Time Drops & SwimTopia Integration Setup

Modified

March 12, 2026

This guide covers integrating the Time Drops Timing System with SwimTopia’s Meet Maestro software for GPSA meets.

Note: The timing configuration is per computer, not per session/team/meet. If you have a laptop set up to use a timing system, it will use that timing system for any session.

Prerequisites

Before starting this integration, you should have:

  • Time Drops hardware system (purchased and configured)
  • SwimTopia team subscription with Meet Maestro access
  • Meet entries already merged in SwimTopia
  • Basic familiarity with Time Drops hardware setup

See Time Drops Timing System for general system information.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Time Drops Requirements

Critical: The Time Drops system cannot function without Wi-Fi. Due to security restrictions, public Wi-Fi will most likely not work.

Required Hardware

  • Router (2.4 GHz capable) - Not included with Time Drops
  • Android tablet - Runs Time Drops Console App
  • Windows computer - Runs Meet Maestro and MM-Link
  • Start adapter (SA-1) - Included with Time Drops purchase
  • Timing controller (STC-1) - Included with Time Drops purchase
  • Time Drops lane timer buttons (PB-2) - Up to 3 per lane, included with purchase

Required Software

  • Time Drops Console App - Free in Google Play Store
  • Time Drops MM-Link - Free in Windows Store
  • Meet Maestro Desktop Application - Free with SwimTopia subscription

Meet Maestro Requirements

  • Microsoft Windows computer with 64-bit Windows 7 or newer
    • Mac users can run Meet Maestro via Windows emulation software
  • At least 4 GB RAM recommended (Chromebooks typically insufficient)
  • Internet connection to download meet data
    • Mobile hotspot works for Meet Maestro (small data transfer)
    • Important: Time Drops does NOT work on 5 GHz wireless hotspot

Time Drops Hardware Setup

Note: If your Time Drops system is already configured, skip to Meet Maestro Setup below.

Setup must be done in a specific order. Reference the Time Drops Quick Start Guide or contact Time Drops support if you have questions.

Step 1: Router Setup

Configure the Router

  1. Power up the router to create your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network
  2. Find the router in your computer’s WiFi networks list
  3. Open a web browser to access the router’s admin panel
    • First-time setup: Select language and set admin password
    • Subsequent logins: Enter your admin password

Connect to Internet

Choose your internet source in the router admin panel:

  • Tethering (recommended): Connect phone hotspot via USB
  • Other options: Ethernet, repeater mode, etc.

Example Setup:

  • Router: GL.iNet SFT-1200 travel router
  • Power: Anker 20,000mAh portable charger with USB-C cable
  • Internet: Phone hotspot tethered via USB
  • Placement: Position for clear view of pool, tablet, and STC-1 controller

Verify Connection

Once connected, you should see:

  • Green dot next to “Tethering” (or your connection method)
  • IP address displayed

Step 2: Android Tablet Setup

  1. Log in to the tablet with team’s Time Drops Google Account
  2. Fully charge the tablet before each meet
  3. Disable lock screen (recommended) for quick access during meet
  4. Open Settings → Network & Internet
  5. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network created by your router

Step 3: Time Drops Console App

The Time Drops Console App should already be installed on your tablet (from Google Play Store).

Open the app to verify it’s working - you should see the main console interface.

Step 4: STC-1 Controller Connection

The STC-1 has a USB rechargeable battery. Fully charge before every meet (lasts up to 10 hours).

Turn On Controller

  1. Press and hold the power button on the STC-1
  2. When not connected, red WiFi light blinks slowly

Connect to Wi-Fi

If the STC-1 doesn’t automatically connect:

  1. Open Time Drops app on tablet
  2. Tap the 3 vertical dots (upper right) → Connect controller
  3. You’ll see a red sad face if not connected
  4. Tap Choose to select the correct WiFi network
  5. Tap Copy to Controller
  6. Watch for transmission progress bar
  7. Success: Green happy face displays, red light blinks rapidly on STC-1

Troubleshooting: If having trouble connecting, see Time Drops Troubleshooting Guide.

Step 5: Configure Lane Timer Buttons

Time Drops includes up to 3 buttons per lane. Each button has a lanyard marked with lane and button letter (e.g., Lane 1A, Lane 1B, Lane 1C).

Buttons should be pre-assigned during initial system setup. Only reassign if:

  • Button runs out of batteries
  • Button stops working and you’re using a spare

To Assign Buttons

  1. Tap 3 vertical dots → Buttons in Time Drops app
  2. Press and hold the physical button until it appears under “Unassigned”
  3. Drag the button to correct lane and letter
  4. Tap SAVE (grey squares mean unsaved changes)

Turn On Buttons

  1. Press the blue button on the timer device
  2. Beep sounds, faint red light blinks
  3. Button shows as white (on) in the app
  4. STC-1 controller shows blue blinking light when buttons connected

Step 6: Starter Adapter (Optional)

If using a starter adapter that plugs into your starting system:

  1. Turn on the adapter:
    • Use a small metal object (tiny screwdriver) to close circuit between two wire plugs
    • Blinking red light confirms it’s on
  2. Add in app: Same process as adding timer buttons (drag to assign)
  3. Connect to starter: Plug cable into starter’s “Starter Output” socket

Signal Range: Buttons have ~1,000 ft range in open terrain, reduced by walls/crowds.

