Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about SplitFast timing gates, setup, accuracy, and support.

Getting Started

New to SplitFast? Start here.

Where can I find SplitFast user guides and help info?

Resources are available in the Resources section of this website, featuring quick start videos, how-to guides, and training science articles. For additional support, contact us via the Support form at the bottom of this page.

How long does it take to set up the system?

For a training setup with 2 gates it takes less then 5 minutes from bag to first sprint. Place gates on tripods, power them on, and they automatically connect to the Hub. The Hub syncs to your iPhone/iPad app via Bluetooth. No gate reflector alignment needed. For a full meet setup with 8 gates, it takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

What comes in each kit?

Starter Pack: 2 timing gates, 1 wireless hub, 2 tripods, carrying case

Elite Pack: 4 timing gates, 1 wireless hub, 4 tripods, carrying case

Club Pack: 8 timing gates, 1 wireless hub, 8 tripods, carrying case (contact for pricing)

All kits include the free SplitFast Timing App for iPhone/iPad.

Do I need any training to use SplitFast?

No formal training required. The system is designed to be intuitive. Most coaches are timing athletes within minutes of unboxing. We provide quick start videos and testing protocols to help you get the most out of your setup.

Accuracy & Reliability

Trust the data. Here's how SplitFast performs.

How accurate is the timing compared to photocells?

We can't claim to match certified wired photo finish cameras that are accurate to within thousandths of a second, but we have measured SplitFast total system accuracy extensively and found it to be ±0.01s, which is outstanding for wireless timing and excellent for club use and training purposes.

What is the test-retest repeatability?

Typical test-retest variability is <0.01 seconds. This means if an athlete runs the same protocol twice under the same conditions, times will be within 0.01s. This level of consistency allows you to trust week-to-week comparisons for training decisions.

How does weather affect the timing?

LiDAR timing is weather-resistant and works in light rain, moderate wind, and varying light conditions. Unlike video-based systems, there's no degradation in bright sunlight. Gates are splash-resistant (not waterproof) and designed for outdoor track use. Use ankle weights around the bases of the tripods to ensure stability in windy conditions.

What is the battery life?

70+ hours per gate on standard AA batteries. That's 3-4 months of weekly sessions before you need to change batteries. No mid-session failures. The app displays battery status for each gate.

Setup & Usage

How to use SplitFast effectively.

Can I time multiple athletes at once?

Yes you can. With the Starter or Elite Pack, you can have 2 or 4 athletes running at the same time when each gate is placed at the finish line. When adding split gates you reduce the number of athletes. You can time 2 athletes with 4 gates if you have a split gate and a finish gate in each lane. If you regularly need to time multiple athletes simultaneously (e.g., 4-8 lanes), consider the Club Pack with 8 gates for multi-lane timing.

How do I keep my SplitFast Gate from detecting other athletes?

Set the Motion Detection Range to the lowest distance that still reliably detects your athlete. For multi-lane setups, we find a distance between 0.9 and 1.1 meters works well. Angle the gate LiDAR sensor down about 30 degrees to avoid false detections from adjacent lanes.

How do I configure the Start Gate in a Flying Start trial?

Set the start gate distance to indicate how far you've traveled before reaching it. Results display the Start event at 0.00 seconds with the distance, followed by split gates and finish gate times.

Why do I not receive a Reaction Time result when I use Motion Start?

Motion Start mode doesn't measure reaction time because you initiate the run yourself. Starting Gun mode measures the delay between gun fire and your movement, providing reaction time data.

What do the values in the Results list mean?

Results vary by trial type and start method. Each trial shows the date, time and trial type. Expand rows to see reaction times, split times, and finish times based on your configuration.

How do I analyze my results in an external application?

Export results as .CSV files through the Results page. Open the file in Excel and format the Result column (hh:mm:ss.00) to display hundredths of seconds for detailed analysis.

Compatibility

Device requirements and system compatibility.

Do I need an iPhone or iPad?

Yes. The SplitFast Timing App currently runs on iPhone and iPad (iOS 14+).

Is there a monthly subscription?

No. The app is included free with your kit purchase. No monthly fees, no subscriptions. Buy once, use forever.

What is the wireless range?

The Wireless Timing Hub communicates with gates up to 600 meters away in open line of sight conditions. Typical track environments (with spectators and shade structures) maintain reliable connection at 200-400 meters.

Can I expand my system later?

Yes. You can purchase additional gates individually to expand your system. Many coaches start with the Starter Pack (2 gates) and add more later for split timing. All gates work with the same Hub.

App Settings & Privacy

Managing your gates and protecting your setup.

How do I stop my SplitFast App from detecting other Athlete's Gates?

Use the Bluetooth Group ID setting to create a private network. Set all your Gates to the same ID (1000-9999), then match that ID in your iPhone/iPad System Settings. Gates without matching IDs won't be detected.

How do I stop someone with a SplitFast App from changing my Gates' configuration?

There are 2 things you can do. First, set a custom System Bluetooth Group instead of using the SplitFast default. Second, set a custom 6-digit PIN code on your Gates. The app requests this PIN during connection attempts. Unauthorized users cannot access your Gates without the correct code.

Purchasing & Support

Ordering, shipping, warranty, and support.

How do I purchase a SplitFast kit?

Request a quote through our quote form. We'll send you a detailed Paypal quote via email. Once payment is confirmed, we ship within 2-3 business days.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship worldwide from Brisbane, Australia. International shipping costs vary by destination. Contact us for a quote including shipping to your location.

What is the warranty?

All SplitFast products come with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. We also provide ongoing technical support via email and phone. Read our full Product Warranty policy for details.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes. We offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your SplitFast system, you can return it for a full refund. Read our full Money-Back Guarantee policy for details and conditions.

What happens if I outgrow the Starter Pack?

You can purchase additional gates individually to expand your system. Many coaches start with 2 gates and add more later for split timing (10-30-40-90m profiling). All gates work with the same Hub.

Do you offer meet-day support for clubs?

Yes. For clubs running athletics meets, we offer meet-day phone support to ensure everything runs smoothly. Contact us when requesting your Club Pack quote to discuss support options.

Can I get a demo before purchasing?

Yes. We offer 15-minute video demos where we walk you through the system, show live timing, and answer your questions. Book a demo through our contact form.

Policies & Guarantees

📋 Product Warranty ✓ 100% Money-Back Guarantee

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Submit your support question and we'll respond within 24 hours.