Q: How long do the batteries last?
Do we need to keep some at the club?
A: The batteries will last between 3 months and 3 years depending on how frequently you play (14 sessions a week to 1 session a week).
Batteries for all of the Bridgemates are included in the price.
You get a "Replace batteries" warning 3 months in advance, giving you plenty time to get some batteries. Each Bridgemate uses 4 "AAA" batteries. The use of rechargeable batteries is not straightforward and is not advised.
Q: What about pacemakers?
How safe is it?
A: The Bridgemates have an EU certificate of compliance which means that there are completely safe, will not effect pacemakers and will not be effected by mobiles or other wireless devices. The certificate confirms conformity with the essential requirements of the Council Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE). This declaration is based on the full compliance of the products with the following European Standards:
Radio: EN 300 220-3 v1.1.1
EMC: EN 301 489-1&3 v1.4.1 (August 2002)
Electrical safety: EN 60950-1:2001
Q: Will it go through walls?
Our club plays in two rooms. Will the wireless signals reach the tables?
A: The Bridgemates can cope with several hundred tables usually in a large hotel and will easily handle a club's requirement. In general, the signal will stretch 75 meters / 225 feet with walls and 100 meters / 300 feet without walls. Only one club has had to try their Bridgemate Server in different positions to make sure that all tables in both rooms received the signals. Several clubs play on two (even three) floors or on the same floor but in different and often not adjacent rooms without any difficulty.
.
Q: What if we get more tables than we have Bridgemates?
Can we still use the Bridgemates?
A: Yes. Enter the actual number of tables into the scoring program and put out as many Bridgemates as you have. For those tables without Bridgemates, ask someone not playing or someone who has already played the boards to enter the results into the scoring program from the North / South personal scorecard or pickup slips (travellers with one result only).
Q: What's the best way of storing Bridgemates?
Is there a correct way of storing Bridgemates?
A: The Bridgemates should be stacked keys to keys and top to bottom or individually i.e. not touching anything (otherwise there is a slight risk that a key will remain depressed and that the batteries will drain).
Q: What about a box for storing the Bridgemates?
Can you recommend a box for storing the Bridgemates?
A: Some clubs are using Viking’s "Really Useful Box" range.
They get the 9 Litre ones which take 16 Bridgemates exactly (the recommended way – keyboard to keyboard and top to bottom).
They are available from
www.viking-direct.co.uk
www.maplin.co.uk
www.ryman.co.uk
Q: What about security and insurance?
We are worried that the Bridgemates may be stolen.
A: It's difficult to imagine a thief saying "Psst, wanna buy some Bridgemates?" and some clubs leave them on the tables and just lock up the building but it would be prudent to use a lockable cupboard and check your insurance.
Q: How do I clean a Bridgemate?
What cleaning materials can I use to clean a Bridgemate?
A: Actually, plain water is fine but any general purpose cleaning product such as Mr Sheen can be used with a cloth.
See also "There is a problem with one of the keys"
Q: What sort of computer do I need?
And what version of Windows?
A: You can use any modest specification PC as for most clubs the memory, processor and I/O requirements are neglible. Some clubs are still using Windows 98 (although this is not recommnded for two sections) and some are using Vista. The majority use Windows XP and this is probably the best option although there is specific support for Vista in Bridgemate Pro Control version 1.7.15 as it has the option of specifying where the Bridgemate log file can be created. Clubs wishing to use the scrolling results will find that this is easier to set up using a laptop.
Q: What are scrolling results?
What are scrolling results and how do they work?
A: Scrolling results, also known as current standings, show the rankings as they are at any point in time during the session. They are provided by the scoring program. The scoring program reads the results coming in from the Bridgemates, does the matchpointing and calculates the % of matchpoints for each pair compared to the maximum that the pair could have achieved.
A ranking is then produced which is updated every so many seconds (typically, 10).
These rankings can be shown on computer monitors or projectors.
These rankings are accurate at every point in time during the session but look odd during the early rounds. Most clubs switch on the scrolling results during round 3 or 4.
