General

Where can I find Serial to USB Adapter Drivers?

The adapters that we carry have the Prolific communications chipset in them.  You can download the latest USB drivers from the Prolific website.

• Windows - https://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41
• macOS - https://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=229&pcid=41

Note:  The other common manufacturer of communications chips, that go into these adapters,  Is FTDI.  If Prolific drivers don't work for your adapter, you can give the FTDI drivers a try.

How do you display the race results on a TV or projection system?

The computer display can be duplicated on a projection system or TV or you can split up the computer display between the two displays by configuring your operating system to run in extended desktop mode.

If your operating system is not configured to run in extended desktop mode, everything that you see on the computer screen will be displayed on the secondary display screen.

If you have your operating system configured for extended desktop mode, you can click on the title bar of a screen and drag it over to the secondary monitor. In this way, you can just show the audience certain screens, like the Racing screen.

Note 1: With laptops, to enable the video output to a secondary monitor you usually have to hold the Function Key down and then one of the "F" keys. Consult your owner's manual if you are not which of those "F" keys to use.

Note 2: For a TV, you may need to use a video adapter unit to connect it to the computer.

How can I speed up my race?

Many things go into how long it will take you to run your race, including the number of racers entered, number of lanes on the track, which scheduling method is being used, and race crew organization. This article has some tips, tricks and strategies on making for a better and faster race.

Can track records be reset?

Track records (Pro Version) can be changed by the clicking on the Settings button on the Main screen, and selecting Track Records Settings. In the Track Records Settings screen you can set, reset or delete track records as needed.

How can I import data from an old data file?

If you are looking to port some data from an old data file to a new one, you can do the following:

1. Open up your old data file with GrandPrix Race Manager.
2. Go to the applicable tab on the Main screen.
3. Click on the "Export" button to save the data to a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file.
4. Give the CSV file a name and specify the location to save it to.
5. Edit the CSV file as necessary (like changing age groups for racers) with a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel.  Just make sure to save it back as a CSV file.
6. Create a new data file for your race, if you haven’t already; otherwise, open your new data file with GrandPrix Race Manager.
7. Go to the applicable tab on the Main screen.
8. Click on the "Import" button.
9. Follow the steps of the Import Wizard to pull the data into your new data file.

Note: For the majority of users, the only things that are needed to carry over from one year to the next would be rosters and the awards list.

How do I run a Raingutter Regatta or Space Derby?

Running a Raingutter Regatta or Space Derby with the software isn't much different than running a Pinewood Derby type race. 

In the Software Settings screen:

• Select the appropriate race vehicle.
• Set the number of track lanes (or troughs).
• If you are not using a timing system, then also set the scoring to Points.

In the Racing screen:

• If not using a timing system, use the Manual Entry screen to enter the number of points for each racer (1 pt = 1st place, 2 pts = 2nd place, etc.), for each heat of the schedule.

Is there a Software User's Manual?

Help File:

The User's Manual is the program's help file. This contains all of the documentation on how to use the program. There is also the information in these FAQ's to help you out.

If you want a printed manual, you can view the help file and then click on the Print button to print the particular section.

Tutorial Videos:

We do have a series of tutorial videos, for those that would rather have a visual demonstration of using the software.