GPSA Wiki

The Time Drops Wireless Swim Timing System is used by over half of the teams in GPSA for electronic timing at swim meets. This system uses wireless keyfob-style timer buttons instead of traditional wired plunger systems.

What is Time Drops?

Time Drops is a wireless electronic timing system consisting of dedicated hardware components:

Wireless timer buttons (PB-2) - Keyfob-style devices that timers press when swimmers touch the wall
Timing controller (STC-1) - The “heart” of the system with a precision reference clock
Start adapter (SA-1) - Wirelessly receives signals from starting systems
Android tablet - Runs the Time Drops Console app to manage the system
Windows laptop - Runs MM-Link software to bridge to meet management software (Hy-Tek Meet Manager or SwimTopia Meet Maestro)

How It Works

Timers at the end of each lane hold wireless button devices on lanyards
When a swimmer touches the wall, timers press their buttons
Button presses are transmitted wirelessly to the STC-1 controller
The controller’s precision clock timestamps each button press
Times are sent via Wi-Fi to the Android tablet
The tablet evaluates results and sends data to the Windows laptop
MM-Link software exports results to meet management software

Why Teams Use Time Drops

Benefits:

Cost-Effective - Less expensive than traditional electronic timing systems
Wireless - No cables to set up or manage at poolside
Quick Setup - System ready in minutes, not hours
Portable - Lightweight keyfob buttons instead of heavy plungers
Accurate - Precision reference clock (deviation < 0.01s/hour)
Water Resistant - Buttons are IP67 rated (can survive pool submersion)

System Components

Timing Controller (STC-1)

The controller is the core of the system:

Precision Clock: Factory-calibrated TCXO with deviation under 0.01 seconds/hour
Wireless: 2.4 GHz wireless communication with ~1000 ft range (open terrain)
Battery: Rechargeable Li-Poly battery (10-hour operation)
Water Resistance: IP65 rating (splash-resistant)
Dimensions: 125 x 79 x 21 mm

The controller manages wireless communication with buttons, start adapter, and tablet.

Timer Buttons (PB-2)

Keyfob-style wireless buttons given to timers:

Operation: Single soft-touch button press (no configuration needed)
Battery: CR2032 coin cell (500+ hours of continuous operation, 2-3 years typical use)
Water Resistance: IP67 rated (can survive pool submersion)
Range: ~1000 feet in open terrain (reduced by walls/crowds)
Weight: Approximately 1 ounce
Color-Coded Lanyards: Included for lane identification

Typical Configuration: 3 buttons per lane plus spares

Start Adapter (SA-1)

Wirelessly connects to swim starting systems:

Compatibility: Works with CTS, Daktronics, IST, SST starting systems
Battery: CR123A (2000+ operating hours)
Connection: Dual banana jack for starter system output
Optional Touchpad Support: Can integrate with touchpads for fully automatic timing

Alternative: Mini-Starter (ST-1) available if team doesn’t have a starting system

Android Tablet

Controls the timing system via Time Drops Console app:

Requirements: Android 7.1+ (Amazon Fire tablets supported)
Recommended: 8-10 inch tablets
Function: Manages timers, scoreboards, and exports results
Connection: Wi-Fi to controller and laptop

Windows Laptop

Runs MM-Link software for meet management integration:

Requirements: Windows 10
Software: MM-Link (free from Microsoft Store)
Function: Bridges between tablet and meet management software
File Exchange: Creates shared folder for SDIF file transfer

GPSA Usage

League Adoption

Over 50% of GPSA teams currently use Time Drops for dual meets. The system integrates with:

SwimTopia Meet Maestro - For GPSA meet management

GPSA Meet Requirements

Teams using Time Drops must:

Maintain manual backup timing with stopwatches (per GPSA rules)
Have backup Wi-Fi available (mobile hotspot recommended)
Train volunteers on system operation
Follow GPSA event order and scoring rules

Important: Manual backup times are official if the electronic system fails.

