Reader Mode

Platform: 📱 Mobile only

See also: Results, Connection & Reader Setup, Mobile App Setup

Entering the mode

Tap an event in the event list view and select Manual result service. The screen shows three tabs: Start, Finish, and Results.

Check the footer bar before timing — green indicators mean the USB reader and cloud connection are working. A red indicator points to a problem, see Connection & Reader Setup.

Registering starts

A runner places their chip on the reader. The app plays a confirmation sound and shows the runner's details (name, class, bib number). Tap Register as competing to save the start. The reader unlocks for the next runner.

If you accidentally read the wrong chip, tap Clear before registering.

Recording finish times

When a finishing runner reads their chip:

  1. The app identifies them, shows their name and elapsed time, and automatically switches to the Finish tab
  2. The system auto-calculates the result status — OK if all controls are punched, DSQ proposal if punches are missing
  3. You can change the status if needed: OK, DSQ (disqualified), DNF (did not finish)
  4. Tap the status button twice to save (first tap selects the status, second tap saves)

The reader locks after each chip read until you save or clear — this prevents accidental double-reads. The finish time is calculated from the chip's internal data, not from the confirmation moment.

The result syncs to the cloud immediately. Other officials, spectators, and the announcer see it in real time.

Reviewing and correcting results

The Results tab shows all saved results grouped by class.

  • Tap a result to load it back into the Finish tab for editing
  • Long-press a result to delete it (a confirmation dialog appears)

On tablets in landscape mode, the results list is always visible on the right side of the screen.

Finding a participant manually

When a chip doesn't work or a participant doesn't have a chip, tap the search icon in the header bar. The search panel slides up from the bottom of the screen.

Type a name or bib number — the list filters as you type. Tap a participant to select them for the active tab.

Handling unknown chips

If a read chip doesn't match any registration, the app shows a notification "unknown chip." Options:

  • Search from registrations — find the person by name and associate the punch with them
  • Cancel — dismiss the notification (extra read or a participant from another event)

Connection status

The footer bar shows two indicators:

  • WiFi/Cloud (left) — Green = results sync in real time. Red = offline, results queue locally and sync automatically when connectivity returns.
  • USB Reader (right) — Green = reader connected. Red = reader not detected, check the OTG cable.

If the USB reader disconnects mid-event, unplug and replug the cable. The app reconnects automatically without losing data.

Editing participant details

On the Start tab form:

  • The chip field supports two chip numbers separated by a comma (e.g. 12345,67890). The system recognizes either chip when reading.
  • The rental chip toggle marks the chip as a rental — the system releases it after the event.
  • The hide name toggle marks the participant as private in public results.

Scenario: Timing a 20-person training event

Tuesday evening training, 20 runners, short course in the local forest. One phone with a USB reader at the start/finish area.

Setup

  1. Open the event and select Manual result service
  2. Confirm green indicators in the footer bar

Starts

  1. Runner reads their chip → name and class appear → tap Register as competing
  2. Repeat for each runner at 1-minute intervals
  3. Unknown chip → Search from registrations → find by name → register

Finish

  1. Runners return and read their chips — the app switches to the Finish tab automatically
  2. Check name and time, tap OK twice to save
  3. Missed control → change status to DSQ and tap again

Wrap-up

  1. Check the Results tab to confirm all results are saved
  2. Results sync to the cloud automatically — participants see their times on the Navisport results page

Tips

  • Keep the phone charged — an active USB reader and screen drain battery quickly.
  • For separate start and finish areas, use two phones: one on the Start tab, another on the Finish tab.
  • On tablets, landscape mode gives the best overview at the finish area.