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Connecting Swimcloud Meet to Superior Swim Timing - SST

  • Updated

Superior Swim Timing (SST) works directly with Swimcloud Meet, giving you accurate timing, fast file exchange, and optional live scoreboards. This guide shows you how to set up SST and connect it to Swimcloud Meet.

This guide is intended for meet administrators setting up SST with Swimcloud Meet Manager for the first time. For meet-day verification, see the SST Pre-Meet Checklist.

What You’ll Need

Hardware

  • SST timer (latest firmware)

  • Deck harness, pads, buttons, starter, and cables

  • Windows computer running SST software and Swimcloud Meet Manager (recommended: on the same computer)

    • We recommend using another monitor in this configuration. One monitor for SST and one for Swimcloud Meet Manager

  • (Optional) A separate computer for Swimcloud Meet Manager

  • (Optional) Swimcloud Scoreboard Adapter + serial-to-USB cable

  • (Optional) Internet connection for Swimcloud's live scoreboard

Install Software

File Sharing

  • A shared meet folder where SST and Swimcloud Meet can exchange files

Step 1: Hardware Setup

  1. Place the SST timer and computer(s) in a safe, dry spot.

  2. Connect the starter, harness, pads, and buttons.

  3. Connect the timer to your Windows computer with the SST's USB cable.

    • On older Windows versions, install the drivers (see SST manual).

  4. (Optional) For live results, connect the Swimcloud Scoreboard Adapter to the timer with a serial-to-USB cable.

Step 2: Open Software

  1. Complete all meet entries and seeding actions for the meet on the Swimcloud Website.

  2. Open Swimcloud Meet Manager. Log in with your Swimcloud account.

    • Please note that an internet connection is required when first opening Swimcloud Meet. Swimcloud will download all pertinent meet, team, and swimmer information to the meet manager computer.

  3. Plug the SST's USB cable into the SST Console Computer.

  4. Before launching the SST Software, confirm that the SST timer is connected via the computer's USB port and detected under Devices.

⚠️ Important Tip: Avoid SST's Training Mode

If you start the SST software before plugging in the SST timer, the program will automatically open in Training Mode.


This mode is meant for simulation and will not communicate with Swimcloud Meet.

To avoid this:

  • Always connect the SST timer first, then launch the SST software.

  • If you see a “Training Mode” notice, close the SST program, plug in the timer, and restart it.

Step 3: Create a Shared Meet Folder

Swimcloud Meet and SST share files through a shared folder.

  • On the SST computer, create a shared folder for this meet (e.g., Documents\SST_Meets).

  • Or, use a networked folder that both computers can access.

  • Give the folder Read and Write permissions.

  • If using two computers, test the connection by dropping a file into the folder from each side.

⚠️ Important: Always create a new folder for every meet. Do not reuse a folder from a past meet. Reusing folders can cause file conflicts and incorrect results. Reusing a meet folder will cause Swimcloud Meet Manager to read old race results, leading to incorrect heat or result data.

Step 4: Connect Swimcloud Meet to SST Meet Folder

  1. Open Swimcloud Meet, click Time System.

  2. Select Superior Swim Timing.

  3. Choose the shared meet folder.

  4. Click Export Schedule to create the .sch file that SST needs to operate properly.

  5. Confirm the .sch file appears in the shared folder before proceeding.

Step 5: Configure SST Software

  1. When the SST Console is opened, it automatically opens to the Timer Configuration/Serial Scoreboard screen.

    • On the Serial Scoreboard tab, 

    • Review and confirm lanes, pads, and buttons are mapped correctly.

  2. Open SST and go to File > Open Event Schedule File.

  3. Point it to the shared folder.

  4. Select the generic.sch file. (this is the schedule file exported from Swimcloud Meet Manager).

(Optional) Set Up Virtual Scoreboard

Swimcloud Meet Setup

  1. Connect the Swimcloud Scoreboard Adapter to the SST timer.

  2. In Swimcloud Meet, click Scoreboard (upper-right).

  3. Pick the COM port for the adapter.

SST Console Setup

  1. Select the Serial Scoreboard Tab

    • Activate Outputs

    • OC "Event/Heat"

    • 12 "Running Clock"

  2. Click Open under "SST Timer"

  3. Click "Finished" in the upper left-hand corner

⚠️ Important: The timer must be running for data to show up on the Swimcloud Virtual Scoreboard.

Common "Gotchas"

Avoid these common setup and operational mistakes for a smoother-running meet

  • Reusing an old meet folder

  • Exporting the schedule before final seeding

  • Launching SST before the timer is connected

  • Forgetting to reopen SST after schedule changes

Troubleshooting

  • SST Timer under Scoreboard Port in the Serial Scoreboard Tab is not available: Something is wrong. Your computer is not communicating properly with the SST Timer through the USB port.

  • Timer not detected: Check drivers and confirm the COM port in Windows.

  • File issues: Re-check network permissions and shared folder access.

  • Missing results: Ensure the session folder is set correctly in both SST and Swimcloud Meet.

⚠️ Important: Any changes made in Swimcloud Meet Manager (scratches, additions, event order changes, etc.) after exporting the original meet schedule will not be reflected on the SST console software unless you re-export and re-import a new schedule file. Please note that you have to close the SST Console and reopen it to import the updated schedule file.

Once these steps are complete, you’re ready to start a live session and receive race results from SST into Swimcloud Meet. For more help, contact support@swimcloud.com.

 

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