Q: Is it within the rules of bridge to display continually updated rankings?
I've seen the continually updated rankings at some clubs but is it legal?
A: Yes. All National Bridge Organisations that use the Bridgemates say it is legal to show the rankings during play. The WBF and EBL use the Bridgemates and display the current rankings. The majority of UK clubs display these also.
Q: Are the scrolling results ethical?
Is "jockeying for position" accptable?
A: Most clubs and many NBOs are happy to show the scrolling results. One club is experimenting with turning off the monitors for the last two rounds. Below you will see correspondence between Exeter Bridge Club and Max Bavin, Chief Tournement Director of the EBU on this subject.
To: Max Bavin Chief Tournament Director 28 September 2005 12:05
Some of our members have queried the ethics of disclosing ongoing results before a session is complete. Could you clarify the correct procedure. The issue arises when scoring a pairs event with tear off travellers or Bridgemate and also
if scoring a multiple teams event with travellers (or Bridgemate).
I am not very experienced but see no particular problem. However, two of our best directors, Bill Oke and Bob Blackmore (both Premier Life Masters), have raised this issue. If you could not only give me the answer, but the
thinking or reasoning behind it, it would be much appreciated.
Regards, Nigel (Exeter Bridge Club Secretary)
From: Max Bavin 1st October 2005
Tee hee! What a terrible thing playing a game in which everyone knows what the score is. Hopefully it will never catch on though, as otherwise football teams might start taking off defenders and bringing on strikers in a desperate attempt to
improve their score towards the end of the match.
OK, you'll tell me that the football analogy isn't valid as it's a head-on encounter between two teams and what they get up to doesn't affect anyone else. Really? So, when Wigan Athletic went on all out attack in a match which was drawn
towards the end of the opening game of the season to try to beat Chelsea, and Chelsea scored in the 94th minute on the counter-attack, this doesn't affect anyone else? If Wigan hadn't done this, Chelsea would now have only 19 points
instead of 21; so, yes, everyone else was affected - they really were. But no-one is blaming Wigan for doing it (at least, I don't think anyone is blaming them).
OK; enough of the frivolity.
There is nothing in the Laws of Bridge which either prohibits this or encourages this; the Laws are entirely neutral. Moreover, there is no official advice from the EBU on the subject, and I very much doubt that there ever will be. The ability to know the running scores in bridge - or, at least, having a pretty good idea of what they are, is DIFFERENT to what people are used to. It is neither a good thing nor a bad thing necessarily; it's a DIFFERENT thing - that's all.
So, the bottom line is that you will need to decide for yourselves whether you like the difference or not. By you, I mean
the members of "your club" or "your county", as the case may be. If you don't like it, then you can turn the feature off on the Bridgemates and you can take the travellers out at half-time and replace them with blank ones in a multiple
teams movement.
At national level we do run some "Barometer" tournaments in which everyone knows the precise score every 2-boards or so. This said, we also run some multiple teams movements where we do take the travellers out at half-time. So even we are not being terribly consistent on this. Perhaps there is a slight difference between the two things though. On the one hand (Barometer), everyone knows the exact score. On the other hand (Multiple teams), everyone knows partial details of the score but not full details.
By the way though, some people are quite good at estimating their score even without the benefit of a Bridgemate you know. Also by the way, they don't use travellers in America (they use board-by-board pick-up slips) as these assist you
in estimating the score - and the further through the session you get, the better your estimates will become. So really the debate is exactly the same as the "travelling score slips in pairs events are bad" debate [which I bet is a debate you've never had, nor are ever likely to have].
Apologies for being frivolous at the beginning of this, but it's a debate I've heard hundreds of times before and the truth is that there isn't a "right" or "wrong" answer. moreover, I'm sure that it's a debate I'm going to hear even more of in the next year or so with the advent of the Bridgemate box. At the end of the day it all comes down to a matter of personal preference. We haven't got Bridgemates yet at National level, though I'm sure we'll be getting them soon. We'll then
doubtless have the same torturous debate as you're now having. However, whatever we might then decide (and being a conservative organisation by nature we might well decide to turn the mechanism off), it will be a decision just for
national events and not one which we would necessarily hope/expect other organisations to follow.
