AutoHoot Overview

AutoHoot is an electronic control unit that has been designed to accurately control the sequence of sound signals.

Historically used within the sailing market to simplify the process of starting races and remove unnecessary human error the technology can be applied to any application that requires accurate and sequenced sound signalling.

Starting sailing races can be complex with varied timing options and numerous races being started in succession, AutoHoot  has become an essential aid for race officers with 37 pre-set sequences it's as simple as switching the unit on and a sequence will begin.

The 37 pre-set starting sequences include:

• Rule 26 (5-4-1-Start) • Match Racing • Team Racing • Countdown

In addition to the 37 pre-set sequences you can also program your own bespoke starting sequence by connecting the AutoHoot to a PC using the USB Configuration Cable. Any starting sequence, pre-set or bespoke can be used as a single start or a succession of repeatable start sequences. During the sequence the operator is made aware of the upcoming sound signal by an internal buzzer.

AutoHoot also has the capability of allowing sound signals to be made outside the starting sequence without interrupting it, for example when recalling boats that are OCS, finishing boats from a previous race or postponing a race start.

AutoHoot Benefits

• Simplified error free starting sequences • Guaranteed accurate timings • Reduces workload and stress • 12V power supply ideal for remote operation or from boat/car battery • Competitors get a reliable, consistent and error free race start every time

AutoHoot is pre-programmed with the following 37 sequences

The default active sequence is no 1

No	Name	Description
1	Rule 26 1.5s rep no delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 1.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, multiple starts at 5 min intervals, no delay before first signal
2	Rule 26 1.5s no delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 1.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, one start only, no delay before first signal
3	Rule 26 1.5s rep 10s delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 1.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, multiple starts at 5 min intervals, 10 sec delay before first signal
4	Rule 26 1.5s 10s delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 1.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, one start only, 10 sec delay before first signal
5	Rule 26 2.5s rep no delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 2.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, multiple starts at 5 min intervals, no delay before first signal
6	Rule 26 2.5s no delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 2.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, one start only, no delay before first signal
7	Rule 26 2.5s rep 10s delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 2.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, multiple starts at 5 min intervals, 10 sec delay before first signal
8	Rule 26 2.5s 10s delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 2.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, one start only, 10 sec delay before first signal
9	Rule 26 2.5s 10min rep no delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 2.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, multiple starts at 10 min intervals, no delay before first signal
10	Rule 26 2.5s 10min rep 10s delay	ISAF Rule 26 (5,4,1,start) - 2.5 sec hoots with long hoot at 1 min to go, multiple starts at 10 min intervals, 10 sec delay before first signal
11	3,2,1(long),0 rep no delay	3,2,1,start with long hoot at 1 min to go - multiple starts at 3 min intervals, no delay before first signal
12	3,2,1(long),0 no delay	3,2,1,start with long hoot at 1 min to go - one start only, no delay before first signal
13	3,2,1(long),0 rep 10s delay	3,2,1,start with long hoot at 1 min to go - multiple starts at 3 min intervals, 10 sec delay before first signal
14	3,2,1(long),0 10s delay	3,2,1,start with long hoot at 1 min to go - one start only, 10 sec delay before first signal
15	5 min hoots	1 signal every 5 min
16	4 min hoots	1 signal every 4 min
17	3 min hoots	1 signal every 3 min
18	2 min hoots	1 signal every 2 min
19	1 min hoots	1 signal every 1 min
20	5 min count-down	5 min count-down to start - 5 long hoots at 5 min, 4 at 4 min, 3 at 3 min, 2 at 2 min, 1 long & 3 short at 1 min 30 sec, 1 long at 1 min, 3 short at 30 sec, 2 short at 20, 1 short at 10 & 5,4,3,2 & 1 sec & 1 long at start, one start only
21	5 min count-down rep.	As per No.20 but with multiple starts at 5 min intervals
22	3 min count-down (Appx S)	US Sailing RRS Appendix S Sound-Signal Starting System (includes 3 long hoots at 3 min, 2 at 2 min, 1 long & 3 short at 1 min 30 sec, 1 long at 1 min, 3 short at 30 sec, 2 short at 20, 1 short at 10 & 5,4,3,2,1 sec & 1 long at start, one start only)
23	3 min count-down rep.	As per No.22 but with multiple starts at 3 min intervals
24	1 min count-down	1 min count-down to start - 1 long hoot at 1 min, 3 short at 30 sec, 2 short at 20, 1 short at 10 & 5,4,3,2 & 1 sec & 1 long at start, one start only
25	1 min count-down rep.	As per No.24 but with multiple starts at 1 min intervals
26	3 min team race	Team Racing Start - 3 long hoots at 3 min, 2 at 2 min, 1 at 1 min, 3 short at 30 sec, 2 short at 20, 1 short at 10 & 5,4,3,2,1 sec & 1 long at start, one start only
27	3 min team race rep.	As per No.26 but with multiple starts at 3 min intervals
28	3 min team race rep 4 min	As per No.26 but with multiple starts at 4 min intervals
29	3 min team race rep 5 min	As per No.26 but with multiple starts at 5 min intervals
30	3 min team race rep 6 min	As per No.26 but with multiple starts at 6 min intervals
31	Match race 10 min	ISAF Appendix C 3.1 Match Racing Starting Signals with 'Attention signal' at 10 min before first start, start signal is the warning for next flight (i.e. starts at 5 min intervals)
32	Match race 6 min	As per 31 but 'Attention signal' at 6 min before first start
33	Circuits 5x45on+20rest	Circuit training - each station has 5 exercises x 45 sec with 20 sec rest between stations, half way signal & 10 sec countdown to end of each exercise
34	Circuits 6x30on+15rests	Circuit training - each station has 6 exercises x 30 sec with 15 sec rest between stations, half way signal & 10 sec countdown to end of each exercise
35	Circuits 10x60on30off+120rest	Circuit training - circuit of 10 exercises, 60 sec on with 30 sec rest between each exercise and 2 min rest between circuits, half way signal & 10 sec countdown to end of each exercise
36	Fog horn powered underway	ColRegs - Signals in Restricted Visibility - Power-Driven Vessels Underway - 1 prolonged blast every 1 min
37	Fog horn sailing	ColRegs - Signals in Restricted Visibility - Sailing Vessels Underway - 1 prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every 1 min

