Tip of the Day :)

[Ohio Race Day]

Here's a race timing tip.  Buy your safety pins from a dry cleaner supplier rather than Rainbow Racing or Road ID.  They have "open" pins also to save time when pinning shoe tags to bibs.  Currently Cleaner's Supply has a sale of buy two get one free.

http://www.cleanersupply.com/products/product.cfm?pID=2368

(I just found this "make an announcement" feature and had to try it out)

[joshspiker]

The pins work great. I have been getting them from Cleaners Supply for a few years.

Great idea to share special deals like this.

[blueridgetiming]

A great way to distribute chips to coaches at xc meets is with dvd cases. They are cheap and also fit into meet information packets.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B58osdAGOBbBb2RsUDdST2diOVE/edit?usp=docslist_api

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B58osdAGOBbBRzJwSEpEck5tcWc/edit?usp=docslist_api

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B58osdAGOBbBV1ZMWUFoSVdGVFU/edit?usp=docslist_api

[Brian Agee]

This weekend looks like it'll be a wet one for many parts of the country, so I thought I'd share a little about protecting your equipment from rain.

1. We only sell IP67 rated antennas. IP67 means that it's water and dust proof, so leaving the antennas in the rain is perfectly fine, but I completely understand if you're reluctant to do that. You can cover the antennas with a plastic bag if you'd like, RFID has no problems reading through plastic.

2. The cables are perfectly fine in the rain.

3. The tripods are fine in the rain, but I would dry them off before storing them away.

4. Most of this is common sense, but you'll want to keep the following items out of the rain - Camera, TV, Laptop, Power Strip, UPS Battery Backup, Reader(s), Printer, and possibly your race race clock if it's not all-weather rated.

There are numerous ways to protect your equipment from the race. The most obvious is to bring a tent if you have one available. Of course make sure you have weights (seen here) or anchors if it's windy. If you do not, you could park your vehicle right at he finish line and set the power strip, UPS battery backup, reader(s), and laptops in the back or in the passenger seat. If you have a hatchback vehicle then of course you can back up to the finish line and let he hatch act as an umbrella. You could also place your equipment in a covered tub and place it under your finish line table (see the 1:45 mark here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjgtkjD_wLY). In that video we set up our finish line right were the race director described, but about 15 minutes before they moved the finish 1/4 mile away. Race day is never boring! :)

[hubbard47630]

Here's a tip or heads up. Staples has the Brother QL-700 on sale, $60 off on sale for $39.00 

http://www.staples.com/Brother-QL-700-Label-Printer/product_356066

[Todd Gould]

Thanks Hubbard47630,

This is the best tip I have gotten from this group.  Out of Stock online, but local pickup was in-stock.  Boom.  Purchased!

[rtspt.usa]

i know.. i went and got 4 of them : )

[countycoachmo]

What do you guys use a label printer for? I have been doing XC races for 3 years and never needed one but if I can use one for something I am not doing, I am game.

[rtspt.usa]

results kiosk print out for road races.. i would not even think about bringing it out for xc meets...between the hs athletes or coaches.. i don't know who would be worse : )

[Tim Irvine]

WOW! I just bought one 3 days ago. DOH! But thanks for posting this. Great price!!!

[Peak Performance Timing]

Yes, thanks for the tip! I went my local store and bought the only two they had........Question is which label to use???? Which one is ART formated to print on properly? Brian, what do you use?

[hubbard47630]

I bought several of them for that price, glad you guys were able to get some as well.

[Ohio Race Day]

On sale -- Tiger Direct has a $299 laptop that specs out decently for this system.  3 USB ports and a numeric keypad.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9126284&SRCCODE=WEBGOOPA&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=paid_search_google_pla&scid=scplp1516095&gclid=Cj0KEQiAm_eiBRCWgIfq9pK1nZsBEiQAGqUcSUfTqmMCLiYeR6H-Pgc_PGGRoOFNigxJ6wOQvHdnZS0aAtYI8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

[hubbard47630]

There's been a lot of talk about video cameras in the race report thread. We use GoPros and Canon Vixia camcorders, if it rains we put up another 10 x 10 canopy so the 40" monitor and cameras don't get wet/ I believe in keeping it simple.

