Colorado time systems Dolphin User manual

User Guide
F912 Rev 201710
For Dolphin version 4.3

Colorado Time Systems
Corporate Office
1551 East 11th Street
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Sales: 800-279-0111 or [phone]
Service: 1-800-287-0653 or [phone]
Service Fax: [phone]
Web: www.coloradotime.com
Email: [e-mail]
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Pictures and illustrations may not
accurately depict your version. Please check our website for the most current information; our user
manuals are available online in the customer service section of our website.
FCC Compliance Statement:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interface, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Part Number F912, Rev. 201809
2018. Colorado Time Systems. All right reserved.

Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1
How to Use this Manual ....................................................................................................... 1
Theory of Operation.............................................................................................................. 1
Overview for setting up and using the Dolphin System:...................................................... 2
Initial Set Up............................................................................................................................. 3
Software Installation (Do NOT connect Dolphin hardware until software has been
installed)................................................................................................................................ 3
Software Set Up .................................................................................................................... 3
Dolphin Standalone Operation (Sports Timer not used) .................................................. 3
Dolphin with Sports Timer (System 6 or System 5)......................................................... 3
Hardware Set Up................................................................................................................... 4
Setting up the Base ........................................................................................................... 4
Setting up the Starter......................................................................................................... 4
Setting up the Stopwatches............................................................................................... 6
Regular Operation..................................................................................................................... 6
Computer Operator Instructions ........................................................................................... 6
Forced Reset ..................................................................................................................... 7
Confirm Set Up................................................................................................................. 7
Dolphin as Primary Timing System (Standalone Operation -- Sports Timer not used) .. 8
Dolphin as Backup; Sports Timer as Primary Timing System (System 6 or 5) .............. 9
How to Select a Data Set for your Meet ......................................................................... 11
Starting Official Instructions .................................................................................................. 12
Electronic Start System....................................................................................................... 12
Synchronized Start/Manual Stop ........................................................................................ 12
Lane Timer Instructions.......................................................................................................... 13
Synchronized Start (from Electronic Start System or Dolphin Starter).............................. 13
Blanking your lane.......................................................................................................... 14
Wireless Manual Start/Stop ................................................................................................ 14
Watch Operation ............................................................................................................. 14
Blanking your lane.......................................................................................................... 14
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 15
How to turn the Dolphin Starter and Watches on/off & how to change settings: ......... 15
Solution............................................................................................................................... 16
Dolphin Device Updates......................................................................................................... 18

1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Dolphin system! This system of wireless stopwatches makes
running a swim meet much easier and faster. It has been designed to interface seamlessly
with various meet management software programs; contact your software vendor about
compatibility of their program and Dolphin. Please note that knowledge of your meet
management software is required to use Dolphin effectively.
How to Use this Manual
If you like to start with an overview of the process, and refer to the manual only when you
need it, see the Theory of Operation and the Overview below.
If you like step-by-step instructions, turn to Initial Set Up, beginning on page 3, and start
there. After the step-by-step Software and Hardware instructions, there are separate
instructions for what needs to be done during the meet by the Lane Timers, the Starting
Official, and the Computer Operator.
Theory of Operation
The Dolphin system includes
-Dolphin Software to be loaded on the meet management computer (Windows XP or
higher required). The software accepts the information from the Base unit and writes
files that can be accessed by meet management software.
-A Wireless Stopwatch for each Lane Timer. Watches can be started
automatically via the Starter, or started individually for Manual Start/Stop
backup times.
-A Wireless Starter
oCan be used to start all of the Stopwatches with a
synchronized start
oCan be connected to an electronic start system
(CTS Infinity or Championship Start System, for
example). In this case, the start impulse from the electronic start system will
start the watches automatically.
-A Base unit, which is connected to the meet management
computer with a standard USB cable (included with the Dolphin
system). The Base unit receives information from the starter and
the lane watches

