ETERNYTIME Elite V3 Guide
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ETERNYTIME practical guide

Online Chronelec Elite V3 guide

A clear guide to configure Elite V3, time a sporting event with transponders or RFID chips, publish to ETERNYTIME LIVE and use broadcast, merge and championship modules.

3.9.45Official history included
1 September 2026Guide updated
RFID transpondersRaces, rally, enduro, circuit
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Chronelec Elite V3 screenshot in perspective with timing interface
Elite V3 interface illustrated with race configuration.

Software and hardware markers

Elite V3 in the Chronelec ecosystem

This guide gathers the topics commonly searched around Elite v3 software: transponder timing, decoders, loops, photocells, race management, official results, TV display, LED panels and live publishing.

Elite v3 software

Race and championship management, starting grids, penalties, bonuses, cumulative standings and PDF / Excel exports.

Transponders and loops

Elite, LS, RF-I or RFID transponders depending on discipline, passing speed, passive loop or active loop.

Decoders and channels

Elite decoder, RF Elite, photocells, intermediates, PIT IN, PIT OUT, Joker loop, backup and time controls.

Displays and publishing

RemoteDisplay, TV graphics, LED display panels, Broadcast, Live Uploader and publication to ETERNYTIME LIVE.

Topics covered in this guide

  • install and configure Elite V3
  • time a sporting event with transponders or RFID chips
  • import competitors from Excel and assign columns
  • prepare starting grids, standings, lap-by-lap reports and merges
  • publish results to live.eternytime.com
  • connect an LED display panel or PHAROS
  • check PC Windows, 4 GB RAM and .NET Framework 4.6+ requirements

Chapters 1 to 11

Elite V3 guide in 11 points

An ETERNYTIME synthesis of the essential Elite V3 manual chapters, from workstation requirements to print and display settings. Older items are updated with field practice and ETERNYTIME services.

  1. System requirements. Use a stable Windows timing computer, installation rights and a correct system clock before the event. Elite V3 is built with .NET Framework, which means .NET Framework 4.6 or later must be installed to run it. Also plan for a key or licence when transponder timing requires it.
  2. Network and shared folders. Elite V3 can import an event from another workstation using Windows file sharing. On the master PC, C:\Chronelec\Elite v3\Data contains events and championships, so share this folder with suitable permissions. On the timing workstation, open Windows 11 File Explorer > This PC > ... > Map network drive. Choose an available drive letter, for example Z:, then connect it to the Elite folder address, such as \\192.168.0.100\Data or \\MASTER-PC\Data. Finally, check that the drive opens before using it in Elite V3.
    Elite V3 network requirements with Windows file sharing and Data folder
    In Windows 11 File Explorer, open This PC, then the ... menu.
    Windows network drive connection to the Data folder for Elite V3
    Choose Map network drive, select an available drive letter, then enter the Elite folder address.
  3. Hardware setup. In Settings > Stopwatches, enable the stopwatch, then choose the communication protocol, for example Chronelec v3 (2009). The decoder can communicate through a serial cable, USB-to-serial adapter or Ethernet. For COM, check the port assigned in Windows Device Manager, for example COM4. For IP, place the PC on the same network as the decoder; the default decoder address is usually 192.168.0.10, with remote port 2009 and local port 2008.
    Settings then Stopwatches menu in Elite V3
    Open Settings > Stopwatches to access decoder communication.
    Elite V3 stopwatch configuration window with Chronelec v3 protocol and IP address
    Choose the protocol, then select COM or IP depending on the decoder connection.
    Windows Device Manager with Ports COM and LPT category
    In Windows, open Device Manager and expand Ports (COM & LPT).
    Prolific USB to Serial port displayed as COM4 in Device Manager
    Note the number assigned to the USB-to-serial adapter, for example COM4.
    Windows 11 Ethernet settings with manual IP assignment
    In Windows 11, set the IP address from Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet > IP assignment.
  4. Master / slave workflow. On a slave computer, point directly to the master computer Data folder to import the current event. All computers should remain on the same network and IP range.
  5. Getting started with Elite V3. Elite V3 is organised around Database, Race management, Timing and Championship. One event contains categories, folders, races, merges and competitor copies.
    Elite V3 timing screen with detection list and standings
    Main timing screen: detections on the left, standings on the right.
  6. Events, competitors and settings. Create or open the event, then fill in track, length, dates, hardware, print and publishing settings. Competitors are handled through records, double-click, copy/paste and custom fields.
    Elite V3 Events management window used to create or open an event
    Create or open an event: choose New event, enter the event name, then set the start and end dates.
  7. Database and Excel import. Import from Excel or CSV, click Paste, assign columns by right-clicking headers, then use a unique key such as No. to update records without duplicates.
    Import competitors button in Elite V3
    Open competitor import with Import competitors, copy the rows from Excel, then click Paste in the import window.
    Imported column assignment by right-clicking the header in Elite V3
    After pasting, right-click each column header to assign the correct field: No., Name, category, transponder, etc.
    Unique update key selection in Elite V3
    To update existing records, choose a unique key such as No. so you can add transponders or refresh other fields.
    ETERNYTIME Elite V3 transponder correspondence table sheet
    The correspondence table links the real transponder number to a short number that is easier to use in Elite V3.
  8. Race management. In Race management, right-click the tree on the left: create one folder per category or group, then create races, qualifying sessions, finals, merges or competitor copies.
    Race management right-click menu used to create a folder and then a race in Elite V3
    In Race management, right-click the left area: use Folder > New to create the folder, then Race > New to create the race inside that folder.
  9. Race timing. The Timing window shows passings on the left and the live classification on the right. Start with the green flag, then monitor statuses, stops, yellow or red flags, checkered flag and corrections.

