Update 23/06/05

What do you need – For historic rallies which include timing and regularity (keeping to a set average speed) ?

You will need a tripmeter, a stopwatch, a time of day clock and a set of average speed tables.
Also useful is a compass, and for night events a map light, a potti and suitable lights for all instruments. 
Depending on budget and historical accuracy a whole range of items can be used. 
Don’t forget that the best equipment helps, but skill and experience usually wins the day !

Beginners suggestion (limited budget)

1 x RetroTrip or Halda Tripmaster
1 x Mechanical stopwatch (or digital if you are not bothered with period correctness) 
1 x Time of day clock / watch (this can be a wristwatch or clock function on a digital stopwatch)

Beginners suggestion

1 x GTI RallyTwin
2 x Mechanical stopwatches (or digital if you are not bothered with period correctness) 
1 x Time of day clock / watch (this can be a wristwatch or clock function on a digital stopwatch)

What will organisers of events allow ?

Simple answer is that you will have to ask them. 

However for UK club events digital instruments are usually welcome provided that they don't display an average speed. The more serious the event the more purists the organisers generally become, however they still might allow digital stopwatches/clocks but perhaps only mechanical and electromechanical tripmeteres.

As a general rule you will be safest with period mechanical tripmeters, stopwatches and clocks, although these unfortunately come at a price.

If in doubt ask.

Why have a tripmeter (I have one already on the speedo) ?

Most cars have an odometer, very rarely are they accurate, they cannot display 1/100th of a mile, and can't be reset quickly. In addition the accuracy of any distance device (odometer or trip) will change when tyres and axle ratios are changed. 

Odometers cannot be easily calibrated, therefore if it is inaccurate or differs from the measured mile (test mile set out by many organisers prior to an event) you will have to resort to an error correction factor - ask yourself, do I need this extra hassle ?

Why do you need two counters on a tripmeter ?

Although you can compete with a single counter instrument (e.g.. Halda Tripmaster) and the relative simplicity can reduce errors, twin counter units come into there own in two areas;-

Navigation - you can use one display for overall (or cumulative distance) and the second for intermediate distances.

Regularity - One display for navigation and the second display for distance on regularity.

Calibration of a trip ?

Calibration is vital so the tripmeter corresponds exactly to the actual distance covered by the car on the road. As previously stated axle ratio, tyre size, tyre wear etc. all contribute to an inaccuracy. It is also not unknown that the distance used by an organiser of an event can be out.  

Calibration will depend on the actual trip but generally as follows:-

RetroTrip, Brantz, Terratrip
Usually you set the unit into calibration mode, dial in a fixed number (usually 100) and then cover a mile on the road. The corresponding reading on the unit is then dialed in as the calibration number.

Halda Twinmaster/Tripmaster, Aifab and BelMog Twin
These units require the changing of two brass gear wheels, unless you are conversant with this, best advise is to give us a call. We offer a free calibration service and an Excel spreadsheet to customers.

GTI RallyTwin, Halda Speedpilot
Both these units have a screw adjuster. Usually best method is to get an approximate calibration and then fine tune until correct.

All the above works for kilometers as well. Measured miles can be found usually set up by the police on a straight piece of road, either signposted by a lollipop on the verge or a white / yellow line on the road. Also usefull are 1/10th kilometer markers on dual carriage ways.

1 Mile = 1.609 Kilometers                            1 Kilometer = 0.6214 Miles

Why doesn't everybody use a Halda Speedpilot ?

These are complicated devices combining an odometer (doesn't go backwards), an average speed pointer and a clock (sometimes with only an hour hand). The internal mechanism is not a continues action (similar to 60's and earlier speedo odometers), therefore both the odometer and the average speed pointer are always only an approximation. These units are best suited to longer distance events for keeping to an approximate average speed, and for shorter events in addition to a tripmeter. Accuracy at any given point in time is unlikely to be any better than +/- 15 seconds. 

Digital or mechanical stopwatch ?

For the purist there is no contest, they must have a period mechanical stopwatch and clock. Some events will exclude any digital instruments attached to the car and in some cases all together.

Digital instruments usual have more features (although some times over complicated) and are cheaper.

The above is not gospel, if in doubt please contact us, or check with the organisers of any events planned to seek eligibility.

For a more detailed explanation of terms, rules etc. visit the Historic Rally Car Register site www.hrcr.co.uk


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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