You will have to purchase and wire the parts shown in the schematic or Parts List and devise the mechanical interface between the solenoid and the starting mechanism.

When you are in the Ready To Race screen, simply push the letter S or G--for Start or Go (either upper or lower case will work).

The software senses the S or G and sets serial COM2 Data Terminal Ready (DTR) to TRUE (from about -12 volts to about +12 volts). This signal will not supply any appreciable load, but it can be amplified to trigger a solenoid.

Be sure the electronic components are all near the solenoid with minimum practical lead lengths. The wire pair (DTR and Ground) to the computer can be nearly anything. COM2 can be a 25-pin or 9-pin connector depending on the computer, so be sure you buy the right part for your computer and wire to the right pins. COM1 is not used because many systems have a mouse or modem on COM1.

If you wish, this can be modified to have the racers start the race once the computer is ready. Simple momentary pushbutton switches placed in series between the computer and D5 will do the trick. For example, the computer operator pushes S or G as soon as the race screen appears, the start supervisor pushes and holds his/her switch when the cars are ready, then the racer in Lane 1 pushes his switch to start the race!

This information is provided as a service to our users who have requested it. We do not supply a kit of parts.