Setting Up at a Meet

Hardware Setup

Controller (STC-1)
- Place near pool edge with clear line of sight to timer positions
- Press power button to turn on
- LED will flash slowly (not connected) or double-flash (connected to Wi-Fi)
- Operates for 10 hours on full charge
Timer Buttons (PB-2)
- Distribute buttons on color-coded lanyards to timers
- Click once to turn on (auto-off when controller powers down)
- Each lane typically has 3 buttons (A, B, C positions)
- Battery life: 500+ hours continuous operation
Start Adapter (SA-1)
- Connect dual banana jack to starting system “START OUTPUT”
- Attach adapter with velcro pad
- Perform test start to power on
- LED indicates connection status

Software Setup

Android Tablet
- Install “Time Drops Wireless Swim Timing Console” from Google Play
- Connect to pool Wi-Fi network
- Configure controller connection (one-time setup)
- Assign buttons to lanes in “Manage Buttons” screen
Windows Laptop
- Install MM-Link from Microsoft Store
- Create shared folder (e.g., C:\TimeDrops)
- Configure same folder in meet management software
- Ensure laptop connected to same Wi-Fi network

Wi-Fi Requirements

Recommended Setup:

It is recommended that teams use a dedicated Wi-Fi appliance for the timing system and laptop operation such as the GL-iNet GL-MT3000 (available on Amazon).

Placement: Position the Wi-Fi appliance on the scorekeeper table near the laptop and Time Drops controller
Internet Access: Can wirelessly connect to the pool’s existing Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot for internet access
Benefits: Dedicated network for timing system, no interference from general pool users

Requirements:

Important: Controller operates on 2.4 GHz band only
Backup Option: Mobile phone hotspot or 4G/5G hotspot
Reliability: Avoid sharing Wi-Fi with general pool users

Running a Meet

Meet Director Workflow

Pre-Meet
- Seed meet in SwimTopia Meet Maestro
- Export meet program to shared folder
- Tablet automatically imports program
- Verify events display correctly on tablet
During Meet
- System shows “READY” when ready to start
- Starter initiates race via starting system
- Timers press buttons when swimmers touch wall
- Tablet evaluates times per USA Swimming rules (median of 3 buttons)
- Results saved to shared folder after each heat
After Each Heat
- Meet management software imports times from shared folder
- Verify times match backup stopwatches
- Address any timing discrepancies
Post-Meet
- Export final results in SDIF format from Meet Maestro
- Process through GPSA Publicity Processor
- Saves as YYYY-MM-DD_TEAM1_v_TEAM2.html

Timer Instructions

Responsibilities:

Receive assigned lane button(s) on lanyard
Stand at end of pool in assigned lane
Watch swimmer throughout race
Press button when swimmer touches wall at finish
Keep backup stopwatch ready
Report any equipment issues immediately

Important Notes:

Button clicks are timestamped instantly (no transmission delay affects accuracy)
Timers do NOT need to watch the tablet - just press when swimmer touches
If button drops in pool, retrieve quickly (IP67 rated but minimize water exposure)

Time Evaluation Rules

System follows USA Swimming rules:

3 buttons pressed: Median time is official
2 buttons pressed: Average of two times (yellow indicator, auto-accepts after delay)
1 button pressed: Single time shown in red (requires manual acceptance)
0 buttons pressed: Lane must be marked empty or times manually entered

Integration with SwimTopia Meet Maestro

Setup:

Go to Settings → Timing Setup
Click “Add Timing System Configuration”
Select “Time Drops”
Choose shared folder path (must match MM-Link)
Click “Activate Connection”

During Meet:

Meet Maestro monitors shared folder for result files
Click “LOAD TIMES” button to import results for each heat
System matches by race number

Exporting Results to GPSA

SDIF Export Process

Complete all meet events
Verify final scores in meet management software
Export results in SDIF/SD3 format
File will be in shared folder or downloadable from meet software

Using GPSA Publicity Processor

Navigate to GPSA Publicity Processor
Upload exported .zip or .sd3 file
Click “Process Results”
Review formatted output
Click “Export as HTML”
Save as YYYY-MM-DD_TEAM1_v_TEAM2.html
Submit to GPSA webmaster for archiving

See Publicity Processor wiki page for detailed instructions.

