ProTrak^[TM]  
(for MS W98, W95 2000, XP NT4.0)

Signaling and The Grapevine[TM]

• Simple electronics: plug and click connections, pre-assembled boards
• Complete! Software includes the knowledge you want for prototype signaling!
• Affordable! Lowest cost system available
• Fast to install! Have your signals working over the weekend.

Fast clock controls in software

• Each Grapevine Node contains software to drive a digital clock, and an analog clock
• Settings are controlled in ProTrak
• Clock software is in Grapevine Node
• Use any fastclock ratio
  • by setting session duration and modeled hours
  • e.g. 3 hour, 30 minute session modeling 20 hour day gives a ratio of 5.714
  • or set ratio directly
• Start, Stop, Pause and Reset commands available during operations

Digital Fast Clock

• Digital clock driver-board uses parallel port  from Grapevine Node (micro-processor)
• Digital clock display can be any 7-segment display
  • Use small displays for panels and larger displays for mounting on room walls
  • Make your own display from individual leds wired to form 7 segments (like scoreboard numbers)

Analog Fast Clock

• Analog clock uses device port on Grapevine Node
• Make analog clock from any 1.5V battery-driven office clock
• Modify clock by:
  • putting a 0.1 uF cap across the coil
  • 330 ohm resistor on one lead
  1. Remove the battery.
  2. Remove the clock lens and pull off the hands.
  3. Remove the clockwork and pry off the back being careful not to have the gears fly across the room.
  4. Find the solenoid and solder a 0.1 uF cap across the leads.
  5. Drill a 1/4" hole on the side of the case near the solenoid.
  6. Solder a couple of long leads (e.g. phone wire) on to the solenoid terminals.
  7. I put the 330 ohm resistor on the free end of one of the leads. The resistor could also be glued into the clock

This page last updated: February 7th 2003