The use of Cap Guns to start races has long been the standard, however, there is a safer and more efficient way to start a race that is fully integrated into the Timing Solutions system.

The following provides information on what is available and how they can assist in providing a safer and more efficient starting process.

NOTE - if you already have a Timing Solutions start device, you only need the speaker which is $770. If you do not have any of our hardware, these packages below give you all the parts you need. 

If you have time once you use the system, please provide feedback on your speaker system HERE

Packages:

1. Non-Wireless: Speakers connected by cables

• Straight Start (eg 100m) - from $1,895* inc GST

v3.0 Start device + 1x speaker + TS Hub + 3m Cable

• Bend Start (eg 200m & 400m) - from $2,445* inc GST

v3.0 Start device + 2x speakers + TS Hub + 3m + 20m cable

2. Wireless: Hearing Impaired Light and Wireless Speakers

• Straight Start (eg 100m) - from $2,500* inc GST

v3.0 Start device + LED/Transmitter + 1x speaker + TS Hub + 3m Cable

• Bend Start (eg 200m & 400m) - from $3,270* inc GST

v3.0 Start device + LED/Transmitter + two speakers + TS Hub +3m

* Shipping costs not included - ex Vic

Option 1 - Wired

All existing Timing Solutions start devices have the ability for a speaker to be plugged into them via a 3.5mm stereo cable. The start device has a button on it called "Start" when you press that button, the start device will start the timer on the laptop, as well as make a Beep or Bang noise via your connected speaker. Here are the three versions of the start device and how they are plugged into a speaker:

V1.0 Start device

Version 2.0 Start device

V3.0 Start device

v1.0 Wifi and Tethered Start Speaker

Note; the start devices doesn't have amplification built in. So the speaker you use will need a lot of amplification for the start device to make a loud enough sound.

TS speakers specification:

• 112 dB beep or bang at 1 m
• 1.2 kgs per unit including batteries
• Speakers are wifi enabled via the LED Flasher unit. They can be cable tethered to each other in a daisy chain and to the start device using the included 3.5mm audio cable
• Multiple bangs/beeps can be fired to sound a false start from the one start device
• Use 4 x AA batteries that will give them around 80 hrs of use
• One speaker would be sufficient for a 100m start line, 2-3 would be required for an 8 lane 400m start

The steps to connecting the start device to the speaker are as follows:

1. Connect the audio cable (provided with your speaker) to the audio out socket on the start device.

2. With the other end of the cable plug it into the start speaker

3. Connect your start device as you normally would, once in the "race screen" and the start button is on the screen, make sure you start speaker/s are turned on, then press the start button on the start device.

Note - To change the start sound being made by the start device open up the settings in your RaceHQ application and select Bang or Beep

You can also turn "Off" the microphone sensitivity so that the internal microphone of the start device doesn't accidentally start a race if it's knocked or dropped etc

Option 2 Wireless (no cables to speakers)

If you are looking for a wireless speaker set up (no cables between speakers) then here is some more information about the latest V3.0 wireless start device and wireless speakers.

TS Speaker specification:

• 112 dB beep or bang at 1 m
• 1.2 kgs per unit including batteries
• Speakers are wifi enabled via the LED Flasher unit. They can be cable tethered to each other in a daisy chain and to the start device using the included 3.5mm audio cable
• Multiple bangs/beeps can be fired to sound a false start from the one start device
• Use 4 x AA batteries that will give them around 80 hrs of use
• One speaker would be sufficient for a 100m start line, 2-3 would be required for an 8 lane 400m start

If you do not have a starters stand then something like this tripod will be handy from Jaycar

 This is how it works...

1. The start device top left plug with the antenna symbol connects to the start control via a 3.5mm Audio cable.

The Audio cable supplies power and also the sound from the start device to the Transmitter unit and LED array.

2. Once the transmitter unit is connected to the start device, the start device can be turned on. If you turn on the start device then plug in the transmitter unit, it will turn the start device off.

3. Turn the speaker on (if you get some loud banging speaker noise, please press the push to talk button on your start device to get it to sync with the speaker and settle it down)

4. To transmit and noise from the buttons or voice like "On your marks get set ...", then you need to press the talk button on the start device, located at the bottom right side with the person speaking icon. When you press this button the start devices green LED will blink with a  red light mixed too. This will blink for 12 seconds, at which time it will transmit your voice commands and your start button beep/bang noise.

Note there is an input for a mic, if you have a lapel microphone, you can connect that so you don't need to talk to the start device. This will give a better sound and less handling of the start device noise.

5. After 12 seconds is up the red/green blinking light will go back to just green and you won't be able to transmit any voice or start sounds.

6. The speaker should also flash its green LED at the front of the amplifier case when the start is transmitted as per the Push to Talk transmitting mode (step 4 above). Also, the green LED array on the transmitter will also flash when the start signal is transmitted. The speaker LED is for any hearing-impaired athletes, while the LED array on the transmitter is for the manual time keeps at the finish line.

7. The Transmitter needs to be installed on something tall (starters stand) with the antenna nice and tall. The speakers should also have a good line of sight to this transmitter with their antenna nice and tall too.

8. You can have multiple speakers talking to the one transmitter. However, if you have multiple transmitters for front and back straight scenario then you can tune the transmitter and speakers to be on different channels to prevent crosstalk. MORE