How to tell which group is running?
Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2018 8:15 pm
Hey guys and gals lets see all your ideas about how to tell from far away which group is running?
I looked to see if our new website platform has the ability to send text messages, and it doesn't look like it (I'll have to do more research). There's no point to an additional app that's not our website, and since our site is mobile friendly, it would be a waste of money in my opinion. I think you're looking for just a system to send text messages out instead of an app.Anthony Porta wrote:I have no idea how much work it would be, but how about a cell phone app?
Texts... Thats a great idea.Lauren Kane Porta wrote:I looked to see if our new website platform has the ability to send text messages, and it doesn't look like it (I'll have to do more research). There's no point to an additional app that's not our website, and since our site is mobile friendly, it would be a waste of money in my opinion. I think you're looking for just a system to send text messages out instead of an app.Anthony Porta wrote:I have no idea how much work it would be, but how about a cell phone app?
But it's been down during some time for each of the last few events. In addition people don't have memorized what classes run when. Like differentiating between group 2 and 3 etc.George Schilling wrote:Assuming live timing is now repaired and will work moving forward, wouldn't that be as good as any form of notification? It is automatic, doesn't required any additional outside inputs, and doesn't rely on someone remembering to perform additional task(s). It's the KISS method.
What would be your objective? Under the current format with only four groups, if you're not running and not working, it's pretty easy to assume what group is. Who's the customer for this information?Anthony Porta wrote:Hey guys and gals lets see all your ideas about how to tell from far away which group is running?
Anthony Porta wrote:But it's been down during some time for each of the last few events. In addition people don't have memorized what classes run when. Like differentiating between group 2 and 3 etc.
Since there is no break between run groups 2 and 3 it can appear to "blend" that might cause people to arrive late to work or grid to run. I can see it being a minor issue but would be nice to know while in paddock.Bill Martin wrote:What would be your objective? Under the current format with only four groups, if you're not running and not working, it's pretty easy to assume what group is. Who's the customer for this information?Anthony Porta wrote:Hey guys and gals lets see all your ideas about how to tell from far away which group is running?
But workers need to know when it's time to show up, not when their work group is already underway. The only source of that info is currently the PA. Not that many people seem to listen to the radio. Do we have PA coverage over the entire site, even when noisy cars and neighboring karts are running? Can we? Wireless speakers at the back of the paddock perhaps? I don't know if that would be a big deal or not.Jonathan Lugod wrote: Since there is no break between run groups 2 and 3 it can appear to "blend" that might cause people to arrive late to work or grid to run. I can see it being a minor issue but would be nice to know while in paddock.
I liked the PCA flag system when they remembered to change the flag colors. It would make sense IMO only to have one flag vs their 4 flags up system.
Is this really a problem? Kinda falls under personal responsibility to me. We don't really seem to have an issue filling the grid or getting the workers out on time. With two grids, you have nearly an hour to get your car into grid. We have the PA and radio, we start announcing workers and next group about 15 minutes before they are due. With two grids we start announcing to get people in the 2nd grid almost immediately. Flags only work if they can be seen from all of the pits.Bill Martin wrote:But workers need to know when it's time to show up, not when their work group is already underway. The only source of that info is currently the PA. Not that many people seem to listen to the radio. Do we have PA coverage over the entire site, even when noisy cars and neighboring karts are running? Can we? Wireless speakers at the back of the paddock perhaps? I don't know if that would be a big deal or not.Jonathan Lugod wrote: Since there is no break between run groups 2 and 3 it can appear to "blend" that might cause people to arrive late to work or grid to run. I can see it being a minor issue but would be nice to know while in paddock.
I liked the PCA flag system when they remembered to change the flag colors. It would make sense IMO only to have one flag vs their 4 flags up system.
First part of that is up to you guys at the top. Relying on people's sense of personal responsibility sounds trendy, but when they fail to meet your expectations what we get is: "We can't start until you guys show up -- you're holding up the show."Rick Brown wrote: Is this really a problem? Kinda falls under personal responsibility to me. We don't really seem to have an issue filling the grid or getting the workers out on time.
But you still need your phone with you or close by. I often leave it in the motorhome. When working on a vehicle, I take it out of my pocket and put in the vehicle (or on a work bench or leave it in the house) so I don't sit on it. The PA, when it can reach everybody, is most effective in my opinion if you want "old school analog".Randy Gonzalez wrote:I'd probably prefer an old school analog method. Autocross is my escape from technology, and because my phone hooks up to my car, I typically turn it off at events.
A flag is very simple and only requires a glance towards the motorhome to answer the question. The only problem is making sure somebody changes it (I guess that could be part of the next session's grid responsibility). Although, once it's changed....you'd be late, so who knows if that's really the right answer.
If we really want a tech solution, I was toying with an web site concept a few years back of a common chat type of app for people going to an event. It was supposed to be like a Facebook type of feed, but more of a location/event based....the feed is "fed" from people at an event (not necessarily friends on Facebook or whatever). The idea was based on the "flash mob" concept. Basically, somebody creates a "Mob" for an event (or whatever) and anybody can post in the mob. No user registration or accounts required, so anybody can wander in and post (who knows if that's a good idea or not). I originally came up with the idea so that we could all trash talk each other at autocross events without having to all be on Facebook, or Instagram or whatever. The basic idea is that the "Mob" exists for a common experience (i.e. an autocross event), and then it's done....back to your life. Mobile browser based (no app to install).
I wrote a quick prototype over a weekend a few years back, but it's basically functional and maybe could be purposed for this type of live communication: http://squawkmob.com
I know we sometimes broadcast on that FM transmitter....is that on all the time?Rick Brown wrote:The PA, when it can reach everybody, is most effective in my opinion if you want "old school analog".
There's one or two of those in the motorhome, also.Quoc-Viet Dang wrote:Couldn't hear the PA from the starter position on Saturday morning due to wind - just fyi.
rechargeable air horn for indicating worker change over/check-in. wooo wooo. it's okay to blow sound just 5 small times a day right?
https://www.amazon.com/Ecoblast-Recharg ... 009LNUISQ/