You might be able to guess what my personal opinion is on the subject (the more information you can give to players the better), but it isn't really relevant and it certainly isn't the official line on the subject, because there isn't an official
line. In brief, back to you. Please have fun with the debate!
Regards, Max Bavin Chief Tournament Director
Q: What sort of screens should we use?
how much do they cost, where do they go and how are they cabled up?
A: Clubs have a wide choice from second-hand bulky CRT ones (about a fiver) to high definition projectors (about £4,000) which are also used for training.
Modern, flat screens at around £150 are the most popular.
The positioning of the screen (or, for larger clubs, screens) is significant as players when they are dummy will go to see the scrolling results and talk about them potentially disturbing people playing. So, these screens should be well away from any table, ideally at shoulder height on a wall.
Clubs should also be careful with the cabling so as to avoid the possibility of a member tripping up. The use of a qualified electrician is suggested.
Q: Should we use two screen outputs from the computer?
and how is that done?
A: Ideally, yes. During the session, the director may wish to look at a traveller on the computer and may accidentally show that on the screens being used for the scrolling results. To avoid this, some clubs use two screen outputs - one for the director's use only and one for the scrolling results.
This is achieved using the "windows extended desktop" which you can get to via Control Panel / Display / Settings.
The "windows extended desktop" will be available if you are using a laptop computer or a desktop computer which has either a second video card or a dual output video card.
(Clubs buying a computer for their club tend to get a laptop computer as these already have two video cards)
Make the scrolling results window slightly smaller than maximim and then the scrolling results window can be dragged over to the extended part of the desktop (on the right hand side) where it can be maximised. The window will return to that position (maximised on the second screen) when the scrolling results are run again.
Q: Tell me more about the wireless part?
What frequency is used?
What are channels?
What is fine-tuning?
A: At the start of each round, the Bridgemate Server sends the round information to each Bridgemate wirelessly and as play progresses each table sends back its results to the Bridgemate Server. The wireless transmissions are encrypted and low-powered.
The frequency is 868.3 MHz (for channel 0)
Channels allow two or more Bridgemate Servers to work in the same area without the results getting mixed up. A bridge centre that hosts two clubs at the same time will use two Bridgemate Servers, the first on channel 0 and the second on channel 1. There are 8 channels numbered 0 to 7. Channels 1 to 7 have frequencies near to channel 0.
If a club only has one Bridgemate Server, it should use channel 0.
Each Bridgemate has a channel setting. This is normally set to channel 0 but if you use a second Bridgemate Server then the Bridgemates for that Server should be changed using the TD-Key to channel 1.
Some scoring programs allow two separately scored events to be run with one Bridgemate Server (contact the author of your scoring program for more details). This would be useful when your club has two sections which are not to be scored "across the field" - for example when you run a men's final and a side game.
To do this you need to uncheck the Bridgemate option "Group sections for results", so that the % is calculated correcty. This avoids your having to purchase a second Bridgemate Server.
It is possible over time for the frequency stored in a Bridgemate to be slightly off. This may lead to a message on the Bridgemate "Failed to send", although there are other reasons. You can fine-tune any Bridgemate using the fine-tuning program, which adjusts the frequency on the Bridgemate to that of the Bridgemate Server. This program together with running instructions can be obtained from the Download page.
Q: Improving the signal strength
How can I improve the signal distance?
A: 1. Ensure that Bridgemate Server is at least 30 cm (about a foot) away from any electrical or electronic equipement.
2. Position the Bridgemate Server in the centre of all the tables
3. Position the Bridgemate Server so that the long side (either one) faces the majority of players.
4. Re-tune the Bridgemates
5. Raise the Bridgemate Server to about head height
Q: Tell me about running 2 events
Every so often we have two separately scored events. Like the ladies final and a side game. Can the Bridgemates cope with this if we have only one Bridgemate Server?
