XIII. RRTC Acceptabilty

    RRTC has reviewed electronic counters, and although admitting that they are perfectly valid for course measurement, find they are too complex for any but the most competent measurers. This perception of complexity is very surprising in view of the fact that one of their great strengths is that they drastically simplify measurement by requiring far fewer readings and calculations than with the Jones. Recently though, Peter Riegel, a previous chairman of RRTC, after testing the method finds it easy to use and likes it.  See the examples of actual course measurements in Section XIV.

    However, until more confidence develops in the use of electronic counters on their own, there is no reason why all measurers cannot start using them in conjunction with a Jones meter as back-up and immediately start enjoying improved safety and efficiency. Of course it is necessary to take readings from the Jones during calibration, but otherwise it is only necessary to get readings from the Jones at the beginning and end of  the two best course rides. Note that there is no need to consult the Jones during the actual rides as only the computer is needed. This improves safety and efficiency. Uncertified splits can be marked on one of the rides by using the total distance method. Attempting to use the repeated rezeroing method in this particular case would require introducing more complications than it would save. At least the meter can be rezeroed at the very start. An alternative would be to make a third ride to measure only the uncertified splits by the repeated rezeroing method.

    I recommend reading the Jones to 0.1 of a count from the marked rim if you have one with the old gearing of 20 ct/rev. After mounting the Jones, synchronize it with the rim calibrations before tightening the quick release lever as follows. Rotate the wheel until one of the 0.5 rev marks is at the lowest point and keep it there. Rotate the counter backwards so that the drive tang is against  a spoke and the readout just completes the transition to a new digit. Tighten the quick-release lever. Every 0.5-rev division on the rim will then represent one count on the Jones and so it can be read to 0.1 of a count. If this is done, the Jones will give precisely the same results in course measurement as those from the new method run concurrently.