Table of Contents

1. When will you make a Windows version?
2. What is new in v6.0?
3. How do I get a remote display to work with the program?

When will you make a Windows version?

   At this point, the answer that we would have to give is ... never.  There are several reasons.
   First, Windows takes control of much of the computer interrupts and does not allow direct use of the ports. This is a serious issue to us, as the CompuRally software directly reads/writes to the clock, the serial and parallel ports and the display for accuracy and speed.  Windows prevents us from doing this correctly and therefore program accuracy is compromised -- and accuracy in TSD rallying is what you are after.  Missing a pulse from the sensor is a very serious matter and reading the clock accurately is important.  Therefore we have chosen to stay with good ol' DOS.
   Second, we see no reason to run in Windows.  I do not want to look over and see my navigator playing solitaire while we are running a rally!  The computer only needs to be doing one thing -- performing rally calculations, and doing it accurately.
   Yes, it is true that some of the later operating systems cannot even boot into DOS.  However, a DOS boot disk is easy to make and use.

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What is new in v6.0?

   Version 6.0 adds the ability to use a hall effects switch instead of a reed switch.  We originally used reed switches because they are available at any Radio Shack and are much cheaper than hall effect switches. We have NEVER experienced a reed switch failure in our many thousands of rally miles, however most rallyists feel that it is better to use a hall effects switch.  Therefore, we have added the ability to support a hall effects switch.
   Version 6.0 also adds the ability to have a remote display unit -- a feature that most rallyists have told us that is absolutely necessary.

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How do I get a remote display to work with the program?

   Version 6.0 adds the ability to have a remote display.  The program automatically supports a model 632 Serial Port LCD display unit from CrystalFontz.  A link to the site for this unit is:

 http://www.crystalfontz.com/products/632/index.html

   You merely need to decide which of the model 632 displays you wish to use.

If you get a backlit version (highly recommended) you will need to hook up 5Vdc to the unit (you can use a unit that plugs into the cigarette lighter adapter of your car or something else of your choice.)
Use a female-to-female serial cable to connect the display to your computer.

It should work right away.

(We also recommend putting the remote display unit in a box, but this not necessary if you want the "techie" look.)

Copyright © 2005  CompuRally.   All rights reserved.
Revised: 01/09/05.