment and data network. This is not necessarily very technical work and involves the placing of timing equipment at mile markers and erection of towers for data transmission.
  2. Assistants will operate the timing equipment and the UHF radio.
  3. There is a Start Line Data Entry operator in the Start Line Caravan. Their job is to take the Pre-Entry slips that will be handed to them by the Start Line Attendant and add them to the Timing System Vehicle queue.
  4. Assistants will help the Chief Timer to pack up the timing equipment and data network. There is a series of transport cases, all the gear has to be cleaned and packed away in the cases.

 

3.1 Assistant Instructions

On the day of your duty you report to the Registration Van ready to be picked up and taken across to the Timing Van. This means you have everything you need to sustain you for the duration of your shift as there is no opportunity for you to return once you are out at the Timing Van. Hat, sunglasses, sun cream, snacks. Water is provided and there is a portable toliet next to the van.

 

You DO NOT travel out to the timing van in your own vehicle, unless under strict instructions from the Timer or the Clerk of Course. The timing van is in a prohibited area, only official vehicles in the performace of their duties are allowed within the prohibited area at all times. There is a protocol for official vehicles to move between the registration van and the timing van which involves ensuring the track is clear and not in use.

 

Racing starts around 8.00am, there will be a break from around 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm and then the afternoon session from 1.00pm till 6.00pm.

You must be at the registration van no later than 7.30am for a morning shift and 12.30 for an afternoon shift.

Make sure you sign the volunteers book next to your name.

There will be a short training session in the Timing Van prior to the start of each session.

 

Please read this information about avoiding Dehydration and recognising Heat Exaustion or Heat Stroke.

 

4. Tasks

4.1 Set Up

4.1.1 Timing Van Equipment

  • Timing equipment needs to be checked for operation & all parts are in cases including aerials, cables brackets etc are present.
  • Check no old dry cell batteries are in any components of TAG Heuer equipment.
  • Make sure SLA batteries are charged & in good condition.
  • Set up generator and connect to van.
  • Set up computers and printers (One for each Track)
  • Set up UHF Radios (One for each Track), aerials and power supplies, perform radio check.
  • Setup each timing unit at mile markers for Tracks 1 and 2. See Track Layout map.
  • Test Timing System connectivity
  • Conduct speed test

 

4.1.2 Start Line Van - Data Entry

  • Set up lap top PC and connect to data network.
  • Run Timing System and confirm connectivity with Timing Van.
  • Set up UHF Radio, aerial and power supply, conduct radio check.

 

4.1.3 Data Network

  • Erect poles with dishes, hardware and cables at Timing Van, Start Line Van and Registration Van stations.
  • Connect modems to each station and establish connectivity via computers.
  • Install data phones on network at each station

 

4.2 During the event

NOTE: Each session the assistants will present to the Registration Caravan at least 30 minutes prior to that session starting. They will be picked up and escorted across to the Timing Van. (Morning 7.30am, Afternoon 12.30pm)
You do not go out there by yourself or without approval to cross the track from the Officials. This is a restricted / prohibited area.

Radio Communications:-

  • Use the closed channel 2-way radio to communicate with Starter & Fire & Rescue.
    (As the radios are running on a repeater, the transmit button must be pressed for 2 seconds prior to speaking.)
  • There are protocols for radio communications please read Radio Techniques. 

 

Timing Software:-

VERY IMPORTANT: At the start of each race day conduct a Speed Test to ensure the Timing system is working properly.

  • Use the timing software to LOAD the next vehicle and ARM the system (once the track is clear message is received)
  • Once the run is complete (visual on the vehicle leaving the track or radio confirmation from Fire & Rescue), press SAVE to record the run.

 

Typical sequence of events:-

    1. Start line will confirm vehicle number ready at start line over the UHF radio.
    2. Timing will LOAD the vehicle number from the list and ARM timing system.
    3. Fire & Rescue will confirm track clear.
    4. Start line will release vehicle.
    5. Fire and Rescue will call TRACK CLEAR or if there was an incident TRACK CLOSED.
    6. Timing will SAVE the run (regardless of whether track is clear or closed).
    7. Repeat.

 

4.3 Pack Up

  • SLA batteries in timing gear should be charged to full capacity.
    (This should be repeated at regular intervals during the year every 6 weeks)
  • All timing equipment with dry cell batteries should have them removed before storage.
  • When SLA batteries are replaced write date on them with marker pen.
  • All the timing equipment stays in the cases.
  • All the data equipment get packed into the big blue cases.

 

5. Knowledge and Skills

 

6. Equipment

Jackaroo, 1 x UHF club fixed radios, 2 x Orange Flashing Light

1 x Tub. (3 x drop sheets, 1 x generator, 1 x tool kit, 2 x cordless drills, 1 x Binoculars).

3 x Lap Tops, 2 x Printers

2 x UHF club fixed radios, 2 headphones, 2 x 12v Power Supplies.

11 x cases of timing equipment.

5 x boxes of data network equipment. (1.Timing Van, 2.Start Line, 3.Registration, 4,. 5.Cables).

 

7. Escalation

 

 

 

 

Learn More ....