Quick Index Overview Applications Updates Instruction Software Hardware (new!) Recovery Connectivity Portability Support Guarantee Pricing Options (new!) Delivery Ordering More Info 2009 Update Win 2000 Conversion

If you're not saying, "Yes" to the above, then we might have just the solution that you've been looking for.  We have pre-configured, video-capable computer systems all set up and ready to ship out -- just hook one of these units up with your own Monitor and VCR, connect the incoming video signal cables, and you're ready to go: No Shopping No Downloading No Installing No more "Will this work?" testing No coping with incompatibilities No hassles and frustration In the past, you've needed help from a computer expert to bring these features to your tournament site.  This new "Solution in a box" alternative changes that.  One of these units will give you the very latest software and hardware capabilities, for all the computerized aspects of both local and Record Capability water ski tournaments.  This includes all of the following software:

	Video-based Jump Distance Measurement Has become the standard for how jump distances are measured, all over the world.  Eliminates both meter stations and meter readers.  And, you can say goodbye to wide triangles, forever!
	Video-Based Trick Timing Far more precise and objective than relying on audible devices and the collective judgment of the trick judging panel.  This is now the required method of trick timing for all Record Capability competitions.
	Detailed Boat Path Analysis This "follow the pylon down the lake" process is routinely used in AWSA's annual towboat tests.  Such an analysis is required for verification of all Slalom Records.  This tool can also be useful in driver training and evaluations.
	New !  Real Time Passive Boat Path Monitoring Merely trigger the computer as the boat passes the entrance gate on each pass, and it will automatically display moving "Path Boundary" markers on the screen, as the boat works its way through the course.  Makes it a snap to see if the path is staying within the allowed limits.
	Site Survey Aids Package All of the standard survey aids package tools are here, including the course planning and installation aids, as well as the certification survey templates needed to certify courses for Record Capability competitions.
	Water Ski Tournament Information Management System The WSTIMS Scoring software is ready to run.  This is the framework used for the scorekeeping and reporting at the overwhelming majority of US tournaments.  Also includes support for IWSF rules, and can be easily adapted to the specialized age division structures used in other Federations.

Updates.  In addition to having all of this software already all set up and ready to run, we also provide tools that make it easy for you to install and connect future updates to any of these programs in the "Corson Video Suite", or the WSTIMS scoring package -- without having to have a Tech Guru sitting at your side.  These tools are easy to use, and we also give you simple overview instructions so that even inexperienced computer users can do these updates themselves.  These systems will be easy to keep up to date, as new versions of the software come along.

Instruction.  And help isn't far away, either.  We've included a lot of "How-to" and "Do-it-Yourself" instructions and tutorials right there in the machine itself, for all of these applications.  These provide information at various levels, for both the first time "Where do I start" user, as well as for more experienced folks who have already seen this stuff in action before, and just need checklists and reminders on the key steps.  Also included is a videotape tutorial guide.  This includes instructions, along with selected samples of video action in all three events.  These include video shots of slalom boat paths, trick performances, and Jump landings.  Using these training resources, officials can become competent with all of these tools, at any time, working at their own pace -- without having to learn under stressful "Tournament Pressure" conditions.

The software.  These systems run the tried and tested Windows 2000 Pro Operating System, and also come with MS Word, MS Excel and MS Powerpoint installed, for those occasional Office-oriented activities that may need to be dealt with at a water ski site.  Just plug in any appropriate printer and you're off and running.

The hardware.  Each unit is a refurbished, major brand computer system, by makers like Compaq or Dell.  Utilizing the Pentium III processor by Intel, these computers run at processor speeds of 850mhz or faster -- and are fully capable of supporting the demanding hardware needs of all of these latest video-processing programs. 

New for 2009  -- The computer configuration outlined below is upgraded for 2009, from what we have offered in previous years.  These 2009 units includes faster processors, more memory, larger hard drives, and inclusion of a CD-R/W drive.  However, a few of the original "Basic" configuration units are still available, and are being offered at a special reduced price, while they last.  See  Options  for details on this special offer.

Each Water Ski Computer comes equipped with an internal video capture add-on device, which has already been installed and set up.  That video device provides the necessary interface for these specialized water ski applications -- and will also let you watch TV or VHS movies on your computer at other times. 

