TS2+ user manual

This article explains the installation, configuration, and operation of the Timingsense TS2+ timing device.

The TS2+ is an RFID timing device designed for use at sporting events, featuring Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and GSM connectivity, powered by smart batteries, and compatible with Timingsense-certified RFID antenna systems.

 

 

1. Hardware components

1. Power on/off switch
2. RFID antenna ports
3. Internet connection type (Ethernet/WiFi/GSM)
4. Timingsense server connection status
5. System activity indicator
6. Battery indicators
7. Output switch (gun)
8. USB-C port
9. SIM card slot
10. Ethernet IN port (WAN)
11. Ethernet OUT port (LAN)
12. Power input port

 

2. Batteries, battery compartment, and charge controller

 

2.1. Batteries

The controller uses two Tefoo Energy smart lithium-ion batteries, model no. GS2054HH.

Technical specifications

• Voltage: 14.4 V (nominal)
• Capacity: 6.8 Ah / 98 Wh
• Cell chemistry: rechargeable lithium-ion (uses 8 standard 18650 cells in a 4S2P configuration)
• Maximum discharge current: 10 A
• Certifications: fully compliant with the safety standards IEC 62133-2 and UL 62133-2
• Features: includes an integrated smart battery management module, SMBus communication and an always-on 5-bar LCD indicator.

See Appendix B – Battery regulatory compliance documents for complete specifications and regulatory compliance documentation.

The controller meets the requirements for flying in the passenger cabin of commercial aircraft.

If the controller is to be shipped via a commercial carrier, it must be labeled with the appropriate UN 3481 warning label.

 

2.2. Battery compartment

Insert the two batteries into the battery compartment (by pulling the tab UP).

The compartment covers can be closed by turning the locking knob until the notch aligns with the battery cover.

The second battery cover locks in the same way.

Finally, both covers are locked in place when the locking knob is turned to the 12 o'clock position.

 

2.3. Battery charging

To charge the Timingsense TS2+ timing device, use the Timingsense power adapter provided with your system.

Plug the power connector into the controller's power jack so that the notch on the connector is approximately at the 10 o'clock position (see the arrow).

Next, turn the power connector clockwise until aligns with the 12 o'clock position (see the arrow).

The system will indicate that it is charging by flashing the corresponding battery indicator lights.

The system will charge whether powered off or operating.

To remove the power connector from the controller, reverse the previous steps. The indicator tab will be in the 12 o'clock position. Pull the tab back and turn the connector counterclockwise.

 

3. Connecting RFID antennas

The Timingsense TS2+ controller is certified for use with the Timingsense foldable antenna system. This system consists of four RFID antennas integrated into timing mats, 4 cables, and 4 spacer mats.

 

3.1. RFID antenna built into a timing mat

The timing mat has a built-in RFID antenna molded into the plastic.

The timing mat with a built-in antenna is 50 cm long, and the TS2+ controller can power 4 of these mats/antennas. To create a 4-meter line, each mat/antenna is combined with a mat without an antenna.

A 4-meter timing line consists of 4 mats with built-in antennas and 4 mats without antennas.

 

3.2. RFID antenna connectors

Each antenna connects to the controller using one of the four cables supplied by Timingsense. Each cable is a different length to accommodate the distance between each antenna and the controller. Each cable has two different connectors.

The large BNC connector connects to the TS2+ controller. Align the tabs on the antenna port with the slots on the large BNC connector of the cable, and turn clockwise. Similarly, at the antenna end, insert the small RFID BNC connector into the tabs on the antenna cable and turn clockwise.

Now repeat the process with the other three antennas.

To remove the antennas, simply reverse the process.

 

3.3. Additional approved antennas

In addition to the Timingsense retractable antenna system, the following antennas are also approved for use with the Timingsense TS2+ controller:

Classic Timingsense Antenna

 

4. Powering on and off

On the front panel of the TS2+ controller, there is a touch-sensitive membrane with two (2) buttons: the power button and the exit button (right arrow).

 

4.1. Powering on the controller

To power on the TS2+ timing device, press and hold the power button for approximately 3 seconds.

 

4.2. LED status during startup

During startup, the LED above the power button turns RED, indicating that the controller is starting up. This may take one to two minutes. Once startup is complete, the LED turns GREEN.

LED push on button	Description
	The controller is powering on. If the power button LED is flashing, the controller is experiencing a problem during the startup process. Restart. If the problem persists, contact Timingsense support.

 

4.3. Powering off the device

To power off the timing device, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.

During the shutdown process, the LED will alternate between RED and GREEN, indicating that the device is shutting down properly. Once it has completely shut down, all LEDs will turn off.

 

5. Status LEDs and system indicators

The TS2+ timing device has a front panel with icons and LEDs for quickly checking power, connectivity, and overall system status.

