Set Up Before the Meet Starts
Colorado Time System, Inc. named the timing consoles as Swimming IV or V, so those familiar with older versions knew if they were getting the next generation system. They are also referred to as C4000 and C5000 consoles. However the operation of both systems is very similar.
Note: If the C5000 software version is 3.25 or later you may need to contact Colorado Timing before attempting to automatically import times to a results computer.
Should you ever need assistance
Colorado Time System can be reached at 1-303-667-1000.
Their shipping address is:
Colorado Time System, Inc.;
5051 East 11th St.; Loveland, CO 80537.
Protect the system from the elements
Swimming IV or V has its own proprietary operating system and application software.
Since it is a computer, shade it from the sun during hot summer days when outside
temperatures are above 85°. Likewise, cover it if it rains.
Equipment check out
Someone must check out all the equipment to be sure everything is functioning.
Make sure the Colorado Starting unit will actually start the Colorado Timing System, and
that all the pads and buttons are functioning.
If at all possible have the pads in the water before warm-ups start. It is then easy to see if all the pads are functioning either by manually hitting each pad or letting the swimmers who are warming up trigger the pads.
To accomplish this,
1. Press Edit Event and Heat key and enter an Event you know you will not be used,
i.e., Event 399, Heat 1 (Event 199 on the IV).2. Set the distance at 50 by pressing the 50 button followed by the Quit button.
3. Start the Colorado by using the Starting Unit; or,
Press the Start button on the Colorado, but this approach does not ensure that the connection to starting unit is functioning.
4. Pads will Finish Arm in about 10 seconds, indicating that the next touch will be a finish.
5. Now press the face of each touch pad, or let warmup swimmers activate them.
6. You should then visit each lane and press the backup button(s).
7. Return to the Colorado, press the soft key that reads Display, and you will see a little window that shows by lane the Pad time, and indicates which buttons were active.
(Note: Buttons may not register if too much time elapses after the pad touch).
Referee should verify set up:
To successfully capture swimmer times the Colorado electronics must function smoothly.
The Referee should make certain that everything is set up and working properly.
Print the Setups
The Referee should verify that everything is the way they want it by checking the printed setups.
Power
The console power switch is located on the back. Swimming IV or V can be powered through a power transformer, which can be plugged into one of the pool's electric outlets and into the back of the console. Two battery back-up systems are built into Swimming IV, but only one in the V.
If the Power Source is running AC, meaning the Colorado is hooked up to its transformer and through that to a normal power source, then you can run without any batteries, but beware if power is suddenly removed you will lose any race in progress and in memory
It is usually a good idea to power off the Colorado Timing Unit and then power it back on before a session starts. Mandatory for meets with Finals. Restarting the Colorado clears the race number memory so the next race or test will be assigned the number # 1.
Warning: before powering off make sure that any setup information and events entered in the User Defined events menu have been saved.
Colorado IV Differences
The On/Off Power switch is located on the Back of the unit. Toggle this too off and then back on.
When the Colorado is back up again you will see the normal main screen used when you are running the meet.
Colorado V Differences
The On/Off Power switch is located on the back of the unit. Toggle this to off and then back on.
The Colorado V will then go through a series of self-checks. Once everything passes it will ask you whether to run more diagnostics (Test/Program) or to go to the normal Swim & Dive Menu.
Select the Normal Swim & Dive Menu (Swimming/Diving).
If there are problems during the self checks, the Colorado V will tell you on screen.
To continue on, tell the machine to ignore these problems, and then select the Swim &
Dive Menu.
If you get errors you will need to decide is they are a problem or not, consult with other experienced Colorado operators, and also the Referee and Meet Manager (this may be the time to get the back-up unit out).
Battery Power Checks
When you return to the Swim & Dive Menu, you should next check
Battery Status, especially important if you are running the meet on batteries only. The battery condition will automatically show when the machine is powered up and you initially get to the Swim & Dive menu.There is a console key (in the upper right hand area) that says Battery Check.
