| Equipment | Quantity |
| GoChip | 100 |
| Activator | 4 |
| Server Kit (Server, Router, Modem) | 1 |
| Phone | 3 |
| Start Wand | 2 |
| Finish Photocell | 2 |
| NanoStation | 1 |
| Freeze Time Cable | 1 |
Cross Country BC acquired Zone4 GoChip timing equipment in 2018 thanks to the generous support of the BC Games Society. The original funding was provided through the Society’s Powering Potential Fund, an initiative to strategically invest in projects to further develop sport in BC. Although the original chips and phones are now obsolete, CCBC is covering the season rental costs for the above NEW chips and phones in order to support our clubs with event hosting.
Equipment storage, maintenance, booking, and shipping will be managed by Zone4 in Canmore. The equipment is free to use for BC Cross Country Ski clubs, except for a small shipping & handling charge of approximately $70. Clubs may choose to rent additional equipment if needed and pricing can be calculated using Zone4’s cost calculator: https://zone4.ca/about/rentalcalculator/
For an overview of the GoChip timing system please see here: https://zone4.ca/about/gochip/
For more details on what equipment is needed for different levels of races, see Zone4’s Cross Country Overview here: https://zone4.ca/sports/crosscountryskiing/
Priority of use, in case of conflicting events:
Winter
- BC Winter Games and BCWG ‘test events’ – 1 per winter
- International then National races in BC (e.g. NorAms, Westerns) – typically 2 events per winter
- Teck BC Cups, Teck BC Track Attack Champs – 4 events, usually no other events on these dates
- Teck Regional Cups
- Local races & loppets
Full event schedule: http://www.crosscountrybc.ca/competition-schedule
Booking timelines:
- For national and provincial events, please book at least 2 months in advance of the event. This will ensure you get priority over other events. After that, it’s first come, first serve.
- For regional events, please book within 1 to 2 months of the event. This will ensure you get priority over local events. First come, first serve.
- For local events, please book no sooner than 1 months before the event. First come, first serve.
- To book, start with the Cost Calculator here https://zone4.ca/about/rentalcalculator/ to add any additional GoChips or equipment needed. Of if no additional equipment is needed go straight to the booking page here: https://zone4.ca/contact/?topic=rental Zone4 will coordinate exact support requirements, and equipment and shipping details.
Your reservation of the CCBC timing equipment will be confirmed by Zone4 staff. Your reservation will not be finalized until you have received an email from Zone4 confirming your rental of the CCBC equipment.
Zone4 Timing Services
Zone4 offers 3 levels of support detailed here: https://zone4.ca/about/timing/ The goal is that all clubs in BC will become proficient enough to time races themselves as there is no charge for Self Timing clubs. For clubs that need some extra assistance, especially if it’s your first time using the equipment, Zone4 recommends our Remote Timing support option. https://zone4.ca/about/remotetiming/ NorAM and National level races may desire to have a Zone4 contractor on hand but the goal is to not require that level.
Training
In order to become proficient at timing software: https://zone4.ca/about/timingsoftware/, Zone4 recommends clubs working through our Cross Country Timing Guides here: https://help.zone4.ca/kb/xc/ and explore the full Zone4 timing software documentation here: https://help.zone4.ca/cts/ta/
Take the intro to Zone4 Course here https://help.zone4.ca/courses/intro-to-zone4-timing/
For clubs that are booking the GoChip system, we strongly recommend booking a Zone4 Test Kit: https://zone4.ca/contact/?topic=testkit in advance and working through the following guide: https://help.zone4.ca/kb/using-a-zone4-test-kit/
There is also a helpful guide of things to think about as you prepare for race day: https://help.zone4.ca/kb/race-day-preparation/
For race secretaries interested in learning more about their role in the preperation for races, there is a great guide on best practices here: https://help.zone4.ca/kb/xcski-validation-and-list-processes/
If your club was familiar with Zone4’s legacy software package, there is an introduction to what’s new and FAQ here: https://help.zone4.ca/kb/introduction-to-new-zone4-timing-software/
Luc Guilherme from Overlander Ski Club in Kamloops has graciously offered to help clubs in BC if they require more hands on support. ljguilherme@shaw.ca
NanoStation Usage
An Ubiquiti NanoStation is included with the equipment to augment the WiFi coverage of the Router included with the Server Kt. Some venues were struggling to get sufficient WiFi coverage with the Router so the NanoStation can optionally be connected to and used with the Router to provide long range omni-directional WiFi coverage to an area where Phones are reading chips.
To use the NanoStation, use an Ethernet cable (not included, you must provide this yourself) to connect the Router’s ‘5 PoE out’ port to the NanoStation’s ‘Main’ port. The Ethernet cable can theoretically be up-to 100m long allowing the NanoStation to be mounted in a potentially better location than where the Server Kit and Router is located or to provide WiFi coverage to an additional area. If using a cable over 50m, ensure to test it first since not Ethernet cables are created equal.
The NanoStation will create a WiFi network with the same SSID as the Router, ‘zone4 timing’. This will allow devices to seamlessly hop back and forth between the network created by the Router or the NanoStation. Devices will automatically select the stronger signal when connecting but may not always switch to the strongest source when moved.