Red Light Answer

[Pat Joffrion]

As a racer, I did not understand how just dropping a few RPM's could cause a red light.

Once I built No Problem, I discovered just how delicate the staging beams really are. After serveral customers were red lit by the tree (in the same lane), I took a Cajun approach. I used a dragster wheel to light the stage bulb, then back it up a hair-width, and the red light came on as the tree was activated.

This happened on more than one car, but all were using trans-brakes. In some of the instances, the reverse gear overrode the forward 1st gear, resulting the vehicle to back up a FRACTION OF AN INCH, which caused the red light. I witnessed the same occurance in footbrake cars that staged very shallow.

The solution was installed five years ago when we ordered the CompuLink Stage-Loc beams. Not a single reverse-action red light since then when using autostart. However, in the Jr. Dragster younger age groups, we still use a manual start because some of the kids would get auto-started in a timed-out situation. Some of the kids get the red light from the rocking of their small front tires. It's just the way it is.

Our Stage-Loc system will allow a driver to back up three inches once the tree is activated (after the last bulb is lit for 1/4-second). But you must remember that in order for Stage-Loc to be in effect, auto-start must also be in use. HOWEVER, even with Stage-Loc, if you light both bulbs first, then back out by just a fraction after your opponent has lit his stage bulb for 1/4 of a second, the computer fires the tree without seeing you in the beam, and you are red.

It cost me about $5,000 for the Stage-Loc upgrade, but it was worth the money. Not a single ***** chewing since it was installed. I can prove it to any driver... if you stage real shallow, just turning your steering wheel a little bit will turn on the red. Just backing off the converter will turn on the red. You need to check with each track to enquire if they are using the CompuLink Stage-Loc. If they don't have it, or are not using it, you could be SOL (and red).

I hope ya'll now know how the system works.

[Walker4108]

Great info Pat. Thanks!

[Mike Gray]

So did the camera flash cause Mason's red light?
The next frame in the video shows his red light come on.
I assume the starting line reads from the outside the same as the downtrack lights.

[Pat Joffrion]

Quote from response by Mike Rice: "The shallow stage deal is very real, especially without the StageLoc program."

From Reading Mike's reply, it appears that Stage-Loc was not used. I was under the impression that all national event tracks had it installed years ago. However, it has to be set to be "ON" for each category in the tower computer.

If it was not turned on (per Mike's reply), then someone in the tower screwed up! Since the stage beam are recessed at least six inches inside of PVC tubing with less than three-eighths of an opening, I don't believe the camera flash could in any way reflect into such a small hole to reach the receiver.

Conclusion: Without Stage-Loc operating, the slightest movement of the front tire more than likely caused the red light. Kind of sucks to have the software disabled! I would recommend that someone needs to verify that it is enabled for stock and super stock at each race.

[Mike Gray]

This seems like an intresting subject. I can't figure why the red comes on at the second yellow when the car appears not to move at all, it doesn't appear to even be loading the convertor. When I watch the video over a few times in full screen, you can see the flash reflected on the pavement. Since he has polished or chrome wheels it seems possible the wheels reflect the light causing the eye to read that the car has moved.
If this wasn't possible why do a lot of cars have the ugly flat painted front wheels.

[Bernie Cunningham]

As far as I know, that type of sensor is no longer used, as in where light reflections or flashes would cause them to 'switch'.

These days the units are a sender and receiver across the track and must communicate with each other to 'switch'

[Pat Joffrion]

Mike,

I didn't fully answer your question, so here goes:

The Stage-Loc and starting beams read only from the center of the starting line ... Not from the outside (as is the case down track). Actually, there is no outside lens for the Stage-Loc beam!

From looking at the photo, it appears to be impossible for the flash to go through the vehicle. Before I built my own track, I used to put shoe polish on the front rims because the starter told me that the bright sunlight might' ve caused my red light.

I found out the reason after investing millions. You guys get for free. Trust me, I know how it works and am glad to help answer your questions. Now, if someone can just explain to my wife and I the reason we have to bury our son tomorrow...

Chatting on this forum helps to get my mind off Philip's death, at least for a few minutes. Thanks for listening.

[Mike Gray]

Remember this debate?
Looks like it happened again at pomona.

"This will be the second attempt to run the final round, as it's reported that a photographer's flash created a red light in DeFrank's lane, as the tree came down right before the Professional final rounds. They were given time to cool off and are back to finish the racing for today."

[Don Kennedy]

In My opinion that when this happens The driver thinks he knows what happened , The crew Chief thinks he knows what happened , The Starting line crew is a little concerned but thinks they may know what happened , all this is emotions now > but the $50,000.00 timing system knows what happened it was a red light no emotion there

Now since no other racer has gotten a rerun when this has happened the rerun that happened to Mike Cotten was the wrong decision made based on the pass decisions > now we have a whole new Problem that "will " come up when this happens again ????

[billy leber]

After sitting at a race track for the better part of a damn week , I feel if the car has not moved and the red light comes on it should ALWAYS be a re - run .... Obviously there is a problem with the system , or flashes or whatever.