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Hi everyone,
I have the intention of starting a small sport timing company mostly for running events to begin and would appreciate some advice. Here is a little background info..

* I will target races under 500 participants to start
* I plan to start by using reusable tags but eventually use disposable bibs with integrated tags
* I’d like to time 4 seasonal events (in north eastern winters!)
* Ideally, the results would be available “live” (or posted soon after the event) over a web site (that would be operated by me)

So far, I’ve contacted IPICO for a lite reader package that comes with the Lite reader, 2 x 2.5 M mats, Race Director Software, 150 reusable shoe tags, USB registration key. My feeling was good and within my budget! I like that their system is easily “upgradable” and precise.

My questions are:
* Is such a package really all I need to start?
* Is there a way to synchronize a digital clock for the start/finish? or are clocks generally independent from the readers?
* How can the results be organized between the software and a web page? Is it all independently developed?
* Am I missing anything? Any advice?

Cheers
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Get access to the Ipico Forum, there is some good basic info there. If you use Race Director as your software, get access to that forum as well. Both Ipico and Race Director have user conferences, those are helpful.
Obviously a computer and a printer are essential but many race sites don't have power to run your printer so having a generator of some basic output will be needed, Same with internet access. Although the Lite readers have internal batteries, get an external battery to use in parallel.
Practice races. Pay for the upgraded subscription to Race Director (if you choose to use that software).
Contact me if you want more info. Al at tri-3eventsdotcom
I did something very similar to what you are attempting. I will give you my thoughts.
IPICO Lite and 500 tags, You can buy reusable tags cheaper by going thru coop. About half price of IPICO.
RACE DIRECTOR. Great software and great support. I recommend using PCTIMER that comes with racedirector as a back up.
TWO NETBOOKS AND ONE LAPTOP. Lap top as main, one netbook for PCTIMER and one back up......
CLOCK... Single sided clock and tri pod will set you back about $1100
CONES/FLAGS for finish line
INFLATABLE ARCH. Only cost about $600 and that includes shipping.
SMALL PA SYSTEM for finish line announcements
BULL HORN/STARTING PIST0L/CLIPS (TO REMOVE REUSABLE CHIPS)
I USE RUNSIGNUP for registrations. Gives ALMOST live results, is synchronized with race director software...
My wife and I time/direct seven races during the year... Just enough to keep us busy... but not enough to bog us down. Email me if you have further questions. frankchmi@gmail.com

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