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Instructions
Linear Start Mechanism
for BestTrack
Topics
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Identifying your Model
The GLB has a single control input
on the left. The input on the right is the power socket. The solenoid can be
activated by a push button switch, PB1, PB2, or PB3. It can also be activated
by the Light Tree, or by the SCI under computer control.
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The GLB-D and GLB-E have two control
inputs. The Light Tree is plugged into the socket nearest the housing fold.
The other socket receives the signal to trigger the Light Tree into countdown.
When the light gets to green the solenoid is activated.
The suffix -D or -E are minor configuration
changes, and are of no significance to the user.
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| Attach
the Control Rod |
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The brass pull rod is normally shipped
with a pair of right angle turns, and is meant to be inserted into a 3/32"
hole in your startgate handle. This is best because there is no slop in the
action. The location for the hole is 1.25" from the bottom of the handle.
Lately, BestTrack is shipping handles
that already have a larger hole drilled in this area. In this case, simply drill
the hole nearer to the edge without the notch. Some customers report
that they have used this larger hole successfully by using a needle nose pliers
to reform the brass rod to have a hook. The brass is Alloy 260, which can be
bent hundreds of times without fatigue.
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Mounting the GLB to the Track
Slide the pair of bolts (included)
down the bolt channels on opposite sides of the track's right-most lane. Set
the GLB in place and install the nuts loosely, allowing the GLB to move. Position
it so that the solenoid plunger bottoms out at the exact point where the handle
releases the peg bar. At that point, tighten the nuts. Test again, using your
fingernail to bottom out the plunger. When you are satisfied with the action,
attach the power supply and trigger cable(s). Enjoy!
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Design Goals
In addition to low price and reliability,
we selected the smallest solenoid which we determined gets the job done. The
goal was to introduce the minimum shock possible into the track during start.
See this video
for a good explanation of why small is good.
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Improving the Start Gate Performance
Margin
The BestTrack was not designed with
solenoid operation in mind. The notch in the handle is at least twice as deep
as it needs to be, and is not controlled. The edges are sharp and can bite into
the peg bar, causing friction. Moreover, the diagonal spring has about ten times
the force necessary to keep the peg bar securely in the handle notch. A child
has no trouble operating the handle, but a person's arm is much more powerful
than a solenoid. While the GLB will work without problem, you can greatly increase
the margin of performance by following these steps:
| 1. Use
a less powerful spring for the handle return. The diagonal spring is the same
one used to rotate the peg bar. Modify the spring so that it is 3.25"
long, rather than the original 2.5". Simply pull the last few turns of
the coil beyond their elastic limit. It is a good idea to use a needle nose pliers
to secure the modified spring to the gate assembly so that the spring stays with
the assembly, and does not get mixed up with the other springs. |
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| 2. Reduce
the effective notch depth. Remove material below the notch so that the effective
notch depth is about 3/16". This gives plenty of security, while eliminating
unproductive work that the solenoid must perform. With less work to do, the solenoid
performs more smoothly. A belt sander is ideal for removing the bulk of the aluminum.
Finish up with a fine file, and polish with steel wool. |
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| 3. Eliminate
other friction.
Looking directly into the
notch, round the bottom edges so that it engages the peg bar only in the center.
You can actually carve the aluminum with an X-acto knife. Make this surface
as smooth as you can.
Then, the lever's notch
will leave no scratches on the peg bar, and the action will be smoother.
Use a little lubricant on
the axle bolt and nut. Too loose is as bad as too tight.
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