Updated August 2026
Summary: Crest Industries builds autocross-timing equipment for SCCA autocross racing. Its Auto-Timer system uses WinWedge to take each car’s run time — together with driver information scanned from a barcode on the windshield — parse it into separate fields, and enter it into a database in real time, where results are automatically sorted and saved.
The Challenge
Autocross timing generates structured data fast: run times from start/stop sensors, plus each driver’s car number, name, class, and index number, scanned from a bar-coded windshield label as cars stage. All of it needs to land in the correct database fields, immediately, with up to four cars scanned in and racing at once — and with penalties and DNFs edited on the fly. Typing any of this during an event isn’t realistic, and building custom acquisition software would have added cost and complexity to every system Crest sold.
The Solution
The Auto-Timer’s microprocessor handles the timing; WinWedge handles the data path to the PC. Driver information is encoded in a slash-delimited barcode (car number/name/class/index) read by a Hand-Held Products IT3800 scanner. WinWedge receives the serial stream, parses it into its four fields, and enters each field into the correct place in the database in real time using its simple keystroke mode — where results are automatically sorted and saved using pre-defined templates. Operators need only basic Windows experience: they scan the car, tear off the printed timing slip, and the database takes care of itself.
The Results
- Real-time, completely accurate race timing data collection
- Multi-field barcode data parsed automatically into the right database fields
- No programming and no custom software in the delivered product
- Simple enough for volunteer race workers to operate
How You’d Set This Up Today
The original systems fed an older Lotus Approach database; today the identical setup delivers to Microsoft Access, any Windows application or web form — WinWedge doesn’t care what application is on the receiving end. You would need a barcode scanners with RS232 output that would then be connected to your USB port with a converter cable (FTDI or Prolific) that creates a virtual COM port. The latest WinWedge on the latest Windows, and multi-field parsing (delimited -slashes, commas, tabs – fixed length fields, or any format your device sends) remains a core strength that separates WinWedge from free utilities. And with WinWedge you do not need any custom code – so no debugging issues. Free technical support is also provided by phone or email (support@taltech.com).
Collecting Data from Your Own Instruments?
Code-free parsing of multi-field device data into the right columns or fields in your existing databases, spreadsheets and other applications is exactly what WinWedge was built for. Download a free WinWedge or WinWedge Pro trial or call (800) 722-6004 — we’ll help you easily collect and parse your barcode or other device data.