 

5.1. Hardware connection indicator

The LED above the globe symbol shows which connection type the controller will use to connect to the Timingsense server.

LED	Description
		The controller has detected an ETHERNET connection (yellow).
		The controller has detected a WiFi connection (green).
		The controller has detected a GSM connection (blue).

 

5.2. Timingsense server connection status

The LED above the cloud icon indicates the status of the connection between the TS2+ and the Timingsense server.

LED	Description
		The LED is OFF. The controller is powered on and using WiFi, but THERE IS NO CONNECTION TO THE TIMINGSENSE SERVER!
		LED GREEN AND STEADY. THE CONTROLLER IS CONNECTED TO THE TIMINGSENSE SERVER.
		LED is FLASHING GREEN. SLOW GREEN FLASH: the controller has detected the Internet, but IS NOT CONNECTED TO THE TIMINGSENSE SERVER. FAST GREEN FLASH: the controller is downloading an update. Allow about 7 minutes for installation during the next reboot.

 

5.3. System activity indicator

The running person symbol indicates internal system activity. When it is steady or flashing GREEN, the antennas are connected, tag data is being processed, and the timing device is working correctly.

 

5.4. Battery indicators

Symbols: Battery 1 and Battery 2 (🔋). The TS2+ includes independent indicators for each internal battery. The LEDs show the charge level; the more segments illuminated, the higher the charge. The batteries are labeled Battery 1 and Battery 2.

As the battery power is used up, the levels will decrease. When two green lights are displayed, the battery has approximately 67% of its charge remaining. When one green light is displayed, the battery has approximately 33% remaining, and when the light turns RED, the battery has only about 5% of its charge remaining.

→ →

 

5.5. TS2+ quick operational check

To confirm that the TS2+ timing device is fully operational, verify all of the following:

	The power LED is illuminated.
	Connection via ETHERNET Connection via WiFi Connection via GSM
	The connection to the Timingsense server is STEADY GREEN.
	The system activity indicator is steady or flashing GREEN.
	The battery charge levels are visible.

 

6. Internet and cloud connectivity

This section explains how to connect to the TS2+ timing device via its internal Wi-Fi network and how to set up an external Wi-Fi network for use at sporting events.

 

6.1. Network - Introduction

The TS2+ includes its own Wi-Fi access point, allowing for direct connection from a cell phone, tablet, or computer. This connection is required to access the timing device's web interface and to configure external Wi-Fi networks.

The TS2+ is itself a router and can provide connectivity to other devices:

• RJ45 Ethernet: a device with GSM/Wi-Fi/Ethernet can provide internet to the TS2+ by connecting a cable to the IN port.
• Via the Ethernet cable, the TS2+ can also provide internet access to a connected PC.
• Wi-Fi: thanks to its independent antennas, the device can simultaneously connect to an external Wi-Fi network (office, MiFi, Starlink) and act as its own access point for other devices.

 

6.2. Network - Prerequisites

Before connecting, make sure of the following:

• The TS2+ timing device is turned on and has sufficient battery power.
• You have a cell phone, tablet, or computer with Wi-Fi capability.
• You are physically near the device.
• You know the name and password of the external Wi-Fi network you are going to configure.

 

6.3. Network - Connecting to the TS2+ Wi-Fi

Follow these steps to connect your device to the TS2+ access point:

1. Open the Wi-Fi settings on your device (cell phone, PC, tablet, etc.).
2. Look for a network with a name similar to TS2+-XXXXXX.
   In the example below, TS2+ 1717EB is the controller that was found.

   

3. Select the device and enter the password: TS2plus@
4. Connect to the network.
5. If you are prompted that there is no Internet access, accept the connection anyway.

 

6.4. Accessing the web interface – Summary tab

Once connected to the TS2+'s Wi-Fi:

1. Open a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, etc.).
2. Go to: http://ts2plus.local

The TS2+ dashboard will display information about Internet connectivity (source and status), battery status, RFID reader status, and system status.

Summary tab

• The network status shows that there are currently no devices connected to the TS2+.
• In this case, the batteries are almost fully charged.
• The RFID reader is FCC-certified, set to maximum power, and has no antennas connected.
• The system ID is TS2+ 1717EB and is up to date. This is the ID you'll need when viewing the device's configuration screen on your laptop.

 

6.5. Network - Connecting to an external Wi-Fi network

You are now ready to set up the Wi-Fi connection so the TS2+ can connect to your local network.

First, select the Network tab in the panel.

In this case, several local Wi-Fi networks are already available, but two more are not displayed. If you don't see the network you want, tap the <SCAN> tab to see what else is available.

In this example, the “SpectrumSetup-FASC” network is chosen.

Once you've selected the network, you'll be prompted for the network password.

You can enter this password manually or, if it's already saved on your device, simply tap the password field and it will be filled in automatically.