A: Regarding running two events at the same time, the key to this is the Bridgemate setting “Group sections for results”.
The Bridgemates can handle one or more (up to 26) groups i.e. sections.
The % that appears on the Bridgemate can be calculated either across the field i.e. for all sections or each section individually.
So, to run two events separately, you will need to uncheck “Group sections for results”.
If this setting is unchecked, then the previous results that appear are only for that section.
Bridgemate settings can be controlled by the scoring program. There is a setting in BMPro that tells it whether to use its settings or those of the scoring program - see in BMPro under Tools / Options).
If you choose the scoring program (which most clubs do) , then you need to set the relevant option in the scoring program. For example, see ScoreBridge’s Bridgemate Preferences which is called “Group all sections together …”.
So, to run two separately scored events, this option should be unchecked.
Now, when you are scoring across the field, you tell the scoring program that you have two sections and it will automatically score the two together.
Another setting (for ScoreBridge users) when you want to run two individually scored events is ScoreBridge’s System Preference “Allow Parallel Bridgemate Events”.
Q: What is the Bridgemate Server?
And how does it work?
A: The Bridgemate Server stores the movement created by the scoring program and stores the results sent by wireless from the Bridgemates. It is connected to a PC by a serial connector. If the PC does not have a spare serial port, a USB to serial converter cable is used. The results are transferred from the the Bridgemate Server to the PC using the Bridgemate Pro Control program (called bmpro.exe).
The Bridgemate Server is powered by a 9volt regulated DC transformer (the tip is centre positive). When working correctly the Bridgemate Server shows a green light.
The Bridgemate Server has 4 "AA" batteries in case the mains fails. When working off the batteries, the Bridgemate Server shows a red light. The batteries last for 60 hours.
To check the strength of the batteries, run the Bridgemate Pro Control program.
Q: About the power supply
What's the voltage?
What's centre-positive?
A: I supply UK and Irish clubs with a power adaptor from Maplins. It is the 9V 400mA Fixed Voltage AC/DC Regulated Mains Adaptor ref L67BQ costing £9.99 inc VAT. By the way, 7.5 volts would be OK but not 6 volts (it’s true the 4 batteries put out 6 volts but they are for use only when the mains has failed and the scoring is to be continued. The fine-tuning needs a mains supply which is more than 6 volts.) The key word here is “regulated” as the Bridgemate Server may not work satisfactorily with a varying voltage. However, there’s no particular reason to use Maplin’s (and it can be a nuisance when they are out of stock). Any adaptor that meets the above spec would be fine. Again, you could use a variable voltage adaptor set to 7.5 or 9 volts, the only disadvantage being someone might change the voltage to a lower one.
The Bridgemate Server requires the tip to be centre-positive. Should the tip come off the cable, it goes back with the + sign next to the word “tip”.
These have proved fine for the last 3 years with one exception. Two clubs have found the tip does not fit snugly into the Bridgemate Server’s socket and the power may go off if the tip is moved. I’ve replaced the tip which is the green tipped one – called a DC Jack 5.5mm * 2.1mm - the Maplin’s part number is AQ88U and they cost £0.99 each inc VAT.
Q: How do I check that the Bridgemate Server is connected?
And what can I do the ensure it connected correctly?
A: You can run Bridgemate Pro Control. If it reports Bridgemate RF server "Connected", the it is correctly connected. You should now exit Bridgemate Pro Control as most scoring programs will run it as part of their interface to the Bridgemates and it can not be running twice.
If Bridgemate Pro Control reports "Not Connected" check the following:-
Does the Bridgemate Server have a green light?
Is the Bridgemate Server physically connected to the PC?
If a USB to serial converter cable is being used, check that the driver for the cable is loaded. To do this, use Start / Control Panel / System / Hardware / Device Manager /Ports / right-mouse the relevant port and select Properties / Port Setting / Advanced. The port number must be in the range com1 to com10.
