LED Race Clocks?

[Brian Agee]

Unfortunately I don't have any recommendations on LED clocks. I always use a LED TV because it's smaller, less expensive, is controlled by the software, and of course can show the participants name and time under the clock as soon as each person finishes.

In some of my videos you might see an LED clock, but that is one that was purchased by the local running club.

[begood...@gmail.com]

I haven't purchased an LED clock, either, but I did buy an Ultrak T-100 LCD clock before I knew I could use a TV with the Agee system. I only mention this because I've had a tough time with Ultrak customer service, so I'm guessing it's just as lacking if you buy one of their more expensive LED clocks. I'll cut and paste a bit from my Amazon review: The clock itself works just fine. Aesthetically, though, this product is very poor quality, at least the one I received. The bottom panel that says ULTRAK was printed warped cardboard which makes it look super cheap and unprofessional. I didn't think too much of it at first, since this clock is designed so that you can remove the plastic panel and put your own messaging in there. I just assumed I could cover it up. This is a great idea, but I have yet to be able to get something in there without it ripping or warping.

I tried to return it, but I had already thrown the box away and the seller (Healthcheck Systems, Inc.) refused to take it back. They told me to contact Ultrak because it was a warranty issue, and not their problem. So I did, and the Ultrak rep seemed confused, but said she would have a new bottom panel sent out to me. I only just realized that they never sent it—that was probably 12 weeks ago. But I probably couldn't get it in without bending it anyway.

[ohioraceday]

my clock ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GmTcQqq8Mo

[begood...@gmail.com]

Thanks for the link to your review and resource, Michael!

Crystal

[runro...@gmail.com]

VS athletics a nice clock for finish lines. 

 

http://www.vsathletics.com/store/Display-Clocks/

 

I use the mile marker clock, but the 6 digit clock would work well too.

[christ...@gmail.com]

Brian .. How big is your tv? (Size )... And you hook it on a tripod ?!? (I tried to watch your gusto but very hard to see the tv )

[mstompro]

I'm not sure what size Brian uses but I have a 40 inch and it seems to work very well.

[Brian Agee]

I purchased a cheap 42" TV from Sam's Club because I didn't know how well an LED TV would work outdoors. I think it cost me around $350.

If you look at the price of true 'outdoor' TV's you'll see that they are VERY expensive, so I decided it was worth a try to use an 'indoor' TV since it'll only be outdoors for a few hours once a week. It ended up working perfectly! :)    

You'll want LED - not LCD, or Plasma, or any other type.

Even in direct sunlight it's easy to see the display, it's easier to transport than a large race clock since it can easily fit in the trunk of my car, and best of all you don't have to set/sync the clock with the time on the finish line computer. Of course I take special care to make sure it doesn't get rained on and I don't use it in freezing or extremely hot temperatures. Most races do not occur in extreme temperatures so it's very rare that I have any concerns about the TV.

I use a 50' HDMI cable to extend my desktop onto the TV and of course I maximize the "Public Display" screen onto it. I have the TV mounted on a mobile TV stand that I bought from TMart. You can find it here: http://www.tmart.com/Tilting-32-55-120lbs-Mobile-TV-Mount-Stand-Four-Wheels-LED-LCD-Plasma_p140896.html

Brian

[Crystal McCullough]

Has anyone heard of or worked with this company?  Big Time Clocks

https://www.bigtimeclocks.biz/160-Super-large-LED-Clock.php

[blueridgetiming]

Crystal,

I'd only suggest these cloclocks if you planned to time indoors. You can't see the numbers outside. The price is that for a reason.

[Crystal McCullough]

Thanks, blueridgetiming! 

[Run Roanoke]

Crystal:

Here is the clock we use.  It does well for us battery operated and very compact.   

http://www.vsathletics.com/store/Mile-Marker-Race-Clock.html


here is another one, but it isn't battery operated like the previous one.

http://www.vsathletics.com/store/6-Digit-LED-Race-Clock.html

[Scovel Racing]

Crystal I'm thinking about getting this

8 inch LED 6 digit double sided and waterproof - ebay has these for $800-900, but you can get them for about $600-700 (with shipping) on aliexpress
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Outdoor-mini-digital-light-digital-led-clock/1972757788.html believe these are the same clocks http://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-Character-High-Red-Color-LED-Countdown-Wall-Clock-For-Horse-Racing-Timing-Sport-Timer-LED/1932645942.html (shows more details)

there is also this

8 inch LED waterproof 4-6 digits? the description says 4 digits.. i would email before ordering $450 (with shipping)
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-technology-product-in-china-hanging-RF-control-ultra-brightness-outdoor-IP65-waterproof-digital-clock/1765771919.html

[timgrummell]

I have one of them clocks from Aliexpress. It does the job fine but the build quality wouldn't be fantastic. When I bought it I did need to open it up and properly tighten up all the screws inside! I also removed the mains power cable and put in a heavy 12v wire and wire it straight to a large car battery. I also put on a 10amp fuse just up from the battery positive terminal, fairly standard practice incase the wire shorted!