On that note here are a couple great BLACK FRIDAY deals from Canon-

VIXIA HF R400 Black Refurbished - $99 

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/camcorders/refurbished-consumer-camcorders/vixia-hf-r400-black-refurbished?cm_sp=estore-_-Bfdeals-_-Camcorder

OS Rebel T3 Black EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit Refurbished- $269

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-rebel-t3-black-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-lens-kit-refurbished

[Scovel Racing]

NEW Canon EOS Rebel T5 EF-S 18-55mm IS II Digital SLR Kit US Warranty - $299
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111523069182

[Brad Bauer]

The T5i looks like a great deal. I would just make a quick check with Brian to make sure it integrates with the timing software prior to buying. I know the T4i has some compatibility  issues.

[Ohio Race Day]

The last list of compatible cameras that I had was this ...

EOS-1D Mark III
EOS 40D
EOS-1Ds Mark III
EOS 450D/Rebel XSi
EOS 1000D/Rebel XS
EOS 5D Mark II
EOS 50D
EOS 500D/Rebel T1i
EOS 7D
EOS-1D Mark IV
EOS 550D/Rebel T2i
EOS 60D
EOS Rebel T3
EOS Rebel T3i
EOS Rebel T4i
EOS 5D Mark III
EOS-1D X

[Brian Agee]

If anyone needs rolls of label paper I have plenty that I can sell if you have trouble finding it online. I'm not sure if the price has gone up or down on these since I bought them last, but I'd sell mine for $7 each. When you look online, you'll want the 100' roll (DK-2205). A 100' roll will print 800 labels, so even if you're timing a large race you shouldn't have any concern about running out of paper frequently and of course since it's a thermal printer you have no worries about running out of ink (since it doens't use ink).

[Nick Preston]

Is this a good model/setup for a main computer?

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/391615/Lenovo-G50-Refurbished-Laptop-Computer-With/

[Brian Agee]

If you're looking for a cheap LED flat screen TV to use on the finish line:  40" HDTV - $199.99 with free shipping

I have no idea if this is a good TV or not, but for just displaying a clock it should be fine.

[Ohio Race Day]

@ Nick Preston

For me ... I like the brand, price, screen size, numeric keypad, 4GB of RAM and 6 hr battery life.  I wish it had 4 USB ports and I don't need 1 TB of space on the hard drive.  Also, I've not used Windows 8 so I can't comment on that.  I have two Lenovo E545 models that still come with Windows 7.  Lastly I don't like the glossy monitor screen.  Can't tell if this one has a matte screen or not.

[Nick Preston]

Thank you so much @Ohio Race Day.  That is probably more what my question is.  I'm personally a Mac guy, so I have limited knowledge which PC computers are the best to use for timing.  I use a Dell Latitude D630 and I'm not terribly impressed with it (no built in Bluetooth, screen is very hard to see outside-especially in direct sunlight, a bit slow and glitchy).  Providing a specific computer model to search for is very helpful.  It might be helpful here on the forum for those looking at buying a new system as well.

[Tim Irvine]

I use ASUS running Win 8 like this one and an older Toshiba Satellite running Win 7. I use 2 other older computers running XP to print/kiosk and Announcer. My ASUS has Bluetooth, but I have yet to use that function. The biggest 2  things I look for is matte screen and number pad. I also stay away from celeron processors. I am sure they work fine, I just like i3 or i5.

[Ohio Race Day]

Here's my tip of the day.  We've done away with our blue and white penant flag string to mark off the finish line area.  It seems to always be windy on race day in Ohio and we got tired of the stuff flapping so strongly in the breeze that it pulled over our stanchions/delineator posts.  We now go with surveyors marking tape.  You can get it for $3 a roll and one roll will last a couple or three races.  There's a lot less flapping since it is much thinner.  It comes in fancy colors, too!

http://www.zoro.com/g/Flagging%20Tape%20300%27%20Roll/00094809/None

edit: It unrolls fast and there is less fighting involved.  I throw it away after each race.

[Tim Irvine]

I made this switch last year too and you are sooo right about it being better. Faster setup, faster tear down. Just better all around. 

[Edward Schrank]

Great idea. What colors are you using?

[Ohio Race Day]

Blue with Black dots.  :)

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos?pid=6092403461173207170&oid=114364840817731264465&authkey=CKvGk5OrhoLqEw

.

