Swiss Timing POWERTIMEII User manual

GENERAL USER’S
MANUAL
3462.501.02
TIM022
Version 1.0
SWISS TIMING LTD
P.O. Box 138, Rue de l’Envers 1 CH-2606 Corgémont, Switzerland
Phone ++41 32 488 36 11 Fax ++41 32 488 36 09
e-mail: [email protected] 
Web: http://www.swisstiming.com
A COMPANY OF

Index
1INTRODUCTION....................................... 6
1.1Safety Recommendations.............................6
1.2Contents.........................................................6
1.3System peripherals........................................7
1.4Keyboard: Use of the keys............................7
1.5Switching the device on................................7
1.6Switching the device off................................7
1.7Navigating through the menus.....................7
2TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ................ 7
3GENERAL FUNCTIONS .......................... 7
3.1Type of contacts............................................7
3.2Synchronisation.............................................8
3.3Arming............................................................8
3.4Resolution and Rounding.............................8
3.5Scoreboard and PC output...........................8
3.6Printer.............................................................9
3.7Controlling the memory................................9
3.8Corrections.....................................................9
4TIMEKEEPING ......................................... 9
4.1Before the Race.............................................9
4.2For each race.................................................9
5OTHER FUNCTIONS ............................. 10
5.1Paper Replacement.....................................10
5.2Battery Replacement...................................10
5.3Loading new version...................................10
6TROUBLESHOOTING ........................... 11
7ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS............ 11
8CABLING DIAGRAM ............................. 11
9TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS........ 12
10DESCRIPTION........................................ 12
Please refer to the last pages of this manual
for a description of the different
components.
1 Introduction
The is a hand-held, battery powered timing
device. The four line display, and 18 key keyboard make it
very user friendly. Five plugs allow the device to be connected
to various peripherals.
The reflects all the know how and experience
of Swiss Timing Ltd, official timekeeper at more than 25
Olympic Games. Benefiting from the latest innovations in
micro-electronic, the device more than meets the wishes of
every user.
The is absolutely a futuristic device, whilst
remaining very easy to use. New timekeeping programs
developed to meet divers sporting disciplines may all be
loaded from a personal computer.
The provides a practical solution for all
disciplines requiring the measurement of time, including the
time of day, the duration of a race, lap time, match time or
speed.
The is characterised by its ease of use, its
high precision, its compact size and low power consumption –
making it suitable for every timekeeper, from amateurs to
professionals, having already been used at the Olympic
Games.
1.1 Safety Recommendations
To avoid all risk of electrocution, or damage to the device,
never connect an external power supply directly onto the
sockets; it is only permitted to connect a
mains adaptor when it complies with all safety criteria.
Never use a solvent or aggressive detergent to clean your
.
Never pull the paper through the printer in anything other than
the direction.
Protect the from rain and water jets.
Never open the case due to risk of damaging
the internal electronic circuits.
Only use the printer paper recommended by Swiss Timing
Ltd. The printer uses rolls of thermal paper, 58mm wide and
with a maximum diameter of 29mm.
1.2 Contents
The is delivered in a transport bag, with the
system software already installed.
1. 3361.620 Transport bag
2. 3462.700
3. 3462.606 Mini CD with standard system software
4. 9051.6042 Rolls of thermal paper (2 units)
5. Power adaptor (option)
3361.618 230V Europe
3361.618.AU 230V Australia
3361.618.GB 230V G
r
eat Britain
3361.618.US 115V U.S.A.
6. 9035.6109 Alkaline batteries 1.5V, 1500 mAH, type
AA / LR6 / UM3 (4 units)
7. 3361.605 Start & Stop connection cables (2 units)
(mono jack Ø3.5mm – 2x4mm sockets)
8. 3361.603 PC connection cable (RJ 10p
–
RJ 10p)
9. 3361.610 PC adaptor (RJ 6p
–
Sub-D 9p F)
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1.3 System peripherals
To carry out a totally automatic timing operation it is
necessary to connect a start system and a device to detect
arrivals. Any device having a volt free normally open or
normally closed contact, can be used (for example start gates,
start transducer, photocells, contact strips etc.)
For initial familiarisation with the device, or where high
precision timing is not absolutely essential, the button
allows direct entry of start and arrival impulses directly from
the keyboard.