If the driver is missing, you can re-load it using the CD that came with the USB to serial converter cable. If the port number is com11 or above, you can change it using Port Setting / Advanced.
See also the "About the ATEN driver" FAQ
It is also possible that the Bridgemate Server will not connect because there is a break in the cable that comes out of the Bridgemate Server. You may find it sometimes connects and sometimes does not connect and this can be seen when moving the cable slighty. You should return the Bridgemate Server for repair.
Q: About the ATEN driver
What version should I use?
What sort of errors and error messages might I see if I am not using the correct version of the ATEN driver?
How can I check which version of the ATEN driver I am using?
How can I update the ATEN driver?
How to uninstall the current driver?
How do I uninstall the driver files permanently?
A: Version 2.0.2.1 of the Aten USB-serial converter driver has been tested successfully on Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista. (as at April 2008)
If you are using a different version you may see :-
• Error 8021 or 8018 ("There is a problem reading from or writing data to the serial port.")
• Bridgemate Pro Control is not responding to any user action.
• Windows shows a blue error screen and the computer resets afterwards.
How to verify the driver version (both XP and Vista):
1. Make sure the ATEN USB to Serial converter is connected to one of the USB ports of your computer but that the Bridgemate Server is not connected.
2. Click on Windows Start.
3. Right-mouse click on "My Computer" or "Computer".
4. Click "Properties".
5. Click on "Device Manager" in section "Tasks" (Windows Vista), or click tab "Hardware" and then press "Device Manager" (Windows XP).
6. Double-click on "Ports (COM & LPT)".
7. Right-mouse click on "USB to serial bridge" (the name may be slightly different depending on the current driver version), then click "Properties".
8. Click tab "Driver"
9. Click button "Driver details".
10. Multiple files may be listed below "Driver files". Select the file that ends with the name "ser2pl.sys". The version number of the file is shown below following "File version". This is the version of the current driver in use.
How to update the driver under Windows XP:
1. Download the file UC232A_v2021.exe from http://www.bridgemate.com/resources/drivers/UC232A_v2021.exe and save it to your desktop.
2. Double-click on the file to open.
3. Click "Unzip", the file will be decompressed to the folder C:\UC232A. Click "Close" when finished.
4. Follow steps 1 through 7 as described above under "How to verify the driver version".
5. Click "Update driver".
6. Should Windows ask for connection to Windows Update, choose "No, not this time" and click Next.
7. Choose "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)" and click Next.
8. Check the option "Include this location in the search" and click "Browse".
9. Choose the folder C:\UC232A and click "OK".
10. Click "Next".
11. If Windows warns that this driver has not passed Windows Logo testing, click "Continue anyway".
12. Follow the instructions on the screen. The driver will now be installed.
How to update the driver under Windows Vista:
1. Download the file UC232A_v2021.exe from http://www.bridgemate.com/resources/drivers/UC232A_v2021.exe and save it to your desktop.
2. Double-click on the file to open.
3. Click "Unzip", the file will be decompressed to the folder C:\UC232A. Click "Close" when finished.
4. Follow steps 1 through 7 as described above under "How to verify the driver version".
5. Click "Update driver".
6. Choose "Search my computer for drivers".
7. Press "Browse".
8. Choose the folder C:\UC232A and click "OK".
9. Click "Next".
10. Follow the instructions on the screen. The driver will now be installed.
In case Windows tells you that the driver is the same or older as the driver currently in use, you should uninstall the current driver first.
How to uninstall the current driver:
1. Follow steps 1 through 6 as described above under "How to verify the driver version".
2. Right-mouse click on "USB to serial bridge" (the name may be slightly different depending on the current driver version), then click "Uninstall".
3. In case an option "Delete the driver software for this device" is shown, check this option. Next, click OK to confirm the uninstall of the driver.
4. The driver will now be un-installed.
5. Remove the USB converter from the USB port and reconnect it. You will have now the option to reinstall the driver from scratch. Note that the procedure will now be slightly different than the update procedure described above. Follow the instructions on the screen, but be sure not to include the Aten driver cd-rom, but locate the driver software yourself by browsing to the folder where you have unzipped the files.
