Setting the Time on a Pro Controller

Introduction

Because ChronoTrack equipment and software use time of day for tag reads you must first sync the time on the controller as accurately as possible in order to collect accurate reads with your Controller.

To avoid disparity between individual controllers, we recommend you "daisy-chain" controllers together with ethernet cables before syncing times. When you sync the time on one controller, the time sync will be passed to all networked controllers. This not only speeds up the process of syncing, but ensures that all controllers are on exactly the same time. 

Important: When controllers are powered off, their internal time is kept by what is called a CMOS battery. The CMOS battery is not powerful, and controllers may experience 'drift' when powered off. Because of this, we recommend that Controllers be synced on race day immediately prior to being distributed to their respective points on the course without turning them off.

There are several ways to sync the time on your Controller. These are listed below from most to least accurate.

• Sync from NTP via a Laptop
• Sync from a ChronoSync
• Manual Sync

Sync from NTP via a Laptop

NTP stands for Network Time Protocol, and is (generally-speaking) what most laptops draw their time from. Because the clock on a laptop connected to the internet is very accurate, syncing your Controller from your computer is the best way to ensure the time is set correctly. This can be done with either the Fusion software, or CCS Lite.

To Sync Your Controller from your Computer with Fusion:

1. Power on your Pro and your computer.
2. Connect the controller to the computer with an ethernet cable.
3. On the computer, open the Fusion application. 
4. Establish a connection between your controller and your laptop.
5. In Fusion, click the clock icon on the left side of the screen.
6. Decide whether to use System, Internet, or Manual time and then click Sync All. 

To Sync Your Controller from your Computer with SimpleClient:

1. Power on your Pro and your computer.
2. Connect the controller to the computer with an ethernet cable.
3. On the computer, open the CCS Lite application. (No special configuration is necessary to sync times)
4. Click Manage Controllers > Time Sync. You will see a running clock that shows your computer's current system time.
   
5. Click Sync Controllers and click Yes on the confirmation dialogue.
6. You should see the red LEDs above the display on the controller light for 30 seconds. This indicates a successful sync.
   

Sync from a ChronoSync

ChronoTrack has created a device with an ultra-accurate internal clock that is accurate to a tenth of a second for 3 days after syncing.

Please note that a ChronoSync is only compatible with BoxScore 3 and MiniTracks running firmware version 5.3.8 or higher.

For instructions on how to sync your Pro Controller with a ChronoSync, see our guide HERE.

Manual Sync

In the absence of a laptop or ChronoSync from which to sync, you can perform a manual time sync on the controller.

To Perform a Manual Time Sync

1. Navigate to Controller/System > Time 
2. For BoxScore 3, press the Manual button and enter the date and time, following the time format spelled our on the Manual Time window. Then press Set Clock.
        
   For BoxScore 1.26, check the Manual radio button and then press Enter Time. On the next screen, enter the time in 24-hour format (military time), then press ok. Now use the arrows next to the Month, Day, and Year fields to selYou should see the red LEDs above the display on the controller light for 30 seconds. This indicates a successful sync.ect the correct time, then press Set Time. 
        
3. You should see the red LEDs above the display on the controller light for 30 seconds. This indicates a successful sync.
   If you're using BoxScore 1.26, the time will automatically be sent to any networked controllers. If you're using BoxScore 3, you will need to press the Broadcast Time button to pass the time to networked controllers.