Results Kiosk(s) for Dummies, like me

[Chris Hubbard]

Here's my guide to setting up the results kiosk via a network. I don't use a wireless router because it's just one more thing to set-up and possible fail during a race. I prefer a Gigibit switch. I've also attached a pdf version.

After much trouble setting up a workable result’s network- here’s the secret key, with pictures….

First, the equipment list- 

•          Timing Computer
  
•          Results Computer
  
•          Gigabit Switch (Or Wireless Router, I prefer the switch so I have one less thing to possible fail)
  
•          Cat 6 cables
  
•          USB Printer Cable
  
•          Brother QL-700 printer
  

A) Network Set-Up

First set-up your network. I have my main timing computer named “TIMING001”. I connect that to the Gigabit switch with a cat 6 cable. Next, connect your results computer to the same Gigabit switch with another cat 6 cable. Right click on network icon at the bottom left hand side. Now click on ‘Open Network and Sharing Center’.

Next, click on the ‘HomeGroup’ button at the bottom left hand side. Follow the on screen instructions on setting up a home group. Be sure to ‘Share’ the documents file on each computer you set up.

Now you need to do the same on each results kiosk you plan to use. After you click on ‘HomeGroup” you should see this.

Click the ‘Join Now’ button. You’ll need to enter the HomeGroup password you was assigned on the first computer. Again, make sure when given the option, you select share documents.

Once you have them all networked and on the same HomeGroup, you should be able to see each computer in the ‘File Explorer’ under HomeGroup.

*Note you can do the same with a wireless router. We do not because I’d rather not worry about losing a WiFi signal. Wires work!

B) Database Path Set-Up

So let’s set up your database paths.-
1- The timing computer-

Go to options and see where your ‘Current Database Location” is set to. Mine is set to- c:\ProgramData\Cross Country\Agee Race Timing\Race Timing.sdf
Set your ‘Backup Database Location’ to a file that is sharable on a network. I use-
C:\Users\Chris\Documents

2- The results computer/kiosk

Go to options and see where your ‘Current Database Location” is set to. Mine is set to- c:\ProgramData\Cross Country\Agee Race Timing\Race Timing.sdf
Set your ‘Backup Database Location’ to the SAME file location you selected on the main timing computer. Again, a file that is sharable on a network. I use-
\\TIMING001\Users\Chris\Documents

 

C) Race Set-Up

Set up a race like you normally would. Let’s call ours ‘Results test’ for this exercise. Add five participants. Save the race.

D) Copy the database

Now take a flash drive and copy your database file found here-
 c:\ProgramData\Cross Country\Agee Race Timing\Race Timing.sdf

*ProgramData is a hidden folder so you need to set your computer to show hidden files. You could also set your Current Database Location to a file folder that’s not hidden, I didn’t.

Take your flashdrive and plug it into the results computer and copy/overwrite that file to the same location on the results computer-
c:\ProgramData\Cross Country\Agee Race Timing\Race Timing.sdf

E) Open Agee Race Timing Software

Now open your timing software and go to options. Click on ‘Update Database’. When that is finished click on save and close that window. Next open the race. You should see ‘Results test’ as a race you can open, open it. Now click on ‘Results Kiosk’.

F) Start your race

Go to your main timing computer and start your race. Go ahead and show two of the runners as finishing. Click F7 ‘Copy Database’. After it says ‘successful’ watch for the next refresh of the results kiosk. You should see the two finished runners within 30 seconds.

 

 

I’ve tested this method all day and it works on all my results kiosk. The key is these couple things-

1- Make sure each computer’s ‘Current Database Location” is set locally and make sure you can access it.

2- Make sure each computer’s ‘Backup Database Location’ to the SAME file location.

3- Make sure each result’s kiosk has a current copy of the database and make sure you update it after installing it.

4- Don’t forget to F7/Copy Database during the race.

 

 

[Peak Performance Timing]

 :)

[John Kirby]

Chris,

Just printed this out and will be giving it a try.

Many thank you's for taking the time to put this guide together and.......for all of your informative and helpful posts.

Your contributions have helped tremendously..

[Scott Sutter]

Hey Chris, 

This is excellent! Thanks for posting! I've followed all of your directions, but my results computer doesn't seem to pick up the updates? It looks like it is trying to refresh every few seconds, but nothing is happening. Could you or someone please help me troubleshoot? I'm sure its something small. 

Thanks again!

Scott

[Brian Agee]

Do you have time for me to remote into your computer(s) so that I can check it out? I'm leaving around 4:00pm (CST) to go time the Sylamore 50K race here in Arkansas (my favorite race to time) but I can probably fit it in before I go while I'm at the office job.

Brian

[Scott Sutter]

That would be awesome, Brian! I'm available at your convenience! I'll email you my cell number. -Scott

[Scott Sutter]

Hey Everyone - Brian and I figured out why the kiosk wasn't working: 1) I was using an older version of the timing software on one of the computers. We addressed that by downloading the most current version onto both computers. 2) the date & time on the kiosk computer was terribly out of sync. In fact, it was on another day. That was a simple correction. Now the kiosk works wireless. Awesome stuff! Thanks everyone! -Scott

[Paulo Medina]

Huge thank you for posting this. 

