Introduction
Before you can score your race on race day, you must transmit the timing data from your Controllers to a computer for processing and scoring. If you want to be able to offer live results and athlete updates in CT Live, pulling the data from the controller on a USB drive won't work.
The Pro Series Controller offers several different connection options to choose from for transferring data to scoring software during the race, and Timers just starting out may find it difficult to choose which one works best for them. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, and one method may work better than another in different scenarios. The options and a brief description of how they work are listed below. For specifics on how to use each option, see the guides located Here.
GPRS (Cellular)
The built-in GPRS modem in the Pro Series Controller is arguably the most simple, and most-used method for transmitting data from the Controller to CT Live or other scoring platforms. The GPRS modem allows you to transmit timing data to the ChronoTrack Server and then access it from the StreamManager web application or the local-based SimpleClient program.
To transmit data to your computer from miles away is invaluable for any type of event with remote split points or really any point that you can't reach easily and quickly. This enables you to continue to offer live results and Athlete Updates even for split points that are miles away from civilization.
The ability to use StreamManager to manipulate and transmit data to your scoring platform allows you greater versatility with which computer you use on race day. Because it's an account-controller, web-based program, you can access and use it from any device with an internet connection.
One possible drawback to using GPRS is that you have to have a Data-Only cellular plan from AT&T or T-Mobile in the US (any GSM network will work). These plans can be purchased cheaply, however, and the amount of data used by the controller is very small. Once you have purchased the plan, you install the full-size SIM card into the controller, do some minor configuration, and you're in business.
Another possible drawback is being at the mercy of signal strength in the area of your Event, both for the Controller and your laptop. If your Controller is connected and streaming data, but you can't access the internet from your computer, you won't be able to manipulate the data, and must then use an Ethernet Connection or a USB thumb drive. If a controller is at a remote split point where signal is weak, it may not be able to establish a solid connection to transmit data. Consider your Event's location carefully and have a back-up plan ready if you're doubtful of signal strength. If connection is ever broken between the controller and the server, there will not be 'gaps' in the data once the connection is re-established. The data will continue from the point where the connection was lost.
Pros:
- Stream from anywhere with a cellular connection
- Access and process data from any internet-connected device
- Provide updates and live results for even the most remote points
- Simple to set up
- No physical connection to the Controller necessary
- Process data through both SimpleClient and StreamManager
Cons:
- Cell signal in remote locations isn't always reliable
- You must purchase a data-only plan from a cellular provider ($10-$20 per month, depending on the provider)
- If the Controller is transmitting, but your laptop has no connection, you can't process the data.
LAN/Ethernet
The second-most-used method for transferring data from a Pro Controller to a computer for processing is a "hard" LAN connection with an Ethernet cable. Many people prefer this method since it isn't susceptible to signal strength issues, and unless the cable is cut or intentionally disconnected, the connection will remain unbroken.
This method is ideal for races with a common start and finish, or where you can collect and process the start data and then move to the finish before athletes start coming in.
If you are using a local-based scoring platform such as Race Director or RunScore, an internet connection won't be necessary at all, which allows greater freedom to run events in remote locations where internet connectivity may be unavailable.
This setup is not ideal for remote split points where you cannot be present to collect and process data. This means that you cannot offer athlete updates or live results for split points unless the Controllers at the splits are connected to the Server via cellular.
You must use the Classic Data Suite software (CCS Lite and SimpleClient) to process data when the controller is connected via LAN, and the computer must be specially configured to interface with the controller. Compared to the GPRS method, setup is slightly more complicated, and it's not nearly as easy to switch between computers when using this method since each computer must have Classic Data Suite installed and configured before data can be transmitted. If you have a dedicated scoring computer, however, the process is greatly simplified and effectively becomes "plug and play" if the settings remain the same.
Another possible drawback to the LAN method is the necessity to be near the Controller. You can have up to 300 feet of continuous standard Ethernet cable. For distances greater than 300 feet, you must have a repeater to maintain the integrity of the signal to prevent loss or corruption.
Pros:
- Hard line eliminates the problem of signal strength
- No need for an internet connection if using a local-based scoring program
- No need to purchase a cellular data plan
Cons:
- Hard to use for remote split points
- Setup can be difficult
- Requires changing your computer's LAN IP address
WiFi
Not used nearly as often, this method is very similar to the Ethernet method in almost every way, except instead of a hard line, you are transmitting data to your Computer via the Controller's built-in WiFi modem.
Using the built-in WiFi modem does not require an internet connection since the Controller itself broadcasts an ad-hoc network. If you're using a local-based scoring program, you don't have to have an internet connection at all. It also eliminates the necessity to run an Ethernet cable.
As with the Ethernet connection, you must use the Classic Data Suite software (CCS Lite and SimpleClient) to process data, and the computer must be specially configured to interface with the controller. Again, compared to the GPRS method, setup is slightly more complicated, and it's not nearly as easy to switch between computers when using this method since each computer must have Classic Data Suite installed and configured before data can be transmitted.
One drawback to using the WiFi method, like the Ethernet method, is that the range is limited. The WiFi network broadcast by the Controller is reliable to 100 feet with a theoretical maximum distance of 300 feet. The maximum distance would demand perfect conditions with no interference of any kind. In practice, for distances greater than 100 feet, an Ethernet cable would be more reliable or a GPRS connection if the cellular signal in the area is good.
Another drawback is that the WiFi signal can be somewhat susceptible to interference from nearby objects and conflicting signals. If connection is ever broken between the controller and the computer, there will not be 'gaps' in the data once the connection is re-established. The data will continue from the point where the connection was lost.
Pros:
- No need to run a physical cable
- No need for an internet connection if using a local-based scoring program
- No need to purchase a cellular data plan
Cons:
- Hard to use for remote split points
- Setup can be difficult
- Requires changing your computer's WiFi IP address
- Switching between computers is not ideal