In a message dated 10/31/2001 12:00:54 PM Pacific Standard Time,
rnoll98@yahoo.com writes:
> Stab in the dark here:
>
> Buy 2 older laptops, one in trailer, one at reg table, linked by cord
> (may mean reg table has to sit near trailer) -- cost ~$2k
>
> Online registration (name, address, class, work assignment preference
> 1,2,3, etc.) w/Paypal that feeds a database. Online reg. closes Fiday
> night (midnight) before Sunday's event (thurs for sat events). Online
> reg feeds database for Sunday. -- not sure of cost, probably less than
> $500 for setup/software.
>
> Tech: do the annual sticker deal with separate tech for first timers
> from 8-1 or by request, or if this violates SCCA rules then just close
> the grid early and tech all cars on grid, no extra workers needed.
>
> Waivers at gate, nobody enters site w/out one, no extra workers needed.
>
> Sunday morning: Pre-registers already in database. New registers fill
> out card and give back to reg table. Extra person at reg table to enter
> into computer #1 which is linked to computer #2. Don't anyone freak out
> yet, this extra person will save others tons of time. Reg for one run
> group will close when the prior group starts, allowing time for data
> entry. All non-first timer's info will be already in the computer,
> might require number change or sponsor update.
>
> Use whatever software they use at Nats/Tours to run the event -- not
> sure of cost here. Is this a proprietary program or did they buy it?
>
> Here's the kicker, with the software you can get instantaneous results,
> including PAX times, printed immediately after the run group (shoot at
> nats they were posting times between runs--but that's not necessary).
> You can electronically post the results to the web THAT DAY, no
> transcribing times from each card to the results table. Any errors or
> incorrect cones, etc. can be handled and corrected on site at the reg
> table (remember, computers are linked).
>
> This has to save someone (Pat I believe) a lot of time on the back end.
> This would eliminate the recorder and card sorter positions in the
> trailer, and the position to post results on the side of the trailer
> (all it would be is print and stick), more than making up for the extra
> person at the reg table.
>
> All of the costs would be one-time for equipment/software and possibly
> a nominal recurring paypal fee (not sure on this). I'm not sure what
> type of money the club has for this, and yes I've been too lazy to make
> the 2 hour rush hour drive down from North Oakland to a steering
> committee meeting.
>
> It seems that this would save a lot of Chiefs/members a lot of time
> (mostly behind the scenes) and possibly increase the capacity of SFR on
> any given day, which means more money, possibly enough in one year to
> cover the equipment cost.
>
> Is something close to this even remotely possible?
>
> Randy
>
Randy:
Great thoughts! Benjamin Franklin probably had less opposition though !
Don
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