Manx Timing Solutions Home Page

Manx Timing Solutions was formed in 2006
in recognition of the need for better timing systems for local sporting activities
on the Isle of Man

Modern sports require modern timing solutions - offering;

Precision & Accuracy
Rapid production of results.
Easily formatted results for publishing on club web sites.
The elimination of time-consuming and error-prone manual recording methods.
A friendly local service that can offer facilities normally only available through UK companies.
The aim of the organisation is to fund the provision of sophisticated by making services available to local clubs at reasonable rates. It is essentially non profit-making.

Timing Equipment;
[We are now agents for the SportIDENT system - ideal for Orienteering / Walk / Triathlon / Randonee, etc - in fact any application that requires "proof of visit" to specific locations. Details will be added here soon].

All our equipment is manufactured by Tag Heuer, who are a well known Swiss Company who specialise in the production of reliable timing systems. Tag Heuer equipment is used to time motor sports, cycling, skiing and all other major sports.
The equipment is modular and can be scaled to suit virtually any application. However, we are naturally constrained by cost - so some of the more esoteric solutions (such as transponders) are not available as yet.
We also have several software-based timing solutions available that may be suitable for other timing applications - every scenario is different and the solution can be tailored to fit the requirements.
A Tag Heuer Chronometer base unit is at the heart of the system. This actually records start and finish times and is totally independent of external devices such as laptop computer, power sources etc. It also has its own built-in printer that produces instant hard-copy of tines recorded.
We use infra-red photocell units to record start and finish times. The units are mounted on tripods and provide precise recording of the times that a competitor crosses either the start or finish line. For mass-start events, it is not necessary to use a photocell at the start line - a simple push-button would be used instead.
Start and finish lines may be some way apart and linked by means of rugged signal cables that may be laid alongside the course or via whatever practical route is available. [*We curently have up to 2.4 kilometres of signal cable available].
Alternatively, the start and finish may be linked through the use of a wireless link - effective up to 30 kilometres. [*Wireless link option should be available mid-2007].
The chronometer (which has its own battery power supply that lasts >30 hours) records the start and finish times independently and is linked to a laptop computer. This may be powered by a) Its own battery, b) A 12 volt car battery (approx 10 hours) or c) Portable Generator.
Timing precision is extremely accurate using photocell technology as the time is recorded at the precise instant that the competitor breaks an invisible light beam. Depending on the discipline involved, accuracy can be set to between 1 second and 1 thousandth of a second.
Sophisticated results software can cater for single or multi-lap races, single or multiple runs based on best run, amalgamated runs etc. Event analysis can be provided in a variety of formats and/or exported as Excel or text files for inclusion in your own newsletter, web site or sent to the local paper. All results will be published on our web site (usually in PDF format) as well.

Types of Event;

Any event where competitors finish either individually or in small groups can be accommodated.
Suitable applications are; Point to point (individual or mass start), Time trials, single or multi-lap circuit races, etc.
As no hardware needs to be attached to either competitors or their bikes, etc, there is no need for competitors to hire or purchase any additional items.
It is essential that all competitors are clearly identifiable by numbers affixed to themselves or their bikes, etc. The system will record times automatically but requires a human operator to key in competitor numbers after they have crossed the finish line.
In events where competitors start and finish in the same order, then it is not necessary to key in numbers as the software runs off the starting list and automatically assigns start and finish times in that order.
Ideally, details of competitor names and race numbers would be input before the race but, if this is not practical, the race may still be run and rider details entered afterwards.
For clubs that hold lists of their regular competitors electronically, we can import easily from Excel or from simple tab or comma separated text files.
The only types of event where our equipment is not recommended are those that involve a bunch sprint finish - such as cycle road racing. Transponder based systems are the only practical alternative for this type of event. These can be very expensive with unit costs in excess of £55 per competitor plus additional hardware and software costs.

Services;

There are two aspects to running timekeeping systems; Both suitable equipment (hardware, software and peripherals) and the expertise required to operate it successfully.
If you are interested in making use of a timekeeping service, the best thing is to contact us in the first instance to discuss the requirements. Either by phone or by email.
Almost all scenarios are different in terms of logistics; The type of event, the location & terrain, duration etc can all influence the decision as to the most appropriate solution. So we need to discuss this with you before offering the most appropriate solution.
In general, though, the cost of the service will be influenced by the amount or preparation that is required, the amount of equipment that is involved and the length of time that we need to be on site.
By charging a modest rate for the use of our services, our intention is to build up a level of expertise and equipment to rival that found in major league sporting events.
In addition to attending the event itself, we have to spend time in preparation and setting up the event, as well as post-event tasks such as clearing the equipment and providing results.