The TS2+ will now attempt to connect to your local Wi-Fi network.

This screen shows that the TS2+ is now CONNECTED to the “SpectrumSetup-FASC” Wi-Fi network and that the connection has been saved, so it will automatically connect to this network after a reboot.

If an Ethernet cable is NOT connected, the globe icon (connection source) should now turn GREEN.

Your Internet/server connection should also now turn GREEN.

Other Wi-Fi networks can be connected later by following the same process.

 

6.6. Network - Connection via RJ45 Ethernet cable

The TS2+ uses dynamic IP to facilitate the Ethernet connection.

1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the device's IN port.
2. Select the Network tab on the TS2+.
3. Check the Ethernet connection.

The globe icon should now be YELLOW.

Your Internet/server connection should also now show as GREEN.

 

6.7. Network - GSM connection

The TS2+ supports Internet connectivity via mobile radio (GSM).

To activate the GSM radio:

1. Remove the microSIM tray from the slot on the front of the TS2+.
2. Insert the SIM card. The SIM card goes on top of the tray, with the label facing up:

   

3. Turn on the device and check the GSM connectivity on the Network tab of the panel.

Caution: if your APN does not support automatic configuration, disable the Mobile Data – Automatic APN Mode tab and enter:

• APN
• USERNAME
• PASSWORD

If the Ethernet cable is not connected and Wi-Fi is not connected, then:

The globe icon should be set to BLUE.

The Internet/server connection should also turn GREEN.

 

6.8. Network - Connectivity priorities

The TS2+ automatically selects the active connection based on the following order of priority. This cannot be manually overridden on the panel:

	Connection type	Notes
1st — Top priority	Ethernet	RJ45 cable connected to the IN port
2nd — Priority	Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi network configured and available
3rd — Alternative	GSM / mobile data	It is used only when Ethernet and Wi-Fi are not available

 

7. Web interface: Energy tab

The Energy tab displays the status and health of the two batteries used to power the TS2+.

• In this case, it shows that the TS2+ is connected to AC power via the included charger.
• Battery 1 is currently charging.
• Battery power levels, temperatures and health status.

 

8. Web interface: Reader tab (RFID reader)

The Reader tab displays relevant data associated with the RFID reader built into the TS2+.

• In this case, the RFID reader is FCC and has no antennas connected.
• It is set to maximum power: 33 dBm.
• It is set to read tags with simple encoding.
• No tags have been read so far.

Several RFID reader settings can be changed in this panel:

• The FCC RFID power level can be adjusted from 15 to 33 dBm.
• Simple tag encoding can be selected.

 

9. Web interface: System tab

The System tab displays the relevant configuration data for the TS2+.

• Device configuration data.
• Current firmware versions for system components.
• The TS2+ can be powered off or restarted from this screen.

 

Appendix A – FCC information

 

A-1. FCC Notice: “List of Included Devices”

The Timingsense TS2+ controller includes the following FCC-certified devices:

• Model: TS2Plus
• FCCID: 2BOEF-TS2P-USA
• Contains FCCID: XMR201903EG25G
• Contains FCCID: 2AD56HLK-7628N
• Contains FCCID: 2AL6KBL-M8821CU1

 

A-2. FCC Notice: “Radiation Exposure Statement”

This device complies with the FCC radiation exposure limits established for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment must be installed and used so that a minimum distance of 25 mm is maintained between the radiator and the user's body.

 

A-3. FCC Notice: “Part 15, Section 15.203”

1. The TS2Plus controller and the required Timingsense foldable antenna system are marketed and sold only to verified, established professional timers, not to the general public.
2. Before a sale to a new professional timer, that timer must sign a contract specifying the conditions of the sale. The contract includes a clause by which the timer agrees to complete a one-day training course that specifies how the equipment must be used, and that only certified Timingsense foldable antennas may be connected to the TS2Plus controller.
3. This equipment has a very specific and specialized use: it is used for timing road races and other similar events. It is installed temporarily in public spaces (roads, parks, etc.) for short periods (generally less than 8 hours) for RFID reading during an event.

 

A-4. FCC Notice: “Declaration of Conformity Information”

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and may radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception—which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on—the user is advised to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
3. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit from that of the receiver.
4. Consult your dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.

 

A-5. FCC Requirements

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Its operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications to the equipment or antennas not expressly approved by Timingsense USA, Inc. may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

 

Appendix B – Battery regulatory compliance documents

 

B-1. UL Certificate of Compliance

Download the certificate (PDF)

 

Appendix C – Dangerous goods shipping label

 

C-1. Lithium battery shipping label

The TS2+ contains lithium-ion batteries and is considered dangerous goods. It can be shipped via a commercial carrier, but when shipping it, the package must have the label shown above affixed to the outside.