Enter the number of laps to be run. Example: 3200m outdoor = 8 laps.
Enter the number of runners in the race. Actually, enter the highest 'hip number' in the race. Ignore any missing runners ('scratches'). They just never finish. The app builds a 'lap table' as you enter laps and hips. The lap table tells you which runner has how many laps to go. After you enter both laps and hips the app jumps to the run screen.
There are two jobs once you get to the run screen.
You can either hit 'START' or enter '0'. When all runners have finished the clock stops and you will have a completed finishing order list with times. It is important to hit 'enter' at the moment the runner crosses the finish line if you want accurate times.
There are three ways to enter data.
If no external keypad is connected, a screen keypad pops up automatically. This can be used, but consider having two people for most races. Have one person call out numbers, second person punch them in. If race traffic is hot and heavy, have the first person scribble them down on paper while calling them out. That way the keyboard person can catch up when needed. The keyboard works, but realize that your eyes can end up moving rapidly between the race and the keypad.
External numerical keypads available at very low cost. This can be a great option if you spend a little time training your fingers for typing on one. The advantage is that you can keep your eyes on the race and your fingers on the keys. It can be extremely fast and reliable. Keypads can connect either by bluetooth or cable. Connecting an external keypad will automatically supress the screen keypad.
Voice recognition is a very good option, but realize that it is subject to the reliability of voice recognition. The word 'comma' is your 'enter key'. Comma is a sound not mistaken for other words in the English language. If you speak a digit immediately followed by the word comma, it should recognize the digit. It will ignore you if you do not say 'comma!. There are feedback options to help ensure reliability.
If you make an oops, you can enter a negative number to 'erase' an entry. This is only available via keypad.
Early in the race you can enter zero to indicate the whole pack went through. Once the race thins out you will want to enter individual hip numbers.
There are three feedback options
Your device beeps as soon as it recognizes a valid number. (valid means from zero up to the highest hip number) You may speak numbers as fast as you want while using beep feedback.
The device speaks 'Number xx has xx to go.'
NOTE: The device ignores anything you say while it is speaking. You MUST wait for it to finish before you speak more information.
You may use both voice and beep. It beeps at the end of the voice. This gives you a clear indication when it it done speaking.
Any feedback method can be used with any input method - either keyboard style, or voice.
Feedback options maintain their state between races.
The number of laps to go is the number you want to call out to the runner BEFORE you enter their hip number.
If you are using Voice Feedback and you connect your phone to a bluetooth speaker you can have your speaker announce to the runners how many laps they have to go. That can be really fun.
The race data can be exported to a csv file.
The Lap Table records every lap for every unner. This can be useful to check for errors.
The lap table is part of the exported data.
The RESET button erases everything. Press reset to begin a new race.