Troubleshooting - Derby Magic Pinewood Derby Track Assembly Instructions Manual

The Derby Magic Company Electronic Timer Function page 11 of 11

Troubleshooting

Erratic Operation If the timer functions erratically, unplug the power cord from the control box. Then ensure
that the start gate is in the down position. Then power the timer up. The timer must always be powered up
with the start gate in the down position.
One Lane always shows '1' If one of the lanes shows a first place finish as soon as the race starts or displays
an 'E' when the start gate is in the up position, then the lane sensors are either blocked or not aligned. The
sensors need to be aligned. The Infrared LED's are on the bottom portion of the timer and the phototransistor
sensors are on the top.
You can use the Derby Magic Race Manager's Sensor Test page to align the sensors or you can use a
Voltmeter. When the sensors are aligned and not blocked, the voltage on the phototransistor should be less
than 0.10 volts.
Location of IR LED Location to check voltage
Usually the IR LED on the bottom needs to be pointed toward the phototransistor, but both may need to be
adjusted.
Race will not start If the timer powers up, but the LED's do not change state when a race starts, the micro
switch on the start gate is not closing. The switch lever must be depressed when the start gate is in the up
position. If the steel pin is not closing the switch, bend the end of lever on the switch toward the pin until the
switch is closed when the start gate is up.
Timer will not communicate with the computer Ensure that the driver for the USB converter is installed.
Check 'Start | Control Panel | Device Manager | Ports' on your computer.