Dart Timer
Donation protected
If you've got this far, you've probably read what this is about already! But here it is again.
So I have been timing mainly trail running events for a couple of years (bit of swimrun too), and the most frequently asked question by friends and family is "can you see where X is?". In short my answer is no (unless it's an event with GPS trackers - rare).
So I've developed a new, open source timing system, free for others to build and develop themselves. Build plans and software are freely available here . This fundraiser is for the next steps in it's development. This system bridges the gap between conventional timing and GPS trackers. As runners tag into checkpoints their times are fed back, live, into an online Google Sheet. The devices are easy for competitors to use and can be left unaccompanied on the course as required.
Why is this different to other timing systems?
- Others can build, use and develop for free
- Uses Google Sheets so no additional specialist software is required and permissions can be managed easily (so a cut down view can shared with the public live during the race, marshals can see how many are on the course at a glance etc)
- Low running costs (no ongoing license fee for the software or hardware)
- Uses technology such as LoRa and NB-IOT to provide live data even in areas with poor mobile connectivity
- Relatively low cost per checkpoint in comparison to other live data feed systems
- Low cost and re-usable competitor devices (a simple wrist worn NFC tag)
It's taken a year of trial and error (lots of the latter) to get this far with a fully working proof of concept/semi-prototype, plus a fair bit of expenditure on parts. The next step in development is more pricey, producing a set of prototype three devices, plus associated mounts etc, to allow a full test of the system and demonstrate it in use. This is what the fundraiser is to achieve.
The breakdown of the target is as follows - 3 x devices at around £200 each (full breakdown per device on the link above), 3 x stands and mounts, a cheaper imitation of a peli-case to store and transport them, charging kit, a banner to put up when testing with some mock races, a bit of marketing stuff and a website.
The downside of releasing the software and designs free for all who want is that I'm unlikely to make any money, the upside is that more people benefit.
So I have been timing mainly trail running events for a couple of years (bit of swimrun too), and the most frequently asked question by friends and family is "can you see where X is?". In short my answer is no (unless it's an event with GPS trackers - rare).
So I've developed a new, open source timing system, free for others to build and develop themselves. Build plans and software are freely available here . This fundraiser is for the next steps in it's development. This system bridges the gap between conventional timing and GPS trackers. As runners tag into checkpoints their times are fed back, live, into an online Google Sheet. The devices are easy for competitors to use and can be left unaccompanied on the course as required.
Why is this different to other timing systems?
- Others can build, use and develop for free
- Uses Google Sheets so no additional specialist software is required and permissions can be managed easily (so a cut down view can shared with the public live during the race, marshals can see how many are on the course at a glance etc)
- Low running costs (no ongoing license fee for the software or hardware)
- Uses technology such as LoRa and NB-IOT to provide live data even in areas with poor mobile connectivity
- Relatively low cost per checkpoint in comparison to other live data feed systems
- Low cost and re-usable competitor devices (a simple wrist worn NFC tag)
It's taken a year of trial and error (lots of the latter) to get this far with a fully working proof of concept/semi-prototype, plus a fair bit of expenditure on parts. The next step in development is more pricey, producing a set of prototype three devices, plus associated mounts etc, to allow a full test of the system and demonstrate it in use. This is what the fundraiser is to achieve.
The breakdown of the target is as follows - 3 x devices at around £200 each (full breakdown per device on the link above), 3 x stands and mounts, a cheaper imitation of a peli-case to store and transport them, charging kit, a banner to put up when testing with some mock races, a bit of marketing stuff and a website.
The downside of releasing the software and designs free for all who want is that I'm unlikely to make any money, the upside is that more people benefit.
Organizer
Tim Mockford
Organizer
England
