Finding timing system set up problems
BEFORE they occur
There was a recent discussion on the USA Swimming Forum web site about what to do if items are plugged into the timing system incorrectly. This certainly warrants some discussion and advice. Almost everyone sets up their timer and then runs a test to make sure that every thing is functioning correctly; if you do not do this you should.
Timer Set Up Test
You should do this test in an orderly fashion in order to get the best information back. After all equipment is set up, do the following:
- Start the timer in the normal manner that will be used at your meet; do not use a keyboard start for your test.
- Hit all touch pads and buttons, in this order: touchpad first, then "A" button, "B" button, and "C" button. The reason to do these in order is to make sure that you did not plug the touchpad into the wrong connector.
When you look at the printout from the timer the pad and button times for each lane should be in ascending order and each lane should be ascending from the first. If they are not in the proper order you will know that something is connected incorrectly. If you just go out and randomly push the buttons and touchpad you will not be able to tell that they are connected incorrectly; you will only know that all of the buttons work. Proceeding in an orderly fashion does not take any longer but it does give you more useful information.
Color-Coding Pushbuttons
Hint: If you use more than one button for your meets, color-code your buttons with colored tape. Just wrap a little red tape around the cable (right next to the button) for all "A" buttons, use other colors for the "B" and "C" buttons. This allows the timers to always pick up the same button when they reach for it. This in turn allows you to track the performance of the individual button pushers: in case you notice that one button on a lane is always coming in early you will be able to know which person is pushing that button.
The Difference between Start & Backup Start
If you are using a cable harness you will notice that the connector pods on both ends of the cable are labeled "Start" and "Backup Start." There is a difference in these two connections.
Historically, the "Backup Start" goes back to our very first timers used with a gun start. Because the gun did not always give a signal that would start the timer we used a "Backup Start" that was triggered by a human hitting a button. We knew that this human start signal was coming in later than the "real" start signal so we automatically add .15 seconds to the clock to account for the delay. This "Backup Start" adjustment has remained in our all of our timers up to but not including the System 6. This means that if you are running a System 5 and plug your start system into the "Backup Start," you will be adding .15 seconds to everyone's time.
You also need to check your setting on the System 5 in the SETUPS area, under the Start heading, to make sure that it is set to "automatic." If it is set to "manual," you will be adding that .15 seconds onto everyone's time. The System 6 timer got rid of the potential for plugging into the wrong "Start" connection by treating all start inputs the same.
Bob Clauson is a nationally
renowned authority in swimming and meet management. |