[rtspt.usa]

i just bought a case of red and black. their prices are really good.

great tip Ohio

[blueridgetiming]

I also use the ribbon for the finish line area. Also, I constructed stand alone posts out of plywood and pvc pipe with threaded male and female end at the bottom and a cap to hold the ribbon at the top. They are real easy to put up and take down, plus they take up very little room in transit. Still have to paint them, but they do the job for now.

https://drive.google.com/thumbnail?id=0B58osdAGOBbBdVdQS1R4NkFRRVk&authuser=0&v=1422222247476&sz=w1008-h1317

[Edward Schrank]

Love to see what you built, but link doesn't seem to work. Was about to buy traffic pylons, but so expensive!

[blueridgetiming]

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B58osdAGOBbBdVdQS1R4NkFRRVk/edit?usp=docslist_api

Hopefully it works now...

[Edward Schrank]

That worked. thanks.

[Crystal McCullough]

I saw this on another timer's web site and I thought it was an interesting idea for labeling and displaying result printouts that I hadn't seen before. I'm not sure where you could buy a banner with pockets, but if you're comfortable with a sewing machine, it should be easy enough to sew with the proper equipment. I'm thinking I'll dust off my commercial machine and see what I can come up with. My only comments might be to try to mount it higher off the ground so it would be easier for people to view. Plus, it might be tough to use something like this when it's really windy. 

[Alan Bingham]

Many of the pop-up tents come with sides, I usually tape mine to the sides, or I put a table out and I simply tape them onto a folding table facing up. I seen one local group used plastic corrugated boards and would tape all of the pull off tabs to them, they have since moved to a computer system and they are using a competitors RFID system, so I suspect they are now posting results rather than the pull off tabs.

this looks like a good idea, but I'd suggest that you get some weights such as sand bags and weigh the bottom down, as I could see this thing getting blown over quite easily.

[Crystal McCullough]

Alan, I'm not sold on this being the best way to display results; it's simply an interesting way that I'd never seen before that I thought others might like to see. I agree that weights are necessary (I carry them to every race). 

You gave me an idea, though. I could sew clear pockets into a tent wall. :-) 

Crystal

[Edward Schrank]

I like the yellow "Unofficial Results" Tag. Gets it right up front!

[Jon Williams]

As long as the tent you are posting on is not too close to the finish line.  I don't like too many people gathered around when you are still trying to get the race scored.

[Tim Irvine]

I like to locate any posted results well beyond the finish line. Near the food table is a great spot since a lot of folks are already there. But I always like to funnel them away from the finish line ASAP.

[Alan Bingham]

I agree, some times I post it them to the venders tents, they like the traffic near their tents and I don't want anyone near timing.

[Crystal McCullough]

The Polaroid XS100 video camera that Brian purchased and is currently testing is the "Deal of the Day" at Amazon.com, on sale for $94.99. Sale ends in approximately 17.5 hours. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A81SXHI

[Brian Agee]

Thanks Crystal! Unfortunately the code just expired, but earlier this morning you could have entered coupon code 9ZYUO9QQ to get an additional $35 off from that. So $59.99 for the camera. Still a good price though.

I've only done a few tests with it so far. Here are my thoughts:

Pros:

• Small
• Rugged
• Waterproof
• Easy to operate

Cons:

• Video quality is not that great, but I've only tested it with the lowest settings so far in an attempt to make the battery last longer.
• Cannot record while charging
• Battery only last 3 hours

The next time I use it I plan on using the highest video quality settings to see how much of a difference it makes. Even the lowest settings should have been good (720p at 30 frames a second), but when I viewed the video the runners looked blurry. I used the lowest settings because I thought this would make the battery last longer. I plan on using it at one more event before I decide if I will buy a few more for the other timing crews.

Here are some videos I recorded with it at an indoor track meet I worked last weekend:

Men/Women 3K: http://youtu.be/97bw5l4hhjE

Men/Women Mile: http://youtu.be/tw2wmOQYH2Y

Mens 5K: http://youtu.be/AgOwrDrx8U4

TR265 Test: http://youtu.be/RA4zE1Q48eo

For comparison, here is a video that I recorded using the Kodak zi8: http://youtu.be/xwo3BdHVBOo

Unfortunately I cannot remember what settings I had on that camera, so it's possible I had it set to 1080p. So this may not be an apples to apples comparison.

