Connect professional timing hardware to the SidewaysData desktop app for automated time capture. No special equipment is required—manual entry works perfectly—but hardware integration makes high-volume timing effortless.

Do You Need Timing Hardware?

No. The SidewaysData app works great with manual time entry. Type times as they're announced, and results calculate automatically.

But hardware helps when you want:

• Automatic time capture without typing
• Precision timing with beam breaks
• High-volume events with rapid runs
• Reduced human error

Supported Devices

The app integrates with popular timing systems:

Connection Overview

Most hardware connects via serial port:

1. Connect the device to your computer (USB adapter if needed)
2. Open Settings > Timing Hardware in the app
3. Select your device type
4. Choose the serial port
5. Click Connect

The app begins receiving times immediately.

Serial Port Adapters

Modern computers often lack traditional serial ports. Use a USB-to-serial adapter:

• FTDI-based adapters - Most reliable
• Prolific adapters - Common and affordable
• Keyspan adapters - Good Mac compatibility

Install drivers if your operating system doesn't recognize the adapter automatically.

No Special Hardware?

The SidewaysData mobile app can serve as a timing device, sending start/finish triggers over your local network. See Mobile App Timing for details.

Next Steps

Select your device from the list above for specific setup instructions, or learn about Mobile App Timing if you don't have dedicated hardware.

The FarmTek Polaris is a popular beam timer for autocross and motorsport timing. Connect it to the SidewaysData app for automatic time capture.

Overview

The Polaris timer:

• Uses infrared beam sensors for start and finish
• Calculates run times internally
• Outputs times via serial port
• Supports separate start/finish triggers

What You Need

• FarmTek Polaris timer unit
• Serial cable (included with timer)
• USB-to-serial adapter (if your computer lacks a serial port)

Connection

1. Connect the Polaris to your computer via serial cable
2. If using a USB adapter, ensure drivers are installed
3. Power on the Polaris timer

App Configuration

1. Open Settings > Timing Hardware
2. Select FarmTek Polaris from the device dropdown
3. Choose the correct serial port from the list
4. Click Connect

The status indicator shows green when connected successfully.

Serial Port Settings

The app configures these automatically, but for reference:

Operation

Once connected:

• Start triggers record when a car launches
• Finish triggers record when a car crosses the line
• The app calculates run time from start to finish
• Times appear in the Times view automatically

Queue Integration

Set up a queue for automatic number assignment:

1. Enter vehicle numbers in the queue (or scan QR codes)
2. Start triggers assign to the next queued car
3. Finish triggers complete that car's run

This keeps timing flowing without manually entering numbers for each run.

Troubleshooting

No connection: Check the serial port selection. Try unplugging and reconnecting the USB adapter.

Missing times: Verify the Polaris is detecting beam breaks. Check sensor alignment.

Duplicate triggers: Adjust debounce settings in the app to filter ghost triggers.

Tips

• Test the connection before your event starts
• Keep spare batteries for wireless sensors
• Verify beam alignment when setting up
• Have a backup plan for sensor failures

Next Steps

Return to the Hardware Overview or learn about Automatic Timing workflows.

MicroGate RT Pro is a professional-grade timing system used in competitive motorsport. The SidewaysData app supports direct integration for automatic time capture.

Overview

The MicroGate RT Pro:

• Professional-level precision timing
• Supports multiple timing channels
• Sends start and finish events separately
• Serial port output for computer integration

What You Need

• MicroGate RT Pro timer unit
• Serial cable for computer connection
• USB-to-serial adapter (if needed)

Connection

1. Connect the RT Pro to your computer via serial cable
2. Power on the timer
3. Configure the RT Pro for external output (see timer manual)

App Configuration

1. Open Settings > Timing Hardware
2. Select MicroGate RT Pro from the device dropdown
3. Choose the correct serial port
4. Click Connect

Serial Port Settings

The app configures these automatically:

Consult your RT Pro manual if using non-standard settings.

Start/Stop Events

The RT Pro sends separate start and stop events:

• Start event - Records when a car triggers the start sensor
• Stop event - Records when a car triggers the finish sensor
• Time calculation - The app computes run time from both events

This dual-event system allows precise cars-on-course tracking.

Multi-Channel Support

If using multiple timing channels:

• Configure which channels map to start vs. finish
• The app associates events from paired channels
• Verify channel configuration before your event

Operation

Once connected and configured:

1. Cars trigger the start sensor and appear as "on course"
2. Cars trigger the finish sensor
3. Run time calculates and displays automatically
4. Queue advances to the next competitor

Troubleshooting

Connection issues: Verify the RT Pro is configured for serial output. Check cable connections.

Event mismatch: Ensure start and finish channels are correctly mapped in both the timer and app.

Timing drift: Synchronize the RT Pro's internal clock if times seem inconsistent.

Tips

• Test the full timing chain before competition
• Document your RT Pro settings for consistent setup
• Keep the timer manual handy for troubleshooting
• Verify sensor alignment and detection

Next Steps

Return to the Hardware Overview or learn about Automatic Timing workflows.

Race America offers two timing products compatible with SidewaysData: the standalone Timer and the wireless T-Link system.

Race America Timer

The standard Race America Timer is a beam-based timing system.

Overview

• Infrared beam sensors for start/finish detection
• Calculates run times internally
• Outputs calculated times via serial port
• Note: Sends times only, not separate start/finish events

Connection

1. Connect the Timer to your computer via serial cable
2. Use a USB-to-serial adapter if needed
3. Power on the timer

App Configuration

1. Open Settings > Timing Hardware
2. Select Race America Timer from the device dropdown
3. Choose the correct serial port
4. Click Connect

Operation

The Timer sends calculated run times directly:

• Car triggers start, then finish
• Timer calculates and outputs the time
• App receives the complete time value
• No separate start/finish tracking

This means the app can't show cars on course, but times still record automatically.

