RACE RESULT Ubidium is the most advanced timing solution available on the market, capable of handling both Active and Passive (UHF) timing from a single system.
The Ubidium system is the core of Ubidium and is used to receive data from a range of different timing connections, such as Active Loops, Ubidium Foldable Ground Antenna (to be released) or Impulse Devices, to generate passing data based on the highly-precise on-board clock.
The Ubidium Foldable Ground Antenna is currently under development and will be the next component of Ubidium to be released.
System
The Ubidium System contains the main computing logic and interface for timing with Ubidium.
The system integrates all the components required including batteries and power management, the user-interface with display and keypad, 4G / LTE modem, ports for networking and connectivity, timing connectors and more. No external accessories are needed with Ubidium.
Ubidium stores all data on it's built-in memory, this can then be accessed by scoring software, such as RACE RESULT 12, or uploaded directly to a cloud-based server.
The system ensures uninterrupted operation as it runs independently from any other computer or external power supply.
System Components
Ubidium is an entirely self-contained unit, with all the required components accessible directly on the exterior of the shell. The system is designed to ensure all components are protected from water ingress / damage, and does not require any additional cover or lid.
The system is primarily constructed from a highly durable PLASTIC TYPE, designed to withstand the, sometimes, harsh conditions of sports events.
The base of the system features recessed text "THIS SIDE DOWN" and the system should always be setup accordingly to prevent water ingress. Additionally on the base are 4 mounting screw holes for permanent installations, if mounting to a wall then this should be done with the front side facing down.
Ubidium contains an active ventilation system which will be triggered in hot temperatures or in high humidity environments to prevent the formation of condensation on sensitive components.
A handle on the left side can be used to carry the system.
Power & Battery
Ubidium contains a power management system to ensure the system operates without interruption even when power sources are changed.
Some power connectors can also be used to provide a power output to power secondary devices.
Time Base
Ubidium always uses time of day to record times, the timebase of Ubidium is maintained by an internal clock with an accuracy of 0.28ppm when powered on, this is equivalent to a maximum drift of 0.024s per day.
By default Ubidium will use GPS time when available, during the Startup Process Ubidium will automatically try to sync to GPS time, this should always be done outside in an open space, away from any buildings, when possible. It is important to ensure that the Timezone is set correctly to ensure the GPS time is correct for your location.
If a GPS time sync is obtained then the system will continuously micro-adjust the clock to ensure maximum clock accuracy.
If no accurate GPS time can be obtained the system will attempt to fallback to NTP (Network Time Protocol), this is only available if an internet connection is available.
In the event that neither GPS time or NTP time are available the system will revert to the time stored on the internal clock.
The internal clock is maintained even when the system is powered off, however this uses a RTC with an accuracy of 5ppm which gives a maximum drift of 0.432s per day when switched off. The RTC will use the internal batteries when available or a backup CR2032 battery on the main board. The backup battery has an estimated life span of 20 years even if continuously used.
Timing Connections
Startup Process
To power on Ubidium, firmly press and hold the power button until the status LED illuminates green.
Ubidium will now commence the startup process, during this time it will load existing passings from the system and search for a GPS signal. Additionally if the system is set to enable a cloud connection during startup then it will begin to attempt to connect via any available network connection.
Pressing the Start button will skip waiting for any additional jobs.
Once the Startup process is complete, skipped, or if the timeout is reached, Ubidium is ready to begin timing and will automatically start recording all passings.
To shut down Ubidium press and hold the power button until a dialog is displayed on the screen asking you to confirm if the system should shut down, select Yes to complete the shut down.
Note that even in an powered off state Ubidium will show the current battery state on the display, the power drain in this state is minimised so should not impact negatively on the battery life of the system.
User Interface
The main screen of the system when powered on shows some fixed system information, current timing information, and the available menu options. The system time is always displayed when on the main screen.
The top row contains the system name and current battery status, the top and bottom display a preview of the next / previous timing information screen.
Battery Status
The current charge level of each battery is shown.
