What happened to your timing console?

We never had one! IST uses your IBM-compatible computer and our TIMEWARE Software instead of a timing console. TIMEWARE combines the timing functions of your old timing console and does even more! Use the Message function to turn your  IST alphanumeric scoreboard into a Message Center.  With additional software, you can link to another computer running Hy-Tek's MEET MANAGER, and upload names and team codes to display on IST's alphanumeric scoreboards, then download times directly to MEET MANAGER.  What could be easier!

How can you time with a computer clock?  Don't they vary from machine to machine?

Yes, they do and that's why we don't use the computer's clock for timing.  TIMEWARE Software comes with a Computer Interface that houses our extremely accurate clock circuit.  The Computer Interface connects to your computer through a serial port (we provide the cable).  The Interface is also where you plug in your deck cable and scoreboard, and it converts the incoming data to a format your computer can understand.  There's even a connector for a backup button, so you can back up the starting system at the beginning of each race.  

I suppose I need a really fast computer to make this work.

Not at all.  Many older computers will work just fine.  TIMEWARE requires a Pentium running Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000 or XP.  16 Meg of Ram is the minimum, but 32 Meg is recommended.   You'll also need a VGA or Super VGA monitor, a CD and/or floppy drive and a mouse.  If you want to link to a second computer running Hy-Tek's MEET MANAGER, you'll need the appropriate network hardware.  You can also link serially if the TIMEWARE computer has a second serial port.

If I put TIMEWARE Software on my computer, can I still use it for other stuff?

Of course! TIMEWARE Software only needs about 9  meg on your hard drive, a mere pittance in these days of gigabytes.

I already have a timing system, but I'd like to replace the scoreboard. Are your products compatible?

IST's TIMEWARE Timing System is compatible with all major brands of touch pads and electronic starts, so you can continue to use those if they're still functional. You just need to buy the scoreboard, TIMEWARE Software and perhaps a deck cable. Why buy more than you need? (We can connect directly to most Colorado Time Systems deck cables, but cables from Daktronics or Omega must be replaced.)

Can I use my current timing console with your scoreboard?

IST's scoreboards can only be driven by an IBM-compatible computer and TIMEWARE Software. Your current timing console simply isn't smart enough.

I have a fairly new scoreboard, but need a new timing console. Can you help me?

If you have a Colorado, Daktronics or Kyrotech numeric scoreboard (one-line or multi-lane), you're in luck! You can connect your computer to the board and just tell the TIMEWARE Software what you're using. The scoreboard display will be the same as before, but you will have all the additional capabilities of the TIMEWARE Software. Several of our customers have taken this road while they raise additional funds for a scoreboard purchase.

How well will an electronic scoreboard hold up in the humidity?

Much better than mechanical ones, since ours are solid state. We apply a conformal coating to our electronic circuit boards to protect the components from the pool's humidity and chlorine. We also use a Plexiglas lens over the LED's to guard against wild water polo balls and flying kick boards. We've even done a water polo ball test to see how well our product will hold up. We're so confident in our products' durability, we warranty them for five years!

I'm already using a meet and team management program. Do I have to re-enter all that data in TIMEWARE ?

No way! Since TIMEWARE Software interfaces to the most popular meet management packages, you simply link the computers with a network or serial connection and use the data as it stands.  You can even transfer your event lists into TIMEWARE if you want to use them when you're not networked.  Check with your meet management provider for compatibility with TIMEWARE.

Can I "trade-in" my old timing equipment on a new TIMEWARE Timing System?

We can't accept other vendor's products as trade-in's, but there is quite a market for working, used timing equipment. Ask around your league, or call us. We'd be glad to put a link on our web site to help you find a buyer.

We don't have any timing equipment and can't afford to buy it all at once. Can we start with the basics and add more later?

Sure! Our most basic system would include the TIMEWARE Software, SWIMSTART, deck cable and backup buttons for each lane. We call this "semi-automatic timing", since the swimmers get an automatic start, but a manual finish with the backup buttons. As funds permit, you can add a one-line scoreboard and touch pads. Later you can expand the one-line board to a multi-lane display. Or, consider buying a complete system up front and letting us finance it for you. Why wait?

If I only buy a one-line board, won't I lose a lot of information?

Some, but not much. When linked to MEET MANAGER, our one-line alphanumeric board scrolls the event name and number, heat number, then each swimmers' lane, team code, first initial and last name. During the event, you'll see a running clock and the leader's splits. As the finishes come in, the board shows the lane (identified with and "L"), the place (identified with a "P") and the finish time. You do miss seeing each swimmers' splits, but they'll still be on the event results report, since you still have the same TIMEWARE Software as the folks with the big boards.

So what is all this going to cost?

A lot less than you'd think. IST's alpha-numeric scoreboards are cost competitive with our competitors' mechanical boards, and you get so much more! Numeric boards are even less expensive.  Compare our product to other LED boards and we really shine! We're also the only one in the industry to offer direct financing. Call us at 1-800-835-2611 or e-mail us for a price list, or tell us your requirements and we'll send a detailed quote. Don't forget, if you're the first in your state to purchase a TIMEWARE Timing System, you can get a 10% FIRST IN STATE DISCOUNT. It pays to be a leader in high tech swim timing!

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