Mylaps ProChip Smart Decoder User manual

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 1
VERSION 1.0
ENGLISH
MANUAL
MYLAPS PROCHIP
SMART DECODER

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 2
Published by:
MYLAPS B.V.
Zuiderhoutlaan 4
2012 PJ Haarlem
The Netherlands
Copyright © 2020 No part of this document may be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the publisher.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information in this document is correct, no liability can be accepted by
MYLAPS for loss, damage or injury caused by any errors or omissions in this document. The sale of products, services of
goods governed under this publication are covered by MYLAPS’s standard Terms and Conditions of Sales. This product
publication is provided solely for informational purposes.
All hardware and software product names used in this document are likely to be registered trademarks and must be treated
accordingly.
Manual revision history
Version Date Amendments
0.5 April 2020 Draft manual
1.0 August 2020 Manual

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 3
How to use this manual
Search for Keywords
Search for keywords to find a topic. Press Ctrl+F on Windows or Command+F on Mac.
Navigate Topics
View a complete list of topics in the table of contents. Click on a topic to navigate to that section
Printing this Document
This document supports high resolution printing.
Legends
Hints and Tips Important Reference
Download options
Download the manual <portal.mylaps.com>
If you do not have a partner account, request one via this site.
About this Manual
This manual is intended for operating and supervisory personnel and provides information on installing and operating the
product.
This publication has been written with great care. However, the manufacturer cannot be held responsible, either for any
errors occurring in this publication or for their consequences.
The sale of products, services of goods governed under this publication are covered by MYLAPS ’s standard Terms and
Conditions of Sales and this product manual is provided solely for informational purposes.

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 4
Contents
How to use this manual .......................................................................................................................... 3
Legends.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Download options .................................................................................................................................. 3
About this Manual.................................................................................................................................. 3
1. Physical Description ............................................................................................................................ 6
1.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Controller ...................................................................................................................................................6
1.2.1 LED Status Panel ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
1.2.2 Connectors......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Antenna .....................................................................................................................................................8
1.4 ProChip ......................................................................................................................................................9
4. Functional Description ...................................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Basic principle........................................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Date and Time .......................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 System controls ........................................................................................................................................ 11
4.3.1 Operator control panel.................................................................................................................................................... 11
4.3.2 Main Screen ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.3 Menu tree ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
4.3.3.1 Date and Time .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
4.3.3.2 Detection ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.3.3.3 Communication ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
4.3.3.4 Status ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
4.3.3.5 Clear decoder................................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.3.3.6 Beeper .......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3.3.7 Screen ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3.3.8 I/O ports ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3.3.9 Decoder name .............................................................................................................................................................. 16
4.3.3.10 USB disk ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.3.3.11 Help............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.3.3.12 License Info................................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.3.3.13 Maintenance / Service................................................................................................................................................ 17
5. Setup and Removal ........................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Setting up the MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder ......................................................................................... 18
5.2 Removal and Storage ................................................................................................................................ 19
6. Operation ......................................................................................................................................... 20
6.1 Marker types ............................................................................................................................................ 20
6.1.1 Marker ............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.2 Gun .................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.3 New file............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
6.2 Connect external battery........................................................................................................................... 21
6.3 Retrieve data ....................................................................................................................................... 22
6.3.1 Retrieving data (local network via Ethernet cable).......................................................................................................... 22
6.3.2 Retrieving data (CCNet GSM)........................................................................................................................................... 23
6.3.3 Retrieving data (WIFI) ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
6.3.4 Retrieving data via internet (CCNet Ethernet)................................................................................................................. 23

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 5
7. Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 24
7.1 Clean ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
7.2 Battery ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
7.2.1 Charge battery ................................................................................................................................................................. 24
7.2.2 Long term battery storage conditions ............................................................................................................................. 24
7.2.3 Replace battery................................................................................................................................................................ 25
7.3 Check/Update firmware............................................................................................................................ 25
7.5 Emergency reset ....................................................................................................................................... 25
8. Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................ 26
8.1 Troubleshooting principles ........................................................................................................................ 26
8.2 Start up problems ..................................................................................................................................... 26
8.3 Noise........................................................................................................................................................ 26
8.3.1 Noise level ....................................................................................................................................................................... 26
8.3.1.1 Noise frequency overview ............................................................................................................................................ 27
8.3.2 Signal strength ................................................................................................................................................................. 28
8.4 Errors during operation............................................................................................................................. 28
8.5 GPS reception is weak or lost .................................................................................................................... 31
Appendix 1: Preliminary installation instructions................................................................................... 32
Appendix 2: Specifications .................................................................................................................... 33
Appendix 3: Auxiliary port pin settins.................................................................................................... 34
Support ................................................................................................................................................ 35