2
Overview for setting up and using the Dolphin System:
1. Confirm that your meet management software supports Dolphin, and is installed on
the computer you will be using. If it is not, follow the software provider’s instructions
for installing it.
2. Install the Dolphin software from www.coloradotime.com/dolphindownload. Refer to
Software Installation on page 3.
3. Configure your meet management software to use the Dolphin System. Refer to
Software Set Up beginning on page 3 for details.
4. Set up the Dolphin hardware the way you will be using it. Refer to
beginning on page 4.
5. At least a day before the first meet, practice with the Dolphin system so you are
familiar with what to do. Refer to the Computer Operator Instructions (page 6),
Starting Official Instructions (page 12) and Lane Timer Instructions (page 13). You
may also find the Troubleshooting section useful (page 15).
6. Note that there are separate instruction sheets for the Starting Official and Lane
Timers, and a sheet of Dolphin Basics. These instructions describe only what each of
those individuals need to do with their part of the Dolphin system. Many facilities
find it useful to print extra copies of these pages to use in training those individuals.
This manual was loaded on your computer (CTSDolphin\DOCS folder) when you
installed the software. The most recent version is available on our website
(www.coloradotime.com), in the customer service section.

3
Initial Set Up
Software Installation (Do NOT connect Dolphin hardware until software has been installed)
1. Ensure that your meet management software is installed on the computer you will be
using for Dolphin. If not, install it first.
NOTE: If you have questions regarding using your meet management software,
please see the help files within the software, or contact your software vendor.
2. Download and install the latest updates for your meet management software.
3. Install Dolphin from www.coloradotime.com/dolphindownload
Software Set Up
There are two ways Dolphin can be used as far as meet management software is concerned.
Choose the method your facility will be using and follow the instructions below.
Dolphin Standalone Operation (Sports Timer not used)
In this mode, the Dolphin wireless watches are the primary times for results, and a sports
timer is not used.
1. Connect base unit to computer with USB cable, and open your meet management
software.
2. If required by your meet management software, configure it for Colorado Time
Systems Dolphin as the primary timing system.
Dolphin with Sports Timer (System 6 or System 5)
If you are using a sports timer (CTS System 6 or System 5, for example) in addition to
Dolphin, you may need a backup mode in your meet management software. For example,
Hy-Tek’s Meet Manager requires the Dolphin Backup Mode Option, which is sold separately
by Hy-Tek. Contact Hy-Tek for details (Shop online at www.hy-tekltd.com or call
866.456.5111). Other software packages may have their own specific requirements.
In this mode, the Dolphin wireless stopwatches are the backup watches, while the touchpads
and buttons are the primary timing system.
1. Connect base unit to computer with USB cable, and open your meet management
software.
2. If required by your meet management software, configure it for CTS Dolphin as the
backup mode
3. Configure your software for the primary timing system.

4
Hardware Set Up
Setting up the Base
1. Connect base unit to computer with a standard USB cable
(included with the Dolphin system).
2. Open the Dolphin interface, and set the channel on the base:
-Click the Channel box in the lower left corner of the screen
-Select the desired channel
Setting up the Starter
There are three ways to use Dolphin to start timing a race. Choose the method your facility
will be using and follow the instructions below. The Starter has a small cylindrical BNC
connector on top (see picture below).
Method 1: Wireless Manual Start/Stop
Wireless Manual Start/Stop means that the Dolphin wireless stopwatches are used strictly
like standard stopwatches: each Lane Timer uses the Dolphin watch to start, stop and reset
individually. The data is transmitted wirelessly to the base, and stored on the laptop for
access by your meet management software. This method meets all ruling bodies’ (FINA,
NCAA, USS, NFHS, YMCA) requirements for backup timing.
To set up for this method, put the Dolphin Starter back in the case. It is not used for wireless
manual start/stop. Go on to Setting up the Stopwatches beginning on page 6.

