COLORADO TIME SYSTEMS Electronic Start Championship System Installation Guide

: June 5, 2024
: ColoRAdo TIME SYSTEMS

Electronic Start System
Championship Start

Instruction Guide
F875 Rev 202202

Colorado Time Systems
Corporate Office
1551 East 11th Street
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Sales: 1-800-279-0111 or +1 970-667-1000
Service: 1-800-287-0653 or +1 970-667-1000
FAX: +1 970-667-1032
Web: www.coloradotime.com
Email: support@coloradotime.com

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Pictures and illustrations may not accurately depict your version. Please check our website for the most current information; our user manuals are available online in the customer service section of our website.
Unauthorized modifications or changes made to this device not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance voids the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing Colorado Time Systems Championship Start electronic start system. Its multi-purpose design makes the Championship Start perfect for use as an electronic start system or a limited public address system. Instructions for both of these applications are included in this instruction guide.

Receiving Your Equipment

When you receive your Colorado Time Systems equipment, follow these steps:

Open all shipping boxes.
Note: We recommend that you save all shipping boxes and packing material. You are responsible for damage to your equipment if an item is returned improperly packed.
Check for concealed damage immediately upon receipt of equipment. Report any damage directly to the freight carrier.
Use the Packing List included with the shipment to take an inventory of all items. If you believe one or more parts to be missing, contact our Customer Service Department immediately at 1-800-CTS-0653 in the U.S. and Canada, or at 970-667-1000 or email: support@coloradotime.com.

Scope of this Instruction Guide

This instruction guide addresses all issues related to the installation and normal operation of your new Championship Start electronic start system. A complete maintenance and troubleshooting section covers the most common problems that are user correctable. For any repairs or problems not found in this instruction guide, call Colorado Time Systems Customer Service Department toll-free at 1-800-287-0653 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 970667-1000 or email: support@coloradotime.com.

Championship Start Features

Your new Championship Start electronic start system contains a number of advanced features which make it versatile and easy to use. Each Championship Start has two built-in 12VDC rechargeable batteries.
Note: Your Championship Start System should be operated only from battery power, keeping AC power away from the pool deck and reducing the possibility of electric shock.

With its optional multiple speaker configurations and accessories, the Championship Start is a powerful start system.

Drives speakers mounted under the starting blocks for an extremely consistent start tone across all lanes.
Drives Speedlights across the front of relay judging platforms mounted on starting blocks. Speedlights level the playing field for athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing. They offer all athletes a visual cue, and experience practicing with the type of start system used at championship competitions.
Supports two wired microphones.
Supports an underwater speaker for underwater recall and training options.

There are two speaker circuits associated with the Championship Start System. The main speaker circuit includes the speakers mounted under the starting blocks, and any underwater speaker(s). There is no volume adjustment for the start tone from these speakers.
The auxiliary speaker circuit includes an additional speaker associated with the Championship Start System. For example, a speaker you have mounted on the backstroke pole, or a speaker mounted on the side of the Champ Start is on this circuit. The volume control knob (labeled AUX SPKR) for this circuit adjusts the volume of the start tone from the auxiliary speaker.
For both speaker circuits, the individual volume controls for each microphone are used to adjust the volume of that microphone’s output at all speakers.
The Championship Start can serve as a limited public address system, allowing you to make announcements to your swimmers at practice and to the swimmers and spectators at a meet.

Mounting Options
Place the Championship Start module on a tabletop, mount it on the wall with the wall mount kit, use the tripod Model TR-3, or mount it on the flagpole with the flagpole mount Model START-FPM-2. Do not use a standard camera tripod.

Functions

Start System: 0.25 second dual tone electronic blast with simultaneous strobe flash. Simultaneous speedlight flash for relay judging platforms with speedlights.
False start recall: repeating dual tone from all connected speakers, including underwater.
Training tool: train with start tone used in competition, and communicate with swimmers through an optional underwater speaker.
PA used to address swimmers and spectators.

Microphone
Used to address swimmers, start the race and recall in the event of a false start.

Speakers
6-watt/45-ohm moisture and corrosion resistant reflex speaker used as lane speaker. Championship Start can drive up to 12 lane speakers. Connect each lane speaker to its associated deck plate or cable harness, which is connected to the main speaker jack on the right panel of the Champ Start (see Figure C on page 6). 10-watt/8-ohm moisture and corrosion resistant compression speaker used as AUX speaker. It is connected to the AUX SPKR jack on the left panel of the Champ Start (see Figure B on page 5).
Underwater speaker for underwater recall and training. Connect the Underwater speaker to your cable harness in an on-deck system, to a deck plate in an in- deck system, or directly to the main speaker output on the right side panel of the Champ start (see Figure C on page 6).