An arrow indicates the charge status for each battery
 |
Battery is charging Time remaining until fully charged |
 |
Battery is discharging Time remaining until empty |
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Battery is not currently in use |
System Data
There are 3 datasets can be displayed in the system data area, these can be cycled using the up/down arrow keys. Additionally a short preview of each hidden view is shown at the top / bottom of the screen.
Loop Information
Current system Loop and Channel IDs are shown with the loop power.
Additional systems on the same channel within range are also shown below.
Loop Boxes in range in repeat mode will be listed below with the Loop ID and Loop Power.
Passive Antenna Information
Currently connected antennas are shown with their corresponding antenna number. A solid antenna indicates the antenna is currently detecting a transponder.
If a letter is displayed instead of the antenna number then the antenna is currently reporting an error, the possible errors are as follows:
- B - Bad: The antenna reports high noise (most commonly from reflections or obstruction)
- ? - Unavailable: A previously connected antenna is no longer communicating with the System
- M - Mute: Can occur shortly after booting before an antenna is ready for opreration
- ! - Unknown Error: This should be reported to RACE RESULT for further diagnosis
Passing Information
Passing information displays the current last reads on the left side. If the detections are within 1 second of the last timestamp displayed then a gap will be shown rather than the full time.
Additionally displayed on the right side is data relating to the current passings file:
- File Number
- Unique Transponders seen
- Active passings recorded
- Passive passings recorded
- Markers recorded
- Total passings recorded
Networking Information
Current connection status for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Mobile (GSM) and Cloud Connection, for network connections, there are three possible icons.
- Black cloud - This connection is currently being used to connect to the internet
- Cloud outline - This connection has an internet connection available but is not currently being used
- Crossed out cloud - No internet connection is available on this network
When the Cloud upload is enabled then the count of passings which have been uploaded will be displayed below and the status bar will also indicate the percentage of passings which have been uploaded.
Menu Items
From the main screen 4 menu icons are displayed, clicking the corresponding navigation key will open the corresponding menu. Clicking the back key from the main screen will also show the label for each menu.
Inside the menu any sub-menus of that item are shown below, sub-menus and menu items can be accessed by clicking the corresponding navigation key.
If an error has occurred then the General Settings icon may display an exclamation mark, this will be cleared when opening the Error Log.
Text Input (With Keyboard)
Settings which accept a text input will open a keyboard when editing the setting.
The keyboard can be controlled using the keypad on the device. If connected to the same network as Ubidium or to the system Access Point you can scan the on screen QR code to access the system browser interface which will also provide a text input to directly edit the text using your device.
Settings Menus
The settings menus are accessed through the Navigation Buttons, from the main screen of Ubidium there are four menus available.
Firmware Updates
When an internet connection is available via either ethernet, Wi-Fi or external SIM card, Ubidium will automatically check for a firmware update every 10 minutes, and will download this update in the background.
When an update is downloaded a prompt will appear on the screen prompting to restart the system to enable the update. If this is cancelled the system will still operate as long as it is switched on and will switch to the new update next time the system is powered on.
In the system Maintenance settings you can choose to whether the system should only download critical updates, or all updates, when connected via external SIM card in order to limit data usage on your SIM card.
It is not possible to completely disable updates for a system.
Safety Regulations & Compliance
General Safety Responsibilities
To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user must observe all instructions and warnings given in this operating manual.
Applicable local and national safety regulations and rules for the prevention of accidents must be observed in all work performed.
FCC Statement
FCC 15.21
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC 15.19
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
IC Statement
RSS GEN Issue 5
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Cet appareil contient des émetteurs / récepteurs exemptés de licence conformes aux RSS (RSS) d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada. Le fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) Cet appareil ne doit pas causer d'interférences.
(2) Cet appareil doit accepter toutes les interférences, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable de l'appareil.
Warnings and Cautions
The following alerts are used in this manual:
- WARNINGS alert users of potentially dangerous situations.
- CAUTIONS alert users of potential equipment damage.
Warnings and cautions are indicated by:
- the text WARNING or CAUTION,
- a description explaining the hazard and how to avoid it,
- an icon:
Where to Operate the System
The RACE RESULT Active System uses universal frequencies that can be used globally.