If Windows keeps using the older driver after uninstalling the driver, you should permanently delete the driver files. Note: incorrect deletion of files may damage your Windows system. Bridgemate Pro (UK & Eire) is not responsible for any action you take when uninstalling these driver files.
Permanently uninstalling driver files (Windows Vista):
1. Follow steps 1 through 7 as described above under "How to verify the driver version".
2. Click the tab "Details".
3. Select the entry "Inf name" from the list. An .inf file is show below, it should start with "oem" plus a number. Remember this file.
4. Open Windows Explorer.
5. Browse to the folder C:\Windows\Inf.
6. Now delete the file which you found in step 3.
7. Delete the file with the same name but ending on extension .PNF as well.
8. Uninstall now the driver as described above.
Permanently uninstalling driver files (Windows XP):
1. Follow steps 1 through 6 as described above under "How to verify the driver version".
2. Write down the exact name of the USB-serial converter entry in the device manager list.
3. Open Windows Explorer.
4. Browse to the folder C:\Windows\Inf.
5. Press F3 to open up the search screen.
6. At the text box below "A word or phrase in the file" type the (first part of) name of the driver that you found in step 2. Make sure you copy the name exactly!
7. Click "search".
8. In the search result, a file should appear starting with "oem".
9. Now browse to the folder C:\Windows\Inf.
10. Delete the file which you found in step 8.
11. Delete the file with the same name but ending on extension .PNF as well.
12. Uninstall now the driver as described above.
Q: What does Resetting the Bridgemates mean?
And when is it relevant?
A: If you do not complete the movement (perhaps becuase you do not have time to play the last round), the movement is still stored in the Bridgemate Server and each Bridgemate.
After you have completed scoring (perhaps by printing the final results), you then need to reset.
Q: How do I reset the Bridgemates?
How do I reset the Bridgemates?
A: Run BMPro and reset the Bridgemate Server using Server / Reset
Now go to each Bridgemate and press OK.
If it says “Bridgemate Pro” and the firmware version number and language, then it has been reset.
If it says anything else, then it needs to be reset.
Press OK or Cancel until it says “Board / Contr”.
Insert the TD-Key and click 0 and OK. Take out the TD-Key. Now it is reset.
Q: Why is it necessary to do this from each Bridgemate?
Is there not a central command?
A: The reason you have to do it this way is because communications
between the Bridgemates and the Bridgemate Server are stateless and the Bridgemate Server always returns to "listen" mode and awaits the next request.
Thus, even if there were an improvement to the resetting it would be
necessary to go to each Bridgemate and press something.
Q: How do I adjust the contrast?
Either there is nothing on the screen or the whole screen is filled out with grey dots. How do I adjust the contrast?
A: You use the + (plus) key to increase the contrast and the - (minus) key to lower the contrast.
This only works in two situations.
When you have Bridgemate Pro and the version number on the screen (i.e. before the session has started and you have pressed the "OK" key to switch the Bridgemate on).
When you have inserted the TD-Key and you have TD Menu on the screen (i.e. during the session).
Sometimes, after the Bridgemates have been kept in a cold place, the
contrast needs a lot of adjusting. You may have to press the key up to 40
times.
The contrast can only be reset in the above two situations.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to establish the status of the Bridgemate if the screen is black. To identify the status of the Bridgemate, proceed as follows:
· View the screen at an angle (preferably from above) to establish whether text is visible in the black blocks.
· Select the Tools - Bridgemate - Bridgemate analysis option to view the status of the Bridgemate. Follow the on-screen instructions to retrieve all the relevant information. If a number is displayed, it will be necessary to reprogram the Bridgemate.
· Follow the steps on how to load firmware into a Bridgemate. The Bridgemate will always return to its initial state after being reprogrammed. This method will always suffice and is recommended if the above suggestions fail.
Once you have reset the Bridgemate to its initial state, or retrieved the TD menu (this is possible if the Bridgemate is in input mode), it is possible to reduce the contrast.