1.4 Keyboard: Use of the keys
Paper Advance key
START/STOP key: switches on the device and
allows manual recording of starts and finishes.
Correction key: this replaces the timekeepers
pencil and allows the modification of times.
Any correction is printed (change of competitor
number, erasing a time, manual entry of a
time).
ON/OFF key: renders active/inactive (arming)
the external channel shown by the cursor .
Cursor keys: allow movement through the
menus.
ESC key: cancels a modification or exits a
menu.
1.5 Switching the device on
Press and hold down the button until the end of the
operation, during this time press the button briefly.
1.6 Switching the device off
Return to the main menu by pressing ; then go to the
Off selection and press the key.
1.7 Navigating through the menus
The actual selection is shown on the screen by means of the
character . Use the cursor keys
( and ) to make a selection and the key
to confirm. If a menu choice is no longer shown on
the screen, the vertical arrows (or ) on the top or bottom
of the screen indicate that the screen display may be scrolled
by the cursor keys.
2 Technical Specification
Data storage: even when switched off, the
saves all data. For this, it uses a capacitor mounted on the
main circuit board. This guarantees that no information is lost
when changing the main batteries.
Memory: the depending on the program that
is installed, allows several hundred times and heats to be
stored, with a maximum of 2000 results.
Distribution of information: the serial output allows results
to be transmitted to a scoreboard or PC either during, or after,
races.
3 General Functions
Note:
Some programs, not developed by
Swiss Timing Ltd, may use different menus.
3.1 Type of contacts
A contact is defined by the change of state of an electric
switch.
Take the case of a simple push button to explain this concept.
To record an arrival signal, press the button then release it.
Depending on the type of push button we have the two
following possibilities:
Normally closed (NC):
1
0
Normally open (NO):
1
0
Press Release
Normally Open
Normally Closed
It is a fundamental feature of the device that the type of
contact must be correctly interpreted: in other words will the
timing pulse be recorded when the signal changes from 0 to 1
or from 1 to 0?
With regard to above diagram, it is easy to understand that if
we configure the contacts incorrectly we will falsify the results
by several tenths of a second. In this case the device will
interpret the arrival time as the moment that the judge
releases – rather than presses – the push button.
How to configure a contact:
Settings Contact Start/Stop
NO/NC
Where Start/Stop is the input you wish to configure and
NO/NC defines whether the contact will be normally open or
normally closed.
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3.2 Synchronisation
Timing signifies precision ! If you are timing with only one
, make sure that the date and time of day are
correct. If you are timing with several devices, it is necessary
to synchronise them before the competition starts, to ensure
that they will all give the same result. To do this it is
necessary that the « Start » of the synchronisation is the
same on each device (Note: have you correctly chosen the
type of contact – normally open or normally closed ? See 3.1).
How to synchronise
Settings Synchro Date
DD-MM-YY
Day, month, year all with two characters; for example
02-03-98 for the 2nd March 1998, 01-01-00 for the 1st January
2000.
Hour HH.MM:SS
hours, minutes, seconds, each time with 2 characters; for
example 17.30:00 (use the 24 hour clock no am/pm).
The will now be ready and will display ?start.
The internal clock will be synchronised when a start signal is
given, which can be either by the key or the external
« start » socket.
To synchronise several devices together:
Connect all the start sockets together –
remembering to respect the polarity (red plugs
connected together, black plugs connected
together).
Program each device as detailed above.
Give an external start impulse.
3.3 Arming
Arming time is a concept that increases the reliability of a
timing service whilst simplifying the task of the operator.
Understanding the concept of arming time and using it
correctly is an important feature of high quality timekeeping.
To help understand this concept, here is an example:
Take a 1500m where the finish times are recorded by a
photocell. The race is about to start: the finish channel
should be disarmed. An official walks in front of the cells,
and the athletes are on their first lap; none of the times
are recorded. On the last lap the finish channel is armed
and all times are recorded. When the last athlete has
passed, disarm the channel again. The result can now be
printed.
The allows operation in manual arming
mode, this means that the operator must press the OFF/ON
key before the times can be recorded, or in automatic arming
mode where the time will automatically be recorded after a
pre-determined arming delay of x seconds. In the first case
enter 0 as the arming time, alternatively the number of
seconds before automatic rearming. If you enter 10, the
arms the arrival channel 10 seconds after the
start impulse is received.
