TAG 605 & 606 with ver 13 software put information from computer on the timer tape. SST confirms that the info is only bib #, Name and Net time. Not TOD start or TOD finish. Those TOD's are orignials from timer. Does the apperance of the computer info on the timing tape void the timer tape durring a protest?
Should SST enable the TAG 540 to do the same?

Having the bib, name and net time (calculated by the software) does not make the tapes bad, but possibly misleading. Like you mentioned the time stamps come from the clock and just like all clocks are identified with a channel so even if you screw up with SST the stamps are there. Having the 540 set up to receive information from SST would, in my opinion, dumb it down.

The true test is the following:

1) Set up everything normally including the bidirectional printing.

2) Start timing and printing.

3) Disconnect the PC from the 605/606 etc.

4) You have a "legal" layout if the printer connected to the timer continues to print the TOD times without interupption.

Thank you. Other thoughts on the 540 providing the same info on its tape or other timers that offer bi-directional information?

I love this feature.

Try this out, close the timing screen, give the clock an impulse--what does the tape say?
Now open the timing screen, give another impulse.

The only bad thing is the amount of tape it uses on the second run

Word from SST is that TAG540 and 440 are now bi-directional with SST. Like the PBT you will get the name and bib # printed back next to their time. Buy extra paper. Also to go out to live timing must use router. Can not have timer tieing up Ethernet and expect to go out on wireless at same time. Only one net connection allowed on my machine. Can still have mutipule windows open running Both race and out to live timing. Belive its a Windows issue.