Module 2: Verifying Your System

Before the race starts, you must verify that the timing system is working correctly. This module covers the checks you should perform and how to use the test tag.

Pre-Race Equipment Check

When you arrive at your timing location, verify the following:

Physical Connections

  • Time Machine is powered on (power indicator lit)

  • Antenna cables are securely connected

  • Network cable connected to laptop (or WiFi connected)

  • Antennas are positioned correctly

Time Machine Indicators

Check the front panel LCD display:

  • Network status shows connected

  • Logging status is active

  • No error messages displayed

RaceDay Scoring Connection

On your laptop, verify:

  • RaceDay Scoring is open and logged in

  • Correct race is selected

  • Dashboard is visible

The Test Tag

Your timing kit includes a test tag - a specially programmed RFID chip that allows you to verify the system is working without creating participant data.

What Makes It Special

The test tag is programmed with a test type code that:

  • Is recognized by the Time Machine as a valid chip

  • Does NOT appear as a participant in results

  • Creates visible activity in RaceDay Scoring for verification

  • Can be used repeatedly throughout the day

Using the Test Tag

To verify the system is working:

  1. Hold the test tag in your hand

  2. Pass through the timing line at normal pace

  3. Observe the Time Machine - tag activity indicator should flash

  4. Check RaceDay Scoring - read should appear in raw reads

Keep the test tag accessible throughout the race. If you suspect a problem, you can quickly verify the system by passing through the timing line with the test tag.

Verifying Reads in RaceDay Scoring

Checking the Dashboard

After using the test tag, verify the read appears in RaceDay Scoring:

  1. Open the Dashboard for your race

  2. Look for the Streams section

  3. Your stream should show:

    • Status: Connected/Collecting

    • Recent activity timestamp

Viewing Raw Reads

To see the actual read from your test tag:

  1. Navigate to the timing location view

  2. Select Raw Reads view

  3. Look for your test tag chip ID

  4. Verify the timestamp is correct

What "Working" Looks Like

A properly functioning system shows:

Component Expected Behaviour

Time Machine LCD

Shows network connected, logging active

Tag Activity Light

Flashes when test tag passes through timing line

RaceDay Stream Status

Shows "Collecting" with recent timestamps

Raw Reads View

Test tag reads appear within seconds

Warning Signs

Watch for these indicators of potential problems:

Symptom Possible Issue

No tag activity flash

Antenna not connected, reader not powered, or antenna positioned incorrectly

Flash but no reads in RaceDay

Network connection issue, stream not started, or wrong stream assigned

Reads appear with wrong timestamps

Time synchronisation issue - escalate to advanced staff

Intermittent reads

Antenna cable loose, interference, or hardware issue

Pre-Race Verification Procedure

Follow this procedure 15-30 minutes before race start:

  1. Power check - Verify Time Machine has adequate battery or external power

  2. Visual inspection - Check all cable connections

  3. Test tag check - Pass through timing line with test tag

  4. Confirm read - Verify read appears in RaceDay Scoring

  5. Repeat for all mats - If multiple timing locations, test each one

  6. Report status - Inform race control that your location is ready

If any verification step fails, see Module 5: Issues & Escalation before contacting advanced staff.

Summary

You now know how to:

  • Perform pre-race equipment checks

  • Use the test tag to verify the system

  • Check for reads in RaceDay Scoring

  • Recognize warning signs of problems

Next: Module 3: During the Race