Claro has two PCs and these have been permanently set up as required. They have all the s/w on them that is needed. They are an IBM Thinkpad which is usually used as the Master PC and a Toshiba which is used as a Slave. To run the SportIdent s/w the master must be running but the slave need not be. The slave can do everything the master can but all the data is held on the master. Two PCs are usually enough to run an event.

•  Connect the two PCs using the yellow cross over Ethernet cable.
•  Start OE2003 on the master (the IBM think Pad) and the slave (Toshiba PC)
•  Set up the event on the Master by setting up a new event then copying ‘colour coded base event’ [event->copy] and changing name and date. Then select this event [event->select]. Always copy the event options, clubs and classes. If the planner did not provide the course as an .xml file then copy the courses as well. CHECK THIS
•  Set up slave PC. [Settings->LAN]. Then select event from master PC list. (Directory is (master)\C\program files\sportsoftware\OE2000)
•  If you do not have the courses in an .xml file:
  •  Enter all new controls [Courses->Controls] excluding textual descriptions. Codes 101 – 170 are already set up.
  •  Enter the controls on each course [Courses->Courses] and the course length and climb.
  •  Print out the controls on each course and check for errors.
•  If you have the courses in an .xml file:
  •  TO WRITE

• Connect an SI master station to the PC
• Run the SPORTident manager and use [SI station->Prepare->competition mode]
• Check the PC time is correct
• Try not to change the number of any SI station – it’s a lot easier that way
• Do not use quick mode.
• Check with the planner what the start and end time should be. End time is course close time plus 10 minutes. Start time depends on when the controller/planner is going to go round and check all the SI stations.
• Set the start and end date/time in the program
• Program the number controls in order (the s/w increments the control number for you)
• For each numbered SI station, plus 2 starts, 2 clears, 2 checks and 2 finish SI stations:
  • Wake up each SI station with a magnet
  • Place on the master SI station and select write
  • After writing check SI number was as expected and battery levels are OK ( less than 90% used)
  • Check it is working with a dibber – the station responds to a dibber when in standby, it just takes longer
  • Download dibber after checking all controls to ensure time is correct
• Select 3 or 4 spare SI stations and make sure they are in working order
• Check at least 3 master (download) SI stations are in working order.

•  Start Archive manager (AM2003). Note that OE2003 must be closed
•  Click Archive->Select. The archive folder will be C:\Program Files\SportSoftware\OE2002\Archive. Click OK
•  Click Import->Runners. The ASCII import file is siOrienteers.csv. The (field) delimiter is semicolon and the string delimiter is “. Ensure the ‘add and update’ option is selected and CSV file format. CHECK THIS

The idea is to test all the equipment and the event that has just been set up.

• Plug everything together as you would for an event (batteries, inverter, PCs and printer and hub)
• Start the event software as you would for the event including download stations
• Enter at least 3 competitors – using real and hired dibbers. Use both PCs
• Send the 3 dibbers round a ‘course’ – only a start and finish are actually necessary
• Download all 3 and check the printed split times. Use both PCs.
• Delete these 3 from the event database

In the past we have used an inverter which converts 12 volt DC from the car battery to 240 volts AC. The PCs and printer are than connected to the inverter using there normal AC power supplies. It is a very good idea to earth this system.

• Connect the inverter to the battery.
• Earth the inverter.
• Plug a 4 way power socket into the inverter
• Plug PC mains adaptors into both PCs and into the 4 way.

Recently we have started to use dc-dc converters (gray oval units). There are 3 of these, one for each PC and printer. They are labelled since the voltages and connectors are different. There is also a four way connector with crocodile clips and 4 car cigarette lighter style sockets

•  Plug the DC/DC converter into each PC/printer using the power sockets.
•  Plug the other end into the four way.
•  Attach the four way using the crocodile clips to the battery terminals.

This is the preferred option

The things to be done are

• Fill car up with kit – see check list below
• Put up the tent (ensure you have help)
• Plug all the kit together and give it a quick test (see below)

Layout the equipment so that the Toshiba is at the registration end and the IBM at the download end.

• Connect the DC or AC system as required
• Use one of the high capacity batteries only  (keep the other as backup)
• Connect the two PCs together using the cross over Ethernet cable.
• Connect the Epson thermal printer to the IBM P.C. parallel port
• Connect a master SI station to each PC
• If results are going to be produced on the day connect the (A4) printer to the Toshiba. (do not turn on until needed)
• Start OE2003 on both PCs and ensure they are both using the correct event.
• Turn on the two SI stations with a magnet

Those with their own dibbers enter this way. The Toshiba is used for this. The competitor’s completed entry form is not used but kept in case of problems later.