Press this and the battery condition will be shown, as well as the current Primary source
for power.
If batteries are in the machine, then they should have at least enough time left on them
to run one session (5 hours should be sufficient).
This will be the left-hand display on the Colorado IV, and the right hand display on the
Colorado V.
If they do not, then get a fresh set of "D" cell batteries.
Colorado Swimming IV or V can be operated for 8-to-12 hours, using eight (8) "D" size alkaline batteries, and only on the IV a 9-volt back up battery.
You can check primary and backup battery status by pressing the console button labeled
"Battery Check."
A power gauge graphic will appear on the console display.
The Colorado IV has a backup battery (a nine volt battery), whose status is displayed
separately.
When fresh it has about 15 minutes of battery life.
If it has less than 5 minutes left, it should be replaced.
Remove the batteries from the console when it will not be used for several weeks.
The battery compartment on the IV is accessible by loosening both compartment screws, using a "quarter." On the V just slide out the battery cover.
When reinstalling or replacing batteries make sure battery polarity follows diagram
found in the battery compartment.
Test the console after battery installation by turning the console on and checking the
battery life by pressing the "Battery Check" button.
Scoreboard
One of the first things to do is display the time on the scoreboard.
Press the Score Board soft key, which will cause a small window to be displayed showing
the current scoreboard status. This will be either ON, BLANK, or TOTAL BLANK.
ON
is how the scoreboard will be when you run the meet,BLANK
will display the time,TOTAL BLANK
results in a blank scoreboard.
Connecting and Verifying Cables
Cables should be set up and connected before the meet starts & you need to check they are connected properly.
1. Check the cable harnesses connecting the touch pads, buttons and starting system first.
Three cable harnesses can be connected to the Colorado Timing System simultaneously:1. Primary Harness
- the harness that has the Start signal, also goes to the touch pads and the "A" button.2. Backup Harness
- another harness if used, goes to the "B" and "C" buttons.3. Far End Split Harness
- For touch pads located at opposite end of pool.Cable harness basics
:1. Plug the
Primary cable harness into the "Primary Input" Centronics port on the back of the console.2. Plug the
Backup cable harness into the "Backup Input" centronics port on the back of the console.3. Plug the
Far End Split cable harness into the "Far End Split Input" centronics port on the back of the console.Lane Order basics:
1.
Normal Lane Order (Lane 1 is the first lane the cable harness goes to of 6 or 8 lane connection cable).2.
Reverse Lane Order (Lane 1 is the last lane the cable harness goes to of 6 or 8 lane connection cable).Pads and Buttons basics
:1. Plug the
pad cable into prime and button into "A" on the Primary cable harness. If no pads (setups indicate only buttons), then button A plugs into Prime, B into Button A, etc.2. Plug the
buttons into "B" and "C" sockets on the Backup cable harness.3. Plug the
Far End Split pad cable into prime on the Far End Split cable harness.2. Check for a
Serial Cable from the Colorado console's COM 1 Port is connected to the results computer’s serial port (or ports).3. Check for a
Printer Cable from the Printer Port to the printer for printing out the Colorado results.4. Check for a
Scoreboard Cable, looks like an audio cable, from the Scoreboard connection to the scoreboard.5.
External Power is provided through a separate transformer. Colorado also operates on 8 "D" cell batteries.6. Starting Unit Cables:
1. Check that the
Starting Cable in the Colorado Starting unit is in the starting units N.O. plug socket. If plugged into the N.C. Plug, your times will be off a variable amount.2.
Check the other end of the Starting Cable is plugged into the Start socket on the Colorado. If the cable is plugged into the BACKUP START position your times will be 0.25 seconds off.
If there are any non-functioning pad or buttons, go try them once more, and if they still are not functioning, check the connections. Be sure they are tight and that there is not excessive corrosion present. If corroded you may try cleaning it with Lime Away or a similar cleaner.
If they still do not work, then that pad or button will probably need to be replaced.