Your system will arrive ready to hook up, including keyboard, mouse, power cord and setup instruction sheet.  Just connect your own monitor and VCR(s) and camera(s), and you're ready to go.  We've even included a restore/recovery CD for you, should that ever be needed down the road.  Other technical features (for those who care about such things) --

• Minimum of 256mb system memory
• Minimum 10gb internal hard drive
• Built-in CD-Read/Write Drive
• 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive
• Integrated Ethernet network adapter
• Built-in sound card
• Serial and ECP-capable Printer ports
• 2 USB Ports
• Standard desktop keyboard
• Standard 2-button mouse
• Two available PCI slots (the video capture card occupies the third) in case you want to add a modem or other devices later.

Please note -- the Monitor and VCR depicted in the photo above are not included in the offer.  You can find perfectly suitable used monitors locally, and for less money than it would cost you to have us ship you one.  VCR's aren't that heavy -- but everybody's already got those.  Also note that these are not brand new computers.  These are all off-lease office equipment, which typically began their working lives sitting on a desk in an office somewhere.  And while they've since been replaced by something newer and faster (for that office worker to do their crosswords on), these things don't slow down with age, and are perfectly functional for these Water Skiing programs.  Each unit has been cleaned inside and out, and all components thoroughly checked.  However, the exteriors may show minor cosmetic signs of wear -- these in no way detract from the expected useful life of the internal components.

Restore / recovery.  Should it become necessary to reload some or all of the hard drive sometime down the road, each system comes with a complete restore/recovery CD.  This gives you the capability to re-create the "As Delivered" contents of the entire hard drive -- so if you should need to replace or upgrade the hard drive at a later time, this gives you what you need to get the system back up and running quickly. 

We've structured these systems so that there are two partitions on the internal hard disk -- one for the Windows operating system and programs, and the other for your data files.  So if either Windows or these applications should get corrupted at some future time, then we've provided you the means to restore just the System partition, without losing any of your own data files.  We've gone to a lot of trouble to set these up so that they're easy to maintain, without the help of a Tech Guru.

Connectivity.  Your computer comes with a built-in ethernet 10/100 network interface controller.  And, we've already installed and activated the MS peer-to-peer networking components most frequently used for small home networks.  So if you've got such a network set up with other computers, and/or an internet connection available, then you can just hook this up with a standard ethernet cable and then you're in business.

Portability.  We've chosen computers of the "Small Form Factor" configuration on which to build these systems.  This compact desktop workstation format is about 12" wide by 14" deep by 3.5" high -- about the same size as most modern VCR units.  This takes up minimal desktop space, and for those who want a system to travel around with, one of these units, along with a VCR and the keyboard and mouse and other cables and accessories, can be packed comfortably into a medium-sized suitcase along with suitable padding (case not included).  The photo here is the traveling rig I've had for the past couple of years, which has something like 100,000 air miles on it by this time.

Support.  Should you need assistance, you can call on us anytime, and we'll do our best to help you with whatever problems you are having -- whether it be with the hardware or the programs.  For non-urgent or simple matters, e-mail is the most effective way to reach us.  But when time is of the essence, or a dialog is more appropriate than e-mail, we'll give you the numbers so you can reach us.  On weekends -- when we're probably also away somewhere at a water ski competition -- we can probably be reached by cell phone -- and the applicable number will be included on the voice mailbox message, if the number we give you isn't answered.

Guarantee.  If you are unsatisfied with the system in the first 30 days, for whatever reason, we will gladly take it back and refund your purchase price, less $50 for transportation and restocking costs.  The hardware will be guaranteed for 90 days from the date of purchase, during which we will agree to replace or repair the entire system or any defective parts -- we just won't be responsible for any water damage -- keep these things in out of the rain, please!  Ditto for any user-inflicted damage.

Price.  $395 delivered, to your door by UPS ground.  Express shipment available (at additional cost), if time is of the essence.  Since our support obligations won't be any greater for multiple computers installed at the same location, we offer a 20% discount on additional units sold to the same organization (ie 2nd or higher additional units are $315 each).  So with this low price, you may want to get two of these units.  While the second unit is really there as your backup system, you will probably make productive use of the additional computer for back-office functions or other purposes.

