Electronic Timing

Electronic Timing

There are roughly three or four processes: (i) Inputting runners' data, (ii) setting up the control units that go on the T-bars at the controls and at the start and finish, and download. (iii) downloading runners' times at the event and (iv) producing the results. For processes (i), (iii) and (iv) use OE2002 software; for (ii) use SIMan 9.8.

BIG REMINDERS

Hire a generator

Get the equipment from Robin well in advance, at least a week before the event.

Starting to set up the control units should be done several days before the event, in conjunction with the planner, since you need to record the number of the control unit.

Practice putting it all together, and try out all software.

Who does what?

For badge event, entry person should enter data as it arrives.

I will describe an ESOL event first, where entry of competitors will be on the day.

Things to do at home before event

Several days before - Enter course details

Day before - prepare all units

Starting laptops

(See later for connecting them in a network which you will need to do on the day of the event - this is so two people can use the system at the same time: one for entering runners and checking queries, and a second for downloading their details and preparing results)

Plug into mains, using power surge suppresser plug.

Before switching on, open lid by pressing button on front; plug in mouse back left (looking from front of PC) if you want to use it; plug in power supply to right side, near back; switch on button back left. No password.

OE2002 -

Start the OE2002 by double clicking on the Desktop icon

(This software has several quirks: you cannot enlarge some of the windows; it doesn’t always forgive or suggest format of data such as date format. For example, 12 Nov 2002 is incorrect - use 12/11/2002. Some windows have ability to order data, for example by name, SI number, etc. Select which field in a pull selection down box (with a down arrowhead) somewhere near the top of the window. Some fields have this arrow for a selection box, but only appear when you click on the field. The help is generally useful. If you get Input Incomplete, it takes you to missingfield. Change format of time at the start - can you do it later? The system allows you to open multiple copies of the same windows- though you probably do not want to)
Entering competition details
(Before you enter competitors you must enter event details)

If the first time (ie you have not already set up your event), use Event/new, type a name (e.g. Benarty ESOL 3), date of event (12/11/2002) and zero time for your event. Then SPORTIdent and tick Use start station for real-time start, if you are letting runners start at any time they want.

You can modify this later by Event/Settings.

For an already saved event, Event/Select.

Class details Courses/Classes

Short is the abbreviation which will be used when entering competitors.

Control details Courses/Controls

Course details Courses/Courses

Add control numbers to each course. Clicking in the Controls column leads to a symbol: … in the Controls column and clicking this leads to a drag and drop choice aid for adding control numbers.

Club details Entries/Clubs

Adding Competitors

You can enter on the day by

Entries/Direct entries

Automatic entry by SI number: Fill in SI number followed by tab, and the other details are entered. Fill in class, etc, and <return> when finished.

You can use the download unit to enter SI number, and hence details, automatically: Entries/Direct/SPORTIdent (I have not tried this but should be very useful if it works)

Otherwise use Entries/Entries. Tab the fields, choose from pull down list as they appear, or type unique first few characters and tab to next field. <Return> when you reach last col, for automatic saving to database.

Double clicking in archive will insert into entries (after switch to insert mode window appears (yes), and completing missing data.

For badge events, double clicking the archive should be best, allowing this to be done as entries come in

On the day of the event

You need to download the times of finished runners, and to print results

Download the times of finished runners: Competition day/Read SI cards

(Can't show any entries on this, as download unit is not connected)

This will show the details of the finisher; check download is successful before allowing them to move away. The data is automatically stored in the database after each download, so you do not have to save it manually.

The circle at bottom right indicates the status of download: green, ready for the next runner; purple downloading; and red a problem, cannot download. This may be station not ready or not connected. This happened twice to us (Why we do not know) and the cure, after checking the unit, attaching the spar unit, was to switch off the computer and start again. This does not effect the data, provided you have saved the details.

There may be problematic runners, for example, ones whose details were not entered. The system (if you follow its disconcerting dialog boxes) allows you to record the details in a special XXXX, which will appear on the details list. Go to that at your leisure and correct/add the information. That runner's results will be automatically recorded.

Look at and print results Competition day/ Results

Competition day/ Results /Preliminary/classes/OK to see preliminary ones

Use update to add recent finishers.

You may wish to print them from here, too. If you want to print selected courses, Competition day/ Results Preliminary/classes/ and select/deselect by clicking on the ones you want or don't want (Blue highlight = want) OK when ready.

For official results, Competition day/ Results Official/classes/OK as above (or choose something other than classes, if you wish)

Competition day/ Results SportIdent gives split times etc

SIMAN

This sets up the control units, including start, finish clear and check ones (Not the master, or download, one - that is done already). Prepare spares of start, finish clear and check ones.

Label all units with appropriate control numbers and start, finish clear and check, using tape

Get master unit, one with lead attached, and get the cassette case containing magnet, pillar and switcher offer dibber.

Attach master (or the same thing, download) unit to PC at back left using D shaped plug (other cylindrical one is for power supply).
Switch on master unit it by swiping with magnet: red lights and bleeps, then yellow flashing diode to indicate it is on. (Master unit Automatically switches off after 4 hours - other units do not; switch off when you are ready using dibber )
Attach alignment post through hole from underneath.
Take any unit, switch it on using magnet.
Place unit face to face with master using hole to align.

Program the unit: (we are placing the real time in the unit, giving it an ID number, that of the control on which it is going so the software can later check the runner found the correct controls, setting the switch on time, switch off time)

Run SIMan 9.8 by double clicking icon (exit from OE 2002, if still running)

Select event: Event/Select

Prepare Units SI Stations/Prepare/Competition mode

Then, first check the PCs clock (how do you change it?)

Batteries: green is % life left in battery of the unit. Current is what life there is at present; Afterw. is predicted life after unit is switched off.

Set code number click box and change to what you want (It automatically increases in sequence. 1- 10 are for start, finish clear and check ones; the numerical order for these do not matter)

Set Task from pull down list: start, finish clear (completely) and check, and control

Set power o n and off times and dates Note time and date format

Write to the unit. Don't forget to change to another switched on bit before doing the next one.