MiniTrack System

The MiniTrack is completely compatible with the current ChronoTrack controller series and can be seamlessly used at the same timing point with the current controllers. The combination of current controllers with MiniTracks creates the most cost efficient, redundantly secure timing point.

The primary functions of the MiniTrack remain the same as the highly successful 400/800 series however, it lacks the network data redundancy feature and a couple communication options. These feature sets can still be achieved through the use of additional hardware with the MiniTrack. For example the recommend CradlePoint CTR350 can be used with a wide variety of USB cellular modems on various networks to establish a live cellular connection. Features new to the MiniTrack include a mechanical gun start button and the utilization of hot swappable 18V lithium power Ryobi batteries. The interface on the MiniTrack also varies from the current line of controllers; the MiniTrack has a LED display keypad combination opposed to the current Touch Panel Computer interface.

Absolutely! One of the main design requirements for the MiniTrack was to create a system that was compatible with everything ChronoTrack. If you are currently familiar with the ChronoTrack system, you will be very comfortable working with the MiniTrack. The MiniTrack works seamlessly with current interrogators (gators), interrogator cores (antennas), cables and ChronoTrack middle-ware such as CCSLite and SimpleClient.

The MiniTrack has two standard options for transferring data, a local area network connection and the ability to transfer data off to a thumb drive. Since the MiniTrack is equipped with a LAN connection this gives users the ability to easily connect add-on components for additional data connections. The CradlePoint CTR350 is one such device that can be used to establish cellular connections with the MiniTrack.

About the size of a deck of cards, the CTR350 Mobile Broadband Travel Router is a full-featured wireless 802.11b/g router developed to be a plug ‘n’ play solution. Simply connect an activated USB modem, plug in the CTR350 and you’ll have live internet connection. The CTR350 does require a 3rd party data modem and active data plan for full functionality. The CradlePoint CTR350 supports a variety of cell carriers including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobil and Virgin Mobile.

The MiniTrack is ideal for every race situation be it a 5k, marathon, or a triathlon, the MiniTrack can provide the answer. The MiniTrack’s lighter weight and durability however make it the premium option for a timer looking to utilize remote timing sites.

No, there are no hardware upgrade options for the MiniTrack. All add-on features for the MiniTrack require separate hardware components and are not available as options included with the controller.

We have currently packed as many features in the smallest possible space based on current technology. The MiniTrack will be a powerful tool for ChronoTrack users for many years to come.

We recommend the use of Ryobi 18V ONE+ lithium-Ion batteries (Model #P104) for optimal performance.

The MiniTrack will not charge the batteries on its own. The batteries can be easily charged with a variety of Ryobi chargers including an in-vehicle charger (Model #P131), which can also be easily connected to a car battery or a standard AC charger. Ryobi offers a single and six-port AC charger (Model #P113 and P125 respectively). The recommended batteries charge in a approximately one hour.

The life of the recommended battery is approximately 2 hours per battery while operating the MiniTrack. Utilizing the in-vehicle charger gives users the option to have a third battery charging while operating the MiniTrack during the race, resulting in an unlimited runtime.

Systems do not include batteries. In order to keep costs down, we recommend that you purchase batteries from third parties.

Users will be able to utilize two forms of power during a race, AC or the hot-swappable Ryobi batteries. The MiniTrack will provide users with a seamless switch AC to the batteries or from battery to the next as they are depleted or AC cuts out. Utilizing the Ryobi batteries allows a timer to easily pack along enough extra batteries for the duration of their race or to utilize the in-vehicle charger to charge a third battery while operating the MiniTrack during the race.

Not at the current time. We have approved the Ryobi 18V ONE+ lithium-ion battery (Model P104) for use with the MiniTrack. We recommend the ONE+ lithium-ion over the Ni-Cd for the overall performance life of the battery and the ability to check the battery status by pushing a button the side of the battery. The Ni-Cd (Model P100) and compact lithium (Model P103) are also compatible with the MiniTrack however they will not result in the optimal performance.

The recommend Ryobi 18v ONE+ lithium-ion battery (Model P104) can completely charge in an hour.

The MiniTrack packs a punch for its size and can easily be used to accommodate a continuous fifty six foot line width, with the use of long cable sets and the standard ChronoTrack Interrogator. If the MiniTrack is setup using Mini-Interrogators, the max line width will be limited to 12’. The minimum line width using the standard ChronoTrack Gator is 42” or 36” using the Mini-Gator.

The MiniTrack is prepared to read any amount of participants a timer or race director can throw at it. It utilizes the same powerhouse RFID reader contained within the 400/800 series controller. ChronoTrack has not placed software restrictions on the hardware to limit the number of participants a MiniTrack user can accept.

It is still possible to collect the data on the network as backup using a laptop on the same network as the controllers. This can be simply done using CCSLite.

Like any backup option, it is never that important until you need it. Then it is extremely important. The methodology that the MiniTrack uses to store data differs from the 400/800 series controllers. With the improved performance in this area users may find the MiniTrack to be secure and reliable enough to remove this layer of redundancy.

Based on the size difference between the MiniGators and Gators you cannot mix the two in a single line. It is possible to use one on a primary timing line and the other on a back-up line.

The MiniGator weighs 12 lbs and is 36” Wide x 14” Long x 1.25” Tall. The current Gator is 27 lbs and is 42” Wide x 33” Long and 1.25” Tall. The MiniGator will only accommodate a single cable set (or 4 gators) being connected to it with room for a network cable or power cable. Because of its “mini” size, the channel for cable has been reduced in size. MiniGators are not ADA compliant.