Setting a Manual IP address

In order to connect the timing software to a decoder and other network devices, you first need to make sure that your timing computer's network configuration matches the other devices network settings. Devices on a network communicate using unique addresses which are made up of the IP address and the subnet mask. This can be an automated process every time a device connects to the network or manually configured. 

An IP address is similar to a postal address or PO Box, and like an address must always be unique i.e. XXX.XXX.XXX.001 and XXX.XXX.XXX.002. Every single device connected to a network will have a unique IP address, be it a Computer, Printer or Timing Decoder. 

Another part a network device's address is know as the subnet mask. The subnet mask is used to filter out traffic not meant for your computer, so if it is set incorrectly you will not be able to connect to the decoder even if the IP address is correct.

If you have a wire directly from your computer to the decoder, the subnet mask will be 255.255.255.0. If you are connecting via the tracks network, then the subnet mask will most likely be 255.255.255.0, but in advanced scenarios may be 255.255.0.0 or 255.255.255.128, or even something else. You should confirm the correct settings with the venue before you arrive. 

How to manually assign an IP address

Step 1 of this process differs depending on whether your PC uses Windows 10 or 11. 

Windows 10

Step 1: Go to Settings (which you can access quickly by right clicking the Start button) then click on Network and Internet. On this page look for heading that says “Advanced Network Settings”. 

Then click “Change adapter options”.

Windows 11 

Step 1: Go to Settings (which you can access quickly by right clicking the Start button) then search for "View Network Connections" and click on it.

Step 2: You will then see a new window with all your network connections. Right-click on the one that is connected to your Decoder and select Properties. You can work out which connection this is by unplugging the cable and plugging it back in. 

Note: You will need Windows Administrator rights to edit these settings. 

Step 3: Another new window will appear (see image) showing that network connections properties. Make sure you are on the Networking tab at the top of the window (A).

In the list of connection items, find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on it to highlight it blue and make sure its tick box is ticked. (B)

Then click Properties. (C)

Step 4: Click the circle (D) next to “Use the following IP address”. Then fill in the details as follows:

For the Computer’s IP Address the first three entries should match the decoder exactly (192.168.1.xxx) and the last number can be any 3 digit number in that range, not yet taken up by another device on the network. 

In this example the decoder's address is 192.168.001.123 so we have used the IP address 192.168.001.101 for this PC's network connection.

The Subnet Mask is typically 255.255.255.0 or 255.255.0.0 but can be something else.

For the Default Gateway leave the numbers blank. You can also leave the section about DNS blank too.

Click OK to save and exit.

You can then repeat this process for each network device you need to connect to your laptop when an automatically assigned IP address cannot be used.

Automatically assigned IP address

Typically in a normal network at home or in your office you don't need to set an IP address as the Network Hub, Router or Server will automatically assign your device a unique IP Address. This is called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and is often used when connecting to the internet. By default new connections to your PC will wait to be automatically assigned an IP address, but if you have changed your settings, i.e. as above to a manually assigned IP address, you may need to return the settings to Automatic when connecting to a different network or device.

To do this follow steps 1 to 3 as above to locate the network connection, but at step 4, instead of inputting an IP address (D) select "Obtain an IP address automatically". The setting below (E) should also have "obtain DNS server address automatically" selected as well.

Click OK to save and exit.

Example Decoder Settings

These are some example Decoder Settings. Please click on an image to enlarge it. Each time you change any of the Decoder settings in the Timing, you will need to restart the Alpha Timing App.

AMB Tranx Decoder

The AMB TranX decoders use IP addresses via a network. You will need to put the IP address of each decoder at each location.

Older MyLaps Decoders

The older Mylaps decoders also use IP addresses using a network. You will need to put the IP address of each decoder at each location. You can find the decoder's IP address by using the buttons on the front of the decoder.

The MyLaps X2 Server and Decoder System

Note: If this is the first time you have ever connected your Timing PC to the X2 system, you will need to ensure X2 Server Utility is installed to be able to connect. Open a web browser and type in the server's address into the address bar and click Go. Install X2 Server Utility and you should then be able to see all the devices connected to the server. You can then input these settings into the Timing Application.

The newer MyLaps X2 will need the X2 Server’s IP Address (A), plus the server’s Username and Password (B). The sector decoders should all have names in the connection field (C). These names can be found on the X2 Server utility app, which can be installed by typing the server's IP address into a web browser.

Tag Heuer / Chronelec Decoder

Tag Heuer or Chronelec decoders will use an IP address for the decoder and a port number (usually 2008). Each sector will then have a channel which can be selected from the connection drop down e.g. STA for the Start/Finish.