More Information on Drag Racing

Cross Talk

Basics of the Compulink CROSS-TALK Program

Released in November 2003, the Compulink CROSSTALK program now solves the problem of the open (and pointed straight back) versus shielded top bulb controversy.  CROSS-TALK allows the Tree to be fully shielded (all ambers) if desired, with all 3 Ambers on each side of the Tree aimed directly at the drivers. Compulink CROSS-TALK functions in eliminations by firing the top amber in both lanes at the same time.  This allows both cars a direct ‘hit’ on the Tree.  The slower lane’s Tree will continue counting down to the 2^nd, then 3^rd ambers as normal.  The faster car’s top amber will remain lit until time comes for the 2^nd and 3^rd amber in that lane to cycle down.  Note that the CROSSTALK function would only be run during eliminations of electronics classes.  Non-electronics class (for example, foot-brake E.T., stock, super stock, etc.) would have a ‘normal’ functioning Tree.  Also, a driver may cancel the CROSSTALK function by including an ‘N’ behind the dial-in to show that the function is not wanted. For example, a Dial-In of 7.85N would cancel CROSSTALK for that pair of cars if the 7.85 was the faster Dial-In.

Notes of the Compulink CROSS-TALK Program

1.  All racers have their own “clean” tree, with all ambers, including the top bulb, facing directly towards them.  Not seeing the top bulb in the other lane eliminates confusion, especially for Foot-Brake racers.  The slightly narrower focal point of the LED ambers does not present a problem for cross-over box racing, as both lanes get an in-the-face clean shot at their top bulb.

2.  If a driver opts not to use the CROSS-TALK, he simply puts an “N” after his dial-in to show that he does not (“N “for no) want the feature.

3.  CROSS-TALK will run as a default on the category unless an “N” is entered after the dial-in, for example 9.94N.  You do not need to be concerned which vehicle is the quicker dial-in.  If the quicker dial-in does not have the “N” after the dial-in, the timing system will automatically detect the quicker dial and turn off the CROSS-TALK feature for that pair only. 

4.  Organizations which previously had to stop racing to physically change the Tree from Open to Closed Top Bulbs can now continue racing without delays.

5.  Compulink CROSSTALK levels the playing field for all racers.  The slow and fast cars both get a clear view of their top Amber.  Electronics racers will both get two hits at the Tree (top bulb and bottom bulb) per lane.  Foot-brake, sportsman and Pro Tree racers will have all three ambers aimed directly to their focal point.

Example of how the faster car cancels the CROSS-TALK program:

When the faster car opts to not use CROSS-TALK, he/she simply adds an "N" to the end of their Dial In.  Once a driver has deactivated the CROSS-TALK feature, a negative sign “-“ will appear on the scoreboard after their dial-in.

Driver A dialed 8.00 and driver B dialed 7.50.  If driver B wants to cancel CROSS-TALK his Dial In would change to 7.50N.  This only applies to the faster car.  The slower car cannot cancel the CROSS-TALK.

Information taken from Compulink operating system manual and found on the Internet.

Altitude Correction Factors

Oahe Speedway is considered an altitude corrected facility with an elevation of 1,700 feet.  Therefore, an altitude correction factor must be used when determining indexes for NHRA classes.  The following lists the indexes and factors for each class: