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 Wi-Fi 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

Ethernet Connection (Direct Decoder Connection)

This is the recommended 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. Go to Decoders page and identify RCGT decoder record that needs to be linked with your decoder box (create new one if necessary).
  2. Press Connect button of the chosen decoder like shown below:

  3. Select Vostok Electronics decoder manufacturer in the popup window like so:
  4. IMPORTANT: You will need User Register Packet value in the following steps. Screenshot value is just a reference example, use the one that will appear in your management panel. You can leave the popup window open for now, you will get back to it later on.
  5. Plug your Vostok Electronics decoder box into network router using Ethernet cable. Make sure this network has an Internet connection.
  6. Identify which IP-address is assigned to the decoder device within your network. (if you are having problems with this step please ask for an assistance of your network administrator).
  7. Check the decoder configuration options using its admin UI provided by Vostok Electronics decoder. Open up web browser on any other device connected to the same network as the decoder box and go to http://<DECODER_IP_ADDRESS>/. This should open up a page looking like this:

  8. Important configuration settings related to this type of connection are shown below. Use User Register Packet value you've got in the one of the steps above (starts with “X” and followed by 5 or 6 digits).
  9. Save settings and reboot Vostok Electronics decoder box. Make sure it stays connected to the Internet
  10. Return to Decoder Connection Setup screen you left open or follow steps 1-3 again.
  11. Press Connect button down below Decoder Connection Setup popup window.
    IMPORTANT: Once the connection procedure is started there needs to be at least one loop passing made so make sure it happens in time. You should be able to see a message of successful connection 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 procedure over.

Ethernet Connection (Using RCGT Driver Application)

This is an alternative way of setting up the connection where the Decoder is being used as a Server and RCGT Application Driver as a Client. This type of connection requires a computer connected to the Internet.

  1. Plug in the Decoder to your computer ethernet port (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 its 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.

Serial Port Connection

As an alternative you can always use a Serial Port (USB) 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.

Troubleshooting

Please contact our support team here if you have any problems setting up the connection between decoder and our software.