Playcore Colorado Time Systems Championship Start Manual

Electronic Start System
Championship Start
F875 Rev 201912
Instruction Guide

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 for Wireless Microphone
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 interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Unauthorized modifications or changes made to this device not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance voids the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Part Number F875, Rev. 201912
©2019 Colorado Time Systems. All rights reserved
Colorado Time Systems
Corporate Office
1551 East 11th Street
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Sales: 1-800-279-0111 or [phone]
Service: 1-800-287-0653 or [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Web: www.coloradotime.com
Email: [email protected]

Table of Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
Receiving Your Equipment............................................................................................ 1
Scope of this Instruction Guide ..................................................................................... 1
Championship Start Features ....................................................................................... 1
Championship Start Specifications ............................................................................... 4
2 Setup .............................................................................................................................7
Installation ..................................................................................................................... 7
Microphones.................................................................................................................. 7
Wireless Microphones
Receiver(s).................................................................................................................... 8
Transmitter .................................................................................................................... 8
On/Off Switch ................................................................................................................9
Battery Charging ........................................................................................................... 9
Setting the Volume Controls .......................................................................................10
Configuration Diagrams .............................................................................................. 10
3 Using Your Electronic Start System......................................................................... 12
Starter’s Microphone ................................................................................................... 12
Strobe Light.................................................................................................................12
Timer Output ............................................................................................................... 12
Operating Notes .......................................................................................................... 13
4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting........................................................................... 14
Maintenance................................................................................................................ 14
Battery
Cable Harness
Storage
In Case of Difficulty .....................................................................................................15
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 16
Returning Your Championship Start for Service ......................................................... 18
Replacement Parts
A Appendix A................................................................................................................. 19
FCC Information.......................................................................................................... 19
Wireless Microphone

www.coloradotime.com 1
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Colorado Time Systems Championship Start electronic start
system. Its multi-purpose design makes the Championship Start perfect for use as an
electronic start system or a limited public address system. Instructions for both of these
applications are included in this instruction guide.
Receiving Your Equipment
When you receive your Colorado Time Systems equipment, follow these steps:
1) Open all shipping boxes.
Note: We recommend that you save all shipping boxes and packing material.
You are responsible for damage to your equipment if an item is
returned improperly packed.
2) Check for concealed damage immediately upon receipt of equipment. Report any
damage directly to the freight carrier.
3) Use the Packing List included with the shipment to take an inventory of all items.
If you believe one or more parts to be missing, contact our Customer Service
Department immediately at 1-800-CTS-0653 in the U.S. and Canada, or at (970)
667-1000 or email: [email protected].
Scope of this Instruction Guide
This instruction guide addresses all issues related to the installation and normal operation of
your new Championship Start electronic start system. A complete maintenance and
troubleshooting section covers the most common problems that are user correctable. For
any repairs or problems not found in this instruction guide, call Colorado Time Systems
Customer Service Department toll-free at 1-800-287-0653 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 970-
667-1000 or email: [email protected].
Championship Start Features
Your new Championship Start electronic start system contains a number of advanced
features which make it versatile and easy to use. Each Championship Start has two built-in
12VDC rechargeable batteries.
Note: Your Championship Start System should be operated only from battery
power, keeping AC power away from the pool deck and reducing the
possibility of electric shock.

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With its optional multiple speaker configurations and accessories, the Championship Start is
a powerful start system.
□Drives speakers mounted under the starting blocks for an extremely consistent
start tone across all lanes.
□Drives Speedlights across the front of relay judging platforms mounted on starting
blocks. Speedlights level the playing field for athletes who are deaf or hard of
hearing. They offer all athletes a visual cue, and experience practicing with the
type of start system used at championship competitions.
□Supports two wired microphones.
□Supports an underwater speaker for underwater recall and training options.
There are two speaker circuits associated with the Championship Start System. The main
speaker circuit includes the speakers mounted under the starting blocks, and any
underwater speaker(s). There is no volume adjustment for the start tone from these
speakers.
The auxiliary speaker circuit includes an additional speaker associated with the
Championship Start System. For example, a speaker you have mounted on the backstroke
pole, or a speaker mounted on the side of the Champ Start is on this circuit. The volume
control knob (labeled AUX SPKR) for this circuit adjusts the volume of the start tone from
the auxiliary speaker.
For both speaker circuits, the individual volume controls for each microphone are used to
adjust the volume of that microphone’s output at all speakers.
The Championship Start can serve as a limited public address system, allowing you to make
announcements to your swimmers at practice and to the swimmers and spectators at a
meet.
Mounting Options
Place the Championship Start module on a tabletop, mount it on the wall with the wall mount
kit, or use the tripod Model TR-3. Do not use a standard camera tripod.
Functions
□Start System: 0.25 second dual tone electronic blast with simultaneous strobe
flash. Simultaneous speedlight flash for relay judging platforms with speedlights.
□False start recall: repeating dual tone from all connected speakers, including
underwater.
□Training tool: train with start tone used in competition, and communicate with
swimmers through an optional underwater speaker.
□PA used to address swimmers and spectators.
Microphone
Used to address swimmers, start the race and recall in the event of a false start.

