Schools reference

For schools that have purchased computers and tablets, see this electronic timing tutorial document.

Pre-Assigned Animals for SI Cards

Pre-assigned animal names for SI cards are here.

To convert to a semicolon-separated file for import into EasyGec or EasyGecNG, one approach is to do "sed -i 's/,/;/g' original.csv > updated.csv". In the google sheet, tab "Semicolon version" directly creates the semicolon version, which has been exported and saved here.

Easygec Download and Results

Outside of SPORTident software, we use EasyGecNG for results. It requires a particular version of Java.

EasygecNG installation

The EasyGecNG program can be downloaded from this link.

Follow the instructions there to download Java and the SPORTident USB driver.

Requires one of the following:

 Windows XP - Windows Vista - Windows 7 - Windows 8 - Windows 10 - Windows 11

Legacy Easygec installation

The EasyGec java program can be downloaded from this link (http://t.porret.free.fr/lienlogiciel.php?idmenu=60).  Download the program from the “Telecharger” button.

You can set up an alias on the Desktop, or go to the Windows CMD prompt and type "java -jar EasyGec.jar".

Requires one of the following:

 Windows XP - Windows Vista - Windows 7 - Windows 8 - Windows 10 - Windows 11

Java for Legacy EasyGec

>= JRE 1.7

Download from http://www.java.com

Note that you should install version 8u231 per the developer. 

This is the archive page; search on the page for 8u231. 

EasyGec apparently requires a specific version of java, per this page. It says you have to have JRE 7 installed on your computer. Installing the right version of java is not always straightforward. Follow online suggestions. I found that the path in Windows included C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Oracle\Java\javapath, which contains pointers to certain versions of java and the java compiler. In one installation that I did in Nov 2020 on a new Lenovo laptop, I ended up deleting the pointer instead of figuring out how to adjust it properly.

How to use EasyGec

You can import course files in XML format (eg from OCAD or Purple Pen). 

You don't need to use Start and Finish if you only care about the order of the punches: you only need Clear. 

How to set up Easygec files with a macro

See this file for an example.

EasygecNG development

We have a team that works on EasyGecNG.

• NavigationGames organization on GitHub has repos:

  • EasyGecNG: https://github.com/Navigation-Games/EasyGecNG

    • Issues are here.

    • Development guidelines (from v1.0.1)

  • GecoSI: https://github.com/sdenier/GecoSI (why do we need this?)

SPORTident electronic timing kit

See sportident.com; there are pages on maintenance & repair, documentation, developers info, etc.

Setting up a new kit

You will use the Config+ program to change the time each control box stays "on", and set the time. In addition, label the outside of the kit with the owner and kit number. Label the mini-reader with the kit number and owner. Put the velcro pieces on the SI cards. Label the printer with kit number and owner.

1. Plug mini-reader into Windows computer USB port. 

2. Run SPORTIdent Config+ program

3. Use metal connecting rod to connect mini Reader and a control box. Note that I found I had to use the "skinny" part through both controls in some cases.

4. Click on the "COM3" or other device under Devices, top left in Config+

5. Click on "Settings" to read the control box. If you're seeing the settings from the previous control box that you updated, hit "Home" and then "Settings" to get it to read the new control box.

6. Change the operating time from 02:00:00 to 00:10:00 (control box only stays on for 10 minutes; saves battery!)

7. Click Apply (green check button). It will ask if you really want a time shorter than 2 hours - hit "OK".

8. You should see that the time on the unit has been updated.

SPORTident software

Software from https://www.sportident.com/products.html#software:

• USB Driver (Required for Easygec and downloads)

• SPORTIdent Config+

• SPORTident Reader (PC software)

• SPORTident Print (PC software)

• SIME: basic event software for SPORTident school and training set

• Orienteering App (Android) - see separate section

• Mobile Reader App (Android)

How to synchronize the SportIdent boxes

1. Find the box labeled ("SI master")

2. Use the purple "service/off" stick to change its mode to EXT MA (extended master). This will allow synchronizing the time and will also clear the backup memory.

3. Put the metal coupling stick into the EXT MA box, and then take each of the other boxes and put it on top of the EXT MA box, with the other end of the coupling stick in its hole, and wait until it beeps. Now it is synchronized! 

4. Turn the controls off with the Service/Off stick to save battery.

For more detailed instructions with photos, see the awesome instructions from Backwoods OK.

How to reprogram a box

Use the SIConfig+ program. It can be downloaded here. 

Place the control you want to reprogram on top of the mini Reader, which is plugged into your computer via the USB port. The magnetic stick (or the sword letter opener) will make the connection better. Go to "Home" then "Settings". In "Settings" tab, you can change the control number, the operating mode (regular control, Clear, Start, Finish, Check), check the battery (under 3.05 is low; for national events need > 3.10; for school, can use if under 3, but it might run out of battery). You can also turn off the light and sound feedback. You can reset the time to match the computer time; you might want to do this on the master control. 

The "Backup" tab allows you to read the data (who punched) since the last time you cleared the backup memory. 

SportIdent Orienteering App for Results (Android)

the SPORTident Orienteering App is documented online here. An Android device is required. 

We have an Orienteering App Subscription at https://center.sportident.com . Log-in information is navgames / GamesAreFun!1

Documentation is here.

Note "Extended settings for courses" which allows you to handle neutralised course sections (road crossing), mising controls, replacement controls, and time offsets.

Other results software

• MEOS Much Easier Orienteering System. Open source. Don't have to do set up - can just start downloading. It learns what the courses are as you go. Can mix score (with points) and regular. Can do your own scoring code. 

• Or - A program that allows you to produce results from an orienteering event. Can be used with or without SPORTident.

Manual Printing

1. Make sure the SI Printer is charged and press the power button (The SI logo on the front). The light above it should turn green.

2. Connect the Printer to the download box using the cable.

3. Print results by scanning SI card/stick at the download box. 

• • If the paper gets caught while printing, open the cover and roll out some paper manually, and cut off the excess cleanly.

  • If the paper comes out slowly and the text is overlaid, the printer is likely low on battery.

Mapping Software

Please visit our "Making Maps" page for information on software.