RS1 Theory of Operation
The RS1 has 3 main systems for executing its function. An onboard
embedded computer reads button pushes and executes routines that control the
timing of the horn and flag signals. A
high quality all stainless steel 118dB horn for making sound signals. And flags
mounted on ½” diameter fiberglass poles that are slid into holders machined out
of 6061 aluminum. The holders pivot against the rear of the frame and the
center of the holder is attached to a pneumatic actuator.
The base system is controlled by 2 buttons, a Start and
Stop button. The buttons are located on the side of the system and on a
remote. (Other controls might be
available depending on options). The Start button obviously starts the race
sequence. The Stop button will stop the race sequence. If the user pushes the Start button a second
time during the 10 seconds before the start of the race the system will go
into a self test mode where it will cycle the flags and horn. At any point a
push of the Stop button will stop the sequence and home the flags. Feedback to
the operator is provided by a light mounted at the top of the frame. The light
flashes at a slow, 1 second on 1 second off, during a starting sequence, a fast
rate during self test and off for 2 seconds when Stop is pushed.
When the user presses the Start button on the system or
remote the light starts flashing, indicating it is in a starting sequence. For
the first 10 seconds the system is in a mode ready to enter self test. At 10
seconds past Start press the RS1 switches to the start sequence. Sounding the
horn and raising flags with 10 millisecond precision. Assuming the system is
running the standard RSS 5 minute cycle (other sequences available on request).
The horn sounds for 3 seconds, and simultaneously the pneumatic solenoid is energized
providing 30 PSI regulated air to the pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder extends
and causes the Fleet 1 flag to pivot up from home position. At 1 minute into
the start sequence the horn again sounds and the prep flag is raised. At 4
minutes into the start sequence the horn sounds a longer 5 second blast and the
prep flag’s pneumatic solenoid is de-energized and the pneumatic cylinder retracts,
returning the flag to its home position. At 5 minutes into the start the horn
sounds and Fleet 1 flag pivots down, starting the race. If this was a multi-fleet
unit then the Fleet 2’s flag would simultaneously pivot up starting a second
race sequence.
Product changes for 2011
- Using an off the shelf LED all around light by Attwood, instead of using a beehive
light. The white LED all around is on a 1 foot foldable mount.
Attwood Marine 5557-12-7 or similar.
- Shorting the Prep flag pole, so the prep flag it is not hidden by the fleet flag
during the starting sequence.
- Changing the horn bracket to aluminum, replacing a fiberglass bracket for improved
strength. The horn was not originally designed to be a handle!
Product changes for 2010
- Improved remote control, with better range and a in-range feedback LED.
- Improved flag clips, the clips are an in-house designed stainless steel D-rings.
The D-rings replacing a commercial flag clip that slid on fiberglass flag pole in
high winds.