That answer is simple. An external timer doesn't run Windows. That's why
they're so dependable...
Any time you involve Windows, you can expect a 50% reduction in it's
reliability. If the software runs on DOS, good for you. It's not as reliable
as dedicated hardware, but it's at least close.
Mike
CP Monza
> On Sun, 26 Sep 1999 20:32:50 -0700 "GPSoftware" <gpsoftware@icehouse.net>
> writes:
> > Eric,
> >
> > I'm not quite sure why you might think the computer based system
> > would be worse than a stand-alone if the problems are mostly caused by
> > triggers or wiring (which I agree is usually the case).
>
> My experience with computers and timers tells me computers are less
> reliable.
> When was the last time you've heard " the timer crashed ! " ? Our club
> timer
> has never had a problem (excluding triggers/wires) except operator
> error...
> which takes me about 30 seconds to fix (take off helmet,unbuckle,walk to
> timing van,
> flip one cell/two cell switch). Computers often have problems and when
> they do
> they take longer to fix (out comes the stopwatch)
>
> > Accucros has been on the market for two years and while not fault
> > free has proven very reliable.
>
> The software could be perfect but your still using a computer to run it.
> To me using a computer as a timer is like driving your car 100 feet
> to get the mail, why complicate a simple thing ?
>
>
> > A couple of users that put together triggers
> > themselves have had problems only at initial startup and we have
> > always been able to get the problem solved. There have been no reported
> problems
> > with systems where I supplied the triggering hardware.
>
> All systems have triggers so we don't need to talk about them.
>
> > If you don't already have a stand-alone timer, it's pretty hard to
> > beat the value of Accucros or any other computer based timing/scoring
> system.
>
> Unless you have to buy a computer and generator to go with the software.
>
> Eric
>
>
>
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