Thinkify TR265 Review:

The 5K only had 5 participants, however on an indoor track a 5K is 25 laps. So that is equivalent to timing a road race with 125 participants (but of course these runners were coming around at a 5:00/mile pace). Also, unlike a road race, I did not have anything to limit them from running out in lane 2 or 3 (or more).

During the first 7 - 9 laps they ran in a group, with at least two running out in lane two or three on the straight stretch where I had my antenna. Of the 125 split times it could have captured, it caught 110. I'm sure all of those were in the beginning when there was the highest chance of a runner's body blocking the tag of another runner and where some runners may have passed outside of the range of the TR265 (which is ~6 feet).

As you can imagine, if this was a 125 participant road race - not only can you make the finish line chute so that all participants will cross within 6 feet of the antenna, but after 3 miles (or more) the participants are strung out a lot more. So that is why the TR200/TR265 is perfectly fine to use all by itself in small to medium sized races.

[Crystal McCullough]

Looks like the sale started after the coupon code expired. So, you either got one deal or the other. They are sold out now.

UPDATE: 1:14 p.m. ET—back in stock.

[Peak Performance Timing]

Brian,

I don't know whether this will work with your camera or not, but I found that with my kodak playsport, by trying different ac to usb adapters, I was able to find one with which the camera would record while charging. The one that came with the camera didn't work that way. Just an idea.

[SR Aaron]

This is also true with the GoPro (charging from the computer will stop most of the camera function) but if you use a USB wall jack plug like the ones used for iPhone, it will charge and fully function.

[Brian Agee]

Well - behold the power of the users group! :)

When I read your post I thought "Why haven't I tried that yet?".  During my lunch break I went home and found a wall adapter and I was able to record and charge it (assuming it was charging anyways) at the same time. I tested it by setting the video quality up as high as it would go and then I had my kids run around in the yard. The video look great. So that takes care of all three "Cons" that I listed. I just bought two more on Amazon. :)

Thanks Peak Performance and SR Aaron!

[Jon Williams]

Google Earth Pro for Free

https://geoauth.google.com/gev0/free_trial.html

Sign up is no longer required for Google Earth Pro. Click here to download Earth Pro, then sign in using your email address and the License Key GEPFREE.

Anyone know if this can be used to create the route maps you see for the big races on TV?

[Crystal McCullough]

A link to my tip of the day: Setting up a registration button directly from a race's Facebook page.

[Tim Irvine]

Great Tip!

[Chris Hubbard]

Staples has QL-700 printers back on sale for $39.99

http://www.staples.com/Brother-QL-700-Label-Printer/product_356066

[Brian Agee]

We used a camcorder at the last race we timed and then uploaded the video to YouTube and then linked that video to the results on RunSignUp (here is how to link the two).

Camcorders are really inexpensive and extremely easy to use now. It's well worth the investment considering that it provides another backup system you can review if needed, it gives you a more professional look, and of course it gives the participants something that they will probably share with their friends. If you hook your Canon camera up to your RFID system it will take a picture of every finisher, however if a tag is missed for some reason you probably will not have a photo of that participant. So having a video to review is really handy. For 2015 I wanted all of my timing crews to have a camcorder set up on their finish line. I also wanted to buy some extra laptops because we're getting more 1000+ participant races that want split times out on the course. We're filling up our calendar quickly and unfortunately we've already had to turn down a race because all four timing crews were booked for the same day that a race requested. It's obviously time to invest more in expanding our system. So I thought I would share what I've purchased and where you might find good deals if you're looking for the same items. My goal was of course to find items that were reliable, strong enough to handle my needs, and inexpensive enough that I wouldn't worry too much if something was stolen or damaged while at the race. Here is what I decided on:

Camcorder:

After looking in many different models online I decided that the Polaroid XS100 appears to offer the best value. It's waterproof, small, and very simple to operate. 

The Sony HDR AS20 is also a good option too but I don't think you can charge it while it's recording, so that is why I decided on the Polaroid XS100. I entered promo code 9ZYUO9QQ and got $35 off, so the total price was $94.99.

If you want something dirt cheap that appears to have great reviews then check this out.