The clock is certainly rain proof, but I wouldn't call it waterproof, it has vents in the bottom so just be careful about leaving it down in a puddle or turned to the side in rain etc ha.

In terms of the display, it's decent and bright and fine for outdoors, also if your battery is dying the display goes dim, rather than suddenly turning off, so you get some warning ha! The only slight annoyance is the viewing angles wouldn't be fantastic, but the main thing is its good and bright when your looking at it head on, which is where most the athletes look at it, or someone taking photos is positioned.

The other minor enough annoyance is the buttons on the remote aren't the most obvious, there is no single button to reset the clock, instead you have to go through each of the 6 digits and manually put them back to zero. I'm well use of doing that now before the start of the race, but just one more thing to keep on top of.

That's all I can think of for now, I mount mine in the middle of my gantry, it definitely won't break the gantry ha, but I would prefer if I had a lighter clock with was easier and quicker to mount.

[timgrummell]

Sorry meant to say it's the 1st clock I have, with the red display. The one with the yellow display looks interesting, the remote looks more useful than mine, only slight disadvantage is mains supply only.

[John Kirby]

http://www.scoretronics.com/portable_race_clock_timer.htm

I purchased the 6' number and added the dual power option, flat/hard surface tripod and  the eyelets for hanging, which I have not yet utilized, I place it on the tripod and use some sandbags on the legs and it is very sturdy. Although the unit is light weight and can easily be lifted onto the tripod by one person, it is extremely clear and visible from quite a distance, clear even in direct sunlight. It comes with a remote that Velcro's into an indentation in the rear and the remote can work from several hundred feet away. I usually don't worry about the clock time until several minutes after the start, I just check the ART clock, set the big clock 20-30 secs ahead and just press the start button when they coordinate.

The clock is manufactured in USA from a small company and they were great to work with. Just Recently the clamp on the tripod broke, My fault and I called them directly and had a replacement within a week.

Also, because of its compact size it does not take up a lot of room in my jam-packed vehicle on race day.

I am currently checking the local thrift shops for an old school, hard shell, too heavy for current-day air travel suitcase to use as a protective case since they do not offer one. Just wish it was double sided. Other than that I am happy with purchase and support. 

[Tim Irvine]

Crystal, if you buy the mile marker clock, don't buy the tripod from them. It is way over priced. You can get this one and it had the same specs http://www.amazon.com/PYLE-PRO-PSTND2-Tripod-Speaker-Stand/dp/B000E0PPG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416420436&sr=8-1&keywords=speaker+tripod&pebp=1416420426479 and it's only $30

[Scovel Racing]

I purchased this clock 8" numbers

http://m.aliexpress.com/item/1932640457.html?productId=1932640457

I'll let you all know what I think of it when it arrives.

[Crystal McCullough]

Thanks Tim, Tim, Run Roanoke, Scovel Racing, and John!

[Edward Schrank]

SR Aaron: Any update on your clock purchase?

[SR Aaron]

I love the clock!

Pros:
Double sided
Count Up & Count Down options
Clock function to display in 12 or 24 hour format.
4 different brightness levels (can get extremely bright)
The 8" LED characters can be seen from far away

Cons:
The clock is heavy
Controlled by remote only
During shipping, customs ripped open the box, disassembled the clock, so when it arrived I had to "rebuild" it.

Overall: Very happy about the product!

Notes: I will order directly from the manufacturer next time (on aliexpress), the guy I purchased from was about $50 more but was able to delivier the product within a few days. The reason why I will deal direct next time is because the circuit board looks old, and the date on it says 2002, seems like I might have bought a refurbished unit. Besides the date though, everything works great!

I recently purchase this case http://www.seahorse-cases.com/se-1530.htm and the clock barely fits after moving the the power cords from the bottom and relocating them to the side. I had to drill a new hole on the side of the clock and re-solder the power cord, but i'm extremely happy with the outcome. If your not comfortable with messing with electronics you might not want to go this route.

I'm going to order another one in the next few months (blue LED) and I'll see if they can make it in a lightweight aluminum.

Here's a photo

[timgrummell]

Looks good SR, I have a very similar one but I don't think on mine the brightness can be adjusted, it's basically on full brightness the whole time. How do you adjust the brightness on yous?

Agreed on the clock being heavy, keep us updated as to if they make you one out of aluminium, I'd be very interested in one.

[Edward Schrank]

Thanks for the update. The case looks like a nice knockoff pelican.