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Anyone using the Watchdog by Dugas?

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Posted by: skabeeb---------------------

Just got my new Watchdog. About the same price as an ICO Pro comp.

Any tricks or glitches?

What mode do you use?


Posted by: dp400---------------------

Just got mine yesterday. Will run my first enduro with it this Sat. - Don't know much about it yet.
Dan


Posted by: FlyinRyan---------------------

I used mine once at the Georgia National Enduro. It worked very well. It was easy to program and easy to use. The only problem I had was I was late going into 2 checks by a minute and the Watchdog showed I was on time. The other guy on my minute had the same problem, he was using a Pacemaker, no one on our minute had an ICO so we couldn't compare with that. I assume we missed something or just programmed it wrong. I never did ask the club about it as I assumed at a national they were not off by a minute. Was wierd how the 2 of us were off at the same points, with 2 different computers.

I'll find out this weekend at out local event, hopefully it was my mistake.


Posted by: kelseybrent---------------------

I've used the Watchdog 2000 for ECEA and Canadian Enduros for a year. Works with AMA and BrandX. I liked the price and it's easy to program once you get used to it. Two loop format races were a bit of a pain at first, but I suspect they would be for any puter. I don't have any experience with anything else, but it works just fine for me.

I don't know if they all have a "verifyto" option, but it's a big help to check your entry.


Posted by: scottyr---------------------

I have been using a WD for the last year up here in Canada and I am very happy with it. No complaints whatsoever. I think it is the best value $ wise on the market today.


Posted by: Fred T---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by FlyinRyan
I used mine once at the Georgia National Enduro. It worked very well. It was easy to program and easy to use. The only problem I had was I was late going into 2 checks by a minute and the Watchdog showed I was on time. The other guy on my minute had the same problem, he was using a Pacemaker, no one on our minute had an ICO so we couldn't compare with that. I assume we missed something or just programmed it wrong. I never did ask the club about it as I assumed at a national they were not off by a minute. Was wierd how the 2 of us were off at the same points, with 2 different computers.

I'll find out this weekend at out local event, hopefully it was my mistake.


You have to keep track of mileage at all the corners, even if your milage is correct you still have to match up to the organizing club's mileage and there's no rule that they have to be right. It's possible that you needed to correct mileage at a turn before that check and you didn't.


Posted by: FlyinRyan---------------------

Fred, I did that at all corners. I went of the real clock time on the watchdog and I was still late. The other rider on my minute had the same problem, with a different computer. Both checks that we were late too were right off the road, we rode up, checked milage, waited for our time, rode in and were late. I know that you always have to check milage, and I was really checking because it was the first time I had used the Watchdog and was worried it would be off, although it was very close all day.

I would love to know if anyone else had problems at that race. The second check we rode into one of the check workers either said "we're a minute off" or "your a minute off", I should've asked him but just took off. I thought maybe the club was off and just corrected everyone's score at the end, but then they posted mine and had me down for a minute late at each check. Once again I should've asked a club member but we took off right away.


Posted by: jsned---------------------

FlyinRyan or anyone going to Roselawn, the wire broke off right were it goes into the reed switch (threaded part) on my watch dog and there is no way to get any wire exposed to soldered it together. I was wondering if anyone had a extra wire I could borrow or buy off themfor Sunday. Their website says they have updated the switch to a brass part instead of plastic like mine and it is $35. So that must have been a problem, Skabeeb, you were asking about info, if yours has the plastic part you might want to order the brass part just incase. I would have just ordered one but they couldnt get it to me by Roselawn race. Jeff


Posted by: Layton---------------------

Contact Tom Farris at:
FARRIS MOTORSPORTS
PHONE: (319) 465 - 5001
Farrisent@n-connect.net

He will probably be at the enduro. He is a distributer for the computer and will possibly have the part with him anyway.

If you dont' know Tom ask Ryan who he is. He has a motorhome so I expect he will be there Saturday night.


Posted by: jsned---------------------

Thanks Layton just what I needed. I have had a extremely tough time, getting any help from the manufacture from thier email or by phone, infact I have tried for 3 days and nothing!! Thanks again.


Posted by: skabeeb---------------------

Well I used my Watchdog for the first time yesterday at the Piney Woods Enduro. It was not clicking off the miles and we discovered at the gas stop that somehow it was in ICD mode which does not calculate miles.

Got that turned off and all was well until the sensor wire got ripped by a branch. I had the wire taped from the sensor all the way up to my tripleclamps and I left about an inch not taped. Guess where the branch hit???

Oh well, I'm definately ordering a new sensor and magnet just to have a backup.

As far as support is concerned, I call David Dugas when we were installing the unit for some help and there was no answer. I left a message and he called me from London, England and offered to download the course info for the Piney Woods Enduro from SERA's website and walk me through the programming from England step-by-step. That's service!!


Posted by: holeshot---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by jsned
Their website says they have updated the switch to a brass part instead of plastic like mine and it is $35. So that must have been a problem, ....


The original plastic pickup switch that came with early Watchdogs degraded to over a year or two (to the point that it would barely work), and the wires going into the pickup were fragile and broke off if twisted too hard. The newer brass pickup looks a lot tougher.

Other than that, the WD has been as reliable as a rock, and the battery should last many years at the rate I'm using it.

As far as mileage being off, it could be many things. The checks can be moved ahead or back (.1 or .09?, not sure) to obtain an ideal location, the bike used to mark the course could have been off, your sensor could skip at higher speeds or your computer could be calibrated off in either direction. If you're in a 12 mph section, it is easy to burn or to be late when a few of these factors come into play (and a few red faced riders insisting that they are right). I'm kind of an "Enduro newbie" myself, but it seems best to err on the side of being late .

