• What is the PC based Watch-dog flyball timing system?

• The Watch-Dog flyball timing is a special set of timing sensors and controller designed to interface with the custom Watch-Dog windows based Flyball Electronic Judging system software. Together, they behave just like actual NAFA EJS systems having the ability to detect early and late starts, passing faults and lap times. All information displayed clearly on a PC screen.

• Do you plan on certifying it with NAFA so it can be used during NAFA sanctioned events?

• While the system does follow & operate with in the NAFA technology specs (with the exception of having less sensors due to cost) I have no plans at this time to send the system through the latency testing required for NAFA approval. As popularity increases I may seek NAFA certification.

• What are the system requirements (hardware & operating system) to run the Watch-Dog software?

• The software will run under Windows 95,98 & ME. It will also run under Windows NT, Windows 2000 professional and Windows XP. The software requires less then 500Kb of hard drive storage space (in some cases the software may be executed directly from the CD requiring no installation on the system).

• How do your Timing Beams interface to the computer?

• The Two Lane System Interface controller plugs directly in to the keyboard port OR USB port of any lap top or desk top PC. When the sensors are tripped the System Interface Controller sends appropriate signals through keyboard port. These signals are detected by the Watch-Dog software.

• How can I plug a keyboard in to our computer while the Two Lane System Interface Controller is using the port?

• Lap top computer keyboards will function with the Interface Controller attached to the external keyboard port. If used with a desktop system (most with only 1 keyboard port) you may buy a keyboard Y cable from most any local computer store. The Watch-Dog software can be operated with or with out the keyboard. The NEW watch-Dog Interface controllers can use an available USB port to interface with the system rather then the keyboard port.

• How does your External Timing Tree interface to the computer?

• The Watch-Dog Software communicates with the External Timing Tree Controller through the parallel port. (printer port LPT1) Systems using the External Timing tree must have Parallel Port 1 available. As stated the available port must be LPT1 (addressed at 378h) to properly operate.

• Can we connect a printer to our system while using the External Light Tree?

• You may connect a Printer switch between the parallel port & External light tree controller in order to use a printer.

• What is the timing accuracy?

• Times are displayed to the 1/1000 (0.001) of a second.

• If you do not buy the External Start Tree how do you practice starts?

• During the start sequence the Watch-Dog program displays a simulated start tree using the entire screen (see the screen clips page) of the PC or lap top. (800x600 resolution) I have found, after the starters know what they are looking for, that they are able to use the laptop screen as the start tree from >50' back start distances.

• Does the system flag for false starts?

• Yes, it will flag for false starts and the display will tell how early your dog crossed the beams (to 0.001) of a second. The system will also display how late a start was. (to 0.001) of a second.

• Does the system have pass fault detection?

• Yes, The system will mark laps which pass faults have occurred.

• How are times displayed on the screen in race mode?

• Late/early starts times are displayed. Up to 10 individual lap times are displayed in one column. In a second column the lap times are totaled for each lap. After 4 successful laps are completed and the race is ended the system will total the 4 successful laps is displayed. Because the software is windows based all the race information can be displayed clearly on a single screen.

• How are times displayed in single lap mode?

• Late/early starts are displayed, But in single lap the lap timer is started and stopped when the dog breaks the start/finish beam instead of being started when the green light is lit. In this way the total time (not counting how late or early) is displayed. Because the software is windows based all the race information can be displayed clearly on a single screen.

• Can your system save race data to a file?

• Yes a save option is now available. You may see a file example on the details page.

• Can 2 teams combine their 1 lane systems to make a 2 lane track for league events?

• Yes the systems are wired so the start/pass beam stands can work in lane 1 or lane 2 depending on which socket they are plugged in to on the system interface control. One team must purchases the 2 lane software upgrade to activate the second lane.

• Can 2 teams combine their Single lane start lights lane systems to make 2 lanes for league events?

• Yes the timing lights are wired so you may combine 2 single lane start trees to build a complete two lane track. Each light tree would plug into either the lane 1 or lane 2 socket on the Light tree controller. Again one team must purchase the 2 lane software upgrade to activate the second lane.

• Why does the system only use 2 start beams and 2 pass beams?

• The timing sensors are one of the more costly parts used in the timing system. Reducing the # of sensors reduces the over all system cost.

• Would adding more beams effect accuracy?

• Yes and No. It would not effect accuracy in timing. Although with fewer sensors it is more likely that a larger dog might jump the beams entirely depending on how they are positioned. Upgrading to 6 beams per stand is encouraged.

• What do we do if we have a large dog on our team who sometimes jumps over the sensors?

• The beams can be mounted in 6 different height positions. You could raise one pair of sensors (start/pass) or you could have a pair of sensors added to the beam stands.

• We have been considering buying a system, but would like to see the system in action. Can we get a demonstration of the system?

• Watch-Dog Flyball would be more then happy to bring the system to one of your practices if you happen to hold them in South-East Michigan. Otherwise, if we will be attending one of the same tournaments, we would be more then happy to show you the system at that time.

• We need a timing system for only one weekend. Is there a way that we could rent the system from you or another team?

• Rental from a licensed team for any given length of time is NOT covered under the current license agreement. Adjustments to individual licenses to allow that may be possible in the future. Depending on location I may be willing to attend your event with a system for a negotiated fee.

• The system uses 12v power supplies to power the timing tree and start/pass beams can we use a 12v battery to power the system?

• NO, I would strongly suggest you DO NOT use any power supplies other then the ones provided. 12v car batteries are very powerful and could damage the sensors or relays. It might be acceptable to plug the AC adapters in to an automotive inverter and then to the start/pass beam stands or the timing tree. Although I have NOT tested this my self.

• How is the software licensed?

• The software can be registered to a team or individual person. The team or individuals name will be coded into their copy of the Watch-Dog Flyball software. If multiple teams wish to utilize the same hardware (beam stands or external light trees) they MUST purchase additional software licenses. Individuals purchasing personal copies are asked to only use their software/hardware with the team they currently are a member or in events their team hosts. Teams or individuals may use their regularly licensed software hardware with multiple teams during league events so long as the team or individuals that own the software/hardware are participating in the event. I expect users of my software to respect the licensing agreement and NOT distribute unauthorized copies of the Watch-Dog Flyball Software.

• Another team wants to see our system are we able to demo it for them?

• Yes you may demo your system/equipment to other teams. Although the software must remain on the owners system. (may not be copied to other machines for the demo)

• How do I purchase special licensing for multi-team?

• Pricing for multiple teams sharing the same hardware will be handled on an individual basis.

• How do I purchase special licensing for Club use?

• Pricing for Club use where for instance multiple instructors might use the system for several classes will be handled on an individual basis.

Please understand I make very little from the interface hardware sales. This is of course to keep prices down. With this in mind it is important that people respect the software licensing rules.