The Don Barrow Tripmeter
'Code of Practice'

This 'Code of Practice' applies to users of all Tripmeters

Please publish this article in your Rally Regulations, so that all Competitors know you are using this system All events whether Stage, Road or Regularity Rallies should adhere to a standard 'Code of Practice', so that the Competitors who also use the same 'Code of Practice' can achieve a far better and accurate result.

Organisers

Many Organisers fail to grasp the vital importance of providing an exact 100% (cast iron guaranteed) measured distance for all competitors to set up their Tripmeters. Therefore, certain important rules have to be adhered to; these apply whether you are setting up in Miles or Kilometres.

When measuring an exact known Mile or Kilometre, it is imperative to use an Electronic Tripmeter set up in its Calculation Mode - so that an exact Distance can be recorded and replicated in pulses per Mile or Kilometre. As an example, if an Electronic Tripmeter in Calculation Mode, records 878 Pulses to the Mile, as against 01.00 Mile (in Normal Running Mode measuring Miles on the Tripmeter Display) - you can clearly see that by setting up your new Test Distance in Calculation Mode, using the known 878 Pulses, will be more accurate than using 100 units to replicate.

Because

At 878 each measured Pulse = 72.164" inches (6.013' Feet or 1.832965 Metres) at 100 each measured 100th of a mile = 633.60" (52.80' or 16.09344 Metres)

This shows that an organiser using the Normal Running Mode, could actually proceed beyond the 01.00 Mile displayed on the Tripmeter, by up to 52.80' Feet (16.09344 Metres) before the Tripmeter registers 01.01.

Therefore it's imperative to use the Tripmeter in Calculation Mode. Get this wrong - especially on Regularity events and you will have a lot of disgruntled competitors to contend with. It's just as easy to get it right, as it is to get it wrong!

Imagine a Competitor setting up their Electronic Tripmeter exactly to the Organisers set Measured Mile, which is incorporating an error, and then competing on a Regularity Section of 50 Miles in length. Their Timing would be 'way out' let alone having to adjust the Distances in the Road Book to suit all the Junctions etc.

Important Notes

  • It's no use quoting the measured Distance Starts opposite the telephone box, this is not accurate enough
  • Or that it's at a white marker post in the grass verge, these can be moved by locals or other competitors
  • Although you may be breaking the law, paint the road with a White Line or Dot exactly at the Start and Finish
  • Obviously remove immediately after the event or paint over
  • Or use a permanent roadside fixture to another permanent roadside fixture, irrespective of the Distance
  • Ensure that the car tyres are warmed up, at least 5 miles of running, this is very important
  • Count and make a note of each and every time the Tripmeter proceeds over the 999 pulses
  • When the total pulses are added up, divide the pulses by the specified test distance to give your Tripmeter swich set up
  • If the Test Distance given is 1.750 Miles or Kilometres, divide your Tripmeter pulses by 1.750 to give your Tripmeter switch set up
  • And all other Course Cars should set their Tripmeters in Calculation Mode to this Distance
  • And each and every time any Course Car carries out further surveys on the Route
  • The longer the Test, maybe 2 or 3 Miles, the better the accuracy
  • Ideally the test should be on a straight piece of road if possible

However if not

  • Use a racing line on your side of the Road at all times
  • Obey ALL road Markings, especially at T Junctions and X Roads etc
  • Specify which approach lane and directions to use at Roundabouts
If using a circular circuit
  • Use anti - clockwise for driving on the LH side of the road (UK) - Use clockwise for RH Countries
  • This ensures the defined route and measured distance is adhered to more accurately
  • Use a permanent roadside fixture in a lay-by and back to the same fixture, irrespective of the Distance
  • If the Test Distance is 7.780, divide your Trip Readout by 7.780 to give your Trip switch set up per 01.00 Miles / Kilometres Route info
  • All Secret Timing Points should be sited exactly at the pre-measured Control Points, mark if possible as above
  • When making a Road Book, simply record the Total Distances only at Junctions/Controls etc
  • By using a DB Tulip Road Book Editor disc, all Inter Distances are automatically generated

Competitors

  • Ensure that the car tyres are warmed up, at least 5 miles of running, this is very important
  • At the Start of every event, always set up your Tripmeter in Calculation Mode to measure the Test Distance
  • Keep a log of all your known Pulse Settings
  • Pay special attention when measuring the Test Distance
  • Don't be satisfied with your first run, always treble check
  • Follow all the above Important Points and you will soon improve your skills

Copyright © Don Barrow 2024

This article can be reproduced in its entirety only with a credit to Don Barrow

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