Network Setup

This page covers connecting the Time Machine to your timing laptop.

Connection Options

The Time Machine V3 supports multiple connection methods:

Method Advantages Disadvantages

Ethernet (Recommended)

Reliable, fast, no interference

Requires cable

WiFi

No cables

Subject to interference, may disconnect

Direct USB

Simple connection

Limited to single device

Ethernet Setup (Recommended)

Direct Connection

For a single Time Machine connected directly to laptop:

  1. Connect ethernet cable from Time Machine to laptop

  2. Configure laptop network adapter:

    • IP Address: Same subnet as Time Machine (e.g., 192.168.1.100)

    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

    • Gateway: Can be blank or 192.168.1.1

  3. Verify connectivity by pinging Time Machine IP

Network Switch Setup

For multiple Time Machines:

  1. Connect all Time Machines to a network switch

  2. Connect laptop to the same switch

  3. Configure laptop on the same subnet

  4. Verify connectivity to each Time Machine IP

Laptop Network Configuration

On Windows:

  1. Open Network Connections

  2. Right-click on Ethernet adapter

  3. Select Properties

  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

  5. Select "Use the following IP address"

  6. Enter IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)

  7. Enter Subnet mask (255.255.255.0)

  8. Click OK

On macOS:

  1. Open System Preferences > Network

  2. Select Ethernet

  3. Configure IPv4: Manually

  4. Enter IP Address and Subnet Mask

  5. Click Apply

WiFi Setup

If using the Time Machine’s built-in WiFi router:

  1. Ensure router is configured in correct mode

  2. Connect laptop to Time Machine WiFi network

  3. Configure laptop IP on appropriate subnet

  4. Verify connectivity

WiFi is less reliable than ethernet. Have ethernet cables available as backup.

Verifying Connectivity

Ping Test

Open a command prompt/terminal and ping the Time Machine:

ping 192.168.1.101

Successful response indicates network connectivity.

Check Time Machine LCD

The Time Machine LCD should show network connected status once the laptop is properly configured on the same subnet.

Troubleshooting

Cannot Ping Time Machine

  1. Verify cables are connected

  2. Check IP addresses are on same subnet

  3. Disable laptop firewall temporarily

  4. Try a different ethernet cable

Intermittent Connection

  1. Check cable connections

  2. If WiFi, switch to ethernet

  3. Check for IP address conflicts

  4. Verify switch is powered and working

Network Diagram

Add a network diagram showing your specific setup:

  • Laptop IP address

  • Switch connections

  • Each Time Machine IP

Firewall Considerations

RaceDay Scoring needs to receive data from the Time Machine. Ensure:

  • Firewall allows incoming connections from Time Machine IP range

  • RaceDay Scoring is allowed through firewall

  • No VPN is blocking local network traffic

Next Step

Proceed to RaceDay Streams to configure streams in RaceDay Scoring.