HyTek Database Connection

The HyTek Database Connection upload protocol allows users of HyTek's Meet Manager to eliminate FTP uploads for meet schedules, heat sheets, or performance lists, and results. Instead, AthleticLIVE Local continuously scans the Meet Manager database for changes and uploads them to AthleticLIVE without any intervention from the operator. Instead of remembering to upload each event's results once it concludes and waiting for FTP uploads to finish before moving onto the next step, you can simply run your meet, resting easy in the knowledge that your fans are receiving up-to-date information.

In order to use this option, you'll need to have the Pro option for Meet Manager, which includes the multi-user plugin. To determine if you have this option, choose HelpAbout from the menu bar. Ensure the Multi-User Network box is checked.

Using the HyTek Database Connection upload protocol requires the use of AthleticLIVE Local. You can download it from the AthleticLIVE Downloads Page. You can learn more about AthleticLIVE Local and how it can benefit you at Introduction to AthleticLIVE Local.

You need to be running AthleticLIVE Local version 2.7.4 or greater to use a HyTek Database Connection. Note that versions of AthleticLIVE Local under 3.0.0 do not have automatic update features and will need to be updated manually using the link above.

First Time Setup

Before you use a HyTek Database Connection for the first time, you'll need to download software to enable the connection between Meet Manager and AthleticLIVE Local.

Download the Access Database Engine

Visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yqxUlkxwRYr1MiEE_ue_MwzVxlsywV6h/view?usp=drive_link To Download.

The download will begin. Once the download is complete, run the program and follow the installation prompts. Once the installation is completed, continue to the next step.

Setup an Access Data Source

Open the Start menu, and type administrative tools. Select Windows Administrative Tools.

Double-click to open ODBC Data Sources (64-bit).

From the User DSN tab, click Add.

Select Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb, *accdb), then click Finish.

Set the Data Source Name to AthleticLIVE HyTek, then click OK. No other options need to be configured on this screen.

You must enter AthleticLIVE HyTek exactly. There is no space between the Hy and the Tek.

Setting up a Meet

Your HyTek's Meet Manager database must be open in Multi-User mode for this to work. When you open the database for the first time, select the Multi User radio button on the initial screen.



Alternatively, you may select FileOpen in Multi-User Mode from the menu bar.

When you create your meet listing on AthleticLIVE, you'll need to select HyTek Database Connection as your meet management system. For further information, see Create a Meet.

Run AthleticLIVE Local, and select the meet you created. For more information, see Install and Operate AthleticLIVE Local. Once you select a meet that is configured to use a HyTek Database Connection, you will be prompted to configure the settings necessary.

Select the HyTek database by navigating to the saved HyTek database file in Windows Explorer and copying its file path into the text box. To easily copy the path, hold down CTRL and SHIFT while right-clicking on the file, then choose Copy as path. Paste the file path into the text box provided.

Make sure you select the MDB file rather than the PXY file that may also be listed in the same place.

Next, select whether you'd like to enable Automatic Sync with the checkbox. See Automatic Sync and Manual Uploads are discussed below. Additionally, select what items from HyTek you'd like to display on AthleticLIVE using the checkboxes provided. Once you've made your selections, click Submit.

Automatic Sync

Automatic Sync is the “hands free” method of using a HyTek Database Connection. The moment you click Submit, AthleticLIVE Local scans the meet database and uploads all existing data to your AthleticLIVE page. Schedules, heat sheets/performance lists, and results that show in your meet database will all be displayed. As you progress through the meet, changes you make to the database will appear online within one to two minutes, depending upon the amount of data being sent.

When you enable Automatic Sync for the first time on a given meet, be patient! There's lots of data to upload, and the whole process may take three to four minutes. Subsequent changes will upload much faster.

If you'd like to see the automatic sync at work, select  HyTek Connection from the sidebar, and then select Debug Sync. Click Start Log Reader. The most recent five messages will appear, and new messages should appear every minute.

Manual Uploads

If you elect not to use Automatic Sync, you can still use the HyTek Database Connection. You have the option to upload data selectively from within AthleticLIVE Local.

Select  HyTek Connection from the sidebar, and then choose Upload Meet Structure. This section will allow you to upload teams, athletes, and schedules as you see fit.

Once you've uploaded all or part of the meet structure, you can then upload events one by one by selecting Upload Events from under  HyTek Connection on the sidebar. Events will all be displayed in the Event List on this page, and you can click  Upload to upload all data currently available for the event (heat sheets, performance lists, results). Available data for all rounds will be uploaded.

If your meet contains more than 50 events, you'll need to use the Filter Events section to search for the event you'd like to upload.

Updating Results in CC/RR Mode

If you use CC/RR Mode for Cross Country Meets, please click the "Update" button in the CC/RR Menu to copy completed results into the track database. This will upload results to AthleticLIVE.

Troubleshooting

Having trouble connecting to your database? Here a some helpful tips.

  1. Did you install the Access Database Engine and configure the ODBC data source? Click here to learn more.
  2. Ensure you are pointing to the correct database and not a copy from another directory.
  3. Ensure HyTek is in Multi-User Mode, then reselect your meet in AthleticLIVE Local.
  4. Open a new browser window and go to https://mmapi.athletic.live/. Does it say "Interested in using AthleticLIVE for live results? Contact ben@athletic.net."? If not, you have an internet problem. Try another internet connection.
  5. Shutdown AthleticLIVE Local.
    1. In your browser, open localhost:8150. If that doesn't work, move to Method 2.
    2. In the top right corner of the site, click on your email address.
    3. Click the red 'Shutdown' button.
    4. Wait for the browser to reload and say that localhost refused to connect.
    5. Close this window. Try to reopen AthleticLIVE Local.
  6. Delete and Re-Add your Access Data Source. Sometimes Windows updates cause issues.

If none of the above steps work, please email ben@athletic.net.


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