I found a wireless router in my new house, started playing with it and thanks to your instructions I was able to figure this out and it works flawlesly!!!

I owe you a beer. 

[jeff]

Worked great in 4.7, but it is not working in 5.0

Help!

[Brian Agee]

Can you provide some more information on what exactly isn't working?

I believe the only thing that's changed with 5.0 (and maybe it was in 4.9) is that the "Backup path" on both the main timing computer and the kiosk computer should be pointed to the same shared location. The shared folder that both use should reside on the main timing computer so that it can quickly/easily push out a copy of the DB.

In previous versions it would check both locations ("Current Database Location" and "Backup Database Location"), but I found it more reliable to have it check only the backup path and ensure that a database is always available in the "current" location.

[Jon Hughes]

Can someone tell me the correct paths to set for both my main computer and kiosk computer.

 I had these two paths set on my main computer. (connected to my reader at the finish line) 

      Current Database Location- c:\cross country productions\agee race timing\ race timing.db

      Backup Database Location- c:\users\public\documents

I had these two paths set on my kiosk computer

       Current Database Location - c:\cross country productions\agee race timing\ race timing.db

        Backup Database Location - \\JHLP1\users\public\documents

JHLP1 is the name to the main computer.

They were both connected to my wireless router.

This worked at my house the evening before but would not work at the run saturday night. Isn't that typical!!!

[Gregg Mrkvicka]

Sorry, looking again you have the correct paths.

In the timing screen make sure it is automatically updating the database (you have to check the box)

[Christopher Regan]

Were you using the same router both the night before and on race day? I know i had to turn on network sharing again for some reason on both computers once they were connected to my wireless modem / router and then things worked fine. I also make sure on the kiosk computer I do a manual copy from the main computer over the network to make sure the data is the same and that seemed to make sure things were connected.

[Oscar's Race Results]

After reading the post that said "wires work", I got a Gigabit Switch and it does make connecting the kiosk simpler.   What worries me is that I have added another device that must A) function, B) remain electrified (connect to 110 VAC and connect to an adapter) and C) not get confused for something it isn't.   Is there a way to wire things so the Gigabit Switch is not in between the reader and timing computer?

Oscar

[rtspt.usa]

Sure. You can run a second network adapter on your timing computer and connect to your reader via a home run.. one line from that adapter to your reader.
Just remember that that adapter's ip address as well as the reader must be in a different subnet i.e. ip range.

[Ted Finch]

You can connect the reader directly via Ethernet cable to the timing computer and then use a USB to Ethernet adaptor from the Timing computer to the switch or router. Wire the kiosk to the switch or router.
I have the reader and reader interface on one sub network e.g 192.168.1.xxx and the router based sub net for the kiosk etc. on a second subnet e.g. 192.168.2.xxx

Hard wired is I think best.

Ted

[Joe Fertsch]

Hey Ted - How are you my Scottish friend I want to get into the results kiosk world.  So my timing computer is wired to the ethernet port to the reader.  If I want to use another computer as a results kiosk did you say I should get a "usb to ethernet adapter" and use an ethernet cable and connect the kiosk computer to the timing computer usiing the usb adapter?  Then would i simply open the race and point the database location to that file from the timing computer?  Thanks as always!

[Ted Finch]

If you connect the reader directly to the TimingPC by Ethernet cable then you can connect the TimingPC to KioskPC by using a USB<->Ethernet adaptor on the TimingPC and Ethernet cable on the Kiosk. Connect both via a network switch is simplest.

Reader <- Ethernet Cable -> TimingPC <- USB to Ethernet Adaptor -> Switch <- Ethernet cable -> Kiosk.

If you have fixed IPs for each Ethernet adaptor then once set up then networking should just work. e.g. :

Reader 192.168.1.200 <- Ethernet Cable -> 192.168.1.20 TimingPC 192.168.2.20 <- USB to Ethernet Adaptor -> Switch <- Ethernet cable -> 192.168.2.30 Kiosk.

I hope this helps.

Ted

[Doug Lynch]

question: If the results kiosk PC is not connected to the internet (local wifi only for the database), will it send emails once it reconnects or does it give an error? I have only tested the print function.

[Brian Agee]

If not internet is available it doesn't do anything, not sure if it pops up a message or not, I'll have to test that later.

[Oscar's Race Results]

People love to hang out around the Kiosk screen!   I want to show split results for a 4 lap race.  Ran test and nothing comes over till runners have completed all 4 laps.  Will probably hook up a big monitor to Athletes Screen on Kiosk machine till there are some 4 lappers.  Will the Kiosk show any intermediate splits?  Anybody got a better idea?

Thanks,

Oscar 

[Tim Irvine]

Oscar, I think the idea of the kiosk is to produce completed results, not in race. The monitor is what I use for status updates for the folks who hang around and look. 

[5Kevents.org]

We have found that we no longer need the Kiosk as runners all have cell phones. Since we implemented LIVE results there has been little to know interest in the Kiosk.