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 6
1. Physical Description
1.1 Introduction
The MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder is a timing concept for sports where extreme accuracy and simple setup are needed.
The MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder System is portable and is designed for battery operation during outdoor sports events.
The standard MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder consists of the following components:
•Controller (housed in a sturdy Pelican case)
•Power adapter USB-C 5V 3A
The following components can be ordered from MYLAPS as options for further expanding the MYLAPS ProChip Smart
Decoder system:
•USB modem; Huawei E3372 is supported by the ProChip Smart Decoder
•USB modem; ZTE MF833V is supported by the ProChip Smart Decoder
•Antenna cables; varying lengths: 6m(20ft), 9m(30ft), 12m(40ft)
•Connection box with varying lengths of coax cable: 5m (17ft) or 20m (66ft)
•ProChips
•Tape for attaching antenna to road surface (recommended Polyken#203 or Tesa 4651)
•Extension coax cables: 10m (33ft), 20m (66ft) and 100m (328ft)
Additionally, you can purchase the following components from local suppliers:
•SIM card (this will depend on your country and GSM cellular provider)
•USB modem that is supported; Huawei E3372 or ZTE MF833V
•Power bank; USB-C 5V 2A
See Appendix 2 Specifications for complete specifications.
1.2 Controller
Figure 1.1 MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder (front and rear)
1. Screen
4. LED status panel
2. Keypad
5. Look through window
3. Front plate connectors
6. Connector box
1
2
3
4
5
6

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 7
1.2.1 LED Status Panel
Figure 1.2 Controller Status Panel
1. Power (P)
3. Error (E)
2. Detection (D)
4. Battery level indicators (E = empty; F = full)
Thebatterylevel indicatorLEDs indicate the battery level with the following color definitions:
•red = 0-9% full
•yellow = 10-24% full
•1st green = 25-59% full
•2nd green = 60-100% full
When charging the battery the yellow LED is lit indicating that the ProChip Smart Decoder is charging. If the battery is fully
charged the 1st green LED is lit.
1.2.2 Connectors
Figure 1.3 MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder connector box
1. Ethernet connector port
2. LED indicators network activity
3. Antenna connector
4. Auxiliary port (for start gun, etc.)
5. 5V USB-C connector (for power adapter)
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
5

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 8
Figure 1.4 MYLAPS ProChip front plate connectors
1. USB-A connector (for USB modem or USB stick)
2. 5V USB-C connector (for powerbank)
1.3 Antenna
Figure 1.5 Antenna
1. Race track
3. Antenna connector box
2. Antenna (with balance resistor)
4. Coax cable
Lay the loop antenna wires across the width of the course in parallel to form a rectangle. The loop length should not be less
than 2m (6.6ft) or greater than 12m (36ft). The antennas are plugged into a connector box with a coax cable attachment. The
antenna must be laid to suit ground surfaces as follows:
• Asphalt/concrete - use adhesive tape to affix the loop wires. We recommend Polyken #203, Tesa 4651 or similar, 10cm
(4inch) wide.
• Ice - cut slots 2cm (1inch) deep in the ice. Place the loop wires in the slots and fill them with snow/water at least 12
hours prior to the start of the event to allow the slot to re-freeze.
• Snow - cut horizontal slots in the snow, approximately 20cm (8inch) deep. Place the loop wires in the slots and fill
them withsnow.
1
2

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 9
1.4 ProChip
Figure 1.6 Prochip
1. Transponder (enclosed in plastic mold)
2. Attachment strip
The ProChip has the following features:
•Waterproof with attachment strip for fitting onto an ankle band, running shoe or bike
•The chip is normally in ‘sleep’ mode until activated by the antenna. The chip will then send a signal to the MYLAPS
ProChip Smart Decoder - see paragraph 4.1 Basic principle for more on this.
•After a first passing, the same ProChip Transponder needs to be out of sight of the antenna field for at least 2
seconds before a new passing is calculated, except for sport mode ‘swimming’. For sport modes cycling, skating and
other you can set a 'minimum linger time' (2-10 seconds) to receive an extra passing when the ProChip Transponder
leaves the antenna field after lingering.
When worn in a race, the chip must be vertically aligned for best reception. See Figure 3.6 for an example of how to align the
chip in an ankle band and attach to a bicycle with a tie wrap.
Figure 3.6 Prochip in an ankle band and attached to a bicycle
Before use, each chip can be checked and registered as follows:
1. Pass each chip over a connected antenna and check it is detected by the MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder
(detection light, beep) - reject all defect chips.
2. Record each chip number - the registered chips can be later assigned to individual runners in a race.
1
2
2

MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder – V. 1.0. ENG August 2020 © MYLAPS rights reserved 10
4. Functional Description
4.1 Basic principle
Every participant in a MYLAPS timed event carries a registered ProChip. When thischip passes a MYLAPS ProChip Smart
Decoder timing system antenna, thechip will emit a unique code to identify itself and register the time it passed. The MYLAPS
ProChip Smart Decoder reads the data collected from the antenna and assigns the code of the chip with the registered time.
See followingoverview.
Figure 4.1 ProChip passing antenna
Detection heights depend on antenna width, ProChip orientation and road surface (reinforced concrete under the road
surface may reduce detection height). See following table for guidelines for antenna widths and Prochip detection
placement.
Race type
Antenna width cm (ft.)
ProChip placement
Ice skating
50 (1.7)
Strap around ankle
Inline skating
60 (2.0)
Strap around ankle
Cycling
60 (2.0)
Vertically mounted
Other
60 (2.0)
As applicable
NOTE: Always check detection height after installing an antenna.
4.2 Date and Time
The MYLAPS ProChip Smart Decoder internal clock is extremely accurate when recording timing data. It can be
synchronized using time signals from GPS satellites. This guarantees precise time synchronization between multiple MYLAPS
ProChip Smart Decoder systems, and gives extreme accuracy over a long period.