Control Zone Rally 8.3

The CZ Rally application is specifically tailored for a particular type of automotive competition known as a Control Zone Rally, or for events involving a single-stage rally where a consistent average speed must be maintained throughout the entire segment.

Within a Control Zone Rally, competitors are provided with a set of parameters—combinations of time, speed, and distance—that define the route from a designated starting point to the finish line. The start time is typically assigned as a specific minute or half-minute past the hour at which the rally begins.

This setup can be configured by selecting the Setup option, which opens a screen allowing input of the start time, course duration, average speed, or total distance. Once these parameters are entered, pressing the green New Rally button in the upper right corner returns the user to the main interface, where a map and progress tracking are displayed.

The 'Start Now!' function facilitates initiation of either a new rally segment or a leg within a rally with a single tap. This feature enables pre-setting of timing, speed, and distance parameters for upcoming sections and allows immediate commencement when ready—all without waiting for a countdown to reach zero.

GPS data records the vehicle’s path along the procession. The app displays deviations from the ideal schedule, indicating whether you are seconds ahead or behind in terms of both time and distance. Additionally, users can manually record split times and distances by selecting the 'Add Split' option to monitor performance at specific intervals.

Options include the ability to subtract traveled distance during off-course movement. A toggle switch alternates between on-route (blue line) and off-route (red line) tracking modes. Error detection can be automated through configurable time split settings.

The measurement units for distance—miles or kilometers—and for time—minutes and seconds or decimal minutes—are customizable via the app's preferences found in the iPhone Settings menu.

Refinements to match the app’s recorded distance and timing against official rally figures can be made through adjustments accessed in the 'Adjust' popup menu. This feature is protected by unlock and lock functions to prevent unintended modifications—the unlock allows edits, while locking saves and secures them.

The GPS calibration accounts for potential discrepancies caused by signal delays, satellite signal processing lag, and offsets between the GPS receiver’s location within the vehicle (such as an iPhone or iPad) and timed controls located elsewhere on the vehicle—examples include the front or center of the front wheels. Detailed discussions on these correction methods are available in a comprehensive six-part thread on the Facebook 'Road Rally Tech Talk' forum.

Fine-tuning options enable precise alignment of GPS-derived distance measurements and clock times with official rally standards, again using unlock/lock controls to manage adjustments securely.

If discrepancies arise between the app’s displayed Time of Day (T.O.D.) clock—positioned at the bottom of the map view—and the official rally clock, small adjustments can be made to synchronize them accurately.

A heads-up display for the driver provides real-time data including current time error relative to schedule, remaining time for the course segment, distance deviation, and average speed.

Disclaimer: Prolonged operation of GPS services in the background can significantly impact device battery life.