Note that all events occurring when the inputs are disarmed
are still stored in the memory (stack). The operator can see
these times and select them by using the modification menu
accessed by the « correction » key.
How to set an arming time:
Settings Contacts Arming xx
Where xx is the arming time in seconds, in the range from 0 to
99.
3.4 Resolution and Rounding
The rules of the different sporting federations stipulate a
timing resolution and method of rounding that can vary
substantially.
Several examples:
Type of race Resolution Rounding Type
Swimming 1/100 rounding
Athletics 100m 1/100 rounding IAAF
Athletics 20 Km walk 1/10 rounding IAAF
The can be used for each method of
calculating a result by offering a resolution from 1/1000 of a
second up to a whole second, and the following rounding
methods:
truncated (the fractional part is simply ignored)
rounded (if the fractional part is equal or superior to 0.5,
the whole part is increased by one)
rounded IAAF (if the fractional part is more than 0.0, the
whole part is increased by one)
For example, for a time measured to one thousandth of
12.128 with a precision of one tenth we will have:
truncated: 12.1
rounded: 12.1
rounded IAAF: 12.2
How to configure the resolution:
Settings Resolution
Choose required resolution
How to configure the rounding mode:
Settings Rounding
Choose required rounding
3.5 Scoreboard and PC output
The allows the distribution of timing data on
two separate lines – the scoreboard output and the PC output.
The scoreboard output uses an RS422 protocol and the PC
output uses an RS232 protocol.
The scoreboard output is defined by the data protocol used
and the desired scoreboard format.
Depending on the application, different protocols will be used,
which allow the to control scoreboards of
different types (refer to specific program manuals for further
details).
The menu Settings Scoreboard allows the selection of the
type of scoreboard as well as the manner in which the data
will be displayed on the scoreboard.
How to select the type of Scoreboard:
Settings Scoreboard Type
Choose the type of scoreboard
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As examples consider the RollerTime protocol scoreboard or
the Multi-line protocol which enables the use of up to 8 lines
of scoreboard at the same time (for example the Calypso or
UNT7).
Settings Scoreboard Type Multiline
number of lines
Where the number of lines is a value between 1 and 8
corresponding to the number of scoreboard lines that are
connected together.
The resolution of the scoreboard specifies which information
will be transmitted. For example, consider a six digit
scoreboard. If you are timing a track athletics event, the
scoreboard should display minutes, seconds, tenths and
hundredths (mm:ss:th). For the walk the display will be in
hours, minutes, seconds and tenths (h:mm:ss:t). However, for
a marathon, the display will be in hours, minutes and seconds
(hh:mm:ss).
How to Configure the resolution of the scoreboard
output:
Settings Scoreboard Resolution
Choose the resolution
Note that one of the resolution choices is OFF which
disconnects the scoreboard output.
3.6 Printer
The printer is considered a vital tool in the
provision of official results. All data « captured » during the
event is printed in time of day; all relevant data (for example
the finish time) is then processed and the
prints the effective race time.
If printing during the event is not essential, the printer may be
switched off and then reactivated at the end of the race to
print the final result.
How to switch the printer ON and OFF
Settings Printer ON or OFF
3.7 Controlling the memory
The stores in its memory all the information
recorded during all the timed competitions. This information
will remain available until the operator decides that it is no
longer required. At that point it will be necessary to clear the
memory. An erase function is available to clear the data in the
memory, but it should be noted that all the information will be
permanently erased.
How to erase the memory
Settings Erase Yes or No
3.8 Corrections
Every timekeeper hopes for a trouble free event. However, in
reality, it may be necessary to modify some of the data that
has been automatically recorded by the device. For example,
someone other than an athlete may pass through the finish
line photocells. A bib number may be read incorrectly. Many
other unpredictable situations can arise without warning.
In these cases, the has a menu that enables
the operator to modify the registered data so that the final
results are correct.
Note that all data modifications or manually entered start or
finish times are indicated on the printer with an asterisk (*).
Use the key to enter the « modification »
mode.
Normally, it is possible to modify or insert a start time, modify
or insert a finish time, exchange times, or recover in the
memory (stack) an information that was not considerated as
useful.
