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Connect to Colorado Timing System (CTS) 5 and 6

  • Updated

To maximize the capabilities of Swimcloud Meet, set up both of these connections between your Colorado Timing System (CTS) and Swimcloud Meet computer:

  1. Timer/Results – Transfers race result data from the timer to Swimcloud Meet.
  2. Live Virtual Scoreboard (Optional) – Broadcasts live results to any device.

Computer Requirements

  • Mac OS or Windows computer with Swimcloud Meet installed.
  • Two open USB ports.
  • Internet connection (required for initial setup and uploading post-meet results).

Cable & Port Requirements

  • A minimum of one USB to RS-232 cable compatible with your computer to pull race result data from the timer.
  • Swimcloud's scoreboard adapter and another USB to RS-232 cable compatible with your computer to push live scoreboard data to Swimcloud
  • Ensure your USB ports are unlocked. A compatible USB hub may also work with your computer hardware.
  • Pro-Tip: Test all hardware and connections before your meet to avoid last-minute issues.

📹 Video Help: Overview of CTS Connections to Swimcloud Meet

Step 1: Connect the Timer

  1. Turn on your CTS unit and complete any startup procedures. Confirm the date and time on the CTS unit match the current date and time.  If not, we strongly suggest correcting this information on the CTS.
  2. Open Swimcloud Meet and the specific meet you’ll be running.
  3. Click on the Time System tab in the upper right-hand corner and select Colorado Time Systems.
  4. Connect one RS-232 cable from Com Port 1 on your CTS unit to an available USB port on your computer.
  5. Select the correct COM port in Swimcloud Meet.
  6. A green dot next to the Time System Tab will confirm a successful connection.

📹 Video Help: How to connect the Serial to USB Cable to CTS 5 or 6

Step 2: Set Up the Live Scoreboard (Optional)

  1. Insert the Swimcloud Scoreboard Adapter into the scoreboard plug on the timing system.
  2. Connect:
    • Your existing male scoreboard cable, if available.
    • The second RS-232 cable for live data reading.
    • HDMI cable (optional) for local display on a monitor or screen.
  3. Open the Scoreboard tab in Swimcloud Meet.
  4. Select any available Paths until the green light indicates a successful connection.
  5. To display the scoreboard, open a separate scoreboard window on your computer.

📹 Video Help: How to connect Swimcloud's Virtual Scoreboard Adapter

Step 3: Write Events to the Timer

  1. Go to the Time System tab in Swimcloud Meet.
  2. Select the meet sequence for your meet, then choose Write Events to transfer the event list to your CTS unit.

Verification Steps

  1. Confirm the date and time on the CTS unit match the current date and time.
  2. Verify that the events and heats on the CTS unit match the events and heats for your meet.

You're all set to start your meet! If any issues arise, remember to double-check connections or refer to the video help links provided above.

Good luck, and have a great meet!

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