5
Method 2: Synchronized Start/Manual Stop
Synchronized Start/Manual Stop means that the Starting Official
starts all watches simultaneously with the Dolphin Starter, and the
Lane Timers stop them individually.
1. To set up for this method, turn the Dolphin Starter on (press
and hold the Reset button).
2. Enter the menu (press and hold both buttons).
3. Once in the menu, press Reset to advance to the CHAN
setting.
4. Press Start/Stop to change the channel to the same number
as the Dolphin base.
5. Press Reset to exit the menu.
Method 3: Electronic Start System
When using Dolphin with an electronic start system, such as the CTS
Infinity or Championship Start System, the Dolphin Starter is
connected to the electronic start system with a cable. When the
Starting Official starts the race with the electronic start system, the
watches are started simultaneously. The Lane Timers stop them
individually.
1. To set up for this method, turn the Starter on (press and hold
the Reset button).
2. Enter the menu (press and hold both buttons).
3. Once in the menu, the first setting is TRIG. Press Start/Stop to
select the correct trigger style for your start system:
-TRIG = CTS for use with CTS electronic start system
-TRIG = NC for use with a normally-closed electronic start
system
4. Press Reset to advance to the CHAN setting.
5. Press Start/Stop to change the channel to the same number as
the Dolphin base.
6. Press Reset to exit the menu
7. Follow the instructions for your electronic start system:
oCTS Infinity Start System
oConnect your Dolphin Starter to the Infinity Start
System’s Start Output jack with the Dolphin
Starter to Infinity Kit (K-DSS-1). DO NOT plug
the Dolphin Starter cable into any other jacks.
oThe start impulse from the Infinity will start the
lane watches automatically.
oCTS Championship Start System
oConnect your Dolphin Starter to the Champ Start’s Timer
Start jack with the Dolphin Starter to Champ Start Kit (K-
DSS-2). DO NOT plug the Dolphin Starter cable into any
other jacks.
oThe start impulse from the Champ Start will start the lane
watches automatically.

6
Setting up the Stopwatches
Follow these steps for each watch to be used at a meet:
1. Turn the watch on (press and hold the Reset button).
2. Enter the menu (press and hold the Reset button and either of the side
buttons).
3. Once in the menu, the first setting is LANE. Press a side button to
change the lane for this watch, and then press Reset to advance to the next
menu option.
4. Press a side button to select the TIMER for this lane (A, B or C), and
then press Reset to advance to the next option.
5. Press a side button to select the channel number. This MUST match
the channel on the starter and the base.
6. Press Reset to exit the menu.
Watches will show up on the Dolphin screen when set.
Regular Operation
This section describes the regular operation of the Dolphin system at a meet.
There are separate instructions for the Computer Operator, the Starting Official, and the Lane
Timers, describing only what that individual needs to do. This way, each can refer to his or
her specific section to know what to do. Many facilities find it useful to print extra copies of
Starting Official and Lane Timer pages to use in training those individuals. This manual is
available on the customer service section of our website (www.coloradotime.com).
Computer Operator Instructions
There are two ways Dolphin can be used as far as meet management software is concerned:
standalone, or with a sports timer. Follow the instructions for the method your facility is
using.
Dolphin Screen -- DO NOT CLOSE THIS WINDOW while using Dolphin. It’s OK to minimize it.

7
Forced Reset
The Reset Timers button (shortcut r) is in the upper right corner of the screen. Use it to force
a reset only if one or more lane timers, or the starting official if using the Dolphin Starter,
have failed to press reset and the next race is about to begin. You can tell if a watch has been
reset because it will have a yellow light showing in the watch state column on the Dolphin
screen.
Before forcing a reset, make sure the race is actually finished. If you force a reset while a
watch is still running, there will be no final time recorded in the results file for that watch.
However, splits for any watches that were taken will be recorded as long as Dolphin thinks at
least one watch finished the race.
Confirm Set Up
Look at the Dolphin screen. There should be a yellow light showing for each lane that has a
wireless watch assigned to it (see image on page 6). If you are using the starter, its icon
should be displayed in the upper right corner. If all watches and starter being used are not
displayed correctly, review the Software Set Up and Hardware Set Up sections, and ensure
that your system is set up properly.
If using a scoreboard, click the Scoreboard Settings button in the lower part of the Dolphin
screen and verify the settings for your scoreboard.
Lane numbering: The default format for lane numbering is 1 – 10. This can be changed to 0
– 9. To change the lane numbering format, click the Scoreboard Settings button in the lower
part of the Dolphin screen, and then check the box “Start with lane zero.” When this box is
checked, lane numbering will start with 0; when unchecked, lane numbering will start with 1.
Watches will be automatically updated to the lane numbering format that is selected. For
example, a watch that is set to lane 4 when lane numbering is 1 - 10 will change itself to lane
3 when lane numbering is changed to 0 – 9.
Use the Logging Enabled button and the Splits button to display and log splits and
event/heat information. This information can be set manually or updated automatically from
meet management software.
The times.txt file will only be appended if “logging enabled” is checked on the Dolphin run
screen. The files that meet management software uses (.d03 and .d04 files) will always be
made.