The stores in a special memory (the stack),
all information that is not immediately required to produce a
result. For example a finish time, when the arrival channel is
not armed or a start time before the race has started.
Note that access to this special memory (stack) is only
possible if the data has been memorised.
4 Timekeeping
4.1 Before the Race
Before the races, it is necessary to check the basic set-up
information:
The date and time
The type of contacts being used
The timing resolution
The presentation of information on the scoreboard
The printer – switched ON or OFF
Erase the results already in the memory from previous
races
4.2 For each race
Select the timing mode: for example by lane or single
finish line.
Select or edit the event and heat number.
Arm or disarm the external start and stop channels.
Edit the bib numbers (unless timing in lane mode)
Make any corrections.
Print the results.
Exit the race.
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5 Other functions
5.1 Paper Replacement
Open the paper compartment cover.
Lift out the remaining part of the existing paper roll and
carefully cut the paper leaving a piece of paper several
centimetres in length, which will help to load the new roll.
Never try to pull the remaining paper through the print
head with any force. This will damage the printer.
Make a diagonal cut at the end of the new paper roll.
Whilst pressing the paper advance key, slide the end of the
new roll of paper into the paper guide on the printer.
Gently push the paper
forwards until the advance
mechanism grips it.
Continue pressing the
paper advance key
until the paper is
fed right through the
printer. You may now –
gently – pull about 10 cm
of paper through the
printer.
Pass the end of the paper
between the main body of
the device and the paper
compartment cover.
Close the paper compartment cover.
Never use the printer when there is no paper, as this
will damage the printer. If it is not possible to replace
the paper immediately, then switch off the printer
Settings Printer OFF .
5.2 Battery Replacement
The works with 4 1.5 V alkaline batteries
(1500 mAh, type AA / LR6 / UM3). It is also possible to use
appropriate sized and rated rechargeable cells. Note that
these cells cannot be recharged by the even
if the mains adaptor is connected.
The allows you to change the batteries even
when a race is in progress. However, the start and finish
signals will not be registered whilst the actual battery
replacement is under way. Having replaced the batteries,
return to the race using the function menus.
Open the battery compartment cover.
Remove the four batteries. Do not throw these batteries into
the dustbin but send them for recycling.
Insert four new batteries (never
replace just some of the batteries
– always four at the same time)
and note the correct polarity as
shown in the base of the battery
compartment.
Close the battery compartment
cover.
The internal Lithium battery must
only be changed at a Swiss
Timing Ltd service centre.
5.3 Loading new version
Different programs exist for the (for example
Standard, Ski, Top-8). You can find these on the Swiss
Timing Ltd web-site (www.swisstiming.com). Here are the
step by step instruction of how to load a new version, or a
new program into your :
Connect your using the delivered
cable to an available serial port on your computer. Be
sure that this last is not used by any other running
program. Note: an equivalent USB to Serial Port can
also be used.
Click on the line “Update your , the
installer will be loaded and the connection will be
done automatically. When the connection between
the computer and the is established
a red icon with a is shown.
The corresponding serial port will be found
automatically.
The connection is automatic, if an error occurs it
means that the connected com port is not available,
not correctly installed or already used by another PC
application.
The installation software will show you the serial port
used for the connection and the
version (1 or 2).
To upload a new program set the radio button to
“Software”, the list of available programs is shown.
Select the desired program to load and then press
“Download”.
At the end of this process, the program asks you if
you want to save changes; just answer YES.
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- 13 - - 14 -

6 Troubleshooting
The won’t switch on: check the battery
condition.
The display flashes: the battery voltage is too low –
replace the batteries.
The printer doesn’t work: check that there is paper.
Check that the printer is switched on (initialisation menu,
printer). Note that the printer is automatically switched off
if the battery voltage is low.
The PC connection doesn’t work: check the
connection cable between the and the
PC is connected and that the transmission protocol
parameters are correctly selected (9600 Bauds, 8 data
bits, 1 stop bit, no parity) and that the correct COM port
is selected.
There is no display: check the batteries are installed
and that the polarity is correct, then press and hold the
button until the end of the operation, during this
time press the button briefly.
The external start and stop channels are not
working:check – on the display – that they armed. Test
each input by creating a short circuit with a metallic
object (key or nail).
