RaceHQ - Pre-Season Preparation Steps

(Including some suggested timelines) 

RaceHQ + Timing Gates / Firmware

** ResultsHQ pre-season update can be done independently from RaceHQ & Timing Gate update

Weeks in the lead-up to Day 1 of the Season

Please note: Need internet access for all updates.

4-5 weeks prior - Prepare the laptop

• Ensure you have internet access and access to power.
• Turn on the laptop, check for windows update and install **

**If the laptop has been unused for several months, there may be a number of updates and re-starts required. This process may take several days and the laptop will need to be connected to the internet and a power cord until the updates are complete.

3-4 weeks prior - RaceHQ Software Update

• Ensure you have internet access and access to power.
• Ensure your centre profile has been rolled over to the new season.
• Download the latest version of RaceHQ - here
• Once downloaded, open the settings screen, and press the "login" button (which will bring down relevant credentials from current ResultsHQ)
• This process will highlight any issues with user access etc and allow time to rectify prior to the season start.

Please note: previous versions of RaceHQ will no longer be supported from this season. Please ensure you’re on the latest version of RaceHQ (the minimum being version being 3.23.29) prior to contacting Timing Solutions Support. 

Firmware/Hardware Update

• Ensure you have internet access and access to power.
• Please ensure you have new AA batteries prior to the Firmware/Hardware update
  (RaceHQ will alert you if gate batteries are low, and then you'll have to replace the batteries otherwise the gate firmware will not be updated). "

Once the laptop and full RaceHQ Software update process has been completed, use the laptop to then do the firmware (hardware) updates - see video (RaceHQ Timing Software) as this will assist with the updates:

1. Start with the Hub, then the
2. Start Device, then
3. All the Gates

If doing practice races the same day as the Firmware/Hardware update, please restart the laptop and hardware (Start Device and Gates) before trial races.

Gates constantly beeping and not updating

Please note: if your gates are constantly beeping when trying to update there's an additional and slightly different update required, please go here

Test Case/Trial Run (ideally 1-2 weeks prior)

Can be done with or without the internet - depending on whether the internet is used at the actual event.
Set up the gates in the actual location and run test cases.

This helps ensure the Little Athletics teams have the required equipment on the first day of the season.
(Required equipment includes appropriate battery packs, power cords, mains powers, fuel for the generator, ensure printer works etc).

Remember - you don't need kids when running a test case.

This process greatly alleviates stress on day 1, allows everyone to familiarise (or refamiliarise) themselves with all equipment and processes and allows new people to get up to speed in a low-pressure environment.

Wireless speakers - push to talk if using wireless speakers, go to RaceHQ setting, general, click on start device using wireless speaker, if not using wireless speakers - please ensure it's NOT ticked.

Web Startline - Good to turn off the web startline if it's not in use.

Day Prior 

Ensure you have internet access and access to power.

• Turn on the laptop, check for windows update and install **
• Open RaceHQ, check for updates and install the latest version if available (will also have an automatic prompt) 

Day Prior / Morning Of Event

 - Ensure you have internet access and access to power.

• Open RaceHQ, click on Settings, and press "Log In" - this ensures that RaceHQ is using the correct season and member data for the first event.
• Then click automatically sync on startup - see pic below - this reduces the need for the manual process of pressing login
• Please note: member sync (manual or auto) will only work if the laptop is connected to the internet. 

Useful Reminders / Hints for Race Day

* Ensure laptop is fully charged and windows have been updated
* Avoid leaving a laptop in the sun
* Have spare batteries for Gates / Start Device / Speaker etc
* Check you have required equipment for your centre (I.e. appropriate battery packs, power cords, mains powers, fuel for the generator, ensure printer works etc).
* Check USB cord connecting Timing Hub to Laptop to ensure undamaged from the prior season - ie a hard kink / damaged cord could lead to intermittent connection issues during race day
* If you are using an antenna/extender cable, please also ensure undamaged for similar reasons as above
* If using wireless speakers, got to RaceHQ setting, general, click on start device using wireless speaker, if not using wireless speakers - please ensure it's NOT ticked!
This process only needs to be done once so if done in a prior step, there is no need for action
* Web Startline Reminder: good to turn off web startline if it's not in use.