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Speakers
6-watt/45-ohm moisture and corrosion resistant reflex speaker used as lane speaker.
Championship Start can drive up to 12 lane speakers. Connect each lane speaker to its
associated deck plate or cable harness, which is connected to the main speaker jack on the
right panel of the Champ Start (see Figure C on page 6).
10-watt/8-ohm moisture and corrosion resistant compression speaker used as AUX
speaker. It is connected to the AUX SPKR jack on the left panel of the Champ Start (see
Figure B on page 5).
Underwater speaker for underwater recall and training. Connect the Underwater speaker to
your cable harness in an on-deck system, to a deck plate in an in-deck system, or directly to
the main speaker output on the right side panel of the Champ start (see Figure C on page
6).
Speedlights
LEDs across the front of a Colorado Time Systems relay judging platform that flash
simultaneously with the Championship Start speaker tone and strobe light, giving swimmers
the fastest possible start. Championship Start can drive Speedlights in up to 12 lanes.
Strobe Light
Bright 360° strobe light flashes with start tone. Gives timers/officials a reliable start
reference, and provides a visual cue to athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Battery Power
Safe, reliable internal gel-cell batteries (2) with external charger. Championship Start will
operate while charging.
Expandable
You can add an extra speaker for the far lane or mount one to the backstroke pole. Add an
additional microphone for referee or far side of pool, or officials at the timing table.
Practicality
Interfaces to all Colorado Time Systems electronic timers using optional start jumper cable,
models SJ-50 through SJ-200.

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Championship Start Specifications
Physical Height: 13.25” (33.7 cm)
Width: 13” (33cm)
Depth: 5.75” (14.6 cm)
Weight: 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg)
Figure A: Front Panel
Front Panel
The Championship Start electronic start system front panel contains the following controls
and connectors:
□Two standard microphone inputs
□Independent volume control for each microphone input (two standard and one
wireless for units equipped with wireless). Microphone volume is independent of
Start Tone volume.
□Power On indicator (green LED)
□Low Battery indicator (red LED) provides an early indication that the battery level is
getting low. Performance may decrease with continued operation. Recharge
batteries or connect AC converter as soon as possible.
□AUX Speaker volume control that affects the auxiliary speaker start tone levels

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Figure B: Left Panel
Left Panel
The Championship Start electronic start system left panel contains the following controls
and connectors:
□On/Off switch for attached strobe
□Mounting holes for mounting auxiliary speaker
□Auxiliary speaker connector
□External Power connector for AC power converter, which charges the internal
batteries and provides operational power
□Fuses: an AC power converter circuit fuse and one fuse for each battery; all fuses
are 5x20mm, 5A, slow-blow
□Unit On/Off Switch

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Figure C: Right Panel
Right Panel
The Championship Start system right panel contains the following controls and connectors:
□Speedlight connector
□SPKR: Audio/Start Tone output for lane speakers & underwater speaker(s)
□Start signal for Timer (Normally Open). Normally Closed option is available but
must be set at the factory
□External Strobe
□Wallplate Connector: A 10-pin military-style locking connector that reduces the
number and complexity of connections and cables needed for facilities with in-deck
wiring. Includes signal lines for Speedlights, Speaker, Timer Start, and External
Strobe
On units that are designed for use with a wireless microphone:
□Wireless microphone receiver settings.
□Connector for additional wireless microphone receiver.

