Colorado time systems System 6 User manual

Swimming 6
For The System 6 Sports Timer
Software User Guide
Rev. 20100817
1551 East Eleventh Street
Loveland, Colorado 80537-5056
Customer Service Department
Phone: [phone] ext. 256
Toll Free U.S. and Canada 800-287-0653
Fax: [phone]

Colorado Time Systems
Corporate Office
1551 East 11th Street
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Sales: 800-279-0111 or [phone]
Service: 1-800-287-0653 x256 or [phone] x256
Service Fax: [phone]
Web: www.coloradotime.com
Email: [email protected]
IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation. Epson is a registered trademark of Epson
America, Inc. Lime-A-Way is a registered trademark of Benckiser Consumer Products, Inc.
Part Number F870, Rev. 20100817
©2010. Colorado Time Systems. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1
Getting To Know Your System 6 ............................................................................................... 1
Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Swimming System Hardware Setup ............................................................................................... 5
General Guidelines...................................................................................................................... 5
Connect the Start System............................................................................................................ 5
Connect the Finish System.......................................................................................................... 6
System Layout Diagrams............................................................................................................ 9
System 6 Back Panel................................................................................................................. 11
Scoreboard Configuration......................................................................................................... 14
Tutorial.......................................................................................................................................... 19
Some Assumptions.................................................................................................................... 19
Before The Race ....................................................................................................................... 19
Starting The Race...................................................................................................................... 20
Finishing The Race ................................................................................................................... 23
Reference ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Basic Operation......................................................................................................................... 25
User Interface............................................................................................................................ 26
Warning Messages .................................................................................................................... 27
Timing Problems....................................................................................................................... 27
Timing Corrections ................................................................................................................... 27
Relay Judging............................................................................................................................ 28
Lower Keyboard ....................................................................................................................... 29
Lane On-Off.............................................................................................................................. 29
Finish Arm ................................................................................................................................ 29
Split Arm................................................................................................................................... 30
Start........................................................................................................................................... 30
Store/Print ................................................................................................................................. 30
Next Heat .................................................................................................................................. 31
Next Event ................................................................................................................................ 31
Edit Event/Heat......................................................................................................................... 31
Edit/DQ ..................................................................................................................................... 32
+Touch ...................................................................................................................................... 32
-Touch ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Events........................................................................................................................................ 33
Reset.......................................................................................................................................... 34
Numeric Keypad ....................................................................................................................... 34
Enter.......................................................................................................................................... 34
C/E ............................................................................................................................................ 35
Console Keys ............................................................................................................................ 35
Softkeys..................................................................................................................................... 36
Print........................................................................................................................................... 37
Quick Options ........................................................................................................................... 38
Scoreboard ................................................................................................................................ 40

Setups........................................................................................................................................ 42
Setups Softkey Menu ................................................................................................................ 42
Stored Data................................................................................................................................ 56
Misc........................................................................................................................................... 59
Appendix A: Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 61
Customer Service ...................................................................................................................... 61
Factory Maintenance................................................................................................................. 61
Routine Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 62
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 65
Trouble Shooting Chart............................................................................................................. 65
Appendix B: Glossary................................................................................................................... 75
Appendix C: History of Swim Timing......................................................................................... 77
Appendix D: Scoreboard Definitions........................................................................................... 79
Appendix E: Swimming Software Menu Tree............................................................................. 83
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 87

1 Introduction
1
Introduction
You have chosen the latest sports timer from Colorado Time Systems, the company that
pioneered precision and accuracy in swim timing. A legacy of excellence is behind your new
timer. A brief history of swim timing is included in this manual in Appendix D.
Getting To Know Your System 6
Back Panel
After removing the System 6 from its shipping container and carrying case, take a few minutes to
familiarize yourself with it. In particular, examine the areas discussed below.
A variety of output connectors are mounted on the back panel. Notice in particular those
described below.
Inputs to the System 6 include:
•An external DC power supply
•Near-end cable harness (lanes 1-10) (second connector for 11-12)
•Far-end cable harness (lanes 1-10) (second connector for 11-12)
•Duplicate Near- and Far-end cable harnesses to attach a second timer for backup
•Judges I/O port
•Keyboard & Mouse
Outputs from the System 6 include:
•Scoreboard
•Com port for computer running meet management software
•Printer port
•External monitor
•3½ disc drive (on older models) for optional storage of older files
•Ethernet port for online software updates
•USB port (on newer models) for storage to a USB device, or to connect a USB printer.
Please see the Sport Loader manual for details.