    Timing during the race

    The Timing window is the screen to monitor during a race. Passings are listed on the left, live classification is displayed on the right, and the bottom area shows remaining laps, race time and best lap.

    Écran de course. Select the active race before starting.

    Drapeaux et arrêt. Green flag starts the race and decoder; no passings are recorded if the race is not started. Yellow flag marks Safety Car or neutralization. Red flag stops the race from a sporting point of view while passings remain recorded. Chequered flag manually finishes the race when the format is not already limited by laps or maximum time. Stop Race / Stop decoder displays a warning because transponders are no longer detected after the decoder stops. Flag changes and race information are listed with race time or time of day.

    Import. Events or championships can be imported from an Elite file or network Data folder; existing local data may be replaced.

    Elite V3 screenshots for race timing, flags, statuses and event import
    Timing window: passings on the left, live classification on the right and race information at the bottom.
    Elite V3 screenshots for race timing, flags, statuses and event import
    Active race selection before the start.
  10. Track installation and tests. Define the start/finish loop, split loops, PIT IN/PIT OUT, BOX, time-of-day start or 00:00:00 start. Test passings statically at the loop centre and at several heights.
    Static transponder reception test at the center of a timing loop
    Reception test: place the transponder at the center of the loop, stay static and check detection at several heights according to the technology used.
  11. Prints, exports and display. Customize officials, headers, columns, entry lists, grids, classifications, lap by lap, incidents, LapChart and TV/RemoteDisplay output. Save templates after every change.
    Print settings and header customization in Elite V3
    Customize the folder settings: page banners, titles, text, columns and print options, then save the template.
    Printing the competitors list from an Elite V3 folder
    The competitors list is printed from the folder using Print the competitors list.
    Results print menu from Elite V3 race management
    Results can be printed from race management or directly from the selected race.
    Classification print options with competitor sorting and filters in Elite V3
    Choose the classification type, filter competitors, split categories or keep an overall scratch ranking depending on the expected document.
    Elite V3 classification preview before printing
    Once the preview is available, the top menu lets you edit columns and adjust the layout before printing or exporting to PDF.
    Right-click header menu to add or remove columns in Elite V3
    In the preview, right-click the header to add or remove columns, change fonts and adjust widths like in an Excel sheet.
    ETERNYTIME sheet explaining the Elite V3 Config folder
    The Config folder contains print templates, display templates, point tables and shared images. It can be copied or shared over the network.

Main screen

Understand the Elite V3 interface

The workspace brings together received detections, calculated standings and race status. Side panels let you switch between database, race management, timing and championship tools.