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2 Setup
This chapter contains instructions for setting up your Championship
Start electronic start system and its accessories for competition
and practice. This covers standard Championship Start
configurations; your set up may vary depending on specific
requirements and optional equipment.
Installation
If not already connected, screw the antenna into the top of the ChampStart. Connect the
ChampStart to the wall plate, a cable harness, or to a deck plate at one side of the
starting end, either at lane 1 or at the last lane (6, 8, 10 or 12). If you have purchased a
system which includes multiple speakers, the locations for the ChampStart available to
you may be limited by the location of the speaker cable harness or wall plate.
Note: Use only the speakers provided by Colorado Time Systems.
Attaching any other type of speakers to the Championship Start
can cause your start system to fail.
The start system module should be positioned so that the strobe is easily visible. This
allows officials and spectators to start their watches from the strobe, improving the
accuracy of watch starts.
Important: Your ChampStart should be operated only from battery power,
keeping AC power away from the pool deck and reducing the
possibility of electric shock.
Microphones
Two jacks for microphones are provided on the Championship Start front panel (shown
in Figure A on page 4). These microphone inputs are identical and can be used
interchangeably. Each microphone input has an independent volume control for optimum
voice quality.
Note: Your Championship Start electronic start system is designed for
use only with factory-supplied microphones. For reliable operation,
do not connect any other devices to the microphone inputs.

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Wireless Microphones
Some Championship Start Systems had wireless microphones. For wireless
Championship Start systems, the primary wireless microphone receiver is built into the
unit. The settings and adjustments for the wireless receiver are on the right panel of the
Championship Start System (see Figure C on page 6).
Receiver(s)
Place the Championship Start System, which contains the wireless receiver, in a location
that allows for the fewest visual obstructions between it and the wireless microphone
transmitter. A wireless microphone will function up to 350 feet (107 meters) from its
receiver. When using the wireless microphone, point the antenna on the Championship
Start System straight up.
Some wireless Champstarts had an additional wireless microphone with an external
receiver. For secondary wireless units, plug the external receiver into the jack labeled
“Receiver” on the right side panel of the Champ Start (see Figure C on page 6). Next,
place the external wireless receiver where there will be the fewest visual obstructions
between it and its wireless microphone transmitter, and point the antenna on the
external receiver straight up. There are no user serviceable parts on the receiver.
Squelch
To adjust squelch, rotate the squelch knob counter-clockwise until a loud rushing sound
is heard at the speakers, then slowly turn the knob clockwise until the rushing sound is
no longer heard.
Channel Select
Channel select allows you to select one of eight available channels.
Note: The receiver and the transmitter MUST be set to the same channel
for the wireless microphone to work properly.
If you are using two wireless microphones at the same location, the second
receiver/transmitter pair needs to be a minimum of two channels away from the first. For
example, if the first receiver and transmitter are set to Channel 4, the second receiver
and transmitter can be set to any channel except channels 3 and 5.
RX IND
When the LED labeled RX IND is lit, the receiver and its transmitter are set to the same
channel and the receiver is receiving a signal from the transmitter.
Transmitter
The person using a wireless microphone will have both the transmitter and the wireless
microphone. The transmitter has a clip so that it can be attached to a belt for
convenience. The transmitter sends a signal from its microphone to the receiver in the
Championship Start System (or to the external receiver, which transfers the signal to the
Championship Start System) for distribution to speakers.

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Low Batt
To check the battery, press the push to talk button on the microphone and
release it. If the LED labeled LOW BATT blinks, the battery is OK. If the LED
stays lit, replace the battery as soon as reasonably possible.
The transmitter uses one 9 Volt battery. The battery compartment opens from the
back of the transmitter. To change the battery, depress the textured area on the
battery compartment cover and slide the cover away from the transmitter.
Replace the battery, making sure the positive and negative terminals on the
battery are aligned according to the diagram on the battery compartment, and
slide the cover back into place.
Other than replacing the battery, there are no user-serviceable parts on the
transmitter.
On/Off Switch
To turn on your Championship Start system, press the power switch on the lower left
side of the unit (shown in Figure B on page 5). Always remember to turn off your
Championship Start when it is not in use, so that you don’t discharge the battery.
Battery Charging
If the Low Battery indicator (red LED) on the Championship Start front panel is lit or the
start tone drops in volume or becomes longer, the batteries are getting low and need to
be recharged.
Take care not to let the batteries fully discharge as this will damage the batteries and
greatly limit their ability to properly operate the equipment. You can extend the life of the
batteries by recharging them for 12 to 24 hours immediately after each use and insuring
that the on/off switch of the unit has been placed in the off position when not in active
use. To recharge your batteries simply place the power switch in the off position and
plug in the equipment to a power outlet for 12 to 24 hours. This equipment is intended to
be charged indoors and away from the pool deck only.
If the product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third
(grounding) pin, the plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact a qualified electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.

