SmartSpeed Dash - Set up your timing gates

Jump to:

1. Equipment required
2. Determine the gate order
   • Configure the Channel and ID
3. Assemble the gates
   • Set up the tripods
   • Attach the timing units and reflectors
4. Position the gates
5. Align the gates
6. Next steps

1. Equipment required

To set up timing gates for SmartSpeed Dash, you will need the following equipment for each gate:

• 1 x timing unit
• 1 x reflector
• 2 x tripods

2. Determine the gate order

SmartSpeed Dash works by identifying a 'command' unit that communicates with all other timing units. All units must be on the same Channel, yet have different IDs in order to connect to each other.

The command unit (starting gate) must always have an ID of 0 (zero). Subsequent gates should be assigned IDs in ascending order (i.e. 1, 2, 3, etc.).

While configuring the Channel and ID of each timing unit, the units will continuously beep if they are turned on and not aligned with a reflector. We recommend standing opposite a reflector with the timing unit upside down in your hands to minimise beeping during the setup process.

Configure the Channel and ID

1. Press the Power Button on a timing unit.
2. Hold down the Channel Button for three seconds until the display turns on and the device beeps. Continually press until the Channel Display now shows the channel you desire.
   The Channel can be any number between 0 and 9.
3. Hold down the ID Button for three seconds until the display turns on and the device beeps. Continually press until the ID Display now shows an ID of 0 - this will be your command unit.

Tip: Once you've assigned an ID to a unit, it's worthwhile to add a label to the top of each device similar to below. You can then easily identify the correct gate order when setting up sessions in future.

4. Turn the timing unit off to ensure it does not begin to beep once you move onto the next unit.
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 for all subsequent timing units in your setup, ensuring the Channel is the same as the command unit, and the ID is increasing numerically for each device.

3. Assemble the gates

While each gate requires a unique ID, the process of arranging the tripods, timing units, and reflectors remains the same for all gates in the setup.

Set up the tripods

1. Loosen the tripod knob and pull the legs away from the stem.
2. Push down on the knob assembly until the supports are horizontal.

Attach the timing units and reflectors

1. Line up the tripod connection with the bayonet on the tripod.
2. Press down into the tripod and twist into a locked position.
3. Ensure the tripod neck is firmly tightened.
4. Repeat steps 1 - 3 for all timing units and reflectors in your setup.

4. Position the gates

Where you position your gates in-field will depend on the type of drill you wish to run. For a list and explanation of different drills available to you, see our article on SmartSpeed Drills.

The gates must be set up in-field in order of IDs, with the command unit acting as your starting gate.

Each timing unit and reflector should be placed approximately two meters apart, in a straight line perpendicular to the direction of travel. This ensures the gate will accurately detect athletes when they pass through the beam.

For accurate athlete times, it is recommended to measure the distance between gates using an accurate measuring device.

5. Align the gates

1. Stand behind a timing unit.
2. Turn on the timing unit – the unit will beep until it is correctly aligned with the reflector.
3. Hold the top of the unit with one hand.
4. Hold the tripod neck with the other hand.
5. Direct the light beam towards the reflector.
6. Adjust the light beam until the red alignment light is on and the unit stops beeping.
7. Repeat the above steps for each timing gate in your setup.

6. Next steps

You can now connect to your command unit with your mobile device and run a SmartSpeed drill.