Time without a start list

This is the simplest timing model. 

Assumptions:

• Racers start in bib order

• Racers start at once or one every 15, or one ever 30 seconds

  • Note that we did not build the app to handle pursuit, tandem, or other start formats.  Depending on customer feedbacl we could build those in the future

Steps to get started:

1. Open the app on your iPhone (for compact experience) or iPad (for full experience.)

2. Check upper right corner to be sure start interval is correct.  It defaults to 30 second intervals.  Tap to toggle to Mass Start or 15 second intervals.

3. Get out on course and start timing!

4. When done, click refresh button next to the interval button.  This will give you the option to save the race within the app before starting a new race.  

Options:

• • Results Export

    • This can happen from the results page, via the Export button.

    • It can also happen from the Events page after your race has been saved by clicking on the event under Results tab

    • Allows emailing, texting, etc

  • Settings Page

    • You can set sound effects and keyboard feedback

    • You can choose Entry mode:

      •  Default is Number Pad where the bib number is typed in then Enter pressed when an athlete reaches the timing point

      • Option is Bib Press mode where the bib numbers are displayed and a single tap of the bib number enters that athlete's time.

Time with a start list

Our future dream is to be able do directly parse and upload pdf start lists.  We are limited by current technological limitations. 

1. Create start list

• If race organizer has posted a .csv formatted file you are good to go without modifications.  Our app allows "Field Mapping" which is a process of ensuring that the Bib field in the file matches with our expected Bib.  

  • We allow flexibility for lists posted with a single Name field or separate First Name and Last Name fields.  

  • Team and start time are optional

  • When start time is imported, the app will set the interval based on the start list interval as long as it is one racer every 15 or 30 seconds or a mass start.

  • Fields can be in any order in your input file.  If column headers match ("Bib", "Name", "Team") what we use in the app, field matching is automatic.  If other names are used, perhaps "Number" and "Club" for example, just match those up and click import.  You'll be good to go.

• If race organizer has posted in PDF format, here is our suggested process.  

  • We are creating a page on this website to post csv start lists from Bullit Timing to cover Eastern Cup and EISA Collegiate Races in 2025-26.  I'd like to figure out a way to get the community to help with posting for other regions that are actively using the app.

  • We have had great luck using AI models to translate a pdf into a csv format.  Just ask your favorite AI agent for help, be sure the file is saved with a .csv extension and you should be good to go.  We have used Claude extensively - that engine will almost always successfully create a csv from a pdf but then saves it as a .txt.  On an iphone or ipad you can save it then open Files and press on the file to get an option to Rename and then change the extension to .csv. 

2. If you are ready to time now...

   • Open the App

   • From the main timer screen press the Import button next to the app title.

   • Import your file being careful to match fields correctly.

3. If you plan to time later, or want to load multiple start lists (say for races that are happening tomorrow)..

• Open the App

• Select Events on the top menu bar

• From the Events page, click +New Event, add your event info, and click Import start list.

• This will save to Start Lists section of the events page and be ready to go when you are ready.

4. Start Timing just as you would timing a race without a start list.  Please be sure to verify that the start interval is correct in the upper left corner of the Timer screen (but it should have identified that when importing your file.)

Options:

(In addition to options listed above under Timing without a start list.)

1. Add your team! 

• From the settings page find "Team Highlighting" and select your team from the list.  Since start lists are not always perfectly consistent with team names you can make multiple selections aka "Colby" and "CBC" ad "Colby College"

2. Feature an athlete!

• Also from settings you can use Athlete Highlighting.  This embeds information about this athlete throughout the timing process.  It can be useful if you have an athlete who happens to be a rival of an athlete you are timing.  It can also be super helpful if a parent or spectator is focused on just one or two specific athletes.  Use this option to get lots of feedback about these athletes.  You can select up to 5 individuals.