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Setting the Volume Controls
With your Championship Start turned on, rotate the volume control for the desired
microphone or auxiliary speaker(s) on the front of the panel clockwise to increase the
volume. Rotate the volume control counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
Microphones
Test the volume level by using the desired microphone. The microphone volume
controls on the front of the Championship Start affect only the PA volume. Each
microphone can be adjusted separately.
Note: To avoid feedback noise, do not hold the microphone close to the
speakers when testing the output volume.
Auxiliary Speaker(s)
The volume knob for the auxiliary speaker(s) adjusts the volume of the start and
recall tones at any auxiliary speaker(s).
Main Speakers
The start and recall tones always function at maximum volume at the main
speakers under the starting blocks; they are not adjustable.
Configuration Diagrams
The following block diagrams illustrate typical configurations for your Championship Start
with in-deck wiring or on-deck.
Figure D: Championship Start In-Deck configuration

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Figure E: Championship Start On-Deck configuration

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3 Using Your Electronic Start
System
This chapter explains how to use the many features your
Championship Start electronic start system offers.
Starter’s Microphone
Wired and wireless microphones are operated in the same way.
Starting a Race
To start a race, hold down the push-to-talk switch and press the start button on the top of
the microphone.
Public Address
To use the starter’s microphone for the public address, press the push-to-talk switch on
the side of the microphone and speak into the grille on the front of the microphone.
Recalling a False Start
To recall a false start, release the start button on the microphone and then press it
again. If you are using multiple microphones, the Championship Start sees all of the start
buttons as a single button. As a result, all microphone start buttons must be released
before any one of them is pressed again to recall a false start. Make sure all starters are
aware that they must immediately release the start button after each start.
Strobe Light
The strobe light flashes automatically whenever the start system receives a start pulse.
Allow 30 seconds between strobe flashes for the strobe circuit to recharge. If the strobe
circuit has not had time to recharge fully when your Championship Start receives
another start pulse, the strobe light will not flash.
Timer Output
When properly connected to a CTS electronic timing system, such as the System 5,
System 6 or Dolphin, the Championship Start automatically sends a start pulse to the
timer whenever the microphone start button is pressed. If your electronic timer does not
start properly, check the start cable connections both at the timer wall plate or cable
harness and at your Championship Start. Many electronic timers, including all Colorado
Time Systems timers, require a Normally Open (N.O.) start pulse. Others require a
Normally Closed (N.C.) start pulse.
Note: The Championship Start works only with Normally Open start
pulses. If your timer requires a Normally Closed start pulse, contact

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your Colorado Time Systems representative for factory
modifications.
Operating Notes
Using your Championship Start electronic start system during training sessions is one of
its useful features. Swimmers quickly become accustomed to electronic starting and
thereby improve their start reflexes.
The volume controls on the Championship Start front panel affect only the PA volume.
The start and recall tones always operate at full volume (except for the AUX speaker). If
the start tone drops in volume or becomes longer, the battery is getting low and needs to
be recharged.
Strobe Light/Speedlight Usage
If coaches, parents or spectators attempt to start their stopwatches from the start tone,
they will not get accurate starts. The relatively slow speed of sound, especially in the
pool environment, results in late stopwatch starts for observers at any distance from the
speakers. Educate your coaches, parents and spectators to use the strobe and/or
starting block Speedlights to trigger their stopwatch starts. The strobe and Speedlight
flash are unaffected by poor acoustics and the fast speed of light ensures that all
observers see the flash at the same time, resulting in more accurate stopwatch times.
The strobe and Speedlights also ensure fair starts for athletes that are deaf or hard of
hearing.

