There has been some debate over whether or not the Velocitek SC-1 is legal in the J/24 class. There are two relevant ISAF J/24 class rules sections:

6 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

6.1 The following are permitted when racing:

6.1.9 Electronic devices to record, measure and calculate average speed, and to indicate distance and

water depth.

8 RESTRICTIONS WHEN RACING

8.1 The following practices are not permitted when racing:

8.1.5 Use of Loran, GPS, or similar position fixing devices.

The SC-1 is therefore allowed if it is programmed as a simple speedometer and compass. The SC-1 can also function as a position-fixing device (start line proximity mode), but this capability can be disabled, making the device legal for racing in the J/24 class.

The firmware that the SC-1 comes with out of the box (basic firmware)  does not have the start line proximity mode. All the device is capable of showing is speed and direction.

When the device is turned on and you hit the "Mode" button, nothing happens. Right out of the box the device does not offer the start line proximity, VMG and Timer modes.

The start line proximity mode is available to users who download the full firmware from the Velocitek website for free. This mode is easily disabled and in the event of any protests, race committee members can easily check that a device does not have the start line proximity mode enabled (see below).  In order to re-enable the start line proximity mode one needs to open the device's waterproof enclosure and plug the device into a computer.

Below is an explanation of how to download the full firmware, how to disable specific modes, including start line proximity, and how to tell which modes are currently installed on the device.

Users have the option of downloading the advanced (full) firmware from the Velocitek website by going to: http://www.velocitek.com/downloads/gen2_3.php and downloading Velocitek Control Center 2.3. There, they can download firmware that includes the start line proximity, VMG and timer modes as well as speed and compass.

You can tell if the user has downloaded the full firmware with these capabilities by turning on their unit and pressing the Mode button. Each time the Mode button is pressed a new capability is shown (speed, compass, VMG, timer).When you press the Mode button one of the options will be the start line proximity mode but the start line proximity mode has no mode indicator;  when the "mode" button is pressed, you just see numbers, no label.  You can tell that this mode is in use because it is the only mode with no label. All of the other modes have labels. 

The only information that race committee members need to know is:

1. If nothing happens when you press the Mode button, the SC-1 is in basic mode and is only capable of acting as a speedometer and compass.
2. If the SC-1 is in advanced mode (full firmware has been installed) and the start line proximity mode has been disabled (making the device legal), when you press the Mode button all of the modes available on the unit will have a label (mode indicator).

To disable the start line proximity mode:

1. Open Velocitek Control Center 2.3 
2. Plug your SC-1 into your computer using a USB cord.
3. Click Devices and highlight your device (see the demo video if you need clarification)
4. Click Device Settings
5. Uncheck the box that says "start line proximity"

Velocitek technical support can be contacted by phone or by email.

Elaine Ryan

Sales and Support Manager

Velocitek - Performance Training Tools

Web: velocitek.com

Toll free USA & Canada: 1-800-693-0659

International: +1-(650)-362-0499

Fax: +1-(650)-618-2679  271B Kahiko Street, Paia, HI, 96779, USA

NEWS - from the ITC

VELOCITEK SC-1 DISCUSSIONS The information so far on the Velocitek SC-1 used in basic mode is that it conforms with the J/24 class rules. Some of the advanced features violate some class rules. The relevant class rules are 4.1.3 and 8.1.5. The SC-1 does not break any class rules if it records GPS tracks that are later downloaded to a computer and displayed there. It cannot be used to display position or VMG during a race. 4.1.3 A minimum of one fixed marine type compass of magnetic card or digital readout type capable only of instantaneous readout. (Compasses capable of displaying stored headings and/or performing calculations for storage of tactical information shall be not allowed.) 8.1.5 Use of Loran, GPS, or similar position fixing devices. As these continue to evolve and the price point drops, it is something the class should revisit.  The J24 Association would welcome any input on the issue.