Menu access and operation impossible: press the
RESET (located on the bottom of the device, just by the
START identification) with the tip of a pen. Note: this will
erase all results in the memory, and the setup process
will need to be repeated. However, the date and time are
not modified. The will display the boot
program version (operating system of the
).
If the problems continue, please contact your nearest service
centre.
7 Accessories and options
The following accessories are available for the
(this list is not exhaustive):
C1 3361.603 Connection cable
C2 3361.628 Dual output adaptor for SCB & PC
C3 3361.626 SCB adaptor
C4 3361.627 Adaptor for 2x SCB
C5 3361.605 Start & Stop connection cable
F1 3361.608 Extension box, 1xStart, 4x Stop or
3361.609 Extension box, 1x Start, 8x Stop
P2 3361.610 PC adaptor (RJ 6p
–
Sub-D 9pF)
S1 2872.003 Pushbutton with 3m coiled cable
3361.611 Swimming harness 1x Start, 8x Stop
9051.6042 Printer paper (1 roll)
9051.6042PK Printer paper (20 rolls)
3449.961 GEMINI, 6 digits display using 7
segment amber LED digits (24cm)
o
r
3449.991 GEMINI, 9 digits display using 9
segment amber LED digits (24cm)
3456.901 Marathon clock single-sided display
using 8 segment amber LED digits
(16cm) See photo below. O
r
3456.902 Marathon clock double-sided display
using 7 segment amber LED digits
(16cm)
3399.911 StartTime III, acoustic start system
230V. See photo below.
8 Cabling diagram
Note: To connect one of the extension boxes, you have to
open the battery compartment cover.
Computer connection (PC) Scoreboard and computer
connection
Scoreboard connection Connection of 2 scoreboards
(SCB)
- 18 -
- 17 -
- 16 -

9 Technical Characteristics
Display LCD 4 lines of 16 alphanumeric characters
Keyboard 10 numeric keys, 8 function keys
Acoustic signal ~ 1 kHz
Printer 24 alphanumeric characters per line
Thermal paper width 58 mm, Ø < 29 mm
Time base thermally compensated
Switched off: ± 1 ppm at 20°C; ± 10 ppm between -20°C and
+40°C
Turned on: ± 1 ppm between -10°C to +50°C
Resolution 1 sec to 1/1000 s
Memory capacity maximum 2000 competitors
External start mono jack socket, Ø 3.5 mm
External Stop mono jack socket Ø 3.5 mm
Extension of external sockets 10 pole RJ socket
Serial output for PC and scoreboard 6 pole RJ socket,
RJ 12 Sub-D 9p
Scoreboard
RS 485
TxD+ (out) pin 1 pin 1
TxD- (out) pin 3 pin 9
GND pin 2 pin 5
PC
RS 232
TxD (out) pin 6 pin 3
RxD (in) pin 5 pin 2
9600 Bauds, 8 data bit, 1 stop bit, no parity
Internal power 4 alkaline batteries 1.5 V,
1500 mAh, type AA/LR6/ UM3
Operating time
Without serial output: >30 hours and
2000 printed lines at 20°C
With running time on PC and Scoreboard: >12 hours and
2000 printed lines at 20°C
External power power jack plug Ø 3.5 / 1.9 mm
for 9 V power adaptor
Operating temperature -10°C to +50°C
Weight 500 g with batteries
Dimensions 210 mm x 95 mm x 40 mm
Note: if the device is turned off, the 1/1000th of a second is
lost.
Mains adaptor
Mains power 230V AC 50 Hz
or 115V AC 60 Hz
depending on model
Output voltage 9V DC 1.2A
software CD-ROM, Windowscompatible from 2000 up.
10 Description
These numbers refer to the drawing on the next page.
1. Paper compartment cover.
2. Paper cutter.
3. Paper compartment
4. correction menu
5. manual start/stop or switch on.
6. arm the start and stop channels
7. up cursor.
8. Numeric keyboard.
9. validation
10. escape without modification.
11. down cursor.
12. paper advance.
13. LCD screen.
15. Reset.
16. External START socket.
17. External STOP socket.
18. Battery compartment cover.
19. Battery compartment.
20. Socket for external power supply.
21. Socket for connection to PC and scoreboard.
22. Socket for extension of input channels
23. Cable route.
24. serial number
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