National FIS Software : Timing

Timing

• Setup & Test

• Timers

• Managing The Race

• Intervals & Speed Traps

The software can manage the timing of the race by receiving data from a timer attached to the computer. This is usually done via serial connections with timing devices but may also be done for some timers via a LAN or USB connection.

Results can be sent to a scoreboard via another serial port.

There are three modes of operation related to timing:

Practice Mode

If a timer has not been selected in the setup & test screen, actual time data can not be processed by the software and the timing screens will open in practice mode. Practice mode gives options for manual starts and finishes and gives a great opportunity to practice the timing features of the software. As not to be confused with real times, all practice times are to a whole second and an audit entry is created.

Timing Mode

A key and license is needed to use the timing features but everything can be connected and tested without a key. The only restriction without a key is you'll only be allowed to practice in the timing screen for two minutes. So, before committing you can connect timing equipment, make sure it communicates with the software and try out some of the timing management features of the software. With a key and valid license there are no restrictions.

Demo Mode

If a key and license is not connected to the computer when the software starts everything can still be connected and tested. If there isn't a timer set in the setup & test screen then the timing screens will operate in practice mode (above) but if a timer is set then timing screens will be in demo mode. Demo mode is fully functional and will accept times from the timer, but will close after two minutes. It's done this way so the process of interfacing to a timer can be fully tested even without a key.