Q: There is nothing on the screen
I've pressed OK and nothing appears on the screen
A: 1. Change the batteries
2. Check that the contrast is not set too low - see the answer to "How do I adjust the contrast ?"
3. Re-load the firmware (details on the Download page)
Q: There is something on the screen
but the Bridgemate does not connect
A: 1. Check that a movement has been set up. You can run the BMPro command Server / Show tables to see if a movement has been loaded.
2. The session has ended and all the scores for this table have been received. In this case the "End of session" message will appear and then the Bridgemate will log off. This will happen if you create a movement which has a half table where the missing pair is North / South. The Bridgemate at that table will log on, optionally as for member numbers of the East / West pairs, check that there are no results due at this table, then log off.
3. Another Bridgemate with the same group / table number and channel has already logged on. It isn't possible for two identically set up Bridgemates to log on. The first one to log on stops any other logging on. Use the Show Tables command to see which tables have green lights i.e. are logged on. You can then log off any table manually.
4. The Bridgemate Server is too far away. Move the Bridgemate Server nearer to where the Bridgemates are. You can use an extension cable. For serial connections, the maximium length is 3 metres. If you are using the ATEN serial to USB converter cables, the maximium length is 5 metres. The Bridgemate Server should be at least .3 of a metre away from any electrical equipement (such as a PC, monitor or printer.
4. The Bridgemate and the Bridgemate Server are not on the same channel. Use the BMPro command Server / channel selection and the TD-Key on a Bridgemate. Unless you have more than one Bridgemate Server, you should use channel 0 for both.
5. There is a mis-match between the regional setting on the Bridgemate Server and the Bridgemate(s). The region should be Europe and the Bridgemate firmware should end in "EN".
6. There is a mis-match between the firmwares in use. The two firmwares (one for the Bridgemate and one for the Bridgemate Server) are made in pairs and you have to use the correct pair.
For 2007, the Bridgemate firmware is V2.2.1a EN and the Bridgemate Server firmware is 1.2.5. You are told the Bridgemate firmware version when you switch it on with an "OK" and BMPro will report the firmware version for the Bridgemate Server.
If all else fails, reloading the firmware into both the Bridgemate Server and a Bridgemate is a useful step in correcting any problem.
Q: It looks like the last session is still active
It shows something different from what I expect
A: Use the TD-Key to check the status (option 4) and if it is wrong use the TD-Key to reset the Bridgemate (option 0). See further under "Resetting the Bridgemates".
Q: The Bridgemate is producing a rattling noise
There is something loose in the Bridgemate.
A: The rattling is a small amount of solidified glue which has come loose. It is harmless but if it bothers you, you can open up the back (gently) and let it fall out.
1. Remove the four rubber feet on the back of the Bridgemate.
2. Unscrew the four screws.
3. Disengage the top half from the bottom half of the casing. Proceed carefully to prevent damage to the internal wiring.
4. Let the solidified glue fall out
5. Reassemble the two halves.
6. Tighten the screws and replace the rubber feet
Q: The screen or keyboard has sunk into the casing
Excessive keyboard pressure can cause the keyboard to sink into the casing. This problem can be easily rectified:
A: 1. Remove the four rubber feet on the back of the Bridgemate.
2. Remove the underlying screws.
3. Disengage the top half from the bottom half of the casing. Proceed carefully to prevent damage to the internal wiring.
4. Press the board back into place using the clips provided.
5. Reassemble the two halves.
6. Tighten the screws and replace the rubber feet.
Q: My Bridgemate has lost its feet!
Or
I've broken the battery compartment door
A: You can obtain spare parts such as replacement feet or a battery compartment door by send a self addressed padded envelope to:-
Bridgemate Pro (UK & Eire)
PO Box 424
New Malden
KT3 4AQ
There is no charge.
For keyboard problems - see "There is a problem with one of the keys"
Q: There is a problem with one of the keys
Sometimes a key, like the "OK", needs to be pressed hard before it takes effect.
or
The printing on a key has faded.