2 Introduction
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Screen
Turn on your System 6 and load the Swimming program (refer to page 25, “Running
Swimming,” for loading instructions). The display screen provides you with a wide range of
information to help run your swim meets.
The screen always displays current race information including running time, the status of the
race, event and heat numbers and more. The Swimming software keeps you in full control of the
race situation at all times.
Battery
An internal lithium ion battery provides backup power in case of emergency or power outage. To
charge the battery, plug the System 6 into a grounded power outlet with the unit turned off. The
charge time of the battery is 3 hours. The battery will provide approximately 45 minutes of usage
time. This can be increased to 1 hour after 4 to 5 cycles of fully charging and fully discharging.
If you are discharging the battery, exit Swimming and let the timer run until it dies.
Softkeys
The softkeys located to the right of the display screen let you select from a variety of options.
You can:
•Select the kind and format of printed race information.
•Print a sponsor’s message on race printouts
•Display detailed race information including backup button input and Relay judging
information.
•Access special scoreboard control features.
•Customize the Swimming software to meet your individual needs.
•All setup information can be stored in memory for future races.
•Program standard or special event sequences.
.
Keyboard Insert
The keyboard insert helps you run meets efficiently. You can:
•Turn lanes on and off quickly with a single keystroke.
•Quickly recover from missed or inadvertent touchpad hits.
•Store and print race information with a single keystroke.
•Edit times and enter DQ information.
•Change the length of an event quickly and easily.

3 Introduction
Figure 1-B Swimming Keyboard Insert
Now that you are familiar with your System 6 Sports Timer and Swimming software we
encourage you to continue reading this manual at your convenience.
Scope Of This Manual
This manual is intended to address all issues related to the normal operation of the System 6 with
the Swimming software. It is written with the beginning timer operator in mind, but it also
contains detailed information on advanced operations which are of interest to the experienced
operator. Use the index to locate specific information quickly.
A complete Maintenance section covers the most common problems that are user correctable.
For any repairs or problems not found in the manual, call Colorado Time Systems' Customer
Service Department at 800-287-0653 ext. 256 (U.S. and Canada) or 970-667-1000 ext. 256
(International).
Contents
Chapter 1
Contains introductory information and an overview of the System 6 Sports Timer/Swimming
software and the scope of the instruction manual.
Chapter 2
Covers hardware setup of your total system in preparation for a swim meet. The instructions
relating to equipment other than the System 6 are general in nature and are not intended to serve
as a substitute for the manual(s) accompanying your accessory software and hardware.
Chapter 3
A step-by-step race tutorial, the purpose of which is to acquaint you with commonly used
features and options available in the Swimming software.

4 Introduction
Chapter 4
The most detailed chapter in this manual, Chapter 4 is the Reference section which describes in
detail the operation of the Swimming software and the action of each key and option. This
chapter includes complete information on Setups and the keyboard insert.
Appendix A
Maintenance. A logically organized, step-by-step maintenance and troubleshooting reference that
describes the symptoms, causes and cures for the most frequently encountered user-serviceable
problems.
Appendix B
Glossary. This appendix contains a glossary of terms relating to the Swimming software and the
System 6.
Appendix C
History of Swim Timing. A historical perspective of swim timing.
Appendix D
Scoreboard Definitions. This appendix provides information regarding the defining of
scoreboard modules.
Appendix E
Menu Tree. This appendix provides an easy-to-read guide, which shows the progression of
options displayed on the softkeys.
Index
A complete index provides quick access to specific information. The index is cross-referenced
and organized to make finding any information in this manual fast and easy.

