Getting data from an SI print station

[Paul Frost]

We use the thermal printer connected direct to the printout station (as in the schools pack) and just write down the time from the printout for results on the day.

I want to create an event in OE and import the data captured by the printout station used at the local event, so that I can produce results reports, splits etc.

I would add the competitor info after using the SI card number recorded manually at the event.

I have tried using SI-config and saving versions of the memory from the ASCII interface but can't match them up.

Anyone know if there is there an easy way to do this?

[RJ]

Yep, Paul..... that is the way we do it for all our local informal events. We have created a blank event with as many names and ecards as possible of those who regularly compete, set up the usual number of courses with the usual set of codes available.

Go to competition day, read SI cards, read master station, choose direct and then read the cards. Save the file and it will import the data into the event.

Hope that works. Good idea to make sure your printer master station has been cleared of previous data before each event!

[Gross]

You could trade your SI kit in for EMIT & it would work perfectly

[Paul Frost]

Thanks RJ, it worked.

The only problem seems to be where some people ran 2 courses on the same card, so only the later imported into OE.

Looking in SI-Config, the multiple use of a card is recorded in the memory but I assume that OE only allows a card to be used once.

[RJ]

Using SI Manager rather than SI Config.... evaluation, SI cards, log file.... open the appropriate log file from the OE200X/SILog directory. You will see where the ecards are used twice. Alter the ecard to a unique number for one of the occurrences. Make a note. Save.

Return to OE200X and the event.... Change the appropriate competitor's ecard in entries... then.... competition day, read SI cards, log file, insert SI cards, choose the SILog file you have just altered and reimport. It will overwrite all the data, but effectively deal with the duplicate.

So long as your paper record gives you the info to make the correct choice.... no problem!

It's a very sophisticated system.... so so so much better than EMIT, every which way!

[andy]

[quote="RJ"It's a very sophisticated system.... so so so much better than EMIT, every which way![/quote]

for a training run / very small event, I'd possibly say EMIT, but for anything bigger SI - no doubt

[Dave M]

Hi There. We're considering getting one of the printer sets but I'd really like to understand and experience what is required in terms of getting runners information into OE200X post event.

Could someone (maybe RJ?) be able to email me an example file that I could presumable import into OE200X?.

Ta in advance,
Dave

[RJ]

Actually there is no real mystery about it. When you download the printer master station or any ecard at any event.... all the data goes straight into the log file which is found in OE2003/SILog directory, numbered silogXXXX.sid with just the ecard number, and the various times for the various controls. So.... the printer master station is just ALL the ecards at once, rather than one at a time when at an event.

You can use SIManager to alter this file where required, perhaps to delete a load of ecards from another event, or to change an ecard number where one has been used twice. Very easy to do.

All the competitor detail, courses and control usage are input into OE2003 separately. If there are no details of name etc when the printer master station is read then 'reserve' competitors are created.

Just have a look at one of the log files from any one of your events.... that's what you get.

We use the printer station at all our small events, and as a backup system at our C4/C3s. A paper list is more than adequate on the day/evening for results display. The printer master station is downloaded the next day and the event completed. Using a blank event with usual courses and usual controls available and a list of all the usual competitors and ecards, we need only complete the control usage/course data and then check the 'reserves' from the paper registration.

Beautifully straightforward and convenient. The event gets full electronics without the event organiser/planner having to worry about computers!! So, so, so good!