None of the enduro computers have to do any "rocket science" math, so it would be odd if the computer itself made a mistake.


Posted by: jsned---------------------

I found Tom Farris at the race, he got me the part, helped me hook it up, and showed me how to program it. I got to say he helped me out at the last minute even though he was busy getting ready to race. Thanks Tom it worked perfect never burned a single check. Now can you help with being late?


Posted by: ENDURO_RACER---------------------

Glad to be of help Jeff

The Watchdog is a great product and is the only computer that has all of the features that you wish the other computers had. I stock pretty much anything you might need as far as sensors, magnets lens etc...

See you at the Fremont Iowa Enduro on 4/27/03

Tom Farris
319-465-5001
farrisent@n-connect.net
www.iera22.com


Posted by: FlyinRyan---------------------

Well, the watchdog worked great at Roselawn this past Sunday. I was tell Tom how well it works, I had no problems and was spot on at all the checks. My problem at the other race was something wierd I guess.

I was worried when I got this computer that it would be as good as the other well known brand, but it is better, easier to use and program. I had gotten the route sheet ahead of time for Roselawn, and already programmed the dog. Got to the race and they had changed a reset, it was so easy to edit, no worries about it not being in order. etc.

I'm glad Tom sold me the Watchdog, saved me money over the other brand and got a computer that is better (IMHO).


Posted by: dp400---------------------

I was and am frustrated with the instructions. I'm new to enduros and all the turms are confusing to me. The instructions need to be writen by someone other than an engineer! They need to lay it out in more simple terms. I was able to finally get it programed but couldn't tell how to start it for the race. A guy at the sound check helped me out. It was simple but the instructions weren't. Anyone have a simple way of explaneing how to use the computer while IN the race. I think I can program and now start it for the race but how active do I need to be with the computer while riding . Any help would be great!!

Dan


Posted by: AKCPlumb---------------------

Dan
There will be an Enduro FAQ on the D36 enduro page up real soon if it's not there now. Feel free to send me a note via my district email address with your phone number and I'll be glad to go over the when and how.


Posted by: Timr---------------------

How to use your computer depends on a lot of things.  I don't have a watchdog, so I can't speak to the specific features of that device.  But, as you learn enduros, and as you riding ability increases you will want to know how to "ride possibles" when the conditions and spead averages allow.  You will want to know the difference between "real time" and "differential time."  You will develop a sense about when it's important to adjust your mileage and when you can just ignore it and drop the hammer.

Read this article.  I hope it helps.

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt...er/5time-4.html


Posted by: skabeeb---------------------

Timr,

Sorry I missed looking you up at the national last week.

Did you do the Piney Woods also? I did! Whoops mean so much more now!


Posted by: Timr---------------------

No.    I didn't make the trek back to LA for GPW.  My wife is very close to giving birth to our next child.  I almost didn't get out of the house for the National.  Plus, it's a REALLY long drive and to make it on back to back weekends is kinda nuts.

Sorry I missed you at the national.  The campground was really spread out.  We didn't spend too much time going around looking for people.  And of course, it poured down rain after the race, so we loaded and went home.

Great race though!


Posted by: skabeeb---------------------

AKCPlumb,
what's the D36 enduro page? Where can it be found?


Posted by: Bigbird---------------------

dp400, that was me at the sound check you talked to. I have used the Watchdog now for four races and have found it easy to use. Once you have the programming down, I'm sure you will as well. Good luck.


Posted by: dp400---------------------

Bigbird

Hey thanks so much for your help at the Sawmill. That was a fun and wild day! Needless to say I really didn't use the computer on that day since I was way behind my min. after those river crossings.Unfortunitly I'm still confused as to how to properly use it during a race. I'm racing the Fools Gold and need to figure it out by then. If you have any more helpful hints I would really appreciate it.

Thanks Dan
dpsul@attbi.com


Posted by: AKCPlumb---------------------

Skabeeb
website address is AMA-D36.org, once in the site at the top you will see a tab labled "enduro" click on it and you will be there. Has results , schedule, and other info for the enduro's in our area


Posted by: AKCPlumb---------------------

DP400
did you get my email?


Posted by: dp400---------------------

AKC

No I did not recieve the e mail. Try again if you get a chance. Thanks for your time.
Dan


Posted by: AKCPlumb---------------------

DP
here you are enduro@ama-d36.org
Alan


Posted by: Bigbird---------------------

dp400, my wife and I will be in Georgetown all day Saturday, except to sign up at Mace Mill. Sometime in the early evening of Saturday, we will probably be at the bar of the Georgetown Hotel. If you know any of the other DRN'rs, one of them can probably point me out. I'll be happy to give you any pointers I have learned, which may or may not be much.


Posted by: endoquest---------------------

I bought a Watchdog last year before the NMA Enduro series started. It had been five years since I'd done a timekeeper enduro but the computer worked great. It hasn't failed me once since then in many events.
Last month at the Sparkplug Enduro I zeroed two emergency checks (+30). I hope to do the same this coming weekend at Shelton, WA.
In D-37 I used a Pacemaker but it could only hold 27 speed changes and there were usually more than that in the desert enduros.
The Watchdog is great, highly recommended.
About the modes, there are only two while racing and they can easily be switched. The calculated possibles and difference time is EXTREMELY helpful.

AKCPlumb, you coming up to Elkton again for my National HS?



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