Speedlights
LEDs across the front of a Colorado Time Systems relay judging platform that flash simultaneously with the Championship Start speaker tone and strobe light, giving swimmers the fastest possible start. Championship Start can drive Speedlights in up to 12 lanes.

Strobe Light
Bright 360° strobe light flashes with start tone. Gives timers/officials a reliable start reference, and provides a visual cue to athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Battery Power
Safe, reliable internal gel-cell batteries (2) with external charger. Championship Start will operate while charging.

Expandable
You can add an extra speaker for the far lane or mount one to the backstroke pole. Add an additional microphone for referee or far side of pool, or officials at the timing table.

Practicality
Interfaces to all Colorado Time Systems electronic timers using optional start jumper cable, models SJ-50 through SJ-200.

Championship Start Specifications

Physical

Height:
Width:
Depth:
Weight:| 13.25” (33.7 cm)
13” (33cm)
5.75” (14.6 cm)
17.4 lbs (7.9 kg)
---|---

Figure A: Front Panel

Front Panel
The Championship Start electronic start system front panel contains the following controls and connectors:

Two standard microphone inputs
Independent volume control for each microphone input. Microphone volume is independent of Start Tone volume.
Power On indicator (green LED)
Low Battery indicator (red LED) provides an early indication that the battery level is getting low. Performance may decrease with continued operation.
Recharge batteries or connect AC converter as soon as possible.
AUX Speaker volume control that affects the auxiliary speaker start tone levels

Figure B: Left Panel

Left Panel
The Championship Start electronic start system left panel contains the following controls and connectors:

On/Off switch for attached strobe
Mounting holes for mounting auxiliary speaker
Auxiliary speaker connector
External Power connector for AC power converter, which charges the internal batteries and provides operational power
Fuses: an AC power converter circuit fuse and one fuse for each battery; all fuses are 5x20mm, 5A, slow-blow
Unit On/Off Switch

Figure C: Right Panel

Right Panel
The Championship Start system right panel contains the following controls and connectors:

Speedlight connector
SPKR: Audio/Start Tone output for lane speakers & underwater speaker(s)
Start signal for Timer (Normally Open). Normally Closed option is available but must be set at the factory
External Strobe
Wallplate Connector: A 10-pin military-style locking connector that reduces the number and complexity of connections and cables needed for facilities with in-deck wiring. Includes signal lines for Speedlights, Speaker, Timer Start, and External Strobe

Setup

This chapter contains instructions for setting up your Championship Start electronic start system and its accessories for competition and practice. This covers standard Championship Start configurations; your set up may vary depending on specific requirements and optional equipment.

Installation

If not already connected, screw the antenna into the top of the ChampStart. Connect the ChampStart to the wall plate, a cable harness, or to a deck plate at one side of the starting end, either at lane 1 or at the last lane (6, 8, 10 or 12). If you have purchased a system which includes multiple speakers, the locations for the ChampStart available to you may be limited by the location of the speaker cable harness or wall plate.

Note: Use only the speakers provided by Colorado Time Systems. Attaching any other type of speakers to the Championship Start can cause your start system to fail.
The start system module should be positioned so that the strobe is easily visible. This allows officials and spectators to start their watches from the strobe, improving the accuracy of watch starts.

Important: Your ChampStart should be operated only from battery power, keeping AC power away from the pool deck and reducing the possibility of electric shock.

Microphones

Two jacks for microphones are provided on the Championship Start front panel (shown in Figure A on page 4). These microphone inputs are identical and can be used interchangeably. Each microphone input has an independent volume control for optimum voice quality.

Note: Your Championship Start electronic start system is designed for use only with factory-supplied microphones. For reliable operation, do not connect any other devices to the microphone inputs.

On/Off Switch

To turn on your Championship Start system, press the power switch on the lower left side of the unit (shown in Figure B on page 5). Always remember to turn off your Championship Start when it is not in use, so that you don’t discharge the battery.

Battery Charging

If the Low Battery indicator (red LED) on the Championship Start front panel is lit or the start tone drops in volume or becomes longer, the batteries are getting low and need to be recharged.
Take care not to let the batteries fully discharge as this will damage the batteries and greatly limit their ability to properly operate the equipment. You can extend the life of the batteries by recharging them for 12 to 24 hours immediately after each use and insuring that the on/off switch of the unit has been placed in the off position when not in active use. To recharge your batteries simply place the power switch in the off position and plug in the equipment to a power outlet for 12 to 24 hours. This equipment is intended to be charged indoors and away from the pool deck only.
If the product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin, the plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact a qualified electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.