5 Swimming System Hardware Setup
2
Swimming System Hardware
Setup
The first part of this chapter describes in general terms the assembly of the various hardware
components that make up the swimming system. The second part explains scoreboard module
configuration in detail.
General Guidelines
The following instructions provide a general, step-by-step checklist for setting up your
swimming system. The large number of possible accessory combinations makes it impossible to
provide detailed installation instructions here. These instructions assume that your scoreboard,
touchpad mounting brackets and other permanent equipment are installed as specified in the
appropriate instruction manuals.
Connect the Start System
Figure 2-A Start System Connections

6 Swimming System Hardware Setup
1) To set up a loudspeaker start system, place the start system a safe distance from the pool and
plug in the microphone. Route the loudspeaker cable harness along the edge of the pool and
connect the speaker(s) to the harness, as shown in Figure 2-G
2) Connect the cable from the start system to the start connection on the primary cable harness as
shown in Figure 2-A, or to the start connector on the wall-plate or your in-deck wiring system.
3) If you are using a backup start button, plug it into the connector marked “Backup Start” on the
primary cable harness. Refer to Figure 2-A.
Connect the Finish System
Touchpad Finish
1) Place your touchpads in the water, making sure that they are securely in place on their
brackets.
2) Route the input cable harness(es) along the pool deck as shown in Figure 2-E. Plug the
touchpad connectors into the “Prime” connectors on the primary cable harness as shown in
Figure 2-B. If you have an in-deck system, insert the touchpad plugs into the touchpad
connectors on the deck plates.
3) If you are using backup button(s), insert the backup button A plugs into the button A
connectors on the primary cable harness or the deckplate of an in-deck wiring system as shown
2-B.

7 Swimming System Hardware Setup
Figure 2-B Touchpad/1-Button Backup Finish
4) Connect the primary cable harness or in-deck wiring system cable to either input connector
(for the appropriate end) on the I/O panel of your System 6. Figure 2-E shows a complete pad
finish and one-button back-up system.
Button Finish
One Button: Route the input cable harness along the pool deck as shown in Figure 2-F. Plug the
finish button into the prime connectors on the primary cable harness. If you have an in-deck
system, plug the finish button into the touchpad connector on the deck plate.

8 Swimming System Hardware Setup
Figure 2-C Button Finish Connections
Two Buttons: If you are using 2 finish buttons, plug the second button into the A connector on
the primary cable harness as shown in Figure 2-C. If a 2-button finish is used, the finish time is
the average of the two button times recorded.
Three Buttons: If you are using 3 finish buttons, first, route the B and C backup button cable
harness along the pool deck. Then plug the third button into the B connectors on this cable
harness. The C connector will not be used.
Unlike previous systems, you do not need to select the number of buttons being used. The
System 6 automatically applies the standard rule regarding button finishes (see Start/Finish
section beginning on page 42 for more details) based on the number of inputs received.
B & C Backup Buttons with Touch pads
1) If using a cable harness, route the B and C backup button cable harness along the pool deck.
Connect the B and C backup button to the correspondingly labeled connections on the cable
harness or deck plates, as shown in figures 2-D and 2-G.
2) Connect the B and C backup cable harness or in-deck cable into either input connector (for the
appropriate end) on the I/O panel of your System 6.

9 Swimming System Hardware Setup
Figure 2-D Backup Buttons B & C
System Layout Diagrams
The following three figures show sample layouts of standard swim timing systems. Use them as
general references when putting together your swimming system.
Touchpad Finish/1 Button Backup
This diagram shows an electronic start system and pad finish with 1 button backup. On this type
of system, the start/finish software setup should be set to Near End Primary Finish = Pads. Refer
to page 42, “Start/Finish Setups,” for more information on software setups.

10 Swimming System Hardware Setup
Figure 2-E Touchpad Finish/1-Button Backup
Figure 2-F Single Button Finish
Single Button Finish
This diagram shows an electronic start system and a single button finish without backup buttons.
“Start/Finish” Setups should be set to Near End Primary Finish = Button(s). Refer to page 42 for
more information on software setups.

11 Swimming System Hardware Setup
Figure 2-G Full System
Full System
This diagram shows a loudspeaker start system, RJP relay judging platforms, touchpad finish
with 3 backup buttons per lane, a printer, a computer running meet management software and a
scoreboard. On this type of system, the “Start/Finish” Setups be set to Near End Primary Finish
= Pad. Refer to page 42 for more information on software setups.
For more detailed system configuration diagrams, please visit our website at
www.coloradotime.com
System 6 Back Panel
The System 6 back panel houses all Input and Output (I/O) connectors. This section describes the
I/O panel connectors from left to right as viewed from the back. Refer to Figure 2-H for the
locations of the items described below.
Note: Shut Down the System6 and then turn the power off before connecting or disconnecting
any cables from the I/O panel.