  • Detection list with ID, number, channel, name, battery, total time and detection time.
  • Real-time standings with position, number, competitor, category, best lap and gaps.
  • Flag toolbar for stop, green, yellow, red, chequered flag and quick actions.
  • Status area at the bottom for time remaining, best lap, connected clients and active filters.
Elite V3 timing screen with detection list and standings
Main timing screen: detections on the left, standings on the right.

Competitors and transponders

Database, import and control

A reliable race starts with a clean competitor database. Visible number, transponder ID, category and team must stay consistent between entries, timing and public results.

Entry import

Import or update competitors from a file or entry source, then check critical columns before assigning them to the race.

Transponders

Check transponder number, duplicates, unknown transponders and equipment changes before the start.

Categories

Keep a stable naming system for classes, groups and categories to obtain readable rankings and merges.

Corrections

Edit the competitor record before final publication when a name, team or category is wrong.

Events, races, heats

Organize a competition

Elite V3 can structure a full meeting: free practice, qualifying, heats, finals, endurance, merges and championship. In recent versions, quick race copy with Ctrl+W speeds up duplication of an already configured race.

Before the race

  • Choose the race type: circuit, point-to-point, scheduled start, endurance, rally/enduro or specific format.
  • Set duration, lap count, automatic start, time of day and calculation precision.
  • Prepare starting grids and check pit-lane starters when needed.

After the race

  • Check penalties, bonuses, DNS/DNF/DSQ status and disputed detections.
  • Produce category rankings, lap-by-lap reports, LapChart and merges.
  • Archive prints and exports with a clear name by event, race and result type.

Elite V3 structure principle

Elite V3 organizes a competition by levels. First create an event: it gathers all races from all categories. Then create folders, usually one folder per category or group when categories are not timed at the same time. Inside each folder, prepare races, merges and, when needed, competitor copies.

  • A race is used to time the competitors assigned to that folder.
  • A merge combines several races or other merges to produce a cumulative result.
  • A competitor copy automatically copies entries into the planned races.
  • Competitors can be imported into the folder from a text file, Excel or a database, then copied into the races.
  • For an event with four categories not timed at the same time, creating four separate folders keeps preparation and prints clearer.
Elite V3 structure diagram with main database, events, categories, races, merges and championship
Logical structure: main database, events, category folders, races, merges, competitor copies and championship.

RFID, loops and photocells

Configure timing

The timing menu connects Elite V3 to decoders, channels, loops and photocells. Channel configuration determines how a detection becomes a lap, split, pit entry, pit exit or Joker loop.

  • Detect the decoder on the network and confirm the IP address before the meeting.
  • Assign channels: start/finish, intermediates, BOX, PIT IN, PIT OUT, Joker or backup.
  • Test transponder battery, unidentified detections and start photocells.
  • Use manual detections carefully by identifying the competitor and relevant channel.
  • Monitor missed-lap detection, especially when an intermediate confirms a competitor has been on track.
Elite V3 configuration with circuit and channel selection
Configuration example with circuit layout and numbered channels.

Timing channels, loops and speed measurement

From Events > Event settings, open the timing channel settings to define the loops and channels used by Elite V3. This window lets you declare the start/finish loop, PIT/BOX entries or exits, intermediates, remote decoders and speed measurement zones.

  • If the same settings will be reused, save the event settings as defaults and, when needed, apply them to all folders in the event.
  • Configuration example: one Start/Finish loop on STA, one Pit entry loop on BOX, two remote decoders on B01 and B04, and a 30 metre speed measurement between B02 and B03.
  • When a distance is entered, Elite V3 automatically treats the zone as a speedtrap and calculates average speed.
  • For a reliable measurement above 100 km/h, use a speedtrap longer than 10 metres.
  • Important for passive RC or RK transponders: after each ID transmission, they enter sleep mode for about 5 seconds and cannot transmit a second time during that period.
Elite V3 timing channel settings with start finish loop, PIT, remote decoders and speed measurement
Event settings access and timing channel configuration example.
Elite V3 timing channel settings with start finish loop, PIT, remote decoders and speed measurement
Event settings access and timing channel configuration example.
Elite V3 timing channel settings with start finish loop, PIT, remote decoders and speed measurement
Event settings access and timing channel configuration example.
Elite V3 timing channel settings with start finish loop, PIT, remote decoders and speed measurement
Event settings access and timing channel configuration example.

