Configurations

ArcheryClock doesn’t supply Hardware. But makes use of 3rd party component suppliers. It is expected that users can build their own timer using the Software and instructions for Hardware are freely available.
Hardware can be very simple depending on the needs for an event.

Most simple example for hardware is to make use of a PC and one or more screens to project the time of sequence in the archery range. Only additional Hardware needed next to PC, monitor and speakers is a long display cable. (to bridge the distance from PC to control the timer and to the display in the archery range.
In case of multiple screens (monitors) a display splitter can be used.

This is the configuration used in 80% of the indoor ranges. For outdoor a standard monitor will not be bright enough and not visible in areas with sunlight. For outdoor special outdoor monitors with high contrast are needed. Or solutions with Led-strips are possible.

Raspberry PI.

A cheap solution to save the cost of a PC, is to make use of Raspberry PI. Raspberry PI is a low cost solution. It is a mini computer available in a lot of web shops. Cost approx. 40 Euro. Including a power adapter, microSD card (known quality brand, 16GB or higher, class10) and housing, it cost less than 100 Euro.

Show time via (wireless) LAN on external screens.

ArcheryClock has the possibility to use (wireless) Lan instead of using long display cables. You can use ArcheryClock on the controlling PC, and broadcast over (W)Lan to multiple client PC’s.
Big advantage of this configuration is the use of alternating shooting since the displays can show a different time or left side archer and right side archer.
For most PC’s (Laptops) the performance is good enough to use WIFI. In case of Raspberry PI clients the advice is to use cabled LAN since the performance of wifi antenna in Raspberry PI can lead to little delays. Alternatively you can connect a WIFI adapter + Quality (large) antenna. via USB. Advice is to use a windows laptop for controlling (WIFI possible) and to connect Raspberry PI’s as client via cables to router.
Advantage of using Raspberry PI as client system, is next to a cheap solution, also possible to shut them down remotely via the main system.

External traffic lights or “ABCD” lights.

To show the traffic light or external “ABCD” lights, there are several ways to control them via the ArcheryClock Software. For Windows PC, the easiest solution is the use of a K8055 from Velleman. It will connect automatically at startup and will activate the lights needed. This is not possible for Linux versions like the Raspberry PI. However, the Raspberry PI has its own GPIO connectors on board. Which can activate the lights.
Finally it is possible to use an arduino board to control the lights. This is possible for Windows and Linux.

Use of LED screen via Arduino MEGA and XBEE serial wireless communication.
To use the ArcheryClock in outdoor setting, the advice is to use LED’s since a PC-monitor has not enough to be visible in direct sunlight.
It is possible to use multiple client screens. So it is also possible to show alternating shooting on these screens.
To create the screens some expertise in electronics is needed.

PC and Monitor.

PC, Monitor and external lights.

Raspberry PI with Monitor.

Raspberry PI, Monitor and external lights.

2 Raspberry PI's, 2 independent Monitors via cross cable.

Network Broadcast. Main system with multiple client systems via LAN network.

Full Matrix WIFI Outdoor Screen.

Sub Matrix Outdoor Screen.

Led Outdoor Screen.