Configuring Your Pro Controller using a .ini File

Introduction

Using a .ini file to configure multiple controllers quickly can drastically reduce headache during race prep. The example image in step 4 below shows a file that could be used to configure 3 different controllers.

Below, you will find a list of settings that can be altered on your Controller using a .ini file and a USB drive. Some of these settings can be changed using the user interface of the controller, depending on the BoxScore version running on the Controller. All of the below functions are available within the interface of BoxScore 3.

Before you can configure your Pro with a .ini file, you will need to download the New.zip folder from the Downloads section at the end of this article. This folder contains three .dll files and a .exe file that are necessary to configure the Controller. There is also a .ini file with some test lines. You can customize that .ini or replace it with one of your own.

The items that can be altered are:

If you want to return a setting to its default value, leave the space after the = sign blank.

Please note that on Pro controllers running BoxScore 3, the ini file may not set/clear the server IP address. Please verify this setting before sending equipment into the field.

Setting Up a New .ini File

To set up a .ini file:

1. On your computer, open Notepad or another text editor.
2. Type the event name in this configuration: XXXXX.YYYY = ZZZZ
   To save time and effort, you may create a file that references multiple Controller serial numbers if you need to enact changes to specific controllers without creating a separate .ini file for each one. (See the example below)
   Configurations will NOT be transmitted to networked controllers. The CtrlCfg.ini file must be introduced to each controller individually.
3. XXXXX should be the 4-5 digit serial number of your controller. You can also specify ALL to set the values for any controller the .ini file is introduced to. A file may contain commands for multiple individual controllers. (See the example below)
   YYYYY should be the Field you would like to alter.
   ZZZZZ should be the Command or Number that affects that field. (IP address, YES/NO, default, etc.)
   Values must be in ALL CAPS. Spacing is not necessary between elements - notice the FINISH point in the example below.
   
4. You can also add notes to the file by preceding the note with the # symbol.
   Example:
   
   The preferred method for setting or removing a Gateway address for Controllers running BoxScore 1.26 is with a .ini file.
5. Save the file on your computer as CtrlCfg.ini
6. You will need to select 'All Files' in the Save as type field.
   
7. Now place this file in the New folder you downloaded earlier (replace the existing .ini if necessary) and place the folder in the root directory of a blank USB drive. We recommend a drive no larger than 2 GB.
   
8. Ensure that your Controller is powered off, then insert the USB drive and power it on. 
9. You will see a window appear that says USB Config that lists the changes being made on the Controller. If the frame of the window is red, one or more of the changes was unsuccessful.
10. Once the Pro completes its boot sequence, the changes should be in effect. On BoxScore 3 controllers, the boot-up sequence may hang after configuring with an INI file. Simply reboot the controller and all changes should be in effect.

Bear in mind that you may have as few or as many lines in the file as necessary.

You may return ALL settings on the Controller to their default values by inserting a USB drive with a blank .ini file into the controller and then powering it on.