8
Dolphin as Primary Timing System
(Standalone Operation -- Sports Timer not used)
In this mode, Meet Manager treats the Dolphin wireless watches as the primary times for
results. This Interface mode is built into MM at no extra charge.
Make sure your lane timers and starting official are trained.
When using the Dolphin Starter, the result file is written when the Starting Official presses
Start/Stop and then Reset. If lane timers also press Reset, additional files will be written.
When not using the Dolphin Starter, the result file is written after ALL lane timers press
Start/Stop and then Reset. Extra Reset presses could result in extra files; if a lane timer fails
to press Reset, the result file won’t be written unless you intervene with the Forced Reset
button (see Forced Reset, page 7, above).
Splits
Make sure your lane timers know whether to take splits. The lane timers should press
Start/Stop one time for each split. Up to 10 splits can be recorded per race.
After the Race
– If Using Dolphin Starter
After the race, the Starting Official will press Start/Stop and then Reset on the
Dolphin Starter. Reset causes the Dolphin software to write the result file to the
C:\CTSDolphin folder on the computer and the next race can be started.
If the Starting Official fails to press Reset after the race, the watches’ state will not
have a yellow light. Before the next race, use the Reset Timers button (or shortcut r)
to force a reset and cause the Dolphin software to write the result file.
– If NOT Using Dolphin Starter
As each swimmer finishes the race, the Lane Timer(s) in that lane will press one of
the side buttons (Start/Stop) and then Reset on the Watch(es) assigned to that lane.
After all Lane Timers press Start/Stop at the end of the race and then Reset, the
Dolphin software writes the result file to the C:\CTSDolphin folder on the computer
and the next race can be started.
If one or more of the lane timers fails to press Reset after the race, that watch’s state
will not have a yellow light. Before the next race, use the Reset Timers button (or
shortcut r) to force a reset and cause the Dolphin software to write the result file.

9
Getting the Race Results into your meet management software:
Hy-Tek’s Meet Manager
1. While on the Run screen in MEET MANAGER, click on Get Times (a button on the
bar two-thirds of the way down the screen).
2. A list of Dolphin result files for the current Data Set (see page 11 for information
about data sets) will be displayed with the most recent file at the top.
3. Select the result file and click OK. MM will read the data into the proper lanes,
putting the times into the backup columns for the heat. If the backup columns are not
showing in the Run menu, press Ctrl-B.
oIf there is one watch per lane, that time will also be placed in the result column.
oIf there are 3 watch times for a given lane, the middle time will be placed in the
result column.
oIf there are two watches for a given lane, the average will be computed and
placed in the result column. The average is computed based on the rule choice
selected in Run / Preferences / Backup Times. Please note that if there is .3 or
more seconds difference between the two watch times, the average result time
will NOT be computed and a yellow line will show for this lane. Decide whether
to throw out one of the watch times if you determine one of them is way off. If
you are OK with the two times, then click Ctrl-K to display the watch averaging
menu and it will compute the average for you and place it in the result column. If
one of the times is no good, delete it and use Ctrl-K, or simply type in the time of
the one good watch.
If you are keeping track of races by Race Number (see discussion below), you can use
the Race # button instead of the Get Times button. This button increments itself by 1
automatically and searches the data set of results for a matching race number. This is the
quickest way to get results if you are keeping up with the race numbers. However, if you
get erroneous times, you will have to use Get Times to find your race.
Splash and other meet management software:
Follow the instructions in your specific meet management software.
Dolphin as Backup;
Sports Timer as Primary Timing System (System 6 or 5)
If you are using a sports timer (CTS System 6 or System 5, for example) in addition to
Dolphin, you need to be using a backup mode in your meet management software. Contact
your software provider for details and compatibility.
In this mode, the Dolphin wireless watches are the backup watches, while the touchpads and
buttons are the primary timing system.
Make sure your lane timers and starting official are trained
When using Dolphin for backup times, the result file is written after ALL lane timers press
Start/Stop and then Reset. Extra Reset presses could result in extra files; if a lane timer fails
to press Reset, the result file won’t be written unless you intervene with the Forced Reset
button (see Forced Reset, page 7, above).

