GrandPrix Race Manager V7.0 - Just Released

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GrandPrix Race Manager V7.0 - Just Released

Post by gpraceman »

After many long months of work, GrandPrix Race Manager V7.0, is now out and it's radical! :mrgreen:

Here is a summary of what's new with Version 7.0:

General
• More intuitive and simpler to use interface.
• Sports a really cool new look and feel (think flames).
• Anytime data is to be deleted, the user must confirm the deletion (same as before) but they will also be given the opportunity to backup the data before hand.

Main Screen
• Added an Overview tab. This tab lists the steps to run a race and provides shortcut buttons for each. You can also check off each step as you go, for reference.
• Tree list views of Groups, Subgroups and Rounds on each tab replace separate drop-down lists, making it easier to get to the data that you want.
• There is no longer a separate section to add or modify racer registration data. Enter and modify racer data directly in the list of racers.
• There is no longer a separate section to add or modify awards data. Enter and modify awards data directly into the list of awards.
• Easier to designate award winners. Winners can be typed in (with auto complete) or selected from the drop-down list for each award.
• Custom lane labels now allow for a change of font color. You can tweak the font colors for each lane to better display on a projection system or TV.

Hardware Setup Screen
• Made the "Reverse Lane Order" and lane enabling/disabling options accessible without first having to press the "Start Testing" button.
• When first trying to use a timer, a communications check will automatically be performed (for timers that support this feature). This will give users a warning if there is a communications problem. Applies also to the racing screen.
• Added a "Test Race" button, to do a complete test of the timer (reset, lane masking, start indication, etc.). Behaves like the "Ready Timer" button in the racing screen.
• Added support for triggering a solenoid start gate via the serial port. The serial port provides a higher voltage meaning a longer cable can be used.
• Added support for triggering a drag racing style light tree via the serial port. The light tree must be able to control the light sequence on its own. GrandPrix Race Manager only provides the kick-off signal.

Dynamic Race Scheduling
• Added a new "Dynamic" scheduling method.
• The goal of the method is to maximize the number of racers winning at least one heat.
• For the first "phase", racers are randomly assigned to a heat and lane. For subsequent phases, seedings are based on the total win count and number of points (based on finish order) for each racer.
• Stronger racers are matched up with stronger racers and weaker racers with weaker racers. Competition gets tighter for all racers and more racers end up winning at least one heat.

Perfect-N Type Chart Generator
• Added a Race Time Estimator section. This will display the estimated amount of time to run the generated chart. The user can modify the average heat turnaround time, so as to get a better estimate.
• If the chart generator is unable to get a chart with the desired number of runs per lane, two charts will be combined. However, the user will get a warning that racers may face some opponents significantly more than others.
• Removed the two run per lane minimum restriction for two lane tracks.

Lane Rotation Chart Generator
• Added a Race Time Estimator section. This will display the estimated amount of time to run the generated chart. The user can modify the average heat turnaround time, so as to get a better estimate.
• Clustered Charts - If possible, multiple Byes are now distributed through different clusters, instead of all being in the last cluster.
• Removed the two run per lane minimum restriction for two lane tracks.

Manual Chart Entry
• Enter data directly into the list of heats.

Racing Screen
• Bottom section has tabs for Track Record, On Deck Circle and a Top 10 Times list. These can be opened or closed as desired.
• Added Top 10 Times list to record the overall top times.
• Added ability to show overall track record or the record for the current race group.
• Top border of bottom section is now resizable so the bottom area can be expanded as desired.
• Speed column can now be hidden.
• Added menu options to stop sound effects that are playing or to loop them continuously.
• When first trying to use a timer, a communications check will automatically be performed (for timers that support this). This will give users a warning if there is a communications problem. Applies also to the hardware setup screen.

No Chart Racing Screen
• Added support for typing in racers into their lanes, with auto complete.

New Round Screen
• Added option for advancing round finalists from each subgroup.
• Added a Group drop-down list so users don't have to select a group first from the main screen.

Standings Screen
• Combined with the Awards screen.

Awards Screen
• Select Group, Subgroup and Round from a tree list instead of separate drop-down lists.
• Added the ability to display speed standings.

