ProSolo Reset Team Debrief - Member Update for the 2022 ProSolo Series

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The ProSolo Team has been hard at work over the offseason. We completed trailer upgrades and a very detailed two-day test in Moultrie Georgia the weekend of February 5th and 6th. Below is a summary of the major changes and a refresher of what to expect when you attend a ProSolo this season.

2022 Staff

There have been staff additions and changes. Notably, Robert Chrismas has retired from the “road” and handed the reins to Megan DePietro and Myke Dziengel to co-manage the traveling timing and scoring systems and team. Tracy Lewis continues on as Administrative General Manager. 

The field staff lead team includes:

  • Brian Mason – Senior Manager National Solo; Kentucky Region Member
  • Tracy Lewis – Administrative General Manager; Red Hills Region Member
  • Megan DePietro – Timing & Scoring Co-General Manager; Northwest Ohio Region Member
  • Myke Dziengel – Timing & Scoring Co-General Manager; Cincinnati Region Member

2022 welcomes the following administrative & timing field team members:

  • Charina Jones, Carmen Rowlands, Dave Rock, Michelle Quinn, Kate Fisher, Deanna Kelley, Kim Whitener, Bryan Rawlins, Sara Odioso, and Kerry Gonzalez

Equipment Managers:

  • Dave Williams, Scott Dobler & Joe Austin will return for another year supporting all event equipment needs – don’t forget to say hi and thank them for their hard work!

Fixes

Subsequent to the Charlotte ProSolo 2021 we have made substantial changes to the hardware and software involved in ProSolo. 

  1. The timing tree was ruggedized to prevent the type of failure that occurred at Charlotte 2021.
  2. The timing of the start tree was adjusted and verified to +/- .000125 second accuracy and repeatability.
  3. The data handling systems that collect information from the Farmtek Timing system and the Scanners have been adjusted and tested to improve reliability.
  4. Numerous hardware/software integration errors have been documented and corrected. Including our most difficult to pin down 2021 error of missed right side finish trips.

Upgrades
  1. There was a serial data terminal server installed over the winter. This helps us create a robust, reliable pathway for the timing data and scan data to be collected and stored without error. 
  2. Network equipment was upgraded and rewired. This includes shielded wire known as ISO/IEC11801- S/FTP. Essentially, foil shielded twisted pair and braided cable shielding. 
  3. Multiple data collection systems. We can run a primary system with up to two backup timing systems and an additional System log that captures - Scan Data, Timing Data, and all data sent out to scoreboards. 
  4. Camera system that records the start tree, starter, and both cars at the start line.
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  5. The timing trailer is wired to reduce setup and break down time. The most complicated parts of equipment configuration are permanently installed to reduce the need for expert setup knowledge.
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Serial Data Server and Backup Serial Data Ports permanently installed.

Improvements
  1. Changes to the Pronto Timing system that reduces interaction with the operator. Primarily, the system can detect a “Bye” run automatically removing the reliance on the operator to insert the “Bye” run.
  2. PS1 options in the software to improve operations at PS1 sites like the FIRM.

Planned Changes
  1. Continue to ruggedize the tree hardware for its life on the road.
  2. Additional cameras to cover the finish and grid.
  3. Barcode improvements and/or change to RFID wristbands.
  4. Confirmation scoreboards in the stage lanes so the driver gets a positive affirmation the correct information was transmitted to the scoring system.
  5. Stage and Pre-Stage beam integration to improve the software's ability to determine “Bye” runs.

 

What to Expect When You Compete

The start tree operates the same as it did in the second half of 2021. When the starter initiates or “drops” the tree, the yellow lights will come down one at a time on .500 second intervals and present a green light marking the beginning of the “Timed Run.”

If the competitor “jumps” the light and crosses the guard beam in less than .500 second, the timing system determines this is a “Red Light” and will illuminate the red light in addition to the green light. Depending on your individual focus and your unique style you may not see the red light because your eyes have focused down course. The reaction time display will show a sub .500 second time.  

Stage and Pre-Stage lights are independent of the timing system. Infractions are called by the starter.

At Stage, you will see your car number displayed in the Reaction Time (RT) display. There are limitations to this new feature that are being refined. If no car number is displayed this could be due to a preceding “bye” run, as it is the 60ft beam break from the previous car that triggers the system to display the car number in the RT display. 

If there is a car number displayed AND IT ISN’T CORRECT the system is about to score your run for another competitor. 

NO CAR NUMBER in the Reaction Time scoreboard = OK

CORRECT CAR NUMBER In the Reaction Time scoreboard = OK 

(Notice the #3 on the side of the car and #3 in the RT Display)

 

LET'S GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

If your helmet has a barcode other than the one issued by the SCCA for the event our system will read it.  The scanner operator will be given an acknowledgment sound that the bar code was successfully read.  It will not match your entry in the system. Provided you have legible numbers and class on your car we may be able to correct the issue before you reach the start line. Not all car numbers and class letters are legible. Many times, there are three or four class designations on the side of the car. This reduces the chances that a visual confirmation can correct the error of your incorrectly presented barcode. Help us get it right the first time and cover all other barcodes on your helmet. Stylized numbers and class may satisfy your artistic side, but you increase the chance of an error if we have to verify visually.

Remember that per the ProSolo rules (20.9.C), incorrect or illegible car numbers and/or class designations and more than one (1) car number and/or class designation visible on the car at the line or use of an incorrect barcode may result in a DSQ for that run.