The event uses digital SPORTident timing hardware and software (2020 information.)
This year we will be using SI Air contactless punching with SIAC “dibbers”. (TBC – 2021 may revert to standard dibbing). Unlike the standard dibbers we have used previously, SIACs do not need to be “dibbed” into the control box. The SIAC only needs to be passed within 50cm of the control for it to register the “punch” . At registration each team will be issued with one SIAC for the weekend. This can be worn on the wrist or kept in a pocket.
Please look after your SIAC card carefully as they are expensive to replace.
Do not wear the SIAC beside a GPS watch as the signals from the two devices may interfere with each other.
When you arrive at the Start Area a marshal will first ask you to CLEAR your card. This will take about 5 seconds before the Clear station beeps. As you then set off you must dip your card into the START box to start the timing (which will be instantaneous). If the box doesn’t beep then the card is not empty. In this case, go back and dip the card into a Clear box again. Don’t worry about any delay as you are not timed until the START box goes beep. It is IMPERATIVE that you dip the START box.
On Day 2, we will again check your cards are Cleared before starting. This process will cause a bit of a queue into the “start pen” so please be sure to be ready on time – especially in the C Class.
At each checkpoint the card should be swept over the control box. You do NOT need to touch the box.
Your SIAC will flash and beep as it stores the control number and time. If you visit a checkpoint and you do not get a flash and bleep, try a couple more times. If still no success use then take a photo of your team beside the control (or ask someone else to) and have that ready to show the Event Director at the finish. Alternatevely, write down the 3-letter word which is marked on top of each control box. Carry on and mention the problem at the finish desk. It should be stressed that these alternative procedures are a back-up and only need to be used if a control box or SIAC has failed – which is rare.
If you accidentally dib a control which is not on your course, don’t worry, the results system will ignore it.
If you dib a control in the wrong order you must return to it again after visiting the correct controls first. The results system will take the time of the second visit – i.e.; you can visit as many controls as you like but only the correct ones for your course in the correct order will count.
The last control is the FINISH box. From there you should walk directly to the Download Station at the finish desk where you will download your times into the computer. You will be given a print-out showing the following information:
- list of checkpoints in order visited and time of punching
- start, finish and elapsed time
Please check the printout to ensure that you agree with it and if there is a discrepancy, alert the timing official.
On the first day, after download you must Clear your card in readiness for Day 2. BUT DO NOT CLEAR YOUR CARD UNTIL YOU HAVE CHECKED YOUR PRINT-OUT.
At the end of the second day we will take the SI Card from the card carrier.
Please take care of your SI Card as each card costs £70. If you retire from the event you must return it to the finish control. If you lose or break one it will unfortunately be necessary to charge you £30 to cover the cost. Your SI Card, just like a control punch card is the only evidence that you have visited a checkpoint.