Countdown Combo And Jart Rollchart

Countdown Combo and JART Rollchart

EVALUATION

Occasionally we run into a product or products that make motorcycling more fun. The Countdown Combo and JART chart are such products. Both items are designed to make enduro competition less confusing and to make the rider using the products more competitive.

The Countdown Combo is a combination digital stop watch and roll chart holder. The roll chart holder is positioned in the left side of the unit and the advance/ rollback knobs are placed on the left side of the case. These knobs are aluminum and have knurled edges so gloved fingers don't slip. The chart cavity holds an ade. quate supply of tape and a plastic cover is | furnished for rainy weather use. The bot„ tom of the roll chart cavity also houses two AAA batteries that operate the clock.

The clock face is positioned in the right side of the unit and has large, easy to read numerals. Switches are in the lower righthand side of the face. Two letters are circled—S on the left, F on the right. The clock is started by pushing the S three Times. Once started the readout is clearly shown in minutes and hundreds of a minute. For example, 37:12 means 37 minutes and 12 hundredths of a minute. Pushing the F switch advances the clock one minute for each push. Holding the F switch \ down advances the clock one minute for each second held down. Thus the clock can be readily set to any desired minute. It can also be set back a couple of minutes and started so the clock reads 00:00 at your starting minute, eliminating last minute fumbling on the starting line. Or if you prefer, set to 00:00 and put on hold. Then >you start it at the line by pushing the S switch four times.

' The Countdown Combo comes with a good set of operating instructions and maintenance tips. Although the main structure is durable plastic and the unit is waterproof, the manufacturer suggests putting a piece of duct tape over the con-

Itrol switches and taping the roll chart lid if the Combo is going to be used in wet weather.

The Combo attaches easily to the handlebar crossbar. Two hose clamps and some split hose come with the device. The hose pieces are positioned on the crossbar, the Combo placed on the hose and the clamps tightened lightly. The unit should be installed so it will move if a tree branch, control cable etc. comes in contact with it.

Naturally the roll chart holder will accept any commonly used paper tape. Regular adding machine tape fits fine. But we never much cared for the labor involved in figuring speed changes, resets, etc. Luckily there's now an easier way. It's called a JART Chart.

A JART Chart is a custom printed rollchart. The numbers are large and easily read while bouncing around on rough ground. These charts are available for any enduro in any area of the country. This is made possible by working closely with enduro clubs and organizations across the country. As soon as the course is finalized, key information is mailed to JART and they get busy printing charts. The standard format is laid out with the hour and minute in the left column, the odometer reading in the center and the speed average in the right column. The standard printout has a reading every minute but custom charts are also available. Other standard features include dashes between the time and odometer readout where checks aren't allowed, easily read and understood resets, and advance notice of speed changes. Three minutes before a speed change an X appears between the

time and odometer reading. Two minutes before, an XX appears. One minute before, XXX tells the rider the speed change happens the next minute.

The order form has several different combinations of printouts available without extra cost. Hours can be deleted, averages noted only at speed changes, mileage in the left column, only possible checks shown, or for extra charge, any special requirements can be custom printed. If you fool around and forget to order a JART chart, check at the sign-up headquarters of the event you're getting ready to ride. Preprinted charts are available at the signup at many popular events.

We are extremely impressed with the Countdown Combo and JART Chart. They increase the fun of riding an enduro and they're worth the asking price. The Countdown Combo sells for $109.95, the JART Chart for $5 in standard form, $10 if custom requirements are needed.

Countdown AA Enduro Products 22102 Covello, Suite C,

Canoga Park, Calif. 91303 (213) 348-8381

JART Rollcharts

4673 Via La Primavera

Yorba Linda, Calif. 92686

(714) 970-6886