Physical	Dimensions	Width: 80mm Depth: 53mm Height: 106mm (excluding cable gland)
	Weight	0.22 kg
	Mounting	Surface mounted via snap-on flanges
	Enclosure material	ABS (UL94-HB flame retardant) plastic
	Cable entry	Compression cable gland. With two part compression ring. Cable diameter 5 to 13 mm
Sequences	Pre-programmed sequences	Selectable by switch sequence on power up
	Custom sequences	User programmable via optional USB Configuration Cable
Switches	Auto Switch	Stainless steel 2 position rotary switch with illuminated arrow. IP67 rated
	Hoot Button	Stainless steel push-button switch with illuminated ring. IP67 rated
Relay (Horn Connection)	Rated current	20A
	Endurance	>300,000 operations with resistive load at 20A
	Connection	Rising clamp style terminals (2.5mm2 cable)
Timing	Accuracy	±20 ppm at 25 °C (ageing ±5 ppm max at 25 °C) per year
Communication	Protocol	Asynchronous 8 bit data (no parity, 1 stop bit, Xon/Xoff). 9600 baud. 3.3V logic level signal
	Connection	AutoHoot USB Configuration Cable connects to internal pin header
Power	Power requirements	6.5 to 15 Vdc
	Current at 12 Vdc	30 mA typical (with LEDs on, excluding horn current)
	Supply Input protection	Polarity reversal protected. Internal replaceable fuse – 20A microblade automobile fuse
	Connection	Rising clamp style terminals (2.5mm2 cable)
Environmental	Temperature	Operating range: -40°C to +85°C Storage range: -40°C to +85°C
	Sealing	IP65
Guarantee	Period	1 year

The manufacturer reserves the right to amend the specification and therefore the information in this document may be subject to change.

Data sheet
	AutoHoot Data Sheet

User Instruction Manual
	AutoHoot User Manual
	AutoHoot Quick Start Guide
	AutoHoot Additional Wiring Instructions

Case Studies

Our following Case Studies give an overview of how this product applies to different sectors.
Please click on the title below to read the full case study.

	AutoHoot & COLREGs
	Marine, Ships & Harbours
	Outdoor
	Sports (Data Loggers)
	The Perfect Start (AutoHoot and Starting Sailing Races)