Preparing for Your Event
Going Public and Going Live
Each Event Group is either “public” or “private.” Public event groups can be seen by everyone, but private event groups are viewable only by the Organization Owner and its designated Stewards.
Each Event Group is either “available live” or not “available live.” When an Event Group is available live, it is ready to accept Raw Times entered from the Live Entry screen (Live > Time Entry) or from OST Remote.
Going Public (or Private)
When you create a new Event Group, it is private, allowing you time to load your splits and entrants and get everything ready. An Event Group will not become public until you make it so.
You can change an Event Group from private to public by using the Construction Status page (Admin > Construction > Status > Go Public).
You can also change an Event Group back to private from the Construction Status page (Admin > Construction > Status > Take Private).
Enabling and Disabling Live Entry
When you create a new Event Group it is not available live. This allows you time to get everything set up before it becomes visible to users of OST Remote. An Event Group will not be enabled for live entry until you make it so.
You can enable live entry for an Event Group from the Construction Status Page (Admin > Construction > Status > Enable Live Entry).
You can also disable live entry for an Event Group from the Construction Status Page (Admin > Construction > Status > Disable Live Entry).
Helping People Follow Your Event
OpenSplitTime gives you access to free, convenient updates for families, friends, fans, and crews. Updates are available at the Results pages and also via text message and email updates to subscribed users.
To make sure everyone knows how to follow your Event Group live, we provide an easy guide customized for each Event Group. To inform your Entrants how to follow the event, visit the Follow page (Results > Follow), copy the link, and send it to your contact list.
Note that the Follow page, like the rest of your event pages, will not be visible to the general public until you have made your Event Group public. Make sure to make your event public before sending any links intended for public use.
Obtaining Timing Equipment
If you plan to record times using OST Remote, you will need to gather enough iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) for use at the various stations that will be recording times. When determining the number of devices you need, remember to account for any stations that will need two devices, for example, if you will be recording times both in and out of the station and the course is arranged such that participants check into and out of the station at different physical locations.
You can buy devices for your Organization, share with another Organization whose event schedule is compatible with yours, or borrow devices from friends of the Organization. Make sure you obtain your devices with plenty of time before your event to ensure you can get OST Remote loaded and train your timing crews.
Device Requirements
OST Remote requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 9 or later.
We have found that an iPad Mini is about the right size for easy viewing and easy handling. A medium-format (9.5- to 11-inch) iPad is also fine, though not quite as easy to use while standing up. Large (13-inch) iPads will work fine for an operator at a table, but they are awkward to use while standing.
Newer devices will result in slightly better feel and performance, but any iOS device produced since about 2012 will run OST Remote. As a rule of thumb, any device that uses a Lightning port (the small, reversible Apple charging port) will probably work; any device with an older 30-pin connector will probably not work.
Most iPhones will also work, though those with smaller screens will be harder to read.
Buying Your Own
As of 2023, new iPad Minis are available from Apple starting from $499 in the US. Most Organizations will prefer to buy used devices from a reputable used equipment supplier. As of 2023, a used iPad Mini in fair condition should cost around $50 for a Gen 2, $80 for a Gen 3, or $120 for a Gen 4 in the US.
We have had good luck buying devices from:
Protecting Your Devices
You should prepare your devices for weather and rough treatment. Consider using protective cases and screen protectors to ensure your devices survive the conditions of an outdoor endurance event.