Serial Settings
Platform: 🖥️ Desktop only
See also: Local Server, Barcode Check-in
Connecting the Reader
- Open Serial Port Settings from the main menu.
- Select the Serial port your reader is connected to.
- Select the Reader device type that matches your hardware.
- Click Connect to establish the connection.
After connecting, the status changes to Connected and chip reading begins automatically. To disconnect, click Disconnect.
Data Log
The Data log shows all chip reads received from the reader. Each entry shows:
- Chip # — The number of the chip that was read. Click the chip number to open a detailed view showing all punches stored on the chip.
- Read time — The time the chip was read.
- Punches — Punch data stored on the chip.
The Latest chip indicator shows the number of the most recently read chip.
Filtering and Re-reading
- Use the Filter by chip number... field to search for a specific chip number in the log.
- Reading the same chip again creates a new entry in the log — it does not overwrite the previous read.
Connection Status in the Main Menu
The main menu shows the reader's current connection status:
- Green indicator — Reader is connected and actively listening.
- Red indicator — Reader is disconnected or no reader is connected.
This lets you check the reader status without opening the serial port settings.
Putting It Together: Setting Up the Finish Reader
The reader device is connected to the laptop via USB. You open the serial port settings, select the correct serial port, choose the reader type, and click Connect. The status turns green. When the first runner finishes and places their chip on the reader, the chip number and punches appear in the data log. You verify the data looks correct and switch to the event monitor — the green indicator in the main menu confirms the reader status at a glance.