12 Swimming System Hardware Setup
Figure 2-H System 6 I/O Panel
Power ON/OFF Switch
This is the rocker switch to the side of the I/O Panel. Do not turn off power to your System 6
while in any of the Sport Programs.
Important Note: Always follow the proper shut down procedure: Select Misc on the softkeys,
then choose Change Sport, then choose Shut Down. After this, your System 6 is ready for the
power to be turned off.
External Power
Connect the DIN connector from the approved 15 volt power supply (R-920-004) here. Use only
the recommended power supply! Use of any other power supply (including a System 5 power
supply) may cause serious damage to your system.
Important Note: Make sure the power supply is plugged into a working AC outlet to avoid
unintentionally discharging the System 6's internal batteries.
Judges I/O
This DIN connector accepts input from the Judging expansion hardware. It is also available for
other expansion input/output devices for other sports made available by Colorado Time Systems.
Scoreboard
The scoreboard connection is to the side of the I/O Panel just below the ON/OFF switch.
Connect the cable from your scoreboard here. Push the quarter-inch jack into the socket until it
snaps firmly into place.
Com Port 1 & 2
Both are 9-pin standard serial communication ports which allows the System 6 to communicate
with outside devices. COM1 is for a computer running swim meet management software. COM2
is used for future use.

13 Swimming System Hardware Setup
Printer Port
This is a standard IBM PC parallel port. Attach the cable from your printer to this connector.
Make sure the cable connector is firmly seated and tighten the screws to make a secure
connection.
If you are using a USB printer, install it by following the instructions in the Sport Loader
manual.
Monitor
This is a standard VGA port. If you wish to use an external monitor at the scoring table, connect
the cable from your monitor to this connector. The timer’s screen is displayed on this output.
Mouse
This is a standard IBM PC PS-2 mouse connection. If you wish to use a mouse, connect it here.
Keyboard
This is a standard IBM PC PS-2 keyboard connection. If you wish to use external keyboard,
connect it here.
USB Port
The USB port is used for storage to a USB device, or to connect a USB printer. Please see the
Sport Loader manual for details.
Ethernet Port
The Ethernet port is used for online updates to your System 6. See page Error! Bookmark not
defined., “Install,” for details.
Near End Input and Far End Input
Connect the cable from the near-end touchpads, start system and backup buttons to a Near End
connector. Connect the cable from the far end touchpads and backup buttons to a Far End
connector. Snap the wire bails into place on the cable connectors to ensure secure connections.
The other near- and far-end ports allow the connection of a second timer as a backup unit. For
this configuration, connect the near and far end inputs on the primary System 6 as described
above, and then connect the other near and far end ports on the primary timer to the near and far
end ports on the secondary timer.

14 Swimming System Hardware Setup
The connectors to the left of the near end ports and to the right of the far end ports are used for
near-and far-end inputs for pools with more than 10 lanes.
Connection to Meet Management Computer
You will need use a “male to female 9 pin DB-9 straight through RS232 cable” to connect your
System6 to your Meet Management Computer. The timer is now ready to talk to your meet
management program. You will need to refer to your meet management user guide if you have
any problems after this.
Scoreboard Configuration
Introduction
Colorado Time Systems' scoreboards offer great flexibility. We offer fixed digit (LED or light-
reflective) displays and full-matrix LED displays. The scoreboards themselves are manufactured
to withstand the rigors of the swimming pool environment and give years of trouble-free service.
No routine maintenance is necessary.
The modular design of both the fixed digit and matrix displays allow your scoreboard to grow
with your program and to be easily arranged to accommodate new sports. Adding new lines to
the display presents no difficulty. Once the new lines are mounted, simply use the included
cables to connect the scoreboards together. The examples in this chapter show many common
and very useful digit arrangements for the fixed digit displays and the templates for the matrix
displays.
Once you have the physical layout of your scoreboard in place, you can set the electronic
configuration to display the desired information. Each scoreboard line makes up a complete
display module to which the Swimming software sends specific information. You determine
what information is displayed by setting the switches in each scoreboard line to the channel on
which those data are transmitted. For example, the Swimming software sends race information
for lane 1 on channel 01. To display that information on the first scoreboard line, as shown in the
example on page 17, set the switches in your first scoreboard line to channel 01. All other
channels work the same way. Your scoreboard manual contains detailed information on setting
the channel switches. Refer to the figures later in this chapter for example displays from each
channel.
You can also redirect data from one channel to another using the Swimming software scoreboard
setup feature. Information that is ordinarily carried on one channel can be carried on another. For
example, an event record time is received on channel 0B at the scoreboard. That information can
be redirected to any channel, such as channel 09, which is the scoreboard module, used to
display race information for lane 9. Your options are not limited. Any scoreboard information
can be sent to any scoreboard module. This feature allows you to customize your scoreboard