Race America T-Link

The T-Link adds wireless capability and enhanced event reporting.

Overview

• Wireless link between timing sensors and computer
• Sends separate start and finish events
• Supports cars-on-course tracking
• More flexible setup than wired timer

Connection

1. Connect the T-Link receiver to your computer
2. Pair the wireless sensors according to T-Link instructions
3. Verify the wireless link is active

App Configuration

1. Open Settings > Timing Hardware
2. Select Race America T-Link from the device dropdown
3. Choose the correct serial port
4. Click Connect

Start/Finish Events

T-Link sends separate triggers:

• Start events when cars launch
• Finish events when cars complete
• App tracks cars on course
• Queue integration works fully

Serial Settings

Both devices use:

Timer vs. T-Link

Choose T-Link if you need cars-on-course tracking or wireless flexibility.

Troubleshooting

No times received: Check beam alignment. Verify the timer is detecting breaks.

Wireless issues (T-Link): Check battery levels. Re-pair sensors if connection is lost.

Port not found: Try a different USB adapter or port.

Next Steps

Return to the Hardware Overview or learn about Automatic Timing workflows.

JA Circuits timing systems integrate with SidewaysData for automated time capture.

Overview

JA Circuits timers:

• Beam-based timing systems
• Support start and finish detection
• Serial port output for computer integration
• Reliable for autocross and motorsport events

What You Need

• JA Circuits timer unit
• Serial cable for computer connection
• USB-to-serial adapter (if your computer lacks a serial port)

Connection

1. Connect the JA Circuits timer to your computer via serial cable
2. If using a USB adapter, install any required drivers
3. Power on the timer

App Configuration

1. Open Settings > Timing Hardware
2. Select JA Circuits from the device dropdown
3. Choose the correct serial port from the list
4. Click Connect

The connection status shows green when active.

Serial Port Settings

Standard settings (configured automatically):

Operation

Once connected:

• Start triggers record when cars launch
• Finish triggers record at the finish line
• The app calculates run time from both events
• Times appear in the Times view automatically

Queue Integration

For seamless timing:

1. Add vehicle numbers to the queue (manually or via QR scan)
2. Start triggers assign to the next queued number
3. Finish triggers complete that car's run
4. Queue advances automatically

Debounce Settings

If you experience ghost triggers or duplicate events:

1. Open Settings > Timing Hardware
2. Adjust the debounce delay (milliseconds between valid triggers)
3. Increase if getting duplicates, decrease if missing triggers

Troubleshooting

No connection: Verify the serial port selection. Check that the timer is powered on.

Missing events: Check sensor alignment and sensitivity.

Duplicate triggers: Increase debounce settings.

Port not listed: Reconnect the USB adapter. Check that drivers are installed.

Tips

• Test the setup before your event
• Keep the timer manual available for reference
• Verify sensors are detecting correctly during setup
• Have manual timing as backup

Next Steps

Return to the Hardware Overview or learn about Automatic Timing workflows.

Use the SidewaysData mobile app as a timing device. Send start and finish triggers from your phone over your local network—no dedicated hardware required.

Overview

The mobile app can function as a timing input:

• Send manual start/finish triggers from your phone
• Connect over WiFi to the desktop app
• Integrate with QR code scanning for queue management
• Works alongside or instead of hardware timers

Use Cases

Mobile app timing works well for:

• Events without timing hardware
• Backup timing if hardware fails
• Remote start triggers (staging area)
• QR code queue management with timing

Requirements

• SidewaysData mobile app (iOS or Android)
• SidewaysData desktop app running
• Both devices on the same local network
• WiFi or hotspot connection

Setup

Desktop App

1. Open Settings > Timing Hardware
2. Select Mobile App as the device type
3. Note the connection URL displayed
4. The desktop app listens for mobile connections

Mobile App

1. Open the SidewaysData mobile app
2. Navigate to the timing section
3. Enter the connection URL from the desktop app
4. Tap Connect

The apps link over your local network.

Sending Triggers

Once connected, the mobile app shows timing controls:

• Start Button - Sends a start trigger to the desktop
• Stop Button - Sends a finish trigger
• Queue Display - Shows the current queue state

Tap the buttons as cars start and finish their runs.

QR Code Integration

Combine QR scanning with timing:

1. Scan a competitor's QR code
2. They're added to the timing queue
3. Tap Start when they launch
4. Tap Stop when they finish
5. Scan the next competitor

This workflow captures times while managing the queue from one device.

Debounce Settings

Configure debounce in the desktop app to prevent accidental double-triggers:

1. Open Settings > Timing Hardware
2. Adjust the debounce delay for mobile triggers
3. Higher values prevent rapid duplicate triggers

Multiple Devices

You can connect multiple phones:

• One at the start line, one at the finish
• Each sends their respective triggers
• Desktop app associates starts and finishes

This mimics traditional start/finish sensor setups.

Network Considerations

For reliable connections:

• Use a dedicated WiFi network or hotspot
• Ensure both devices maintain connection
• Reduce distance from the WiFi source
• Consider a mobile hotspot if venue WiFi is unreliable

Limitations

Compared to dedicated hardware:

• Precision depends on human reaction time
• Network latency adds small delays
• Not suitable for official timing at high-level competition

Mobile timing works great for club events, practice sessions, and backup timing.

Troubleshooting

Can't connect: Verify both devices are on the same network. Check firewall settings on the desktop.

Triggers not received: Reconnect the mobile app. Verify the desktop is listening.

High latency: Move closer to the WiFi source. Use a dedicated hotspot.

Next Steps

Return to the Hardware Overview or learn about Automatic Timing workflows in the desktop app.