Setting the Volume Controls

With your Championship Start turned on, rotate the volume control for the desired microphone or auxiliary speaker(s) on the front of the panel clockwise to increase the volume. Rotate the volume control counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.

Microphones
Test the volume level by using the desired microphone. The microphone volume controls on the front of the Championship Start affect only the PA volume. Each microphone can be adjusted separately.
Note: To avoid feedback noise, do not hold the microphone close to the speakers when testing the output volume.

Auxiliary Speaker(s)
The volume knob for the auxiliary speaker(s) adjusts the volume of the start and recall tones at any auxiliary speaker(s).

Main Speakers
The start and recall tones always function at maximum volume at the main speakers under the starting blocks; they are not adjustable.

Configuration Diagrams

The following block diagrams illustrate typical configurations for your Championship Start with in-deck wiring or on-deck.

Using Your Electronic Start System

This chapter explains how to use the many features your Championship Start electronic start system offers.

Starter’s Microphone
The M2 family of microphones for CTS start systems are ergonomically designed for comfortable and intuitive use. Features Include two conveniently located start buttons on the top of the microphone for ease of operation for right- and left-handed users and a quiet push-to-talk switch. Operation

Plug the ¼” jack from the microphone cable into the microphone input of the start system.
Use the Push-to-Talk (PTT) switch located on the left side of the microphone to use the unit as a microphone. For best Start Buttons results, the microphone should be held close to the user’s mouth.
Depress the PTT switch and either of the Start Buttons located on the top of the microphone to initiate a start or signal a recall. Either of the two start buttons can be used to operate either function.

Strobe Light
The strobe light flashes automatically whenever the start system receives a start pulse. Allow 30 seconds between strobe flashes for the strobe circuit to recharge. If the strobe circuit has not had time to recharge fully when your Championship Start receives another start pulse, the strobe light will not flash.

Timer Output
When properly connected to a CTS electronic timing system, such as the System 5, System 6 or Dolphin, the Championship Start automatically sends a start pulse to the timer whenever the microphone start button is pressed. If your electronic timer does not start properly, check the start cable connections both at the timer wall plate or cable harness and at your Championship Start. Many electronic timers, including all Colorado Time Systems timers, require a Normally Open (N.O.) start pulse. Others require a Normally Closed (N.C.) start pulse.

Note: The Championship Start works only with Normally Open start pulses. If your timer requires a Normally Closed start pulse, contact your Colorado Time Systems representative for factory modifications.

Operating Notes

Using your Championship Start electronic start system during training sessions is one of its useful features. Swimmers quickly become accustomed to electronic starting and thereby improve their start reflexes.
The volume controls on the Championship Start front panel affect only the PA volume. The start and recall tones always operate at full volume (except for the AUX speaker). If the start tone drops in volume or becomes longer, the battery is getting low and needs to be recharged.

Strobe Light/Speedlight Usage
If coaches, parents or spectators attempt to start their stopwatches from the start tone, they will not get accurate starts. The relatively slow speed of sound, especially in the pool environment, results in late stopwatch starts for observers at any distance from the speakers. Educate your coaches, parents and spectators to use the strobe and/or starting block Speedlights to trigger their stopwatch starts. The strobe and Speedlight flash are unaffected by poor acoustics and the fast speed of light ensures that all observers see the flash at the same time, resulting in more accurate stopwatch times. The strobe and Speedlights also ensure fair starts for athletes that are deaf or hard of hearing.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

This chapter contains maintenance and troubleshooting information which helps you keep your Championship Start in good working order and helps you solve common problems quickly and easily.

Maintenance

Your new Championship Start electronic start system has been carefully designed to provide years of trouble-free service. No routine maintenance is necessary, but following a few simple steps will ensure that your Championship Start delivers the trouble-free service for which it was designed.

Battery
You can extend the usable life of the internal batteries by always keeping them fully chargednever allow the batteries to discharge completely. Leave the AC power converter connected for 12 to 24 hours, and always make sure the power switch is in the Off position after every use. If the red Low Battery LED on the front panel is illuminated or the start tone volume drops or becomes longer, the batteries are getting low and need to be recharged. The AC power converter charges the batteries whether the Championship Start is on or off. This equipment is intended to be charged indoors and away from the pool deck only.
If the product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin, the plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact a qualified electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.