A: 1. Remove the four rubber feet on the back of the Bridgemate.
2. Remove the underlying screws.
3. Disengage the top half from the bottom half of the casing. Proceed carefully to prevent damage to the internal wiring.
4. Remove carefully the PCB out of the plastic snaps.
5. Use some alcohol to remove the black dirt on the other side of the PCB (the side that makes contact with the keypads). Never use the alcohol with the black pillows on the rubber keypad itself, that will damage the keypad.
6. After cleaning, put the keypad and PCB back in the plastic casing
7. Reassemble the two halves.
8. Tighten the screws and replace the rubber feet.
A suitable cleaning agent is Servisol IPA 170 Isopropyl Alcohol which you can get at Maplins.
If the printing on a keypad is faded, you can purchase new keypads at a cost of £15.00 each including VAT and post and packing.
Alternatively, you can return out-of warranty Bridgemates to have the keypad replaced at a cost of £20.00 each including VAT and post and packing.
Q: A Bridgemate has stopped working during a session
I have checked the status (which tells you which section, table, round, NS and EW pair numbers and which boards are due to be played on that round) and missing boards (which tells you which boards have not been scored for that round) and there is something not right with a Bridgemate.
A: This is most rare. If you are sure it is not to do with trying to enter an incorrect board number, you can take that Bridgemate out of use and assign a spare one.
Use the "Log off a Bridgemate" command in Bridgemate Pro Control (see under Server / Show tables) and put that Bridgemate to one side.
Take a spare Bridgemate, assign it to the relevant group, table and channel and press OK. This logs it on and the Bridgemate Server synchronises to the current round.
Q: What is firmware?
When do I need to load the firmware and how do I do it?
A: On rare occasions you may have a Bridgemate that is not operating as normal. You've checked that it not the contrast or an incorrect movement. The next step is to re-install the firmware. The firmware is the little program inside the Bridgemate that makes it work. New firmware is issued at the beginning of each year which contains improvements. You can download the latest firmware with the installation instructions from www.bridgemate.co.uk - look for "Bridgemate files for 2007 version" on the Downloads page.
You use Bridgemate Pro Control - Tools / Bridgemate - Update Firmware and select the firmware file that you have downloded. The Bridgemate is connected to the communication cable with what looks like a TD-Key. After the firmware is loaded into the Bridgemate, you need to reset the group, table number and channel as these are reset by the firmware to group A, table 1 and channel 0.
Reloading the firmware often fixes a Bridgemate.
The same is true for the Bridgemate Server. Again on rare occasions, reloading the firmware into the Bridgemate Server will fix a problem.
Q: The Bridgemate has rejected the board number
I'm trying to enter a board number but it is being rejected.
A: There are a number of reasons why the entered board number is rejected:
· The entered board number is incorrect and does not correspond with the movement. The round or table information is incorrect. If this is the case, a “BOARD NUMBER INCORRECT” error message will appear.
· The board number has already been scored. In this case, a “BOARD ALREADY PLAYED” error message will appear. If it has been scored in err
· Not all the boards were entered in the previous round, the Bridgemate is still set to the that round. This unplayed board must be entered, or can be exited by selecting the “Not played” option (see Chapter 5 of the Bridgemate Pro manual).
The “Rx” text specifies the current Bridgemate round (x denotes the current round).
In all cases, remember to check the “status” of the Bridgemate using the TD menu (option 4).
Select the “Missing boards” option (option 5) for a quick overview of all the boards that have not yet been entered in the current round.
Now you can either enter the missing board as usual or enter "Not played". The Bridgemate will now go on to the next round.
Q: I can't find the answer I'm looking for
I'm stuck.
A: There are several tips on The Bridgemate Training Video. You can also read the Bridgemate Pro Manual. See under Download for both.
You can also email support@bridgemate.co.uk or 'phone 020 8336 1369 but only for queries relating to the Bridgemates. If your query is to do with a scoring program, you should contact the author of that scoring program.