Auto Hoot

 

The sailing committee have invested in a new automated hooter system which we hope will make the OOD's job a little easier - as well as giving a consistently accurate series of auditory race signals.

This is a standalone system that can be used on any starting boat but throughout the year the unit will remain onboard the committee boat for your convenience - no more lugging car batteries between boats!

Instructions for using the system will be available both in the OOD kitbag and onboard the committee boat.

Below are the basic instructions - we hope you find the system simple and convenient to use.

  1. The Autohoot (housed in a toolbox) and dual-airhorns will be stored in the cabin of the committee boat
  2. Unplug the Autohoot from the solar panel and set it in a position to wedge open the cabin door.
  3. Hang the hooter horns above the doorway using the hooks provided.
  4. Open the toolbox and remove the controller and the two cables.
  5. One cable connects to the horns and the other to the top of the toolbox - the system is now ready
  6. At the exact time of the first gun (Wed 19:20, Sat 14:20) turn the right hand switch on. The horn will sound immediately.
  7. All is automatic after this. The horn will sound at the next programmed sound signal i.e. every 5 minutes. The procedure will repeat automatically until the horn is turned off.
  8. There is a light and bleep system on the box to assist with countdown to the next sound signal. Get your flags ready!
    At 90 seconds the top light will light with 3 bleeps (1 long 3 short);
    At 60 seconds the bottom red light comes on with a long bleep;
    At 30 seconds both lights come on with 3 bleeps;
    At 20 seconds there are 2 bleeps;
    At 10 seconds there is 1 bleep; and,
    For the final 5 seconds a bleep with flashing lights every second.
  9. If you have a recall, for example, the red button can be pressed to give a sound signal. This button can be pressed at any time to give a sound signal without affecting the automatic timing of the sound sequences.
  10. Please keep a check on the sound signals and flags with your watch and the flag sequences. The system will give sound signals automatically and on time but it is necessary to be sure that the correct flags are raised and lowered at the correct signal.
  11. When the last class has started turn the horn off and simply use the red button to give signals for finishing boats.
  12. Return the system as you found it.

For those of you who wish to use the system for events and require a different start sequence e.g. 5, 4, 1, GO, you should contact a member of sailing for further instructions.

Hopefully this information will have you prepared for your first use of the system - it really is very simple!


Grant