Advanced Features

Time Drops Live!

Optional feature that publishes meet results to cloud for spectator viewing:

Mobile App: iOS and Android apps available
Web Access: https://live.time-drops.com
Privacy: Swimmer names are end-to-end encrypted with 4-digit PIN
Real-Time Updates: Results pushed to spectators’ devices instantly
Configuration: Enable in Meet Settings on tablet

Distribution: Share QR code with PIN for spectators to access

Combining Events/Heats

Time Drops can automatically combine events when lanes don’t fill:

Relay Combining: Enabled by default (e.g., Girls 9-10 relay + Boys 9-10 relay in same heat)
Individual Combining: Optional setting for sparse events
Requirements: Manually adjust seeding so each lane used only once across combined events
Export: System automatically splits results into separate files for each event

Touchpad Integration

System supports semi-automatic or fully automatic timing with touchpads:

Connect one SA-1 adapter per touchpad
Configure “Touchpads at near end” or “Touchpads at both ends” in settings
Buttons serve as backup times
Can start odd-lap races from far end for touchpad finish

Split Time Collection

With “Collect splits with buttons” enabled:

Timers press buttons at each turn
System tracks lap times throughout race
Useful for training and analysis
Works with button timing only (no touchpads required)

Pricing

Startup Packages:

Package	Cost	Contents
Basic	$670	6 lanes, 2 buttons/lane, 1 spare
Standard	$950	6 lanes, 2 buttons/lane, 2 spares
Pro	$1,130	6 lanes, 3 buttons/lane, 2 spares

Annual Subscriptions:

Seasonal (≤6 months): $200/year
Year-round/Touchpads: $300/year
LED Matrix Add-on: $50/year

All subscriptions include technical support, software updates, and hardware repair coverage.

Additional Equipment:

Extra buttons available for pooled systems
Scoreboard adapters sold separately
Custom lanyards available

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Controller won’t connect to tablet:

Check controller LED: single flash = not connected, double flash = connected
Verify tablet connected to correct Wi-Fi network
Go to tablet: Menu → Controller Setup → Query controller status
Re-enter Wi-Fi password if needed (case-sensitive!)

Button not responding:

Check battery (CR2032 coin cell)
Press and hold button to identify on tablet (turns green)
Verify button assigned to correct lane in “Manage Buttons”
Replace battery if signal strength indicator low

Start not registering:

Check SA-1 connection to starting system
Perform test start to verify adapter powered on
Check CR123A battery in adapter
Verify adapter assigned to “Starter A” position in Manage Buttons

Times not importing to meet software:

Verify shared folder path matches in MM-Link and meet software
Check MM-Link shows “connected” status
Ensure laptop on same Wi-Fi network
Look for result files in shared folder (e.g., race_001.txt)

Wi-Fi issues:

Ensure router configured for 2.4 GHz (controller doesn’t support 5 GHz)
Move router closer to timing controller
Switch to mobile hotspot backup if available
Check for interference from public Wi-Fi networks

When to Use Manual Backup

Switch to manual timing if:

Wi-Fi connection lost and cannot be restored quickly
Controller malfunctions
Multiple buttons fail
Tablet unresponsive
Any situation where electronic times cannot be reliably captured

Per GPSA rules: Manual backup times are official when electronic system fails.

Best Practices

Pre-Meet Checklist

During Meet

Monitor controller battery level
Check button signal strength indicators
Verify times match backup stopwatches
Keep paper scoresheets updated
Have spare buttons available
Maintain clear line of sight from controller to timers

After Meet

Turn off controller (auto-off after 10 min of tablet exit)
Collect all buttons and lanyards
Export SDIF file for archives
Charge controller for next meet
Store equipment in dry location (avoid extreme temperatures)

Maintenance

Replace button batteries (CR2032) every other season or when low battery indicated
Replace start adapter battery (CR123A) as needed
Keep controller charged
Clean buttons if dropped in pool (retrieve quickly, dry thoroughly)
Update controller firmware when prompted by tablet app