Options.  A few of the original "Basic" configuration units -- computers with Celeron or Pentium II processors running at 450-500 mhz, equipped with 128mb of Memory, a 6gb Hard Drive, and a CD-Rom read-only drive -- are still available and are being offered until gone at a special reduced price or $295 apiece.  These Basic units support all of these Video applications, with the only limitation being that only one weekend's worth of trick clips can be accomodated on the hard drive, when trick timing is being done.  A 20% discount is also available for additional units sold to the same organization -- hence 2nd or higher additional Basic units are $235 each.

Terms & Delivery.  Payment in full, in advance, please.  We can accept payments through Paypal, for those so connected, or will accept certified checks or money orders.  Personal or Ski Club checks will be accepted from any AWSA affiliated club or individual member.

Ordering.  We have a limited number of these systems on hand and so sometimes we may be able to fulfill orders immediately, but if demands exceed that supply we may need as much as two weeks to acquire and setup additional units -- we can advise you on the current situation when you contact us about ordering.  Knowing your needs in advance will help ensure that we can satisfy your timing, so please contact us as early as possible.

Additional Information.  E-mail  Dave Clark  for simple questions, or call us at 847-269-7041, preferably between the hours of 10am to 10pm, any day.

2009 Update.  In addition to all the features described above, 2009 Water Ski Computers include the 2009 Rulebooks from both AWSA and IWSF, a substantially reworked WSTIMS Release 3.54, and several useful Perfect Pass 6.5Ng resources -- including documentation on the new 2006 PP Multi-Line display.  Also included is the spring 2007 update (version A32b) of the 2005 edition of the Corson Video Jump program, which has been getting rave reviews from all over the place.  If you haven't begun using this new version, now is the time you should do so.  Finally, all the documentation and instruction guides have been updated, to help you quickly learn how to utilize all of these latest capabilities.

Important -- Effective Spring 2006, we have switched from Windows 98 (2nd Edition) to Windows 2000 Pro, for all new Water Ski Computer units that we ship.  Most owners of Water Ski Computer units that were shipped in 2003, 2004 or 2005, may be able to upgrade their installation to this new software platform, if they so desire.  For more details, see the  Windows 2000 Conversion  information in the next section below.

For those who choose to stick with the original Windows 98 build, as you have it today, we have as usual prepared a downloadable update module, that can be applied to any of the Water Ski Computer units that were shipped in 2003 through 2008.  Applying this single module will replace a few items, add a lot more, and reorganize and upate the items in the Water Ski Programs menu structure -- in short, bring your unit completely up to date for the 2009 season.  In one single step, this update will deliver all of the features described at the top of this section.

The 2009 update module is about 16mb in size.  For those with high-speed internet connections, the download will take about two minutes.  For those whose internet connection is over a dial-up line, the download will take approximately an hour with a 28.8 connection, less for those that can connect at 56k.  Please note that this update file is way too big to fit onto a floppy disk -- therefore if you are not able to access the internet directly from your Water Ski Computer, then you will need to write this update module onto a CD, and then install it into your Water Ski Computer from that CD.  Also, let us hasten to reassure you that applying this update will have no adverse effect on any existing data or add-on software that you may already have installed or stored in your computer after you received it.  This update will merely add to what's already there.

Important Note -- if you have a Waterski Computer unit that was originally acquired during the 2003 season, that has not been upgraded since 2004, then you will also need to download and install the Microsoft DirectX 9.0b (or later) Runtime support package.  This is required in order for your computer to run the new 2005 Video Jump and 2004 Video Trick Timing programs.  We provide a link below, through which you can download this item, if you need it.  Please note that all units shipped in 2004 or later already include this necessary support -- only the 2003 units need to have this added.  Also note that if you do need to install/upgrade DirectX, this may be installed either before or after the Waterski Computer Update.  However, DirectX must be in place before you attempt to launch either the new Jump or Trick Timer programs.  Finally, if you went through an update in the last two years (2005 or 2006), and installed DirectX 9.0b at that time, you don't need to do it again.  This is just for anybody who still happens to have the original 2003 build, or who may have recently done a restore from their original backup CD.

