Getting Started
Why use Split Second?
Split Second, Inc. started in 1990 creating software solutions for many sports, primarily ski racing. This has remained our primary focus since then. We are the main supplier of ski race software in the US and many other countries worldwide.
For Split Second, development and support of our software is not a hobby; this is what we do day in and day out.
We maintain relationships with key organizations and encourage feedback from users. These ongoing relationships have helped our products remain cutting edge and compliant with rules as they evolve and change.
Emphasis has always been placed on ease of use. Typically after a small amount of practice with the software, users can intuitively find how to do the tasks they need.
Just Try It !
The best way to get familiar with the Software is to install it and start 'playing'.
Simply download the latest Software from the web page and install it. You don't need to buy or pay to use non-timing features. This means that you may use the software on as many computers as you want, and do anything you want, except interface to and manage timing, for free!
You may also connect timing equipment and practice timing without paying for anything. (The only restriction without purchasing a Key & License is that you'll only be able to stay in a timing screen for two minutes.)
Things to try (applies to National / FIS and Club):
- create a race (file)
- set up the header page
- enter competitors
- sort, edit, move, and delete data
- create reports
- connect timing equipment
- play around with timing features
- play around with Live-Timing
Which Software?
National / FIS
The National / FIS Software should be used for any Alpine, Snowboard, Cross Country or Masters events that are sanctioned as by a National Governing Body (USSA, ACA, NZSA etc.), or FIS. It's more rule-bound than the Club Software because sanctioned events are more structured. At the lower levels, races sometimes don't fit well into the sanctioned rules but every effort should be made to use the National / FIS Software for the event so that the data can be made available for scoring or record keeping.
Please contact Split Second if you need help or advice on this.
If the event isn't a FIS, USSA, ACA, NZSA, etc., use the Club Software.
Club
The Club Software is the simplest to use, yet probably the most powerful. It can be used to time virtually any Alpine ski race as well as be used for cross country, running, mountain biking, triathlon or other individual, wave or mass start events.
Toolbox
The Toolbox is companion software currently under development that will interface to both the National / FIS and the Club Software. It runs on a separate computer and communicates with the other Software via a network. It's initial use will be as an announcer monitor but will optionally allow remote data entry and editing.
System Requirements
The processor and memory requirements for Split Second's software are very modest given the power of most computers.
So, if your computer was made in the last five years, there should be no problems with computer power. The software requires no more than 50Mb of hard disk space and data files (races) are so small you could typically store thousands of them on a computer before running out of storage space.
Basically, if other programs run fine, Split Second's software will run fine.
It's important that you have a good anti-virus software and keep it up to date. PCs have an annoying ability to get increasing clogged up with 'stuff' that will eventually cripple even the most powerful processor. If your computer gets increasingly slow you should consider clearing it out and reinstalling Windows from scratch. This should only be done by someone who knows what they're doing!
Operating System
Currently, Windows Vista and Windows XP are supported. The software should work without problems with Windows 2000, but is not 'supported' simply because we don't have any W2000 computers in our office.
There is not a Mac version, but some users have successfully had the software running on a Mac with PC emulation software.
Connections for Hardware
If the software is being used with a Software Key to enable timing features, a USB port will be needed for the Key.
Most Timing Equipment attaches to the computer via old style Serial Connections. These are 9 pin 'D' style connectors but unfortunately these very rarely come with computers now, especially laptops. So, the solution is adapters to get the needed serial ports. It's a matter of preference, but the two main ways to achieve this is either via a PC Card (if your computer has one) or via USB to Serial adapters.
The number of USB ports needed can quickly add up. Depending on your needs and configuration you may need a port for each of the following: Software Key, Timer, Scoreboard, Printer, Mouse, Keyboard, Memory Stick
Having a computer with a number of USB ports may be helpful, or more can be added by using a USB Hub.
Internet
At some point you'll almost certainly need to get online. There's a myriad of options to do this, but this should be taken into consideration along with the situation when choosing a computer to use with the software.