TEST SYSTEM
The full version software should be loaded. Check the 'read me' file that came with the set-up program. Make sure you have entered the Password that was supplied (this can be done anytime before installing the driver). Also make sure the microcontrollers Driver has been installed. The installation process is described in the Grand Prix Tracker software program under 'help> Contents - "How to Install the Interface Board Driver"'.

There will be three things to look for while testing the system.

  1. First make sure the Tower, track Sensors and Gate switch are plugged into the Interface Box and that the Gate Mechanism is Closed. Then plug the mini USB cable from the computer to the Interface Box. The Overhead LED's should light. The Status LED's may or may not light for now. Make sure that the light beams are shinning directly over the photocell counterparts and are NOT blocked. If any of the overhead LED's are not lit, you will have to determine why before continuing.
  1. Bring the Interface Board online by running the Grand Prix Tracker program and going to the Menu and selecting 'Interface Settings > Connect Board'. Enter your Com Port and click Enter. If successful the Status bar should turn Green. If unsuccessful try entering it again. If still unsuccessful, unplug the USB cable and plug it in again and enter your Com Port again. If you are still not online then more than likely your "Driver" is not installed correctly. If the driver is installed correctly, the microcontrollers status light should have a steady 'green light' and the 'amber light' should be flashing at a rate of 'two shorts - one long' (viewed by looking through the interface cover). If not, more than likely the driver is not correctly loaded.

    Once the interface board is online go to the programs menu and select 'Interface Settings > Test Sensors'. Making sure that none of the Photocells are blocked, all lanes should be GREEN. If not, you will have to retrace your wiring and assembly. Using a solid object, break the light beam and the lane color should become RED. Do this for ALL lanes. Also click on the 'Lane Indicator' buttons and the corresponding Lane Indicator LED should light. Now try activating the Start switch. The status color should change from green to red (allow the timers to 'time-out' before continuing - the Red status light will light when finished). If all is working properly you are ready for the next step. If not you will have to re-check all your wiring. Remember to check for fused (melted insulation) wires from the result of the heat gun.

  1. Go to the programs menu and select 'Assign > Schedules > Double Elimination > Create Schedule'. From the next window select 'All Classes' and then 'Okay'. Assuming you still have the Sample files loaded from the set-up program, you should see the program's main menu populate with names, the four Lane Indicator LED's should light and the Green Status LED should light solid. Your Race is now ready to begin by pressing the Roller Switch lever. The programs Timers should start counting and the Green Status LED should start flashing. Block the individual lanes with a solid object and the Timer should stop for that lane. Once all four lanes have been tripped, the Red Status LED will turn ON and the programs 'Organization Name' will turn RED and flash indicating that the race is over. Pushing F12 resets the Timers for the next heat. Note: the annimated times shown are simulated only and will not be accurate. The accurate times are displayed from the microcontroller chip when the sensor(s) beam is broken!

    If you see all of the above, congratulations, you have successfully built and installed your Grand Prix Tracker project! If not, you will need to retrace your steps and I am confident you will find your problem(s).