Classic
The first Judge design, 1992 to 1995. All metal construction. Circuitry
is common high speed CMOS logic gates and flip-flops. Speed of response
and ability to split hairs is measured in nanoseconds, actually superior to microprocessor
based later versions. Computer Option or ET upgrades not available.
M Series v1.9.6 First microprocessor version, 1995 to 1997,
predating any derby software programs. Computer reports of time and finishing
order have 2 to 3 seconds delay. All later versions instantaneous.
Choice of Push Button Reset or Auto Reset made at time of order. RaceView software
enters the market.
P Series v2.00 1998.
Very brief production had firmware flaw, which was immediately corrected
to become the Q Series. 2 and 3 lane Computer Option equipped units not
compatible with RaceView, but compatible with DerbyMaster and Grand Prix.
4 lanes and higher OK with all software. Push Button Reset option allows
both auto reset mode and manual mode on this and all later versions. DerbyMaster
software enters market.
Q Series v2.01 1998 to 2001. No known firmware flaws,
but microprocessor requires at least 4.1 volts for proper operation (batteries
reasonably fresh). Photo Finish Option introduced.
F Series v2.02 2002
to 2004. New flash microprocessor works down to 3 volts (batteries completely
exhausted). User adjustable display time introduced. Sunlight Max outdoor sensing
introduced. GrandPrix software enters market.
G Series v2.02 Introduced
late 2004. Electronically identical to F Series, but circuit boards were
redesigned to fit new slimmer enclosure.
J Series v2.04 The current production version, introduced
in October, 2007. A new higher reliability microprocessor offered all the features
and advantages of the F and G series, plus new firmware to indicate race timing
cycle status when using Computer Option.
Transponder v2.04 Introduced December 2012. Extreme cost
savings for groups that project race results. Electronically identical to J
Series Judge. Your big screen becomes the display for the Transponder. When
race results are projected, nobody in your audience looks at the finish line.
So why spend a lot of money on it?