The window required is [Entries->Direct Entries]. If the archive window does not appear click on Show Archive Table. Also click the green button icon on the toolbar to activate the SI reader.
You will now be able to put a dibber into the upload control and that person’s details will appear. Check these details with them and enter the course they are running (in the field labelled Class).
If they do not have their dibber with them then the number can be entered followed by tab.
If their details are wrong or there are no details at all (they are not in the database), then they can be entered here but if there is a queue then it is best to put their entry form to one side for latter processing.
When a minor muddle occurs press the green back arrow on the toolbar to clear the entry and start again.
If a mistake is made and noticed before the entry is complete, then simply change it. If the mistake is not noticed in time, then the [entries->entries] window needs to be used to do the correction. It is probably best to put the entry forms in error in a separate pile and do all the corrections in one go.

These are done on the IBM PC until downloading starts when they can move on to the Toshiba PC as most of the upload entries will have finished by then.

The window used for this is [Entries->Entries]. Press Ins to enter a new competitor and simply enter their details. All that is required is

• Rented – put in an x if rented
• Dibber number in column SI card
• Name
• Club – if the club is not in the drop down list use IND.
• Course – in the column called Class
• Age class – in the column called Text1
• Press enter to save it.

When a minor muddle occurs press Esc followed by Ins to start again

The IBM PC will be used for downloading and the results will be printed on the thermal printer.

Downloading is enabled by opening the window [Competition day->Read SI Cards]. Make sure that the attached SI master station is on before doing this. It is probably a good idea to open up this window at start of day, then the PC can switch between entries and downloading very easily and quickly.
All the download operator has to do is confirm the name and time with the competitor.
If the dibber has been hired, then a message will appear on the screen, it should be handed in at this point.
Problems should not be dealt with by the download operator but passed on to whoever is sorting out such things.

The general principle is not to handle problems there and then but get the competitor to write down their name/SI number and problem on a handy piece of paper.

The most common problems are

• Unknown competitor. Store the download information in the reserved area (as prompted by the SI system) and get the details written down
• Wrong course. Get details written down
• SI control not working. Tell competitor, it will be sorted out later
• One off mispunching complaint. Refer to planner/controller

If you wish to print on the day results (I never bother) then connect the Epson (A4) printer to the IBM PC and use Competition day->Results->Preliminary (Classes). It also tells you how many have yet to finish (e.g Blue(5/6)).

Competition day-> results->Statistics will tell you how many left to download.

Competition day->more results-> missing runners will tell you who is still out. You will need to sift out the problems reported above. This does not distinguish those who have not started from those who are still out. To do this you can upload the start boxes (I have never had to do this) MORE DETAILS NEEDED

• The tent, tent pegs and mallet
• Tables (3)
• Chairs
• Lead acid batteries (fully charged)
• Pair of jump leads to connect batteries together
• Inverter and cabling
• Backup cable to run inverter from a car.
• Earthing cable and rod
• IBM Thinkpad PC (with fully charged battery), mains adaptor and mouse and mouse mat
• Toshiba PC, mains adaptor and mouse
• Ethernet cross over cable
• Epson Splits Printer (check ink cartridges), Printer cable and mainlead. Paper Rolls
• Epson A4 Printer and paper
• Scissors
• Lots of entry forms
• Pens
• Tape for holding wires down
• Tape for renumbering SI stations + marker pen
• Signs
• Claro SI master station
• YHOA kit
• Dibbers

After the event but before publishing the results, you can check the results against the entry forms. This is a real hassle and I do not bother any more.

There will be a number of issues arising from the download that need sorting. Use [Entries->Entries] to change things. This included putting in the correct details for those in the reserve lists

Check all those who are reported as mispunching. Some of those reported as mispunching will be wrong courses.
Use [Competition Day -> evaluate SI cards] to check these things for all mispunched competitors. Once corrected select [Action->code checking] from this screen to recalculate. Note this screen has a split window which if hidden makes the screen difficult to understand. Expand the main window to see the split.

Competition day->Results->Official (Classes) is the one to use. Use Print or Publish to an html page an then put on the Claro web site

Competition day->Results->SportIdent (Classes) is the one to use for splits. Use Print or Publish to an html page and then put on the Claro web site.