Laps Free or BBK

[mattybucks]

Hi,

I'm just trying to decide what software to runs meetings with. I can either run Laps Free (Free) or BBK Pro (£120/£480)

Has anyone got any experiance with either/both program/s, and any thoughts on which program has the best features, ease of use, etc.

Any advice greatly received.

Thanks

Matt

[jameswilkinson7]

We use laps free. We find it to be easy to use and reliable. It does everything that you need it to do. And its free

[rbridd]

Originally Posted by mattybucks

Hi,

I'm just trying to decide what software to runs meetings with. I can either run Laps Free (Free) or BBK Pro (£120/£480)

Has anyone got any experiance with either/both program/s, and any thoughts on which program has the best features, ease of use, etc.

Any advice greatly received.

Thanks

Matt

For ease of use... Laps free.
BBK has a bigger learning curve, but has much more in the way of functions and flexibility.

Key differences are
1) BBK has a (very) good practice mode
2) BBK can accumulate personal bests and track records
3) BBK can cater for a variety of different track layouts.
4) BBK can accumulate points and run a championship.
5) BBK costs (a lot) of money

points 2 - 4 can be dealt wth by writing some custom software to parse the HTML output from Laps Free and create a database of data.
I know of 2 clubs who have taken this approach with Laps Free rather than pay for software. Primarily because they had the talent available, but not the money.

[dale]

Have a go with the RC-Timing trial, which lets you run 10 full meetings for free:

http://www.rc-timing.com

It's very easy to use and has all the features you'll ever need (Championships, PBs, practice timing, RBR, multi-leg finals, and real human voices that you can actually understand).

[Roy]

Hi Matt,

Looked at several timing software a year or two back and I'm sure there may be a few more out since.

The BBK software is very good, and has already been said just takes a little longer to get the full use of it's functionallity.

Laps-free covers most of the base requirements and will get you going quicker (and for free). There is however much more manual work (outside running the meeting) if you want to maintain driver database, publish results, tabulate club championships, etc.

RC-Timing may be a happy medium, has more functionality within the software and you can run a trial period to see if you think the cost (£345) is worth it. The only minor negative is the manual is slightly behind the latest release but nevertheless covers all the features to get it up and running.

I must add that I have no personal link with any of the software suppliers but was involved in a club purchase, finally selecting the RC-Timing option.

Hope this helps

Roy