Comparison with Other Systems

Feature	Time Drops	CTS Dolphin	Manual Timing
Cost	$670-$1130 startup + $200-300/yr	$8000+	~$200 (stopwatches)
Setup Time	15-30 minutes	30-60 minutes	5-10 minutes
Weight/Portability	Very light (1 oz buttons)	Heavy (plungers, cables)	Very light
Water Resistance	IP67 buttons, IP65 controller	Varies	N/A
Wireless	Yes	No (wired plungers)	N/A
Internet Required	Yes (Wi-Fi)	No	No
Training Complexity	Low	Moderate	Minimal
Real-time Results	Yes	Yes	No
Backup Required	Yes (manual stopwatches)	Yes	N/A
Touchpad Compatible	Yes (optional)	Yes (typical)	N/A

Technical Specifications

Component	Specification
Timing Resolution	0.00003 seconds (30 microseconds)
Controller Clock Accuracy	< 3ppm deviation, < 0.01s/hour
Button Range	~1000 feet line-of-sight
Controller Battery	10 hours continuous operation
Button Battery	500+ hours operation (2-3 years typical)
Water Rating (Buttons)	IP67 (submersible)
Water Rating (Controller)	IP65 (splash-resistant)
Wireless Frequency	2.4 GHz
Button Weight	~1 ounce

Official Resources

Time Drops Documentation

Official Website: time-drops.com
User Manual: Available as PDF download from website
Video Tutorials: YouTube channel with setup and operation guides
Support Email: support@time-drops.com
Address: 1839 Ygnacio Valley Rd #165, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

App Downloads

Android Tablet App: “Time Drops Wireless Swim Timing Console” on Google Play
MM-Link (Windows): Microsoft Store (link)
Time Drops Live! (iOS): App Store
Time Drops Live! (Android): Google Play
Web Access: live.time-drops.com

SwimTopia Integration

Help Article: SwimTopia Help Center - Time Drops Integration
Video Guide: YouTube tutorial

GPSA-Specific Information

Teams Currently Using Time Drops

This section can be updated with specific team contacts willing to help other teams.

Training Opportunities

Contact teams experienced with Time Drops for hands-on training
Attend GPSA team representative meetings for system demonstrations
Request demo at pre-season officials training

Pooling Equipment

Teams can pool buttons from multiple Time Drops systems for larger meets:

Reconfigure for additional lanes in Settings
Assign extra buttons in “Manage Buttons” screen
Contact Time Drops for additional numbered lanyards

FAQ

Is Time Drops required for GPSA teams?

No. Teams may use any timing system (or manual timing) that meets GPSA meet requirements and integrates with Meet Maestro.

What happens if buttons fall in the pool?

The PB-2 buttons are IP67 water resistant and will continue to function after pool submersion. However, retrieve them quickly to minimize water exposure. Dry thoroughly before storage.

How long do button batteries last?

CR2032 batteries last 500+ hours of continuous operation, typically 2-3 years of recreational swim team use. Replace batteries at the start of every other swim season as preventive maintenance.

Can we use Time Drops without internet?

Wi-Fi is required for communication between controller, tablet, and laptop. Internet connection is recommended but not strictly required for basic timing. However, Time Drops Live! requires internet for spectator access.

What if our Wi-Fi fails during a meet?

Immediately switch to manual backup timing per GPSA rules. This is why manual stopwatches and lane timer sheets are required as backup.

Can Time Drops handle championship meets?

Yes. Time Drops is designed for meets of any size. Teams can pool buttons from multiple systems to configure for more lanes. See “Pooling Equipment” section.

How do results get exported to SDIF?

Meet management software (Meet Maestro) creates SDIF export files. These can then be processed through the GPSA Publicity Processor to generate formatted HTML results.

Do timers need to watch the tablet screen?

No. Timers should focus on watching their assigned swimmer. When the swimmer touches the wall, press the button. The tablet automatically evaluates times and doesn’t require timer monitoring.

Need Help? Contact your team’s Time Drops administrator, other GPSA teams using the system, or email Time Drops support at support@time-drops.com.

Time Drops Timing System