1. MHSL - Dolphin Training Class
The Dolphin Wireless Timing System includes:
- Dolphin Software to be loaded on the meet management computer. The software accepts information from the Base unit and writes files to be accessed by Meet Manager.
- A Wireless Display Unit for each Lane Timer. Displays can be started automatically via the Starter, or started individually for Manual Start/Stop back-up times.
- A Wireless Starter. Used to start all of the Display Units with a synchronized start . The starter can be run manually or with an electronic starting system.
- A Base unit, which is connected to the meet management computer with a standard USB cable. The Base unit receives information from the starter and the lane display units.
Dolphin User Guide
- A complete Dolphin User Guide can be found on the MHSL web site and should be read by the people on the team who are responsible for managing and using the Dolphin system. The Guide contains detailed instructions on how to set up and use the Dolphin System, including a troubleshooting section.

2. MHSL - Dolphin Training Class
The Dolphin System provides wireless stopwatch-style timing and can be run in one of three modes:
Electronic Synchronized Start and Manual Stop
- All displays will start timing with the start system signal. The start time will be sent wirelessly from the Dolphin Starter to the Lane displays, starting them. Each display stops when the lane timer pushes the stop button on the display.
- After the race, the starting Official presses Start/Stop and then Reset on the Dolphin Starter Unit to reset the system for the next race. (At Reset, the Dolphin software will write a result file on the computer for access by Meet Manager.)
Manual Synchronized Start and Manual Stop
- The official with the Dolphin Starter Unit starts all displays in conjunction with the starting horn. The start time will be sent wirelessly from the Dolphin Starter to the Lane displays, starting them. Each display stops when the lane timer pushes the stop button on the display.
Manual Start and Manual Stop
This mode is used for collecting backup times at major events, and is compliant with all swimming ruling bodies’ (FINA, NCAA, USS, NFHS, YMCA) requirements for back-up timing. Lane timers start and stop the displays independently for a fully manual system. These times are wirelessly transmitted and saved for immediate access by Meet Manager.

3. MHSL - Dolphin Training Class
Dolphin Hardware Set-Up Information
Setting up the Dolphin Base Unit (Be sure the software/firmware are updated and current)
- Connect base unit to computer with a standard USB cable (included with the Dolphin system)
- Open Meet Manager and click Run
- From the Interface menu, choose Timer CTSD, and select Start Dolphin.exe
- On the Dolphin screen, set the channel on the base unit by clicking the channel box in the lower right corner of the screen
Setting up the Dolphin Starter unit in Synchronized Start Mode:
Synchronized Start means the Starting Official starts all displays simultaneously with the Dolphin Starter, and the Lane Timers stop them individually. There is no connection to the electronic starting system. The Starter and base units must be set to the same channel.
Setting the Starter channel number
- Turn the starter on (press and hold the Reset button)
Enter the menu (press and hold both buttons)
Once in the menu, press Reset to advance to the CHAN setting
Press Start/Stop to change the channel to the same number as the Dolphin base unit
- Press Reset to exit the menu
Dolphin Starter

4. MHSL - Dolphin Training Class
Hardware Set Up Continued
Setting up the Dolphin Starter unit in Electronic Start Mode:
- When using Dolphin with an electronic start system, such as the CTS Infinity or Championship Start System, the Dolphin Starter is connected to the electronic start system with a cable. All watches will start timing with the start system signal, and the Lane Timers stop them individually.
- The TRIG setting on the Dolphin Starter unit must be set per start system trigger style. TRIG=CTS for use with CTS start systems and TRIG=NC for use with normally-closed start systems. See Dolphin User Guide for setting TRIG Function.
CTS Infinity Start System
Connect your Dolphin Starter to the
Infinity Start System’s Start Output jack
with the Dolphin Starter to Infinity Kit (K-
DSS-1). DO NOT plug the Dolphin Starter
cable into any other jacks.
CTS Championship Start System
Connect your Dolphin Starter to the Champ Start’s Timer Start jack with the Dolphin Starter to Champ Start Kit (K-DSS-2). DO NOT plug the Dolphin Starter cable into any other jacks.
Dolphin Starter
Dolphin Starter with
adapter cable.

5. MHSL - Dolphin Training Class
Hardware Set Up Continued
Setting up the Stopwatch Display Units
- Turn the display on (press and hold the Reset button).
- Enter the menu (press and hold both buttons).
- Once in the menu, the first setting is LANE. Press Start/Stop to select the lane for this display, and then press Reset to advance to the next menu option.
- Press Start/Stop to select the TIMER for this lane (A, B or C), and then press Reset to advance to the next option.
- Press Start/Stop to select the channel number. This MUST match the channel on the Starter unit and the base
- Press Reset to exit the menu.
Displays will show up on the Dolphin screen when set.
Dolphin Lane Timer Display Unit:
Display Information
Dolphin Lane Timer Display Unit

6. MHSL - Dolphin Training Class
Running Dolphin as Primary Timing System
In this mode, Meet Manager treats the Dolphin wireless displays as the primary times for results.
Confirm Set Up
Look at the Dolphin screen. There should be a yellow light showing for each lane with a wireless display assigned to it (see image on next page). If this is not the case, review the Software Set Up and Hardware Set Up sections in the Dolphin User Guide, and ensure that your system is set up properly.
After the Race
After the race, the Starting Official will press Start/Stop and then Reset on the Dolphin Starter. Reset causes the Dolphin software to write the result file to the C:\CTSDolphin folder on the computer and the next race can be started.
Getting the Race Results into Meet Manager
- While in the Run screen in MEET MANAGER, click on Get Times. A list of Dolphin result files for the current Data Set will be displayed with the most recent file at the top. Select the result file and click OK. MM will read the data into the proper lanes, putting the times into the backup columns for the heat.
- If you are keeping track of races by Race Number, you can use the Race # button instead of the Get Times button. This button increments itself by 1 automatically and searches the data set of results for a matching race number. This is the quickest way to get results if you are keeping up with the race numbers. However, if you get erroneous times, you will have to use Get Times to find your race.

7. MHSL - Dolphin Training Class
Dolphin Screen Information
DO NOT CLOSE THIS WINDOW while using Dolphin. It is OK to minimize it.

8. MHSL - Dolphin Training Class
Helpful Lane Timer Instructions for Dolphin System Users
 Operating the Display– Swimmer in your lane
1. The Dolphin will be automatically started by the Starter
2. Press “Start/Stop” to stop your watch for your swimmer
3. You should not press any other buttons. If you accidentally hit Start/Stop or set dashes, push “Start/Stop” to resume timing. The watch will still be accurate.
4. Record at least two of the display times on the swimmer’s card (lane timer sheet). If the displays were NOT reset before the start of the race, the display will start again with the new race. Write all three times down on the card (lane timer sheet) at the end of the new race.
Operating the Display– No swimmer in your lane
1. AFTER the race has started, press the “Reset”
2. Ensure your display has a line of dashes indicating your lane is blanked
3. You do not have to hit any buttons before the next race starts. It will start automatically for the next race.
The Dolphin Displays are lane specific! PLEASE DO NOT use them to time other lanes as back-ups or replacements.
The displays must not be removed from the finishing ends of the pool during the meet. If you need a break for any reason, ask the Extra Timer to stand in for you, with your Dolphin Display!
If you have any questions, contact the Starting Official immediately.