10
Splits
Make sure your lane timers know whether to take splits. The lane timers should press
Start/Stop one time for each split. Up to 10 splits can be recorded per race.
After the Race
As each swimmer finishes the race, the Lane Timer(s) in that lane will press one of the side
buttons (Start/Stop) and then Reset on the Watch(es) assigned to that lane. After all Lane
Timers press Start/Stop at the end of the race and then Reset, the Dolphin software writes the
result file to the C:\CTSDolphin folder on the computer and the next race can be started.
If one or more of the lane timers fails to press Reset after the race, that watch’s state will not
have a yellow light. Before the next race, use the Reset Timers button (or shortcut r) to force
a reset and cause the Dolphin software to write the result file.
Getting the Race Results into your meet management software:
Hy-Tek’s Meet Manager:
1. From the Run Menu in MEET MANAGER, press Ctrl-F3
2. A list of Dolphin result files for the current Data Set (see below for information
about data sets) will be displayed with the most recent file at the top.
3. Select the result file and click OK. MM will extract the times and place them in a
window so that you can see up to 3 wireless watch times per lane plus the computed
average for each lane if there is more than one wireless watch per lane.
oIf there are 3 watches for a given lane, the middle time will be average time.
oIf there are 2 watches for a given lane, the average will be computed based on the
rule choice selected in Run / Preferences / Backup Times. If you are OK with
the times in the window, click Accept and these times will be stored in the
database along with the pad and button times already stored. To see the pad times,
the backup button times, and the backup watch times, press Ctrl-K or click the
Calc: Ctrl-K button. When the time adjustment window is displayed, you can
compare the backup wireless watch times to the pad time and the backup button
average to help you decide what to do if there is a discrepancy between the pad
time and then backup button time. See Hy-Tek MM help files for a sample time
adjustment window with Dolphin Backup times.
If you are keeping track of races by Race Number (see discussion below), you can use the
Race # to help you select the correct wireless watch file. If things go smoothly, this race
number should be the same for the wireless watch file and the timing console data file.
Splash and other meet management software:
Follow the instructions in your specific meet management software.

11
How to Select a Data Set for your Meet
A Data Set is a set of results for a given meet or session of a meet. Each time a race is
completed, the Dolphin system creates result files in C:\CTSDolphin in two formats: .do3
(standard Dolphin format) and .d04 (Dolphin format including splits). The first 3 characters
of the file name are numbers from 001 to 999. These three character numbers define the Data
Set number. So when you select a data set, you are selecting a data set of results based on the
first three characters of the result files. Subsequent characters of each result file define other
information, including race number.
Each time a race is completed, the Dolphin system also appends the race information to an
ASCII log file Times.txt.
From within Hy-Tek MM:
To select a Data Set, click on Run / Interfaces / Timer and click on Select Data Set stored
from CTSD. The INTERFACE will display a window with the date and time and the
number of races that have been stored for the current data set that MM is pointing to.
Remember, you could be running a three day meet and The INTERFACE must know what
"data set of meet data" you want to access.
Click on the Next Meet or Previous Meet buttons to select the appropriate data set. Because
there is a date and time shown for when the first file in the data set was created, you can
usually figure out which data set to select.
If new Data Sets with a new data set number have been added since starting MM, you can
click Update Data Set and all data sets will be refreshed for selection.
From Splash or another meet management program:
Follow the instructions given by the software’s help files.