LED display

LED display panels

In Settings > Display panel, Elite V3 can drive an LED display panel such as the ALGE D-Line. Select the COM port used by the panel, usually through a radio link connected by USB to the timing computer.

LED display panels ALGE D-Line
LED display panels PHAROS

Configure the data sent to the panel

  • COM portSelect the detected COM port for the USB radio or serial cable.
  • Race modeAdapt the fields to the race mode: best lap, remaining time, lap count or laps remaining.
  • Display areaExample: line 1, start character 1, end character 8 to send remaining time or laps.
  • Time formatUse HH:mm:ss for 24-hour display. Lowercase hh forces a 12-hour format.
  • PHAROSWith a PHAROS panel, select the FLAG field to receive and display standard flags.
View ALGE D-Line pack View PHAROS
Elite V3 Settings menu with Display panel entry
Open Settings > Display panel to access display-panel settings.
LED display panel configuration table in Elite V3
Example output: line 1, characters 1 to 8, remaining time or laps field, HH:mm:ss format and red colour. Colour is not taken into account on a monochrome display, meaning a single-colour LED panel; it is reserved for compatible panels.

live.eternytime.com solution

Publish Elite V3 to ETERNYTIME LIVE

ETERNYTIME LIVE replaces the old direct publishing principle from Elite V3: Live Uploader listens to Broadcast, checks race data and sends the live feed to live.eternytime.com.

Install Broadcast templates with Live Uploader

  1. Open ETERNYTIME Live Uploader on the timing computer, then choose the event and race to feed.
  2. From the tool, install or update the Elite V3 Broadcast templates supplied for ETERNYTIME LIVE.
  3. Live Uploader copies the XML files into the Elite V3 Broadcast folders, including Passing, BestLap and TotalLap templates.
  4. In Elite V3, check that available templates are named ETERNYTIME LIVE BestLap, ETERNYTIME LIVE TotalLap and ETERNYTIME LIVE Passing.
  5. Restart Elite V3 if the new templates are not immediately visible in Broadcast settings.
ETERNYTIME LIVE directory and platform
The platform centralizes current live events, archives and client access.

Configure Broadcast in Elite V3

  • In Elite V3, open Broadcast settings and enable sending of standings, detections and race information.
  • Select ETERNYTIME LIVE templates for detections, overall standings and best laps.
  • Keep the same local port between Elite V3 and Live Uploader; the current reference on the station is port 14000.
  • Start Live Uploader before the session, check the connected status, then run a WarmUp or control detection test.
  • Before public opening, confirm on live.eternytime.com that race name, categories, times and positions are updating correctly.
ETERNYTIME LIVE results fed by Elite V3
Public results are fed by the Elite V3 Broadcast stream through Live Uploader.

Official results

Prints, exports and checks

Prints should be prepared like official outputs: column choice, filters, logo, footer, precision and ranking type. Recent versions improve templates, automatic PDF naming and LapCharts.

Ranking

Overall, category, class, group, team, best lap or best sector depending on the sporting format.

Lap by lap

Detailed check of detections, PIT IN/PIT OUT, Joker loops, gaps and possible penalties.

Starting grid

Line layout, one-page output, vertical offset and pit-lane starters if needed.

Merge

Calculate cumulative results, championships, regularity, points tables and tie-breaks.

Print templates and settings

Print settings can be customized for each folder: page banners, titles, columns and font sizes. After any change, remember to save the template for the folder.

Important: templates may be saved in different directories depending on the race mode, for example best-lap templates for free practice and qualifying, or lap-count templates for races.

Print settings and header customization in Elite V3
Customize the folder settings: page banners, titles, text, columns and print options, then save the template.
Printing the competitors list from an Elite V3 folder
The competitors list is printed from the folder using Print the competitors list.
Results print menu from Elite V3 race management
Results can be printed from race management or directly from the selected race.
Classification print options with competitor sorting and filters in Elite V3
Choose the classification type, filter competitors, split categories or keep an overall scratch ranking depending on the expected document.
Elite V3 classification preview before printing
Once the preview is available, the top menu lets you edit columns and adjust the layout before printing or exporting to PDF.
Right-click header menu to add or remove columns in Elite V3
In the preview, right-click the header to add or remove columns, change fonts and adjust widths like in an Excel sheet.

