Connection & Reader Setup

Platform: 📱 Mobile only

See also: Mobile App Setup, Local Server, Serial Settings

Connecting a USB serial reader

  1. Connect the USB reader to the phone with an OTG cable
  2. Grant USB permission when Android prompts
  3. The app detects the reader — a green USB indicator appears in the status bar
  4. Select the reader type if the app asks

Reader types

Reader type Usage
EMIT USB Standard EMIT reader with USB connection
EMIT MTR EMIT Mini Time Recorder
EMIT ECU EMIT ECU reader
EMIT ECB/ETS EMIT base station (ECB) or ETS reader (serial port)
EMIT ECB/ETS (USB) EMIT ECB/ETS with USB connection
SportIdent USB SportIdent reader with USB connection
SportIdent SRR SportIdent short-range radio receiver
Learnjoy USB Learnjoy timing reader
Huichang USB Huichang timing reader

Selecting the wrong type means the app cannot interpret the reader's data — the USB indicator may still show green, but chip reads will fail.

Cloud connection

The connection indicator shows the server connection status:

  • Green — Connected. Results sync in real time.
  • Red — Offline. Timing works normally, results queue locally and sync automatically when connectivity returns.

The app uses the phone's normal internet connection (WiFi or mobile data).

Local server connection

A local server enables a direct connection to the desktop client over the local network without the cloud.

Connecting:

  1. Open the local server panel in the desktop client — it shows a QR code
  2. On the phone: main menu → Connect to local server → scan the QR code
  3. The connection icon changes to a server icon

The app remembers the address and reconnects automatically after restart.

Disconnecting: Tap the connection icon → Disconnect and forget local server

Advantages:

  • Faster data transfer (no round-trip to the cloud)
  • Works without internet
  • Lower latency for real-time result display

The desktop client still syncs to the cloud independently — the local connection does not replace the cloud.

Clock synchronization

The app syncs its clock with the Navisport server automatically. Manual sync: tap the clock display in the header bar of any timing mode.

Clock synchronization is important when start and finish are recorded on different phones.

Checking connection status

Tap the connection icon on any timing screen to see: cloud and local server status, server IP address.

Troubleshooting

USB reader shows red

  • Unplug and replug the OTG cable
  • Check USB permission
  • Try a different OTG adapter
  • Verify the correct reader type

Cloud indicator stays red

  • Check internet connection (open a browser)
  • Some venue WiFi networks are local-only without internet
  • The app works fully offline — red cloud only means a delay in syncing

QR code won't scan

  • Make sure the local server is running on the desktop
  • Both devices on the same WiFi network
  • QR code fully visible and well-lit

Tips

  • Check connections before the event starts: green indicators for USB and cloud.
  • Without internet at the venue, use a local server connection.
  • Keep a spare OTG cable — cable failures are the most common hardware issue.
  • Sync both phones' clocks before the event when using separate start and finish.