How does it work?
2 Parts - Master Module and Computer Programming Module
Master Module
The Master Module can be installed in your boat, requiring a 12v power supply and pulling the rev limiter control cable through to the engine compartment. Depending on how you want your time to be monitored (i.e. engine hours only or total boat time) the power supply is hooked up either to the ignition circuit or the master power switch.
In the case of monitoring engine hours, the module will decrement a user's card only when the engine is running. In the case of monitoring total boat time (from the time a skier leaves the dock until return) the module will be powered all the time, so that decrementing of the card commences as soon as the skier's card is inserted.
The Master Module has a memory that will retain information on the last 200 users. This information can be downloaded onto a data card and transferred to your computer in order to monitor usage on each and every card. This can be particularly beneficial to a user who loses his card, since a card is like cash.
The Master Module has a digital display indicating the balance of time remaining on any card inserted.
At Shalom Park, the Passtime system has been implemented using a rate per hour that charges the skier for actual engine time.
The Computer Programming Module requires one 10v or 12v power supply and plugs into the USB port on your computer. The program comes on a CR-Rom and loads onto any PC. Once loaded, clicking on the icon allows access to a program where you can enter full data on any user wishing to purchase boat time. Once the data is entered, a window allows you to program in a matter of seconds any amount of time the user wishes to purchase.
The user provides the boat driver with their Passtime card which allows the engine to run at skiing speeds for the duration of their run.
If a card is depleted after a run has commenced, the Master Module will cause the engine to enter SLOW MODE, reducing the engine to 1,200 RPM's.
Note that card depletion does not stall the engine, which would reduce the driver's ability to control the boat (i.e. use reverse).