Starting signals -guns and all
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2718
Printed Date: 18 Aug 25 at 2:31pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Starting signals -guns and all
Posted By: SymBoy
Subject: Starting signals -guns and all
Date Posted: 26 Feb 07 at 9:31pm
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I have been tasked with trying to improve the sound signals for open meetings held at our club. For club racing we are happy with a horn system using a 12V supply, but out on the open water with committee boat starts, it is too directional and barely audible in a good breeze. We are trying to avoid the shot gun route because we not comfortable about holding a firearm on site. Any ideas?
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Replies:
Posted By: tgruitt
Date Posted: 26 Feb 07 at 10:42pm
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What about lights? I dont think there is a problem with not being able to hear them, people should see the flags, I have always been taught to ignore the hoots and sail to the flags.
------------- Needs to sail more... |
Posted By: redback
Date Posted: 27 Feb 07 at 12:08am
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I'm sure you can get 12V sounders as used in the security industry which exceed 120dBA. At that level your operators would need ear protectors - so it should be loud enough. I've just looked at the RS Components website they have something at about 123dBA but I have seen something even more appropriate elswhere. |
Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 27 Feb 07 at 7:49am
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I have been to a club where they use lights for all racing. Are you thinking of something you can put on the comittee boat? Lights is a good idea but they need to be big, thats the downside. Other than that it would be flag/air horns. ------------- |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 27 Feb 07 at 9:02am
| Committee boat starts we use flags, club races we use horn and lights although we can't always see the lights as other peoples sails are in the way but not a problem if you get your watch right on the 4 minute light. |
Posted By: hurricane
Date Posted: 27 Feb 07 at 10:43am
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a marine 12v volt fog horn is very loud and as the frequency is low the sound travels further... where as most clubs use horns with a high frequency that struggle to travel as far. ------------- lifes to short to sail slow boats! RIP Olympic Tornado 1976-2007 |
Posted By: Ian S
Date Posted: 27 Feb 07 at 12:30pm
| Often wondered why a system couldn't be develped with a rib maybe 200 feet in front of the start line with a lighting gantry on the back, red - amber - green formula 1 style, all the sailors could see the signals then.. you'd still need your committee boat anchored at one end of the line to look out for the extra keen ones though. |
Posted By: foaminatthedeck
Date Posted: 27 Feb 07 at 1:35pm
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You would need some way of comunication between the two boats. ------------- Lark 2170 |
Posted By: getafix
Date Posted: 28 Feb 07 at 2:09pm
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you can get some very nifty rigs with auto timing boxes and air-horns
run off car batteries, Chichester YC have got one, no problems hearing
it, even in the teeth of a serious blow ... Rock SC in Cornwall used to use horns and lights but you couldn't see the lights from the club line in a real Cornish squall (and you couldn't hear the old horns either)... just had to look for the flags, they are the constant! ------------- Feeling sorry for vegans since it became the latest fad to claim you are one |
Posted By: Pierre
Date Posted: 28 Feb 07 at 2:27pm
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88mm Gun, live round, straight across the start line. No problem hearing it and cures the OCS issue. But, as the above would probably be spoilt by HSE issues
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, then Flags really are the only option.Posted By: KnightMare
Date Posted: 28 Feb 07 at 6:31pm
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tbh the sound signals are only there to draw attention to the Flags. So just make people aware that a start can start with out any sound signals at all and that sould make them keep their eyes on the flags. Alternitvly we have a Klakson (sp?) (old air raid siren style) at our club which is quite amusing and very loud. but they are moving to the good old air horn rigged on the comittee boat. ------------- http://theramblingsofmyinnergeek.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: Jack Sparrow
Date Posted: 28 Feb 07 at 7:00pm
the only thing for a pirate! ------------- http://www.uk3-7class.org/index.html" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Class Website https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092602470772759/" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Building - Facebook Group |
Posted By: SymBoy
Date Posted: 28 Feb 07 at 8:58pm
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Thanks for everyone's feedback - I think the 120dB low frequency horns may be the answer. I understand the flag/ light suggestions but point is when you 200m upwind of the startline sorting your compass reading, etc you need something loud to draw your attention to the flags. Do like the cannon though!!
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