Setting up a Main Check

 
    Setting up a main check will take one person about 15 minutes for the canopy, and about 10 minutes or less for the electronics, for a total setup time of about 25 minutes.  This may be done slightly quicker with more than one person.

    Below is all of the equipment needed to set up the canopy.  Note that the structure for the chute that the racers go through is left partially assembled so that setup is easier.  These canopies use 1" thin wall conduit and are very secure.

Equipment to set up the canopy for the Main Check

    The best area for the main check is one that has level ground with trees around it.  One tree should always be used to strap the canopy to so that it is more secure.  Let's face it, no matter what you tell the racers, some will always come through the main check way too fast and run into things.  The trees are also useful to snake the racers through before and after the main check so they will slow down.

Area to set up Main Check

    The top of the canopy is assembled first and then it is raised up and the legs are attached.  Attaching the legs is a little tricky with one person, but it can be done.  A strap is also installed to hold the canopy secure against a tree.

Canopy top assembled with cover Main part of canopy set up

    After the canopy is raised, the inner chute is attached for the racers to go through.  The width is usually set to about 36" so that even full width handlebars with bark busters will fit through.  Keeping the width small encourages the racers to go slower and also is better for the RFID tag read range.

Inner chute added to canopy Inner chute of canopy

    All of the electronic equipment needed for the main check are shown below.  Listed from the tree forward are: The panel antenna, The electronics including the racer display, and the Marine battery.  (Note: we also use a plastic 55 gallon drum to set the electronics on)

Electronic equipment needed

    The electronics case are then set on the 55 gallon drum and opened.  The racer display unit is then pulled out and installed.  The cable from the racer display to the electronics is then routed and attached.

Electronic equipment in carrying case Racer display pulled out of carrying case Racer display mounted with cable connected Racer display cable connected

    The panel antenna is then mounted in the wooden frame, and the cable attaching it to the electronics in installed.  The power cable is then plugged into the battery.

Antenna installed with cable connected Antenna cable connected Power cable connected to battery

    Now we are done!  Also note that we duct tape the electronics carrying case to the 55 gallon drum so it doesn't slide around during the race.  Below are some images of the completed checkpoint.

Main Check setup complete Racer perspective going through Main Check
 
 
For questions or comments about the electronic scoring system,
email efessler@npc.net
 
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