Firstly we would like to thank Rich G at Slot Forums for the excellent work and the speed with which he returned the modified powerbases. On Tuesday we were informed that my departure date had been brought forward to Friday the 23rd. At this point we were cutting it close on time as the powerbases only came back to us on Thursday. With their return we had to test the software to be used for the project with only a single day till departure. We ran into some problems getting the Scalextric Sport Digital Console software to work, because of the problems we decided to change software to PC Lap Counter
This piece of software is far easier to use, has the ability to control multiple powerbases simultaneously and display car times of both powerbase units combined on one screen. This makes the car times far easier to see and manage. The software includes other excellent such as fully customising the car results display in size, pictures and colour. By making the display match the bank’s colours I’m hoping that is should blend in with the theme of the whole entertainment tent. We have only run a small scale test but I cannot see any problems when implemented to the full size track.
The current update we have is this week we will have racing on our track Jenson Button world champion 2009, Lewis Hamilton world champion 2008, Damon Hill 1996 world champion and the legend that is the voice of F1 in the UK, Murray Walker. We are awaiting news of further drivers attending. There has been a request to get a selection of TV reporters to race on the track for the honour of their TV station. This could be the race to watch!!! With much pride at stake!?!?
With less preparation time than we had hoped for, we have not had time to colour code the cars until now. If you ever wish to take up modelling in Dubai we would suggest purchasing any enamel paints prior to your departure, at 15 dirhams per pot of paint (Over £2.60 each) it has become an expensive exercise to match the colours to the 8 colour tops that are supplied with the digital controllers. The matte black F1 car does have a surprising resemblance to Kitt from Knight Rider, all that is missing are the LEDs on the front of the car.
Today we have run a small test track with both powerbases running 8 cars on the track and found that the simple error of putting any car on the wrong lanes causes no end of troubles. We hope to be able to address this problem for the inexperienced marshals, with a mark on the bottom of the chassis of each car to define which track each car should be replaced onto. This should stop any problems with communication errors between both power units and upsetting both tracks at once. However the software has worked impeccably. We are trying to get some relevant sound bites to add to the PA system via the lap timing software, with the start message hopefully being the one and only “GO! GO! GO!” by Murray Walker. This will complete the testing for the software and track till we build the whole track with everything in place on Wednesday the 28th. We will post full pictures of the track and hopefully shots of action from some of the 10 video cameras that will be placed around the track for display on the wall height LCD screens. Another feature of the marquee is it will have a patio area that will have 15M length screens displaying the action of the track outside to attract the VIPs in to the tent.
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