12
Starting Official Instructions
Work with the Computer Operator to make sure that the Dolphin Starter and Watches have
been properly set up for your meet, following the Hardware Set Up Instructions (p. 4).
There are two ways to start the Dolphin Watches using the Dolphin Starter. Follow the
directions below for the one your facility is using for this meet.
Electronic Start System
NOTE: The Dolphin Starter must be connected to the electronic start system’s Timer Start or
Start Output jack. Connection to any other jack will damage the Dolphin Starter.
1. Use the electronic start system to start the race. The start time will be sent wirelessly
from the Dolphin Starter to the Lane Watches, starting them.
2. After the race, press Start/Stop and then Reset on the Dolphin Starter to reset the
system for the next race. (At Reset, the Dolphin software will write a result file on the
computer for access by meet management software.)
Synchronized Start/Manual Stop
1. Press Start/Stop on the Dolphin Starter simultaneously with the start signal for the
swimmers. The start signal will be sent wirelessly from the Dolphin Starter to the
Lane Watches, starting them.
2. After the last swimmer touches the wall, press Start/Stop on the Starter, and then
Reset. You are now ready for the next race. (At Reset, the Dolphin software will
write a result file on the computer for access by meet management software.)

13
Lane Timer Instructions
You need to know if your facility is using a Synchronized Start or a Wireless Manual Start.
Follow the directions below for the one your facility is using.
Synchronized Start (from Electronic Start System or Dolphin
Starter)
Note: what you do with your watch is transmitted wirelessly to the meet management
computer. Please follow these instructions so that the information received for your lane is
correct.
1. The Starter will start all watches.
2. Press one of the side buttons to stop your watch (use whichever is most comfortable
for you).
3. IF YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TAKE SPLITS, press one of the side buttons one
time for each split. Your watch will display the split time for about 2 seconds, and
then show the running time again.
4. You should not press any other buttons, unless you are blanking your lane (see
below).
Note: If you take too many splits (this includes taking one or more splits in a race or event
which is not recording splits), your watch screen will display the split time and won’t
automatically display running time after 2 seconds. The watch is still recording running
time, and will display it once you press one of the side buttons again, as long as the Starter
has not pressed Reset.
When the Starter has reset all the watches in preparation for the next race, the bottom line on
your watch will show “RESET,” alternating with the time. Also, the watch icon on the top
row will be displayed while time is running on the watch, and will disappear when the Starter
has reset all the watches for the next race.

14
Blanking your lane
If there is no swimmer in your lane for the current heat, after the start you can press reset.
Your watch will display a line of dashes instead of the time, and this indicates to the
computer operator that your lane is blanked. After the Starter has reset the watches, your
watch will automatically accept the start signal for the next race.
If you accidentally set dashes (blanked the lane), push Start/Stop to resume timing. The
watch is still accurate.
If your watch is not functioning as described here, see the person in charge of the Dolphin
system at this meet.
Wireless Manual Start/Stop
Note: what you do with your watch is transmitted wirelessly to the meet management
computer. Please follow these instructions so that the information received for your lane is
correct. It is important that you press Reset before the next race.
Watch Operation
1. Start your watch (by pressing either side Start/Stop button) with the start signal.
2. Stop your watch (by pressing either side Start/Stop button) when the swimmer in
your lane touches the wall at the end of the race.
3. IF YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TAKE SPLITS, press one of the side buttons one
time for each split. Your watch will display the split time for about 2 seconds, and
then show the running time again.
4. Press Reset to reset your watch for the next race. The watch will display RESET on
the second line, alternating with the time. The watch icon will also disappear from the
top row on the screen.
Note: If you take too many splits (this includes taking one or more splits in a race or event
which is not recording splits), your watch screen will display the split time and won’t
automatically display running time after 2 seconds. The watch is still recording running
time, and will display it once you press one of the side buttons again, as long as you have not
pressed Reset.
Blanking your lane
If there is no swimmer in your lane for the current heat, after the start you can press either
side button (Start/Stop) and then Reset. Your watch will display a line of dashes instead of
the time, and this indicates to the computer operator that your lane is blanked. To prepare for
the next race press Reset again. The watch icon will disappear and your watch is ready for
the next race.
If you accidentally set dashes (blanking the lane), push either side button (Start/Stop) to
resume timing. The watch is still accurate as long as you have not pressed Reset the second
time.
If your watch is not functioning as described here, see the person in charge of the Dolphin
system at this meet.