Cable Harness
Do not allow your speakers, speaker connectors, cable harness terminals and timer start cable connectors to remain wet constantly. Colorado Time Systems uses the finest quality materials available for these items, but the pool environment is very harsh. The corrosive action of chemically-treated pool water will eventually corrode any connector exposed to it for long periods. Proper care and handling of cables can prevent damage.
At the beginning and end of each season, clean all female connectors with a cotton swab and silicon grease: use Compound 111® by Dow Corning ® for best results. If connectors are badly corroded, clean them with Lime-A-Way®, which is available at most supermarkets, before applying a small amount of silicone grease to the connector.
Compound III and Dow Corning are registered trademarks of Dow Chemical Corp.; Lime-A-Way is a registered trademark of Benckiser Consumer Products, Inc.

Storage
Store your Championship Start in a dry place after each use. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature. Be sure to recharge the internal batteries overnight before storing to ensure that your start system is ready the next time you need it. Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position before storing your

Championship Start.

In Case of Difficulty
Colorado Time Systems has taken great care to ensure that your Championship Start electronic start system provides years of trouble-free service. If, however, you experience difficulties with your Championship Start, first attempt to locate and solve the problem using the Troubleshooting guide. Locate the problem you are experiencing and follow the remedies one at a time in the order presented, checking your Championship Start for proper operation between each recommended remedy.
Solving simple problems yourself will save you time and money. If the problem you are experiencing is not mentioned in the Troubleshooting guide or the recommended steps do not solve the problem, call Customer Support toll-free at 1-800-287-0653 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 970-667-1000, visit www.coloradotime.com or email support@coloradotime.com for assistance.

Troubleshooting

This section helps you solve common start system problems quickly. Locate the difficulty you are experiencing in the Symptom column and then follow the recommendations in the Action column one at a time, in the order they appear. If the problem you are experiencing is not listed or the recommended remedies do not have the desired effect, write a summary of the problem and all steps you have taken to correct it and call Colorado Time Systems Customer Support toll-free at 1-800-287-0653 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 970-667-1000, visit www.coloradotime.com or email support@coloradotime.com.

Symptom	Action	Notes
Nothing Works (green Power LED off)	1. Check power On/Off switch

2. Recharge battery
3. Check fuses on Championship Start rear panel—replace only with same type and rating| If power switch is on, battery is discharged
See Instructions on page 13
Fuses are on the left panel (see Figure B on page 5). All fuses are 5x2Omm, 5A, slow-blow
Nothing Works (green Power LED on)| 1. Check microphone and
speaker connections on the Championship Start System| See figures A, B and C on pages Error! Bookmark not defined.,5 and 6 for locations of these items
Battery will not charge| 1. Check power at AC outlet—use a working lamp to check for power at outlet
2. Check fuses on Championship Start rear panel—replace only with same type and rating| Fuses are on the left panel (see Figure B on page 5). All fuses are 5x2Omm, 5A, slow-blow
Championship Start
does not start electronic timer but start tone sounds properly| 1. Check cable connections at timer, cable harness and Championship Start
2. Confirm that your timer accepts Normally Open start pulses.| See Figure C on page 6 for locations of these items
See page 12 for a discussion of this issue. For information about your timer, see its
documentation
No Start or recall tones at speaker(s)| 1. Make sure starter is holding down the push-to-talk switch when pressing the start button on the microphone Symptom Action Notes Nothing Works (green Power LED off)
1. Check power On/Off switch
2. Check microphone connector on Championship
Start front panel
3. Check speaker connector(s) on cable harness or deck
plate; check speaker cable harness connector at wall
plate or I/O box
4. Microphone may be defective—substitute a different microphone| See Figure A on page
Error! Bookmark not defined. for location of this item
See Figure A on page Error! Bookmark not
defined. for location of this item
Some speakers work, others do not| 1. Check speaker connector(s)on cable harness or deck
plate|
Strobe does not flash| 1. Allow 30 seconds between starts on strobe to recharge
2. Check strobe connector at wall plate or I/O box|

Returning Your Championship Start for Service

If you are experiencing a problem not found in the Troubleshooting guide or not corrected by the troubleshooting instructions, it may be necessary to send your Championship Start to the factory for service. Depending on the problem, it may not be necessary to return the entire start system. The following list contains the components which can be returned to the factory individually after removal from the Championship Start module.

Warning
Before attempting to remove any components, make sure the Championship start power switch is in the Off position and the AC power converter is unplugged.

Speakers
Detach the individual speaker cable from the cable harness if you are using a multiple speaker configuration. If you are using a single speaker configuration, detach the speaker connector from the Championship Start. Return the defective speaker(s).
Cables
For any of the cables used, detach all connections and return the cable.
External Strobe Detach the strobe light cable from the Championship Start.

Replacement Parts
Additional items which can be ordered as replacement parts: