• A clear infield so athletes and spectators have a better view of the entire meet venue
• Isolation of timing services from distractions which make for more accurate results
• Better communication with meet announcer

A: Our computers and photo finish camera all operate on a computer network. Hard wiring the computers to the camera is the most reliable way to set up the system. Basically, we need at least one cable that links the press box area to the finish line area. The most difficult part is that the wiring needs to run under the track.

Minimally, here's what is needed:

1. Cat 5 cable (or an equivalent) needs to be run under the track in conduit. If you have electricity on the infield then you have conduit under the track surface.
   
2. At a minimum you need to install RJ-45 male connectors (male) on each end of the cable.
3. Alternatively and preferably, they would install RJ-45 female connectors in a wall plate. This is more durable.
4. Cables can then be run above ground to connect the finish line with the computers.

Here's a more complete and permanent setup:

1. Run Cat 5 cable from the press box, under the track in conduit, and under the infield in conduit to the finish line area.
2. At a minimum you need to install RJ-45 male connectors (male) on each end of the cable.
3. Alternatively and preferably, they would install RJ-45 female connectors in a wall plate.

Things to consider:

• If the distance from the press box is greater than roughly 100m then you will need to consider splitting the cable at some intermediate location to accommodate a switch that can boost the signal. Where ever you split the cable you will need electricity to power the switch.
  
• A single Cat 5 cable will work well but you might wish to consider installing multiple cables if you ever anticipate using independent backup timing, will need to have communication with the infield (such as display boards, clerk, or field events data entry). We have timed at facilities that have three Cat 5 wires plus additional wiring to accommodate a wind gauge.

A: Bib numbers provide an excellent and easy way for us to manage athletes in track and field meets.  Besides, bibs allows every athlete to take something home from your track meet. The key to our organizational system is making sure we can identify each athlete by some kind of number system that corresponds to the Competitor Number assigned in Hy-Tek.  This allows use to make sure times and measurements are assigned to the correct athlete.

Hip numbers alone are not sufficient for us to sort out the finish results unless the meet is being run using a structured format (i.e., no last minute changes such as packing heats or substitutions).Bibs are the best numbering system. Alternatively, we can use white mailing labels (we will print them for you). We do not need bibs per se (if there is a cost issue) but we have to have a unique numbering system so we can identify each athlete at the finish of their races.  It is our experience that the younger athletes are the more structured we need to be to accurately link the athlete's finish with their name.  We have done this in dozens of meets and it will work beautifully in your meet.

For road races and cross country bib numbers are essential to sort out results.