15 Swimming System Hardware Setup
display for special events or requirements. Refer to Scoreboard Setups on page 46 for complete
instructions.
Single-Line Scoreboard
Figure 2-I Single-line Scoreboard Display Sequence
All race information can be displayed on a single-line scoreboard. The Swimming software
sequences race information as shown in Figure 2-I. You can set the exact sequence used before
the meet begins. Refer to the Scoreboard section on page 46 for more information on single-line
scoreboard sequencing.
Figure 2-J Single-line Scoreboard Digits/Signage
To use a single-line scoreboard display properly, the channel switch inside the scoreboard
module must be set to channel 0F. Recommended arrangement of the scoreboard digits and
placement of signage is shown in Figure 2-J. The data that is displayed on this module can be
defined in SCOREBOARD SETUPS, One-Line Scoreboard Sequence List. The number of times
this data is displayed and the duration of the display can also be set here.

16 Swimming System Hardware Setup
Module 0F is a special-purpose multi-use module that has applications for customers who only
have a single line of scoreboard, or who have multiple lines.
For scoreboards with only one line, this module allows the display of different information,
depending on the status of the race. For example, while the race is running, the scoreboard will
display the running time. Then, when the lead swimmer completes a lap/length, his or her split
time will be displayed. Finally, as the swimmers all finish the race, their final times will be
displayed in the order in which they finished. Additional information can be shown sequentially
when the timer is in reset. In this way, a single-line scoreboard can effectively give the athletes,
coaches and spectators all the information necessary to run a successful meet.
For scoreboards with multiple lines showing data for one lane per line, this special module can
be used to display different information sequentially rotating through on a fixed interval. For
example, the same board could display Time of Day and Team Scores in an alternating manner.
Multi-Line Scoreboard
You can display the race information for each lane, such as lane, place and time both during and
after the race.
To display race results and other information on a multi-line scoreboard, your scoreboard must
be properly configured. Scoreboard configuration is a two-part process. First, the scoreboard
must be installed and the digits and signage arranged to meet your needs. Refer to the figures in
this section for examples of proper scoreboard arrangement and refer to your scoreboard manual
for instructions on moving digits and installing signage. Once the scoreboard is installed, the
channel switches in each scoreboard module must be set to agree with the channel setting in the
Swimming software. For example, channel 01 in the Swimming software sends information to
the scoreboard module set to channel 01, channel 02 in software sends information to the
scoreboard module set to channel 02, and so on. The Swimming software uses each channel to
transmit specific race information. For example, channel 01 sends the place and time information
for Lane 1, channel 0C sends the event and heat information for the current race. To function
properly, the switches in each scoreboard module must be set to receive the proper information.
The Swimming software provides the option to redefine a scoreboard module by sending
information from one channel to another. For example, you could redefine scoreboard module
0B, which ordinarily receives record time information, to receive data from channel 06 which
carries place and time information for lane 6. Refer to page 46 under “Scoreboard” in the Setups
section for more details.
Channel Selection
This section shows sample scoreboard module displays and the corresponding channel selections
to produce them. Set the switches inside each scoreboard module to agree with the channel
number listed beside it as shown in Figure 2-K. No Swimming software configuration changes
are necessary.