11. Timer Training - Additional Features

Additional Features & Devices We Work With

This guide explains the extra tools, devices, and programs that expand our timing and event-management capabilities. These aren’t used at every meet, but you’ll encounter them often enough to need a working knowledge.

Networking & Connectivity

Nanostations and APs

• Purpose: Acts like a wireless-ethernet connection, extending range signicantly, and connect remote devices (cameras, scoreboards, tablets).
• Setup Tips:
  • Point Nanostations directly at each other for line-of-sight.
  • Use static IPs to avoid conflicts.
  • Each Nanostation should have it's own IP address.
    • Ping this IP and other IP addresses connected by the network.
  • Test signal strength and connection reguarly.
• Files:
  • nano station settings access.txt

Scoring & Display

Allsport 5000

• Physical scoreboard controller for sending results to Daktronics football scoreboards. Usually as a timer you will use it for just running clock.
• Connect via 25 pin serial to usb to push data into live results and overlays.

  

Connecting Dak AllSport 5000 to Show Running Time on Football Scoreboard

1. Plug a 25-pin USB-serial adapter into the back of the AllSport 5000.
2. Connect the USB end of the adapter into your USB hub → computer.
3. In FinishLynx, create a Scoreboard Script using Powertime.lss.
4. Select an available COM port from the Serial Port dropdown. Match settings below.
   1. If the COM Port does not show up, restart FinishLynx.
   2. or you plug in the device after starting FinishLynx, restart FinishLynx.
5. Click OK, then restart FinishLynx.

NovaLCT & MCTRL300

• NovaLCT is the control software used with MCTRL300 processors to manage LED panels.
• Install NovaLCT on your laptop ahead of time.
• Use it to:
  • Load LED screen configurations.
  • Adjust brightness/ display position.
  • Test video signal flow.
• What you will need:
  • Power Cable
  • DVI to HDMI Cable
  • Ethernet
  • USB B Cable (like a Printer Cable)
• Helpful Links:
  • Software and Setup Instructions
  • Physical Display Board Set Up

Timing Support Softwares

GPS Dongles with NMEATime2

• Ensures accurate time synchronization across computers.
• Install NMEATime2 → set to sync via GPS → verify system clock alignment.
• Settings → GPS Port → Setup Communication → Select the COM Port
• Wait for GPS Connection
• Leave this on while you time your event.
• Download Links:
  • NMEA Time2.txt
  • Download Page

Bib Chip (RDS Utilities application)

• Used for chip encoding and chip file creation. Works with Trident and Ipico, also has useful features like Double Chip scanning, Importing and Exporting, and swap/replace functions.
• Setup: Start with the Setup Button at the top, select brand, type of chip, and type of connection to scanner.
  • Check Windows Device Manager controls for COM #s
  • Ping Ports and IPs for network devices.

Genovations “Magic Keyboards” -

• Programmable keypads for quick event shortcuts.
• Common use: one-touch commands for starting/stopping camera, DNSquick data entry.
• Downloads:
  • MacroMasterCPxx_Setup_v1_61.exe
  • Genovations keypad setup with macros.pdf
  • grahamsplitmodifier.bin

Trident Gateway - (Remote Splits)

• Set FinishLynx Laptime settings:

• Set Gateway Settings:

  Remember to Name the connection - Match this with FinishLynx (Ususally AT and the last 3 digits of IP address.	Match the TCP Port to match the digits of the IP address.

• Downloads:
  • http://www.jtelectronics.co.nz/applications/trident/gateway/sql/publish/setup.exe

File & Data Handling

Mapping Drives

• Maps local folders or servers as network drives.
• Useful for accessing shared meet files across multiple machines.
• Standard convention:
  • Z: → Results
  • Y: → Backup

WinSCP

• Securely transfers files to/from readers and servers.
• Example: pulling chip reader logs for backup.
• Save site profiles for faster reconnection.

Remote Access & Support

Splashtop

• Remote desktop software to access meet computers from offsite.
• Key Uses:
  • Tech support when you aren’t physically present.
  • Remote troubleshooting during live events.
• Can use either 9 digit SOS code for non-company computers.