Time Machine Configuration

This page covers the initial configuration of the Time Machine V3 reader before connecting to RaceDay Scoring.

Before You Begin

Ensure you have:

  • Time Machine V3 reader

  • Power supply (external adapter or charged battery)

  • Antennas with cables

  • Network cable

  • Access to the Time Machine configuration interface

Step 1: Charge the Battery

Before first use, fully charge the internal battery:

  1. Connect the external power adapter

  2. Wait for the battery indicator to show full charge

  3. This may take several hours for initial charge

Always charge overnight before race day to ensure full battery capacity.

Step 2: Power On and Initial Check

  1. Press the power button

  2. Wait for the LCD display to initialise

  3. Verify no error messages appear

  4. Note the current IP address shown (if any)

Step 3: Configure Network Settings

The Time Machine needs a static IP address that RaceDay Scoring can connect to.

Determining IP Address

Each Time Machine should have a unique, documented IP address:

Reader IP Address Location

TM-01

192.168.1.101

Start Line

TM-02

192.168.1.102

Finish Line

TM-03

192.168.1.103

Split Point

Complete this table with your actual reader assignments.

Setting the IP Address

Refer to the official Time Machine documentation for detailed IP configuration steps:

Step 4: Connect Antennas

  1. Power off the Time Machine

  2. Connect receive antenna cable(s) to Receive Loop sockets

  3. Connect transmit antenna cable(s) to Transmit Loop sockets

  4. Power on the Time Machine

  5. Verify receive indicators show connection

See Time Machine Connections for port locations.

Step 5: Set Transmit Power

The transmit power affects read range:

Setting Use Case

Low

Small mats, controlled crossing points

Medium

Standard race mats

High

Large mats, high-speed crossings

Use the Transmit Tune button to adjust. Test with actual chips to verify read reliability.

Step 6: Verify Operation

  1. Pass a test chip through the timing line

  2. Verify tag activity indicator flashes

  3. Check LCD shows logging active

  4. Confirm data is being recorded

Configuration Checklist

  • Battery fully charged or external power connected

  • IP address configured and documented

  • Antenna cables connected

  • Transmit power set appropriately

  • Test chip produces tag activity flash

  • LCD shows no errors

Next Step

Proceed to Network Setup to connect the Time Machine to your laptop.