15
Troubleshooting
Do not close the Dolphin window while you are using the Dolphin system!
Wireless information from the Starter and Watches will NOT be saved to your computer if
the Dolphin window is not open. It is fine to minimize the window.
Question
Solution
Dolphin.exe is not an
option in Hy-Tek Meet
Manager
Update Hy-Tek Meet Manager software to the latest version.
CTS Dolphin Backup
Mode option is grayed out
in Meet Manager software
This optional feature is only available when purchased from
Hy-Tek. Shop online at www.hy-tekltd.com or call
866.456.5111.
Dolphin software won’t
start. Displays error: “No
base unit detected!”
Connect the base unit to the computer using the supplied
USB cable (or any standard USB cable). Check to make sure
both ends of the cable are firmly connected.
Dolphin software locks
after opening
OR
Cannot change channel on
Dolphin base
Check the firmware version of the Dolphin Base by clicking
the “CTS Dolphin Version” text at the bottom center of the
screen. Check the website coloradotime.com to see if you
have the latest version and if not, follow the Dolphin Device
Updates instructions (page 18). If after updating, you still
have this problem, contact CTS with your version numbers
for assistance ([e-mail] or at
800-287-0653 or [phone])
Signal strength dips in
software for Dolphin
watches
•Check battery level on Watch, and change battery if
it is low.
•Minimize the obstructions between the Lane Timer
and the location of the base unit (this may require to
moving the base to a higher location).
How to turn the Dolphin Starter and Watches on/off
& how to change settings:
How to turn on & off
Press and hold the Reset button to turn watches and starter on or off.
How to change settings on watches & starter
Press and hold Reset and immediately press the Start/Stop button (on the top of the starter, or
either side button on a watch). Hold them both until unit enters the menu. Release the Reset
button and then the Start/Stop button.
-Press the Start/Stop button to change the setting for the current menu option.
-Press Reset to advance to the next menu option.

16
Trouble turning Watches
and/or Starter on and off
1. Check that the user is pressing and holding Reset.
2. Replace the battery to see if that solves the problem.
Question
Solution
Watches don’t start with
my electronic start system
1. Make sure the Dolphin Starter is connected to the
“Start Output” or “Timer Start” jack only.
2. Check the cable between the Dolphin Starter and the
electronic start system.
3. Check the battery level of the electronic start system.
4. Check the battery level of the Dolphin Starter.
Race Files are not available
to meet management
software OR
Race Files are not being
written
Make sure the Dolphin application is still running.
DO NOT CLOSE THE APPLICATION WHILE RACES
ARE STILL BEING RUN.
My data is not being saved,
or the new race is
overwriting the previous
race
The data files are written at Reset; ensure that the right
person/people are pressing Reset at the right time:
•If using Dolphin Starter: the files are written after
the Starting Official presses Start/Stop at the end of
the race and then Reset. Lane Timers should not
press Reset if the Dolphin Starter is being used.
•If using the watches without the starter: the files are
written after every Lane Timer presses Start/Stop at
the end of the race and then Reset. If one or more
lane timer fails to press reset, the file will not be
written.
You can overcome lane timers & starters failure to press
Reset by forcing a reset with the Reset Timers button. See
Forced Reset on page 7 for details.
Extra data files appear in
meet management software
OR
Times do not correlate
between Dolphin and meet
management software list
•Standalone: Make certain that the Lane Timers are
not starting, stopping and resetting the watches
unless it is to time an event.
•Synchronized Start: Make a note of any false starts
or mistimed events so that the Computer Operator
knows when an event or a data set should be
skipped.
Dolphin device update did
not succeed.
•Make sure the base and all devices are set to the
same channel.
•Make sure all other device types are off while
updating one type of device.
•When updating watches, make sure all watches are
set to separate Lane/Timer combinations (i.e., two
watches are not both set as Lane 3, Timer A).