RCGTiming: Setting up Vostok Electronics Decoder

This article explains how to set up a connection between RCGTiming and Scoring software (RCGT) and Vostok Electronics Decoder.

RCGT supports all the interfaces that Vostok Electronics Decoder provides which are:

However Ethernet and WiFi connections can be used both ways: Decoder as a Server and Decoder as a Client. You will find more information about all of those connections

Serial Port Connection

  1. Plug the Decoder to your computer using USB-cable (comes with the Decoder)
  2. Using Device Manager on your computer check which number has been assigned to a Serial Port that the Decoder is connected to (i.e. COM4, COM5, etc).
  3. Follow the instructions on how to set up RCGT Driver here and when it comes to choosing a connection Protocol you need to select option Serial/COM Serial Port before you download RCGT Driver.

Ethernet Connection (Default)

This is the default setup connection where the Decoder is being used as a Server and RCGT Driver as a Client. This type of connection requires a computer connected to the Internet.

  1. Plug the Decoder to your computer network (use either direct computer connection or through the Network Switch) using Ethernet cable
  2. Identify which IP address is assigned to the Decoder within your network. If you are using a Network Switch/Router you can find the IP address using it’s admin panel (if you are having problems with this step please ask for the assistance of your network administrator)
    • Tip: You check anytime whether the connection between the Decoder and your Computer has been established correctly by using a ping tool, i.e.:
      ping <DECODER_IP_ADDRESS>
      Where <DECODER_IP_ADDRESS> is the IP address of the Decoder within your computer network.
  3. [Optional] Check the Decoder configuration using its admin UI provided by the Decoder. Open up a Web Browser on your computer and go to http://<DECODER_IP_ADDRESS>/. This should open up a page looking like this:

  4. [Optional] Important confirmation settings related to this type of connection are shown on the picture below:

  5. Follow the instructions on how to set up RCGT Driver here and when it comes to choosing a connection Protocol you need to select option Ethernet, TCP/IP before you download RCGT Driver.

Ethernet Connection (Without Computer)

This is an alternative way of setting up a connection between RCGT and the Decoder using Ethernet interface. This type of connection requires only the Decoder and the Internet connection (neither a computer nor the driver is required).

  1. Plug the Decoder to the network router using Ethernet cable. Make sure this network has an Internet facing connection.
  2. Identify which IP address is assigned to the Decoder within your network. (if you are having problems with this step please ask for the assistance of your network administrator).
  3. Check the Decoder configuration using its admin UI provided by the Decoder. Open up a Web Browser on any other device connected to the same network as the Decoder and go to http://<DECODER_IP_ADDRESS>/. This should open up a page looking like this:

  4. Important confirmation settings related to this type of connection are shown on the pictures below. The “User Register Packet” value must be in the format “X00000” (starts with “X” and followed by 5 digits).
    IMPORTANT: The number must be unique within RCGT database so please contact us for that matter.

  5. Save the settings and reboot the Decoder. Make sure it stays connected to the Internet
  6. Go to the Decoders page on RCGT and make sure you have an entry record for your decoder there in the list (create one if necessary).

  7. Click the “Activate” button next to the given decoder on RCGT screen and start the activation procedure.
    IMPORTANT: Once the activation procedure is started there needs to be at least one timing loop passing so make sure it happens in time. You should be able to see a message of successful activation in case the procedure has been completed properly. If you didn't get the successful message and the progress bar just went to 100% with no indication then you need to check your configuration once again and start the activation over.