Reports
• Upgraded all reports and the report viewer to the latest version of Crystal Reports.
• Added support for report titles and report name to have fonts and font colors changed.
• Added the ability to customize the list of inspection items shown on the Check-in Sheet Report.
• Report (rpt) files are now accessible instead of embedded in the program. Users with knowledge and access to Crystal Reports XI software can further customize the reports.
• Report viewer has a tree list to provide shortcuts to finding data for a specific round, group, subgroup, and racer (as applicable to the report).
• Added a bulk print feature. User can select one or more reports to print. Printing will be done in the background, with a progress display in the status bar.
• Added a bulk export feature. User can select one or more reports to export. Exporting will be done in the background, with a progress display in the status bar.
• Added an Excel export format.
• Roster Report - Added a sort by last name or vehicle number option.
• Check-in Sheet Report - Added a racer name display option.
• Race Results Report - Added options to show "All", "Completed" or "Not Completed" heats.
• Standings Reports - Added an "Overall Round Standings" report. It is more intuitive than having this ability in the Group Standings report.
• Awards Certificates - Added the ability to print awards certificates directly from the speed standings.

And there's lots more... :shock:

It is important to note, that in moving forward, sometimes you have to leave some things behind.

No Longer Supported:
• Windows 95, 98 and NT systems. These are either not compatible with the Microsoft .NET Framework that the software is now built on or the Crystal Reports engine that it now uses.
• Parallel port sensor systems, solenoid and light tree circuits. Most supported laptops no longer have parallel ports.
• Lane masking options for custom serial timers. Lane masking implementation by the manufacturers is too varied to provide generic support.

For more information, please visit the GrandPrix Race Manager page at http://grandprix-software-central.com/gprm/.

Registered users of GrandPrix Race Manager V2.0 and above can upgrade for $10 to Version 7.0 by going to http://grandprix-software-central.com/p ... ucts_id=35

If you have any questions, please let me know.
Randy Lisano
Romans 5:8

Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
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Re: GrandPrix Race Manager V7.0 - Just Released

Post by BigDozer66 »

Randy,
This is exciting news and I will be getting the updated version soon. :mrgreen:

I hope to be able to figure out how to operate it this year. :oops:

I am not going to wait to late this year and I am confident that I can do it. :lol:

Lynn
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Re: GrandPrix Race Manager V7.0 - Just Released

Post by John Shreffler »

What are the specs on the light tree trigger via the serial port?
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Re: GrandPrix Race Manager V7.0 - Just Released

Post by gpraceman »

John Shreffler wrote:What are the specs on the light tree trigger via the serial port?
As long as it will trigger off of a serial port signal (-3V to -25V or +3V to +25V) using either of the serial port output pins (Pin 4 or Pin 7). Pin 5, would be ground, of course.

This is just a kick-off signal. The light tree must control the light sequence on its own, like your tree does.

The user can also trigger a solenoid using either of the serial port output pins.
Randy Lisano
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Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
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Re: GrandPrix Race Manager V7.0 - Just Released

Post by John Shreffler »

The outward signal from the computer is pin 3, but if this is used as a light tree trigger, the light tree would trigger upon any character sent. For example, if you were sending the * character to reset the Judge, it would also trigger the light tree, which might not be what you want to do at that moment.

It seems like the only way the serial port could be used would be to put a character decode chip in the light tree, and trigger only upon sending a specific character that is not used for any other command.
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Re: GrandPrix Race Manager V7.0 - Just Released

Post by gpraceman »

John Shreffler wrote:The outward signal from the computer is pin 3, but if this is used as a light tree trigger, the light tree would trigger upon any character sent. For example, if you were sending the * character to reset the Judge, it would also trigger the light tree, which might not be what you want to do at that moment.

It seems like the only way the serial port could be used would be to put a character decode chip in the light tree, and trigger only upon sending a specific character that is not used for any other command.
Pins 4 and 7 are output pins for the serial port (DTR and RTS) that can be turned on and off using software. It is not like serial communication using pin 3. It is a simple on/off binary signal, so the only intelligence needed by the tree is for controlling the light sequence after it receives the "kick-off" signal (the pin to go to a high state) from software.
Randy Lisano
Romans 5:8

Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
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