All three of these appear to have a mounting hole that should fit the Dolica tripods that we recommend. The XS100 should arrive on Thursday. I'll write again after I've had a chance to test it out. If it works well I'll buy at least 3 more. 

Computers:

I spent a lot of time trying to decide which computers to buy. I needed computers for use out on the course, so I didn't want to spend very much on them, however I wanted something strong enough to do the job. I ended up buying 7 laptops at $202.99 - $219.99 each. Since these computers will not be used as the primary timing laptops, it's OK that they have basic specs.I wouldn't go any less than these machines though.

First I ordered the ASUS X551MAV ($202.99) to make sure that it was strong enough to do the job before I ordered any other laptops with similar specs. I got it in last week and the first thing I did was:

 

1. I the laptop has Windows 8: I disabled the "Windows Live" login that Windows 8 tricks you into using when you first run Windows and I set the password to "" so that my timers can easily access the machine. When the next laptops come in I'll make sure to use the "Sign In Without a Microsoft Account (Not Recommend)" option!

2. Next I made it so that when you log into windows it will automatically show the Desktop instead of the ugly Windows 8 Panel display.

3. I installed OpenOffice and Google Chrome.

4. I disabled UAC so that they don't get a warning every time they open the race timing software.

5. I installed all Windows Updates and then I told it to never check for updates. You never want the computer to install updates and restart itself in the middle of the race! :)

6. I uninstalled Trend Micro anti-virus and any other "protection" that was already installed (these laptops will only be used for timing). 

7. After installing the race timing software I created a folder on the desktop called "Resources" and I added the "Race Timers Guide", a Word copy of our invoice so that they can easily generate an invoice for a race before leaving the event, a W9 with my information on it, the Instructions for RFID shoe tags that they can print off if they want, and a copy of our "Race Director Contact Letter" in case another race director is running a race we're timing and is interested in our services.

8. I made it so that closing the lid does not put the laptop to sleep. If the laptop will be used out on the course, I'll have them dim the display all the way down to save battery, then close the lid and place the laptop in the tub with the reader and UPS battery backup in case it rains.

9. I installed the barcode font so that the PacketLabel report will show barcodes. Open up the "C:\Program Files (x86)\Cross Country Productions\Agee Race Timing\Bin" folder and copy the "FREE3OF9.TTF" file. Now open "C:\Windows\Fonts" and paste it in there.

 10. Since I have an older TR200 that doesn't install it's own drivers, I installed the drivers on each laptop manually so that my laptop will work with the old TR200's and the new TR265. Look in the Help/FAQ/Equipment report in the software to see how this is done.

11. I copied the database to the desktop (see the current location by opening the "Options" screen and viewing the Current Database Location) and pointed the software to that file on the desktop.

12. I installed the printer drivers for every printer we use.

13.  I added my RunSignUp credentials in the External Accounts tab on the Options screen.

14.  I installed https://handbrake.fr/ because my camcorder records in a format that is not compatible with YouTube.

15. Install Microsoft Movie Maker. When you run the installer you can uncheck everything else it tries to install ("writer, cloud storage, etc") and select only "Photo and Movie Maker" (or something like that, it's been a while since I've installed it).

 

Of course I'm sure the laptop would have run the race timing software just fine without doing all of this, but my goal was to do everything I could to make sure the laptop was 100% geared for race timing. I get the remaining laptops tomorrow.

 

 

[Chris Hubbard]

Today only- Cleaners supply has buy 2 get 1 free boxes of safety pins. 

http://www.cleanersupply.com/products/product.cfm/pid/2368/Safety-Pins-1-Closed/

Works out to $4.00 per box of 1440. Buy 14 boxes, get 7 boxes free plus free shipping. Total is $103.46

Since I just ordered 20 boxes last week, I'm now sitting on 41 boxes, don't see running out very soon.

[tiberiu.gindu]

Sunday ends this bid on eBay, on a FX9500 US:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorola-FX-9500-RFID-Reader-8-Port-with-a-power-supply-pre-owned-/171903372743?

It's not good for me (I'm in E.U.), otherwise sounds attractive. Current bid is $299.99

[SR Aaron]

Hopefully the green light turns on :D It's at 405 now

[Peak Performance Timing]

My thoughts too.......looks like they have a return policy of 14 days.. .