Additional modules

Advanced Elite V3 modules

Depending on licence and equipment, Elite V3 can go beyond classic circuit timing. This guide keeps these uses in separate chapters to avoid mixing procedures.

RaceDirector

Race-control module to view key information, trigger or prepare messages, follow flags and share instructions with timing stations.

Rally / Enduro / time controls

Remote detections, correspondence tables, time controls, neutralizations and results adapted to disciplines with multiple checkpoints.

Championships and merges

Points calculation, cumulative results, tie-breaks, team grouping and best-heat handling according to regulations.

ETERNYTIME LIVE and remote displays

Live Uploader, RemoteDisplay, display panels and Broadcast protocols to separate sporting operations from public restitution.

Before calling support

Common troubleshooting

Most incidents come from a decoder connection, incomplete competitor import, incorrectly assigned channel or untested Broadcast / Live Uploader link.

The decoder is not detected

Check IP, cable, Wi-Fi, firewall, network range and power. Relaunch network detection from Elite V3 tools before changing race configuration.

A competitor is missing a lap

Check intermediates, transponder battery, STA channel, backup loops and automatic missed-detection options.

ETERNYTIME LIVE does not update

Check that Live Uploader is running and connected, that the Broadcast port matches Elite V3, that ETERNYTIME LIVE templates are selected and that a test detection reaches the race.

Category rankings are inconsistent

Review category, class and group columns in the competitor database, then recalculate the race or merge according to the expected result.

A print or PDF preview does not work

Check the column template, applied filter, precision, print type and folder header/footer. If the preview or PDF output does not open in Elite V3, make sure a PDF printer is installed, such as Microsoft Print to PDF or another PDF editor. In Windows, also check that Microsoft Print to PDF appears in the printer list or is enabled in Windows features, clear the print queue if needed, then fully close and restart Elite V3.

Elite V3 updates

Integrated version history

Synthetic reference from the official Chronelec file. The current version shown is 3.9.45.

Current version

3.9.45

  • Waiting for update information.

Version marker

v3.9.25

  • Quick race copy with Ctrl+W to speed up heat preparation.
  • Better handling of group and class positions in merged standings.

Version marker

v3.9.23

  • Fixes for regularity merges and points-table assignment.
  • General stabilization on several minor behaviours.

Version marker

v3.9.19

  • Automatic detection of a missed finish-loop pass from an intermediate detection.
  • Panel display can present the selected race even outside timing mode.

Version marker

v3.9.13

  • Bonus points by category in timed practice.
  • New functions linked to the RaceDirector module.

Version marker

v3.9.0

  • More flexible timing channels: backup loop, photocells, BOX sensitivity and race-time changes handled correctly.
  • Improved prints: column templates, filters, landscape LapChart, one-page grid and penalty summary.
  • WarmUp flag to test transponders without publishing to live.
  • RemoteDisplay and RaceDirector improved with messages, colours, countdown and race information.

Version marker

v3.8.x

  • Display functions can present merges or championships depending on channels.
  • Network detection of decoders and progress on Engagés Sports API functions.
  • Improved Enduro/Rally, manual detections and RF 2022 protocol management.

Version marker

v3.7.x

  • New structured JSON web output with category filters.
  • Support for time controls in rally and enduro use.

Version marker

v3.6.x

  • Broadcast protocol evolution for detections, channels, races and languages.
  • Additions around Microgate panels, Alge Timing Timy, manual detections and progress displays.

Version marker

v3.5.x

  • Actions, Messages and YellowFlag files enriched for external integrations.
  • Developments around remote RFID, Joker loops, RaceMonitor and detection copy.

Version marker

v3.4.x

  • Foundation of modern functions: photocell/transponder association, intermediate sectors, slow zone and panel colours.
  • Improvements to sector calculations, grids, prints and specific sporting modules.

Timing assistance

Need Elite V3 support?

ETERNYTIME can help prepare folders, configure live.eternytime.com, secure transponder workflow, publish results and deploy displays for timed events.

Contact ETERNYTIME