[Josh Dalley]

It may be a bit of a work around, but lap splits on the kiosk do work when it is listed as a most laps completed race. You could initially set it up this way then once they finish the last lap change it back to “winner determined by finish time”

I haven’t tried switching it between the two, but I do know laps update in “winner determined by most laps completed” mode.

Josh

[Kim O]

Since this thread has so much great resources, I figure I would add something that I ran into while setting up a kiosk last night. 

For some reason my windows 10 on my main timing computer does not have the option for homegroups any more. (I believe windows 10 is going away from homegroups??) My kiosk does. I am using a wired switch so figured no problem. I could get it all too see each other when manually typing in the address, (ex- click on network- could not see timing computer. Go to file and type //timing/documents, I could see the folder just fine) but I need to set the kiosk backup location in ART to the main timing computer. I could not type that address in the settings of ART, we have to select it.  I found that apparently there is an issue that windows 10 defaults to discovering networks manually. You have to switch it to automatically find the networks. Once you do, when you go to networks you will see the other computers on the network.  Here's a link with instructions in case anyone else runs into networking issues- 

https://www.ghacks.net/2018/04/17/fix-pcs-no-longer-recognized-in-network-after-windows-10-version-1803-upgrade/

I searched the group pretty hard and didn't see this, so it resulted in hours of searching the internet. Hope this saves a few people some time! 

Kim 

[Motor City Timing]

Wow, this is great! I can't wait to try it. I ran in to the exact same issue but just left it alone and resorted to toting a thumb drive back and forth from my kiosk to the timing computer.

[Peak Performance Timing]

I just map a network drive on the kiosk computer navigate to that in ART.

[Oscar's Race Results]

I will throw this out as a WIN 7 caution.  I had a lot of trouble with readers not connecting till I stopped having the Kiosk networked in first via USB & Ethernet adapter.   Seems like it started in August after I did a perhaps sloppy job of switching to static IP addresses.  

Oscar 

[Ted Finch]

I have this command in a batch file to turn on network discovery. This may help. Probably best to run on Timing and Kiosk.

REM Type the corresponding command to turn on or off the network discovery:

REM Enable discovery:

netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Network Discovery" new enable=Yes

REM Disable discovery:

REM netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Network Discovery" new enable=No

I also have a batch file to complete the drive mapping:

REM map T drive to timing computer from Kiosk

REM remove current mapping

net use T: /delete

REM edit this command to suit your computer name and user

REM net use T: \\COMPUTERNAME\users\USERNAME\desktop

net use T: \\timing\users\kitst\desktop /persistent:yes

T:

DIR

pause

From Kiosk you should then be able to set the backup location to T:\backup if the Timing computer has backup set as desktop\backup.

Note that the remapping does not show up in Explorer unless you log out and log in again. Or at least I could not find a way to solve that.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

Ted

[5Kevents.org]

With the LIVE results feature just put a QR code out and let folks get their results with their cell phones. It will save a lot of headaches.

[Brian Agee]

Hopefully the following video provides some decent information on getting the wireless setup going: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7YvQYxvTso

[Classic Race Services]

Kim O,

Thank you so much for your post of 10/11/18.  I have 2 PCs that I have not been able to see networked computers.  I followed the instructions in the link you provided and all works great now.  One thing to note....  a new file folder was added called "roaming".  So, the path on my timing computer now looks like the following:  \\C:\Users\Public\Roaming\PublicDatabaseForKiosk

Thanks again.  Your post did save me hours of research.

Carole

[Tom]

Had the same issue...went back to the thumb drive thing again....will try this...Thank You Kim...You Rock!

My kiosk was working so perfectly until a windows update. then nothing but frustration. Thanks again Kim.

I notice that windows said to do an delay auto start on a series of things. Yes or no? 

Tom

[Oscar's Race Results]

Is there a way to have a reader (like ThingMagic or FX7400 & antenna) hooked up to kiosk machine and have it simply display an individual's results?  Works just like typing in bib number.  Would NOT try to E-Mail them or Print a hard copy or pop up messages about "No Internet Connection" or "Bother QL printer software not installed."   Would it work with a TRxxx Bluetooth reader?  I do NOT want to try to keep another printer working or maintain an internet connection throughout the race. 

Thanks, Oscar

[Oscar's Race Results]

Just successfully Bluetoothed in a bib number from a QR code reader so I know that much will work.  

Oscar

[Motor City Timing (Nick)]

I'm not sure if something like this is what you're looking for but I established my race on Arrow Live Results then created a QR code and linked it to the Arrow site. All I did for a results kiosk, then, was paste the QR code in to a jpeg, typed the race name and "Results" nice an big on it, and displayed the QR code on a large computer monitor. Folks just scan the QR code with their phone and type in their bib #. I haven't received any negative feedback directly but I do hear people say that they have to go hunt down their phone.

[5Kevents.org]

We do exactly  the same thing... no issues whatsoever, no extra equipment. Makes things so much better. Best part, results are posted online immediately so we do not even worry about it after the race.

[Oscar's Race Results]

How many "Gig" do you typically use for a 5K?

Oscar