For those who would rather have a CD containing these update modules mailed to them, we can accomodate you at a cost of $15.00, delivered by Priority Mail.  Payment can be made to our PayPal account, or by check.  Be sure to include your complete mailing address along with your payment.  PayPal payments should be directed to PayPal ID clark.dave@comcast.net.  Checks should be made payable to --

        LCI Solutions
        815 Fox Run Lane
        Algonquin, IL 60102

To download a copy of the 2009 Season Waterski Computer Update module now, please do the following --

• First  Register,  give us your name and e-Mail contact address;
   
• then  RIGHT Click here,  select "Save Target As", and then choose a suitable destination folder on your PC, into which the 2009 Waterski Computer Update module will be downloaded;
   
• Then finally, if you have a Waterski Computer unit acquired in 2003, then you will also need to download and install the required DirectX 9.0b Runtime support.  RIGHT Click  here, select "Save Target As", and then choose the same destination folder on your PC into which you downloaded the Waterski Computer Update module.  If you experience any difficulty with this link, you can always find the latest DirectX Runtime support on the  Microsoft DirectX website

Windows 2000 Conversion.  After almost a full year of experimenting, we have decided to switch to the Windows 2000 Professional operating system for the Water Ski Computer units, instead of Windows 98 (2nd edition).  All the units we will be shipping from here forwards, will have Windows 2000 as the basic platform.  We hasten to add that the Look and Feel of these Windows 2000 units, is identical to the earlier units built on Windows 98 2nd edition.  if you put one of these new Win 2000 units side-by-side with one of the earlier Win 98 SE units (after applying the 2009 update described above), the casual user won't be able to see any difference in the desktop and screens and menus and contents and operation.  The differences would only be evident in the system administration controls and suchlike.

The primary motivation is that Windows 2000 evolved into a more refined and stable platform than Windows 98 ever reached.  If an application problem should occur, with Windows 2000 you can usually shut down just that problem application, without having to completely reboot the system.  Overall, Windows 2000 Pro is simply a more reliable framework.

Owners of units shipped in 2003 or 2004 or 2005, which were originally configured and shipped with Windows 98 (2nd Edition), may wish to convert their units to this new Windows 2000 build instead.  This won't make anything run any faster, or change the fundamental functionality.  All it will do is give you a more stable platform, and also make it easier to work with various accessories, like pocket USB memory devices, and a wider variety of printers or so forth.  But at the core, it will still be the same computer, running the same application programs.

Such conversion is not mandatory, or necessarily even recommended.  In subsequent years, we will continue to produce an annual update module each spring -- and those can be applied to either any remaining Win 98 SE systems, or to the Win 2000 systems.  These merely update the application software content and documentation and rulebooks -- which content is independent of which version of Windows it happens to be sitting on.  The choice is up to you.

For those owners of previously shipped computers who do wish to upgrade (or convert) to this new Windows 2000 framework, we have created a series of Recovery CD's for these new Windows 2000 build images.  Each CD is specific to one particular model of Water Ski Computer that we have shipped.  The appropriate CD will replace the System C:\ partition with the new Windows 2000 system image.  This build also includes all of the latest versions of all the software and other content, as noted in the  2009 Update  section above.  All of your existing data on the D:\ User Data partition will be left intact -- so there's little downside to doing this upgrade.  However, if you had installed any other custom applications, and you expect to need those in future, then you will need to reinstall those after applying this Recovery image of the new Windows 2000 build.

Please note that these Win 2000 System images are far too big to be downloaded -- each occupies most of a 700mb CD.  So the only way for you to accomplish this for the unit you already have, is to acquire and apply the appropriate Water Ski Computer Windows 2000 Recovery CD, for your particular Water Ski Computer model.

There will be no "Fee" for this upgrade itself -- we view this as an extension of the ongoing service to our customers -- however we do request a nominal $15 to cover CD reproduction and packaging and shipping costs.

Payment can be made to our PayPal account, or by check.  Be sure to include your complete mailing address along with your payment, and be sure you make it clear that you are ordering the Windows 2000 Upgrade for 2009.  If you can provide the serial number of the unit(s) you have, that would help greatly -- for Dell units that is the "Service Tag" identifier, which can be found on the side of the case.  For Compaqs and Acers the serial number is on a sticker on the rear of the unit.  While not absolutely necessary, including that serial number will save us the need to research our records to identify the appropriate version image for your specific machine.

PayPal payments should be directed to PayPal ID clark.dave@comcast.net.  Checks should be made payable to --

        LCI Solutions
        815 Fox Run Lane
        Algonquin, IL 60102

Please allow 7 to 10 days for delivery of your Windows 2000 Recovery CD.