WinSpeed© Frequently Asked Questions

The clocks with deviation are not calculated correctly

What is the error "Invalid Bird Type"?

How do I get my diplomas to line up better?

What is the difference between a Merge and a Backup diskette?

How do I send merge info to our combine through the Internet?

My printer does not print through WinSpeed©. What can I do?

How should I set Point Configuration?

What is the NTS column on the Clock Bird Screen? 

The clocks with deviation are not calculated correctly
If WinSpeed© is calculating the speed correctly for non-deviated clocks but gives incorrect speeds for clocks with deviation, then you have a data entry problem. What you should look at are the dates that you have entered. Look at the data that you have created the race with (Edit\Add Race Screen) first. Then look at the date that you have entered for the deviated clock (Clock Birds - Clock Knockoff\Deviation Screen). The date of the race must fall between the date\time that you start the clock and the date\time that you stop the clock. In other words you can not start the race (released the race) before you set the clock.

What is the error "Invalid Bird Type"?
WinSpeed© will mask out the "out of season" birds so you can’t see them for a particular race. You can not race an Old Bird in a Young Bird race, nor can you race a Young Bird in an Old Bird race. When you create a race as either Young Bird or Old Bird, then go to the Clock Bird Screen, you will notice that "out of season" birds are not displayed. The error "Invalid Bird Type" comes when you try to enter an "out of season" bird on that screen. This feature prevents data entry mistakes.

How do I get my diplomas to line up better? Use the new AU 'Blank' diploma form so you don't have to fiddle with those lines. Every diploma (weekly, end of season, UPR) can be printed on these now.

However, if you want to use the old 'lined forms', here's how: WinSpeed© utilizes templates that can be adjusted with any word processor. If you know how to use a word processor, you will find this very easy. All Windows operating systems have two word processors (Notepad and Wordpad). The template is simply a file that can be edited to change the placement of items on your diploma. There are two templates that can be used for Weekly Diplomas: AU3RING.dip and AUTRACT.dip. The 3RING is for the sheet fed diplomas, and the TRACT is for tractor fed diplomas. Both of these files reside in the C:\Program Files\WinSpeed\Program folder (C:\WinSpeed\Program folder for Vista users). Also, for end of season diplomas, there are AveSpeed.dip, ChampBird.dip and ChampLoft.dip template files.

First, copy and save the template file you will be modifying in another location (just in case you mess it up). Open the file in Notepad or Wordpad. You will notice "place holders". They are in all CAPS and always start with and exclamation point. Never change these place holders. All you need to do is move them around for the proper fit. If you would like to shift part or all of your document down a line, place the cursor above the line to be shifted down and press your enter key. This will cause the diploma to print one line down from where you started. To take away a line, place the cursor above the line to be shifted up and press the delete key. This will cause the diploma to print one line above from where you started.

If you wish to shift something right or left you can do this. Let's take moving something to the right for an example: Place the cursor just in front of the "place holder" you wish to move right, then press your spacebar as many spaces to the right you wish the item to go. To move left, use your backspace key.

Once you have moved all the "place holders" to where you believe they should be you can save the file (as a Text file) and give the diploma printing another try. You will likely need to do some trial and error editing and reediting of the diploma template before you reach success. Just make sure you save the file as a Text file. Another hint: Print on a blank piece of paper. Now put an actual diploma form behind it and hold it up to the light until you get it right.

What is the difference between a Merge and a Backup diskette?
There is actually quite a difference. A backup is a feature that allows the entire contents of data for the currently opened database to be placed on a diskette for archival purposes. We highly suggest, as with any program, frequent and periodic backups. Here is what we suggest. If you have an 8 race week series, we suggest that you have 8 separate backup diskettes (week 1, week 2, etc.). Calculate your race, print your reports, then do a backup. Now here is another important tip: Store you backup diskettes in another building. Take them away from where the computer is. If you have a disaster where the computer is located, you will still have the data. Don't let your clubmates down. Store your backups off site.

A merge is a feature that allows one race day's worth of information to be combined with that of other clubs into a combine\concourse\federation for a all inclusive race. Only data pertaining to that one particular day is sent or placed on a merge diskette; which includes all station information, loft information, bird information, race information, and clocking information - for that race day only. If a loft does not race that day, then their information is not included in the merge. Only pertinent information is included. A merge should never be confused with a backup. A club should not rely on a merge diskette as their source of archives.

How do I send my merge information to our combine through the Internet?
When you create a merge diskette with WinSpeed©, a file named club.dat (‘club’ being the name of your organization) is created. All e-mail programs have the ability to send attached files. Many people get caught up in the fact that their Internet connection is not the same computer that has WinSpeed loaded on it. A merge diskette can be transported to the machine with the internet connection.