Swimcloud Meet Manager works seamlessly with most Daktronics timing consoles — but only when set up correctly. This article will walk you through supported Daktronics configurations, setup steps, port settings, and common troubleshooting tips.
🚫 Before You Begin: Unsupported Configurations
Swimcloud Meet Manager does not support the following Daktronics configurations:
❌ Ethernet-based setups that connect the Daktronics timer console, meet manager computer, display computer, and scoreboard via LAN
❌ Use of Daktronics Swimming PRO Software
❌ Any configuration not using a serial connection to the timer
Swimcloud Meet Manager supports serial connections only.
Daktronics Port Configuration Guide
Swimcloud uses serial communications for both race results and Swimcloud's virtual scoreboard data. Make sure your Daktronics console is configured correctly:
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Disable Ethernet Output
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If your timer is sending race data over Ethernet, you'll need to disable this and enable the Results port instead
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RTD Must Emulate CTS Protocol
To display live results, configure the RTD port to emulate the |CTS protocol
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Results Port
This port is typically preconfigured for OMNI 2000*
If you need to adjust this port's settings, here's how:
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Use the Right Serial-to-USB Cable
We recommend high-quality cables with an FTDI chipset for reliability and compatibility with both Mac and Windows.✅ Recommended Cables:
⚠️ Avoid cheap generic cables, which often cause dropped connections or failures to connect.
Connecting Your Daktronics to Swimcloud Meet Manager
Use the detailed steps below to properly connect your Daktronics system to Swimcloud Meet Manager.
Click here for a Daktronics — Pre-Meet Checklist for Swimcloud Meet Manager
Click here for Daktonic's Omnisport 2000 Complete Operation Manual
Click here for Daktronic's Swimming Quick Reference Guide
1. Power on the Daktronics Console
Turn on the timing console
Select Timer Name (Leave this as the default "OMNI-1")
Enter the correct date and time (This helps you identify the correct races)
Choose Sport 1 – Swimming
2. Open Swimcloud Meet Manager
Launch the Swimcloud Meet Manager app on your computer
Select the meet you are running
3. Connect the Daktronics Results Port
Plug a serial-to-USB cable into the Results Port on the Daktronics timer
Do not yet plug the USB end into your computer
4. Configure the Timing System in Swimcloud
In Swimcloud Meet, click Timing Systems
Select Daktronics
Plug the USB end of the serial cable from the results port on the Daktronics into your Meet Manager computer
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Click the blue COM Port button that appears
Please note that some computers may connect automatically. Or, if you have used Swimcloud Meet Manager on this computer before, it may connect automatically.
✅ You should see a green light confirming a solid connection
⚠️ If not:
Try a different USB port
Or reboot your computer to clear any COM port blocks from other programs
5. Send and Verify the Event List
Remain in the Timing System / Daktronics tab
Click Write Event List in Swimcloud
On the Daktronics console, click the "NEXT EVENT" button to cycle through your event list to confirm the event list matches your meet
Press the "EVENT/HEAT" button, then enter Event 1, Heat 1 to set the Daktronics back to event #1 and ready to start your meet.
6. Connect the Daktronics RTD Port (Scoreboard)
Plug a serial-to-USB cable into the RTD Port on the Daktronics timer
In Swimcloud Meet, click Scoreboard
Connect the USB end to your computer
Click the blue COM Port button that appears
✅ Look for a green connection light
⚠️ If not:
Try a different USB port
Or reboot the computer
7. Test the Timing System
Start a test race from the starter system
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Confirm that:
Pads and Buttons trigger correctly
Scoreboard displays as expected
🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips
Issue: Swimcloud Meet Manager loses connection or stops receiving data
Solution:
Unplug the USB cable from the computer
Wait a few seconds
Reconnect it
Look for the green connection light again in Swimcloud
This simple reset often resolves USB timeout issues.
Issue: You need to manually enter a Daktronics race number into Swimcloud Meet Manager.
Solution:
If you have the paper receipt, look at that for the race number and enter it.
If you don't have the paper receipt, click MENU-4-5-1 to see the last race number.
Still Need Help?
If you’ve followed the above steps and still need assistance, contact support@swimcloud.com.