Timing Systems: Daktronics vs Colorado

[Phil & Martha Lindsey]

Any one have any comparisons of Colorado vs Daktronics timing systems,
I would appreciate some imput. We priced Colorado System 5 and
Daktronics 1000. The Daktronics 6000 is compared to the Colorado
System 5. This is for an 8-lane park district pool, but both high
schools use the pool as well. Daktronics has local distributor and
can provide loaners and service quickly. Prices are much closer than
they use to be, but we're still in the $13-14K by the time you figure
in all options, etc.

[Rick Osterberg]

: schools use the pool as well. Daktronics has local distributor and

: can provide loaners and service quickly. Prices are much closer than
: they use to be, but we're still in the $13-14K by the time you figure
: in all options, etc.

If I were spending my own money, I'd pay twice as much for a Colorado
before even considering a Daktronics. I've seen Daktronics used in a
variety of high school pools, etc., and they've been nothing but trouble.
I've used several Colorado systems myself, and they're sooooo much better.
I've also had good dealings with service at Colorado. Once, back in I
think 1989, right after the System 4000 came out (we had serial #0018),
our console crapped out at a Thursday night meet around 8:00pm eastern.
We *needed* that console for a championship meet that started at 8:00am
Saturday morning. Colorado worked with us 100% and overnight shipped a
new console on Friday, and set it up so we picked it up *on the FedEx
plane* in Boston at 6:30am Saturday. (I'm not kidding - walk onto the
tarmac to receive the package.) And they did it with a smile. (FedEx
did, too.)

Also - look around at college pools. How many Daktronics systems do you
see? You never see anything but Colorado used at any meet that's halfway
important. (Until you get to the Olympics and they start using Omega on
you.)

-Rick

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| Rick Osterberg oste...@fas.harvard.edu |
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[David J. Abineri]

Phil & Martha Lindsey wrote:
>
> Any one have any comparisons of Colorado vs Daktronics timing systems,
> I would appreciate some imput. We priced Colorado System 5 and
> Daktronics 1000. The Daktronics 6000 is compared to the Colorado
> System 5. This is for an 8-lane park district pool, but both high

> schools use the pool as well. Daktronics has local distributor and
> can provide loaners and service quickly. Prices are much closer than
> they use to be, but we're still in the $13-14K by the time you figure
> in all options, etc.

The nice thing about the Colorado is that it 'remembers' all the times
from every heat (up to about 150 or so). This means that if you link to
meet software (like EASY MEET) there is very little coordination needed
between the timer and the computer because any race results may be pulled
across at any time. You could get three events behind and then get caught
up very quickly. The Daktronics, however, does not remember races (unless
their newest model does) so you MUST be ready to receive results at the
finish of each race. You have less flexibility with such a system.

See info about EASY MEET at http://www.dot-net.net/dabineri

David AbineriPhil & Martha Lindsey wrote:
>
> Any one have any comparisons of Colorado vs Daktronics timing systems,
> I would appreciate some imput. We priced Colorado System 5 and
> Daktronics 1000. The Daktronics 6000 is compared to the Colorado
> System 5. This is for an 8-lane park district pool, but both high

> schools use the pool as well. Daktronics has local distributor and
> can provide loaners and service quickly. Prices are much closer than
> they use to be, but we're still in the $13-14K by the time you figure

> in all options, etc.Phil & Martha Lindsey wrote:
>
> Any one have any comparisons of Colorado vs Daktronics timing systems,
> I would appreciate some imput. We priced Colorado System 5 and
> Daktronics 1000. The Daktronics 6000 is compared to the Colorado
> System 5. This is for an 8-lane park district pool, but both high

> schools use the pool as well. Daktronics has local distributor and
> can provide loaners and service quickly. Prices are much closer than
> they use to be, but we're still in the $13-14K by the time you figure
> in all options, etc.

The nice thing about the Colorado is that it 'remembers' all the times
from every heat (up to about 150 or so). This means that if you link to
meet software (like EASY MEET) there is very little coordination needed
between the timer and the computer because any race results may be pulled
across at any time. You could get three events behind and then get caught
up very quickly. The Daktronics, however, does not remember races (unless
their newest model does) so you MUST be ready to receive results at the
finish of each race. You have less flexibility with such a system.

See info about EASY MEET at http://www.dot-net.net/dabineri

David Abineri

[Bill Fischer]

In article <3227F3...@starnetinc.com>,

Phil & Martha Lindsey <plin...@starnetinc.com> wrote:
>Any one have any comparisons of Colorado vs Daktronics timing systems,
>I would appreciate some imput. We priced Colorado System 5 and
>Daktronics 1000. The Daktronics 6000 is compared to the Colorado
>System 5. This is for an 8-lane park district pool, but both high
>schools use the pool as well. Daktronics has local distributor and
>can provide loaners and service quickly. Prices are much closer than
>they use to be, but we're still in the $13-14K by the time you figure
>in all options, etc.

Daktronics used to be the much lower quality system in terms of features,
performance and reliability. THIS HAS CHANGED.

With the introduction of the OmniSport 6000, Daktronics is totally
comparable to the Colorado system.

I think the local support angle is an important one. Also, watch and see how
many Daktronics system will start appearing in colleges across the country.

Yes, we are a Daktronics dealer, but we are also the agent for Omega
Electronics. If you want the absolute best system, the Omega ARES is the
solution. Alas, for a park district program, it's probably a little too
pricey. We have taken on the Daktronics line for just this reason. Great
people to work with and a quality product with excellent value.

Check out their new touchpads.....

--
Bill Fischer | The Kiefer Sports Group
w...@kiefer.com | Supporting Amateur Athletes since 1947
http://www.kiefer.com/ | Official Supplier to the 1996 Olympics

[Kerry E. George]

I've seen Daktronics used in a variety of high school pools, etc., and
they've been nothing but trouble.

My personal experience with Daktronix has been excellent. We have a
facility which is a joint use pool between out high school and YMCA. I
have operated over 150 swim meets in the facility using Daktronics timing
system and 8 lane score board. We have had minimal problems with the
timing console, score board or touch pads. The only problems involved
lightning damage to circuit boards in the score board and these were very
easy to obtain and to switch out. We have worn out two printheads on the
printer and two strobes. The timing console is also used for track meets
by the high school and attached to the scoreboard at the track. I have
had much better success with the Daktronics touch pads compared with
Colorado ones we use at other pools. They do not need inflated and
respond appropriately to touches without being set off by anything other
than a touch.

I also have used the timing console interfaced with our meet management
program with great success.

>How many Daktronics systems do you see? You never see anything but Colorado used at any meet that's halfway important.

Is this based on quality and service or familiarity?

Kerry