17 replies to this topic

[Michael Jr.]

Has anyone tried the Trackmate add-on for pairing drag cars?

 

DP3000 Bracket Racing Tournament

[Michael Jr.]

So it's either Bracket Master or Trackmate.

[Dave Crevie]

The bracket ladder creator that came with my Trackmate 3000 (ver 540) worked well for my group. It is pretty simple to use. 

 

The Bracket Master we use at my local track works very well also. But if you already have Trackmate, I suggest using their extension if it didn't come with your software. You don't need two computer screens.

[Michael Jr.]

The bracket ladder creator that came with my Trackmate 3000 (ver 540) worked well for my group. It is pretty simple to use. 

 

The Bracket Master we use at my local track works very well also. But if you already have Trackmate, I suggest using their extension if it didn't come with your software. You don't need two computer screens.

 

I had heard it was little buggy. Are you finding it to work without glitches?  I've been looking at the Bracket Master all morning. Is the Trackmate version basically the same? I can't find much on that.

[MSwiss]

Michael,
What Dave is talking about, is not the same thing as you posted a link to, in your first post.

What you posted, is something fairly new.

Dave had his portable strip, up and running, more like 5(?) years ago.

[Michael Jr.]

I hate that I need to get this now instead of later when we know the bugs are worked out. The Trackmate version is integrated and $100 cheaper. But....apparently it's to new to know how it performs.

[Dave Crevie]

Didn't have any problems with it. I can't verify how many racers it can handle, we usually had between 10 and 20 guys, maybe 30 cars. I had to upgrade to get the bracket feature, which I did on-line. I'm not a big fan of bracket racing, so I originally went the cheapest way possible. I didn't get the tree that does brackets, and ended up getting the proper one for that as well. With the diversity of cars we had, from guys running H&R chassis with NASCAR hard bodies, to balls-out spring steel and lexan cars, it became the only option. Some guys just didn't want to build drag cars.

 

I bought the Trackmate system in 2003. Last ran it 2013 according to the photos posted on our club website. (That website has been defuct since about 2015, but I still have the photos in my computer) 

 

 

 

 

 

[Michael Jr.]

youtube demo

 

[MSwiss]

Dave,
Michael is referring to something fairly new, Trackmate is selling.

It is not the same thing you had 7-10 years ago.

[sduffey131]

We have been trying to run the Trakmate program for months. He is still working out bugs. It will be a huge upgrade from Bracket Master. And yes, like mentioned before only one computer needed. 

 

Steph

[Michael Jr.]

Question on the Trackmate operation.  I have the bracket master, used it once but I think I would prefer to move over to the Trackmate system.  I've watched the youtube and I have just this question right now. 

When you operate the bracket program does it replace the interface I'm used to using now?  In other words, I have to use two programs now, will I still have to use two programs or will this do brackets and input the dial in and race all in one seemless operation?

[Dave Crevie]

You don't need to upgrade the electronics as far as I know. What I liked about the Trackmate was that it is basically automatic. You manually enter the cars and their respective E.T., and the system sets up the race pairings. After each race is run, the screen shows the pairing for the next race. I suspect Bracketmaster does the same thing.  

[Michael Jr.]

You don't need to upgrade the electronics as far as I know. What I liked about the Trackmate was that it is basically automatic. You manually enter the cars and their respective E.T., and the system sets up the race pairings. After each race is run, the screen shows the pairing for the next race. I suspect Bracketmaster does the same thing.  

 

Bracket Master sets up the pairing just fine and it's automatic.  What I'm wanting to make sure of is that when I install the Trackmate system, i don't have to jump from screen to screen.  I want this to include the basic racing software as well so it presents all together.  I've been looking at the video and I THINK that is what happens so I'm about to make the change.

[Michael Jr.]

Spoke with the good folks at Trackmate.  They answered all my questions and yes, this program operates as a whole and complete system without using my existing software.  The countdown timer can also be integrated into the program as well.  So, this is a total replacement with all the additional features of the timer and the pairing software.

 

Looks like I will be buying some new drag software soon.

[Dave Crevie]

I was very happy with mine. Never a glitch or problem. Super easy set-up. 

[MSwiss]

Dave,
Trackmate like you had, did not run the pairings/results.

It just runs each race.

You couldn't put in, say 64 cars, have it keep track of each winner and advance them through the rounds.

[sdsacr]

Spoke with the good folks at Trackmate.  They answered all my questions and yes, this program operates as a whole and complete system without using my existing software.  The countdown timer can also be integrated into the program as well.  So, this is a total replacement with all the additional features of the timer and the pairing software.

 

Looks like I will be buying some new drag software soon.

 

A good portion of tracks are moving away from Bracket Master or Trackmate and going with Pro Pairings. You can check them out at www.propairings.com

It brings a lot of good functionality to a pairing software.

-Ability to see about 20+ pair out, not just 6

-There is an app available where racers can see all the information on their phone. Shows them each pair they have that round, win/loss record that round etc

-It is more expensive to operate than the other software on the market, but brings more to the table as well

For smaller tracks with less than 100 entries it may not be worth it, but tracks having larger events with 200+ it makes a big difference and will also speed up races because everyone knows where they are in the round

[Michael Jr.]

Does anyone have the contact information for the older Bracket Master system creator?  I realize he is no longer active with the software but I spoke with him once and he was happy to help BUT I can't find the name and contact info.  Thanks in advance.