Best Practice: Place STC-1 controller elevated with line-of-sight to start and finish areas. Example: Hang from backstroke flags in provided waterproof pouch with carabiner.

Meet Maestro Setup

Step 1: Download Meet Maestro Desktop App

  1. Visit SwimTopia and download Meet Maestro Windows Desktop Application
  2. Run the installer (may take several minutes)
  3. Close any currently running version before installing updates

Tip: When updates are available, an “Install Update” button appears in the top bar. Application auto-downloads updates.

Step 2: Log In and Select Time Drops

Log In

  1. Open Meet Maestro Desktop application
  2. Log in with your SwimTopia credentials
    • Must be Site Admin or have role permission to manage swim meets
    • Multiple teams: Select team first

Select Meet

You’ll only see meets that have been merged (entries closed and processed).

Configure Timing System

  1. Click Settings (gear icon)
  2. Click Add Timing System Configuration
  3. Select Time Drops

Note: Desktop application is required for timing system integration. Web version shows message with link to instructions.

Multi-Session Meets

If this is a multi-session/virtual meet, you’ll be prompted to select your session.

Step 3: Choose Data Directory

Create a folder where Time Drops will save meet data. Both Meet Maestro and MM-Link must use the same folder.

Recommended Structure:

TimeDrop Data/
  └── 2026 Season/
      ├── 2026-06-16-GG-vs-WW/
      ├── 2026-06-19-GG-vs-EL/
      └── 2026-06-23-Division-Meet/

In Meet Maestro:

  1. Create new folder for this meet
  2. Click Browse under “Data Directory”
  3. Select your meet folder

Step 5: Verify Configuration

  1. Return to Meet Maestro
  2. Click Check Configuration

Success indicators:

  • “Connected” displays in top right
  • Green checkmark shows correct meet found
  • Tablet displays Event/Heat/Lane assignments

If you see an error:

  • Directories between Meet Maestro and Time Drops don’t match
  • Reselect directory in both applications
  • Click “Check Configuration” again

Meet Maestro Settings

Expected Watches Per Lane

Time Drops automatically communicates expected watches per lane to Meet Maestro (1, 2, or 3).

Only update this if Time Drops shows an incorrect value.

SwimTopia Mobile App - Live Event/Heat Bar

Enable the live event/heat bar to show current event/heat in the SwimTopia mobile app.

  1. Slide bar to ON (right)
  2. Time Drops will automatically send current event/heat info to mobile users

When to enable:

  • During initial setup (recommended)
  • Any time via timing system bar on results entry screen

Editing Settings and Testing

Editing Settings After Setup

All settings can be changed from the Timing Setup screen:

  1. Click Settings (gear icon) → Timing Setup
  2. Click Update Meet Details

Shortcut: When on results entry interface, click Update Meet Details on timing system bar.

Testing Before the Meet

We HIGHLY encourage completing setup several times before your first meet. Practice in the actual location to verify:

  • Cable lengths are adequate
  • Plugs and connectors work
  • WiFi signal is strong enough
  • Equipment positioning is optimal

Early Start Warning

To prevent premature swim reminders and notifications to SwimTopia mobile app users, an early start warning displays when:

  1. “Enable Live Event/Heat Bar” is checked, AND
  2. Meet/session start time is in the future

What happens:

  • Warning displays for each test until you confirm “Yes, start the meet”
  • Selecting “Yes…” adjusts estimated times and begins notifications
  • No option to revert back to pre-notification state

Next Steps

After completing this setup:

  1. Practice runs: Test the full system several times before meet day
  2. Meet day: Follow your team’s standard meet procedures
  3. Troubleshooting: See Time Drops Timing System for general guidance

Product Support

Time Drops Support

For questions about Time Drops hardware or setup:

SwimTopia Support

For issues with Meet Maestro integration:

  • Business Hours: (M-F 9am-6pm CST) 877-856-2940 (Option 2)
  • After Hours (Meet Day Emergency): 877-856-2940 (Option 6)
  • Submit Support Ticket: Via SwimTopia Help Center
  • Remote Troubleshooting: Enable in Meet Maestro help menu, recreate issue, include Session ID in ticket

Meet Maestro Help Resources

Click the ? icon (top right) in Meet Maestro to access:

  • Help Center - Topic-organized documentation
  • Submit Support Request
  • Phone Contact
  • Remote Support - Enable to create read-only replay of steps for troubleshooting