Search found 162 matches

by John Shreffler
Sat Oct 18, 2008 5:32 pm
Forum: New Directions
Topic: Another New Product Preview: Electric Start Gate
Replies: 0
Views: 8302

Another New Product Preview: Electric Start Gate

I have developed another modestly priced solenoid gate activator, this one to fit the Piantedosi (now Microwizard) aluminum Freedom track. It is designed to work with my Light Tree for a dramatic start to each race. The web site is at http://www.newdirections.ws/MWG.htm
by John Shreffler
Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:02 am
Forum: New Directions
Topic: New Product Preview - Remote Controlled Start Gate
Replies: 7
Views: 12348

Re: New Product Preview - Remote Controlled Start Gate

Stan, your point is taken. There is nothing that beats a snap-open gate, so that the pegs are instanteously away from the cars. This approach eliminates the bumper height effect that has engendered a virtual cult following. I have always considered the bumper height stuff as distracting and somethin...
by John Shreffler
Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:14 pm
Forum: New Directions
Topic: New Product Preview - Remote Controlled Start Gate
Replies: 7
Views: 12348

Re: New Product Preview - Remote Controlled Start Gate

Stan: The toggled solenoid gate was a one-of-a-kind design that I don't intend to make a permanent part of my product line. I hung a picture of it at http://www.newdirections.ws/images/togglegate.JPG To answer your question, no I have not investigated your concern, although I don't think there would...
by John Shreffler
Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:50 pm
Forum: New Directions
Topic: New Product Preview - Remote Controlled Start Gate
Replies: 7
Views: 12348

Re: New Product Preview - Remote Controlled Start Gate

Hi TAL: Returning the BestTrack gate to the closed position would require a lot of solenoid power. Since somebody has to be at the gate anyway to set the cars, it is not a big deal to [censored] the gate for the next race. Just a flick of the thumb. I did make a gate last week for a 6 lane BestTrack...
by John Shreffler
Wed Sep 24, 2008 7:11 pm
Forum: New Directions
Topic: New Product Preview - Remote Controlled Start Gate
Replies: 7
Views: 12348

New Product Preview - Remote Controlled Start Gate

I am offering a new electric start gate design, which will be controlled by my Light Tree. For now, it will configured only for the BestTrack. A similar concept for other tracks is under consideration.

http://www.newdirections.ws/BTG.htm
by John Shreffler
Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:10 pm
Forum: Software
Topic: RaceView software discontinued
Replies: 0
Views: 7791

RaceView software discontinued

I note with a bit a sadness that Doug Wilson has dropped out of the Pinewood Derby software market. See www.raceview.com
by John Shreffler
Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:03 pm
Forum: Space Derby
Topic: Best Track
Replies: 12
Views: 23929

Re: Best Track

Using cement for BestTrack weights is located at
http://www.newdirections.ws/isd.html
by John Shreffler
Sat Feb 23, 2008 12:39 pm
Forum: Commercial
Topic: Judge timer option
Replies: 7
Views: 10646

Re: Judge timer option

The serial cables I supply are standard commercial, 6 ft long. I am not aware of any being bad. If you had told me you needed a longer one, I would have included a second one free in the shipment. You must be a little bit careful about cables. There is a cable used for printers that criscrosses two ...
by John Shreffler
Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:49 pm
Forum: Commercial
Topic: Judge timer option
Replies: 7
Views: 10646

Re: Judge timer option

Oooops, it looks like I spoke too soon. Looked up Clarion on the map, and see it is close to Shippenville, and it appears that you might be my customer after all. If you give me a call, 703-319-0840, I will walk you through a session with Hyperterminal which will indicate if the Judge is working ok.
by John Shreffler
Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:41 pm
Forum: Commercial
Topic: Judge timer option
Replies: 7
Views: 10646

Re: Judge timer option

I have not sold any Judge recently to anyone in Clarion PA. I find it curious that a customer experiencing problems with a product would go to a discussion group for help, rather than the person(s) who made the products being used.
by John Shreffler
Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:11 pm
Forum: New Directions
Topic: Special Price on Challenger Track Judges
Replies: 4
Views: 10610

Re: Special Price on Challenger Track Judges

Lane spacing is 3.75, and the supports stand on the raised 1x4 side rails suggested for the wood track built to support it. The Challenger concept is basically an aluminum topping, not quite as robust as the Freedom.
by John Shreffler
Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:02 pm
Forum: New Directions
Topic: Special Price on Challenger Track Judges
Replies: 4
Views: 10610

Special Price on Challenger Track Judges

During February, we are slashing the price on our Judges designed for the Beta Industries Challenger aluminum track. Take off $50 from normal Judge price. If you order Computer Option, take off $100. It does not matter if you are ordering a 2 lane, or 8 lane, or anything in between. Check the What's...
by John Shreffler
Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:34 pm
Forum: Commercial
Topic: New Timer for Our 8 Lane Challenger
Replies: 5
Views: 7444

Re: New Timer for Our 8 Lane Challenger

The Challenger track is 3.75" on center.
by John Shreffler
Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:55 pm
Forum: General
Topic: USB to Serial Adapters
Replies: 28
Views: 28394

Re: USB to Serial Adapters

Isn't it about high time that timer manufacturers included a USB interface? There will never be a USB Judge, because most customers want to be at the start gate with the computer, so that they can be conversant with the folks setting the cars, rather than shouting the length of the track. The USB s...
by John Shreffler
Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:55 pm
Forum: Commercial
Topic: USB to Serial Adapters - Windows
Replies: 28
Views: 28143

Re: USB to Serial Adapters

Isn't it about high time that timer manufacturers included a USB interface? There will never be a USB Judge, because most customers want to be at the start gate with the computer, so that they can be conversant with the folks setting the cars, rather than shouting the length of the track. The USB s...