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4 Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
This chapter contains maintenance and troubleshooting information
which helps you keep your Championship Start in good working
order and helps you solve common problems quickly and easily.
Maintenance
Your new Championship Start electronic start system has been carefully designed to
provide years of trouble-free service. No routine maintenance is necessary, but following
a few simple steps will ensure that your Championship Start delivers the trouble-free
service for which it was designed.
Battery
You can extend the usable life of the internal batteries by always keeping them
fully charged–never allow the batteries to discharge completely. Leave the AC
power converter connected for 12 to 24 hours, and always make sure the power
switch is in the Off position after every use. If the red Low Battery LED on the
front panel is illuminated or the start tone volume drops or becomes longer, the
batteries are getting low and need to be recharged. The AC power converter
charges the batteries whether the Championship Start is on or off. This
equipment is intended to be charged indoors and away from the pool deck only.
If the product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third
(grounding) pin, the plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact a
qualified electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of
the grounding-type plug.
Cable Harness
Do not allow your speakers, speaker connectors, cable harness terminals and
timer start cable connectors to remain wet constantly. Colorado Time Systems
uses the finest quality materials available for these items, but the pool
environment is very harsh. The corrosive action of chemically-treated pool water
will eventually corrode any connector exposed to it for long periods. Proper care
and handling of cables can prevent damage.
At the beginning and end of each season, clean all female connectors with a
cotton swab and silicon grease: use Compound 111® by Dow Corning ® for best
results. If connectors are badly corroded, clean them with Lime-A-Way®, which is
available at most supermarkets, before applying a small amount of silicone
grease to the connector.
Compound III and Dow Corning are registered trademarks of Dow Chemical Corp.; Lime-A-Way is a registered
trademark of Benckiser Consumer Products, Inc.

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Storage
Store your Championship Start in a dry place after each use. The ideal storage
temperature is room temperature. Be sure to recharge the internal batteries
overnight before storing to ensure that your start system is ready the next time
you need it. Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position before storing
your Championship Start.
In Case of Difficulty
Colorado Time Systems has taken great care to ensure that your Championship Start
electronic start system provides years of trouble-free service. If, however, you
experience difficulties with your Championship Start, first attempt to locate and solve the
problem using the Troubleshooting guide. Locate the problem you are experiencing and
follow the remedies one at a time in the order presented, checking your Championship
Start for proper operation between each recommended remedy.
Solving simple problems yourself will save you time and money. If the problem you are
experiencing is not mentioned in the Troubleshooting guide or the recommended steps
do not solve the problem, call Customer Support toll-free at 1-800-287-0653 (U.S. and
Canada) or [phone], visit www.coloradotime.com or email
[email protected] for assistance.

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Troubleshooting
This section helps you solve common start system problems quickly. Locate the difficulty
you are experiencing in the Symptom column and then follow the recommendations in
the Action column one at a time, in the order they appear. If the problem you are
experiencing is not listed or the recommended remedies do not have the desired effect,
write a summary of the problem and all steps you have taken to correct it and call
Colorado Time Systems Customer Support toll-free at 1-800-287-0653 (U.S. and
Canada) or [phone], visit www.coloradotime.com or email
[email protected].
Symptom Action Notes
Nothing Works (green
Power LED off)
1. Check power On/Off switch
2. Recharge battery
3. Check fuses on
Championship Start rear
panel—replace only with
same type and rating
If power switch is on,
battery is discharged
See Instructions on page
14
Fuses are on the left panel
(see Figure B on page 5).
All fuses are 5x20mm, 5A,
slow-blow
Nothing Works (green
Power LED on)
1. Check microphone and
speaker connections on the
Championship Start System
See figures A, B and C on
pages 4,5 and 6 for
locations of these items
Battery will not charge 1. Check power at AC outlet—
use a working lamp to check
for power at outlet
2. Check fuses on
Championship Start rear
panel—replace only with
same type and rating
Fuses are on the left panel
(see Figure B on page 5).
All fuses are 5x20mm, 5A,
slow-blow
Championship Start
does not start electronic
timer but start tone
sounds properly
1. Check cable connections at
timer, cable harness and
Championship Start
2. Confirm that your timer
accepts Normally Open start
pulses.
See Figure C on page 6 for
locations of these items
See page 12 for a
discussion of this issue.
For information about your
timer, see its
documentation
No Start or recall tones
at speaker(s)
1. Make sure starter is holding
down the push-to-talk switch
when pressing the start
button on the microphone
2. Check microphone
connector on Championship
Start front panel
See Figure A on page 4 for
location of this item